Service Commercial (SC) Zoning District Overview in Concord
The Service Commercial (SC) district is designed to provide areas for commercial uses that typically require outdoor storage and activities, including automobile services, light industry, contractors’ yards, and building materials storage, with a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.8. This district also permits retail, personal service, restaurant, and office uses, and is primarily located along Monument Boulevard, Detroit Avenue, Cloverdale Avenue, and the east side of Market Street.
Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
The SC district allows a variety of commercial, service, and industrial uses. Some uses require specific planning permits, such as a Zoning Clearance (ZC), Administrative Permit (AP), Minor Use Permit (MP), or Use Permit (UP).
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required in SC |
|---|---|
| Automobile Services and Repair | UP |
| Banks and Financial Services | ZC |
| Building Materials Sales (No Outdoor Storage) | ZC |
| Building Materials Sales (With Outdoor Storage) | AP |
| Business Support Services | ZC |
| Eating and Drinking Establishments (Bar, Night Club, Lounge) | UP |
| Food, Beverage Sales (Convenience Store, no alcohol) | ZC |
| Offices (Professional) | ZC |
| Personal Services (General) | ZC |
| Retail Sales (General) | ZC |
Note: For a full list of permitted uses and specific permit requirements, refer to the land use tables in the Concord Development Code [Section 18.25.030].
Development Standards
Development in the Service Commercial (SC) district must comply with the following standards:
| Standard | SC Requirement |
|---|---|
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) (maximum) | 0.8 |
| Lot Area (square feet) (minimum) | 10,000 |
| Lot Width (feet) (minimum) | 100 |
| Lot Depth (feet) (minimum) | 100 |
| Building Height (feet) (maximum) | 35 |
| Front Setback (feet) (minimum) | 15 |
| Corner Side Setback (feet) (minimum) | 10 |
Note: Reduced dimensions may be allowed subject to use permit approval [Table 18.40.030].
Key Restrictions and Requirements
- Outdoor Storage: In the Service Commercial (SC) district, outdoor storage is permitted in side and rear yards when enclosed by a solid eight-foot masonry wall with landscape screening; it is not permitted in front yards or street-facing yards [Table 18.150.120].
- Performance Standards: Land or buildings in the SC district shall not be used in any manner that is dangerous, hazardous, or injurious due to smoke, dust, odor, air pollution, glare, refuse, or other nuisances [Section 18.150.130].
- Parking and Loading: Off-street parking must be provided in accordance with the standards for each specific use [Section 18.160.040]. Loading spaces are required based on the size and type of the nonresidential use [Section 18.160.150].
- Landscaping: A minimum of 20 percent of the site must be landscaped [Table 18.165.050]. All surface parking areas must be screened from streets and adjoining properties in accordance with the landscaping standards [Section 18.165.060].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.25.030 (Allowable land uses and permit requirements)
- Table 18.40.020 (Office and commercial districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Table 18.40.030 (Office and commercial districts – Development standards)
- Table 18.150.120 (Outdoor Storage Regulations)
- Section 18.150.130 (Performance standards)
- Section 18.160.040 (Parking requirements)
- Section 18.160.150 (Off-street loading area requirements)
- Table 18.165.050 (Landscaping Requirements)
- Section 18.165.060 (Parking lot landscaping)