WRC: Wetlands and Resource Conservation Zoning District Overview
The Wetlands and Resource Conservation (WRC) district is established by the City of Concord to ensure the protection of wildlife, hydrological, and biological resources within tidal areas. This district is primarily intended for wetlands and resource conservation, and development within the district is limited to uses that are compatible with these environmental functions.
District Purpose and Applicability
The WRC district is applied to bay marshes and wetlands within the tidal area of the City of Concord to ensure the protection of wildlife, hydrological, and biological resources [Section 18.60.010]. The district is consistent with the Wetlands/Resource Conservation (WRC) land use designation of the Concord general plan [Section 18.15.020].
Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
Land uses within the WRC district are governed by the requirements of Division II of the Concord development code. The following table summarizes permitted uses and the type of permit required for each, as specified in the City of Concord development code:
Table: WRC District Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
| Land Use Classifications | Permit Required by District |
|---|---|
| Companion Animal, Horses, Fowl | – |
| Community Gardens | AP |
| Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard | ZC |
| Livestock, Grazing | – |
| Mining and Quarrying | – |
| Airport | – |
| Ambulance Services | – |
| Cannabis Uses (Commercial/Retail) | – |
| Indoor Personal Cannabis Cultivation | ZC |
| Industrial Hemp Cultivation | – |
| Cemetery, Columbarium, Mausoleum | – |
| Cultural Institution | – |
| Emergency, Homeless Shelter | – |
| Low Barrier Navigation Center | – |
| Farmers' Market | – |
| Funeral Parlor, Mortuary | – |
| Government Office | – |
| Heliport | – |
| Library | – |
| Hospital, Medical Center | – |
| Medical Services Facility | – |
| Nursing Facility/Extended Care | – |
| Meeting Facility, Public/Private | – |
| Military | – |
| Parking Facility | – |
| Public Maintenance and Service Facility | – |
| Recreational Facilities (General) | – |
| Park and Recreation Facility | ZC |
| Residential Recreation Facility | ZC |
| Sports/Entertainment Facilities | – |
| Recycling Facilities (All types) | – |
| Religious Facility | – |
| Schools (All types) | – |
| Theater, Auditorium | – |
| Utility Facility, Transmission Towers | ZC |
| Wireless Communications Facility | AP, MP, or 6409 |
| Residential Uses | – |
Notes: ZC = Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required; AP = Administrative Permit Required; MP = Minor Use Permit Required; UP = Use Permit Required; – = Use Not Allowed. [Section 18.60.020]
Development Standards
Development within the WRC district must comply with the requirements specified in the City of Concord development code. Projects must be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with these standards, though the review authority may apply stricter requirements as determined necessary [Section 18.60.030].
When the City of Concord development code specifies a zoning clearance determination as a prerequisite to establishing a new land use in the WRC district, that review may be conducted prior to or subsequent to the filing of other necessary construction permits [Section 18.410.020].
Key Restrictions
- Consistency: If there is a conflict between the WRC district development standards and the standards of an abutting district, the regulations of the abutting district shall apply to each adjacent portion of the property, as applicable [Section 18.60.030].
- Review: All development in the WRC district is subject to the general requirements for development and land use, which include obtaining necessary planning permits before the issuance of grading or building permits [Section 18.25.020].
- General Standards: The WRC district does not allow uses that would interfere with the ecological integrity of the wetlands, and activities must be compatible with the protection of wildlife and biological resources [Section 18.60.010].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.15.020: Zoning map and districts
- Section 18.25.020: General requirements for development and land use
- Section 18.410.020: Applicability (Zoning Clearance)
- 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