Rural Land (RLC) Zoning District Overview: Concord, California

The Rural Land (RLC) zoning district in the City of Concord is designated for rural conservation, focusing on areas with natural resources and scenic value that are intentionally kept under-developed or undeveloped. Land within the RLC district is generally characterized by its rural nature and limited land uses, primarily intended to ensure the protection of open space, wildlife, hydrological, and biological resources.

Purpose of the RLC District

The Rural Land (RLC) zoning district in the City of Concord is applied to specific hillside areas situated to the northeast and southeast of the city within the planning area boundary. The primary purpose of the RLC district is to protect the scenic value and rural character of these areas [Section 18.60.010].

Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements

Land uses allowed within the RLC zoning district are categorized by the City of Concord’s Development Code. The following table outlines specific land uses and the permit types required for each within the RLC district:

Land Use Classification	Permit Required (RLC)
Companion Animal, Horses, Fowl	ZC (Zoning Clearance)
Community Gardens	ZC (Zoning Clearance)
Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard	ZC (Zoning Clearance)
Livestock, Grazing	ZC (Zoning Clearance)

Note: Uses not listed in the table or otherwise determined to be similar and compatible by the planning division are not permitted in the RLC district [Section 18.25.030].

Development Standards

Development within the RLC district must comply with specific standards. When an application involves a subdivision or new development in the RLC district, the project must adhere to the requirements established for the district.

General Requirements

Maintenance: Property owners with a creek on their property or fronting on a creek must maintain the creek and abutting vegetation, including the removal of any trash accumulated by the creek [Section 18.305.060].
Maintenance Agreements: Permit approvals for properties in the RLC district will require the property owner to enter into a city-approved agreement to ensure improvements are maintained in compliance with the conditions of approval [Section 18.305.060].
Resource Protection: The RLC district is intended to ensure protection of wildlife, hydrological, and biological resources. Development must be compatible with important physical, habitat, aesthetic, and recreation functions [Section 18.60.010].

Performance and Resource Management

The RLC district is part of the "Community Land Districts" division. Projects must satisfy all applicable development standards within the City of Concord Development Code to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare [Section 18.25.030].

Sections Cited