Rural Land (RLC) District Regulations in Concord
The Rural Land (RLC) District is established to conserve rural areas and is primarily limited to agricultural and open space uses. Development within the Rural Land (RLC) District is highly restricted, with most commercial and industrial uses explicitly prohibited.
Permitted Land Uses in the Rural Land (RLC) District
Uses in the Rural Land (RLC) District are primarily focused on agriculture and resource conservation. The following table summarizes permitted land uses and the permit requirements for the Rural Land (RLC) District, as specified in the Concord Development Code:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required in RLC |
|---|---|
| Companion Animal, Horses, Fowl | ZC |
| Community Gardens | ZC |
| Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard | ZC |
| Livestock, Grazing | ZC |
Legend: ZC = Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance; – = Use Not Allowed.
Most other land use classifications—including residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational uses—are marked as not allowed (–) in the Rural Land (RLC) District [Section 18.60.020].
General Development Standards
All development and land use activities within the Rural Land (RLC) District must comply with the requirements of the Concord Development Code. Specifically:
- Subdivisions and New Construction: All new uses, structures, and alterations must be designed and established in compliance with the requirements specified in the Concord Development Code [Section 18.60.030].
- Boundary Determination: If any uncertainty exists regarding the location of the Rural Land (RLC) District boundary, the Planning Division is responsible for making the determination [Section 18.15.030].
- Abutting Districts: For subdivisions, new uses, and alterations to existing uses, if a development standard is not regulated by the Rural Land (RLC) District but is regulated by an abutting district, or if a permit is not required, the regulations of the abutting district shall apply to the adjacent portion of the property [Section 18.60.030].
Resource Management and Maintenance
Property owners within the Rural Land (RLC) District may be subject to additional resource management requirements, particularly if the site involves protected trees or sensitive natural features. All landscaping must also comply with the Water Efficient Landscaping requirements and maintain the site in a healthy, thriving condition [Section 18.165.080].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.15.030: Zoning boundaries.
- Section 18.60.010: Purpose (Community Land Districts).
- Section 18.60.020: Community land districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements.
- Section 18.60.030: Community land districts – Development standards.
- Section 18.165.080: Maintenance of landscape areas.