Zoning and Permitting Requirements for RS-7 Residential Districts in Concord
In the RS-7: Single-Family Residential district, most residential uses are permitted by right, but specific types of developments and specialized uses require a conditional use permit (referred to as a "Use Permit" or "UP" in the Concord Development Code) or a minor use permit. A Use Permit is required for all Bed and Breakfast Inns, larger Residential Care Facilities, and certain community or institutional uses, while a Planned Development Use Permit is mandatory for any small lot, single-family detached, or attached subdivisions.
Overview of RS-7 Zoning District
The RS (Residential Single-Family) district is designed for single-family residential neighborhoods at densities of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre [Section 18.30.010]. The RS-7 numerical suffix indicates a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet [Section 18.15.020].
Uses Requiring a Use Permit or Minor Use Permit
In the RS-7 district, the following uses require either a Use Permit (UP) or a Minor Use Permit (MP) to be established:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | UP |
| Single-Family, Detached – Small Lot Subdivision | UP |
| Single-Family, Attached | UP |
| Group Housing | UP |
| Residential Care Facility, Large | UP |
| Residential Facility for Seniors, Assisted Living | UP |
| Meeting Facility, Public/Private | UP |
| Golf Course, Country Club | UP |
| Elementary, Middle, Secondary Schools | UP |
| Religious Facility | UP |
Note: In the Concord Development Code, a "UP" requires planning commission approval, while an "MP" requires zoning administrator approval [Section 18.25.030].
Development Standards for RS-7 Districts
New uses and structures in the RS-7 district must comply with the following development standards [Section 18.30.030]:
| Standard | RS-7 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (du/net acre) | 0 – 10 |
| Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 7,000 (Single-Family) / 10,000 (Nonresidential) |
| Minimum Lot Width (ft.) | 70 (Single-Family) / 100 (Nonresidential) |
| Minimum Lot Depth (ft.) | 85 |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (%) | 35 (Single-Family) |
| Maximum Building Height (ft.) | 30 (Single-Family) |
| Front Setback (ft.) | 20 |
| Interior Side Setback (ft.) | 5, 10 |
| Aggregate Side Setback (ft.) | 15 |
| Corner Side Setback (ft.) | 10 |
| Rear Setback (ft.) | 20 |
Additional Permit Procedures
- Planned Development Use Permit: Any small lot, single-family detached, or attached subdivision in an RS-7 district must first obtain a Planned Development Use Permit (PDUP) from the planning commission [Section 18.155.030].
- Minor Exceptions: Certain minor deviations from these standards (such as adjustments to lot coverage or height) may be processed as a Minor Exception [Section 18.425.020].
- Design Review: Discretionary design review is required for specific projects, including additions to existing single-family dwellings that result in an floor area ratio (FAR) greater than 30 percent or certain second-story additions [Section 18.415.020].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.15.020 (Zoning map and districts)
- Section 18.25.030 (Allowable land uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.30.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.30.020 (Table 18.30.020 – Residential districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.30.030 (Table 18.30.030 – RR and RS districts – Development standards)
- Section 18.155.030 (Use permit required)
- Section 18.415.020 (Applicability)
- Section 18.425.020 (Applicability)