West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) Zoning District Overview
The West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district is designed to facilitate a diverse mix of schools, commercial, office, retail, and institutional development with a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 4.0. While the WMX district permits a wide array of nonresidential uses, residential uses are explicitly prohibited within this district.
Purpose of the WMX District
The West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district is primarily located west of downtown, along Concord Avenue and the Walnut Creek Channel. This district is intended to serve as a mixed-use hub appropriate for:
- Schools and institutional development.
- Commercial, office, and retail businesses.
- Multi-tenant office and warehouse spaces.
- Public and quasi-public uses.
The WMX district is consistent with and implements the West Concord mixed-use (WCMU) land use designation of the Concord general plan [Section 18.45.010].
Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
Land uses within the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district are subject to specific permit requirements. The following table summarizes permit requirements for key land use categories:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Retail Sales | |
| Big Box | Not Allowed |
| General Retail | Not Allowed |
| Nursery, Garden Center | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Secondhand Sales | Not Allowed |
| Office/Commercial | |
| Professional Office | Not Allowed |
| Administrative/Processing | Not Allowed |
| Services | |
| Car Wash (Attended) | Use Permit (UP) |
| Gas Station | Use Permit (UP) |
| Maintenance Services | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Industrial/Storage | |
| Warehouse (No Outdoor Storage) | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Wholesaling, Distribution | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Media Production | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
Note: The WMX district prohibits residential uses [Section 18.45.010].
Development Standards
The following development standards apply to properties within the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district [Section 18.45.030].
| Development Standard | WMX District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (du/net acre) | N/A (Residential prohibited) |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Minimum | Not applicable |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Maximum | 4.0 |
| Minimum Lot Area | 25,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 140 feet (Increased height allowed via Use Permit) |
| Minimum Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Interior Side Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Corner Side Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 0 feet |
Key Restrictions and Guidelines
- Residential Prohibition: The West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district explicitly does not allow residential uses [Section 18.45.010].
- Architecture: Development within the WMX district must maintain high-quality architectural design. Buildings exceeding 130 feet in length must incorporate at least one vertical break through projecting or recessing wall surfaces or changes in rooflines [Section 18.45.030].
- Restaurants: All restaurants located in the WMX district must be situated on the ground floor and oriented to face a street [Section 18.45.030].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.45.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.45.030 (Table 18.45.030 – Downtown districts – Development standards)