Rural Residential (RR) Zoning District Development Standards in Concord
The Rural Residential (RR) district in Concord is intended for rural single-family development with densities of up to 2.5 dwelling units per net acre. Within the RR-15 district, property owners must maintain minimum lot areas of 15,000 square feet and are subject to specific development standards regarding lot coverage, height, and setbacks.
RR-15 Development Standards
The Concord Development Code establishes the following primary development standards for the RR-15 Rural Residential district.
| Standard | RR-15 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (minimum/maximum) | 0 – 2.5 dwelling units per net acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-Family) | 15,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Nonresidential) | 15,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Single-Family) | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Nonresidential) | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth (Single-Family) | 85 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth (Nonresidential) | 85 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (Single-Family) | 30 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Single-Family) | 25 percent |
Note: Nonresidential lot coverage and building height in the RR-15 district are established based on the requirements specified by the applicable permit or the regulations of an abutting district if no permit is required [Section 18.30.030].
Setback Requirements for RR-15
The Concord Development Code mandates the following minimum setbacks for single-family residential properties in the RR-15 district.
| Setback Type | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front | 20 feet |
| Interior Side | 10 feet |
| Aggregate Side | 25 feet |
| Corner Side | 15 feet |
| Rear | 30 feet |
Note: Nonresidential setbacks in the RR-15 district are established based on the requirements specified by the permit or the regulations of the abutting district if no permit is required [Section 18.30.030].
Landscaping and Open Space
General landscaping requirements apply to development in the RR-15 district to ensure the aesthetic quality of the city.
- General Landscaping: Landscaping must be provided in all areas of a site subject to development with structures, grading, or removal of natural vegetation, except where the area is occupied by approved structures/paving or is retained in its natural state [Section 18.165.040].
- Tree Preservation: The removal or relocation of a "protected tree" (including specific native species like Valley oak, Blue oak, and Coast live oak) requires a tree permit if the tree has a diameter of 12 inches or more at breast height [Section 18.310.020].
- Replacement: When the preservation of a protected tree is determined to be infeasible, the review authority shall condition the tree permit on the planting of replacement trees at a minimum ratio of three replacement trees for every one tree removed [Section 18.310.060].
- Tree Protection Zone (TPZ): A TPZ must be established at the outer edge of the tree canopy or drip zone for all protected trees [Section 18.310.020]. Grading, paving, or other ground-disturbing activities within the TPZ are prohibited if the encroachment exceeds 20 percent of the protected zone without a tree permit [Section 18.310.020].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.30.030 (RR and RS districts – Development standards)
- Section 18.165.040 (Landscape location requirements)
- Section 18.310.020 (Applicability - Protected Trees)
- Section 18.310.060 (Replacement trees)