Zoning Regulations for the RLC (Rural Land) District in Concord
The RLC (Rural Land) District is designated for rural conservation and has specific limitations regarding land use and development. While the provided zoning code identifies the RLC District as a Community Land District, it does not specify quantitative Floor Area Ratio (FAR) or lot coverage percentage limits for this district within the provided tables.
Purpose and Land Use
The RLC (Rural Land) District is applied to hillside areas located to the northeast and southeast of the City of Concord. The purpose of the RLC District is to ensure the protection of the scenic value and rural character of these areas [Section 18.60.010]. The RLC District is consistent with and implements the rural conservation (RCON) land use designation of the Concord general plan [Section 18.60.010].
Development Standards for the RLC District
The zoning code establishes that development in the RLC District must comply with the general development standards and resource management provisions found in the Concord Development Code.
Because the RLC District is categorized as a Community Land District, the Concord Development Code requires that development standards be consistent with the requirements for the community land zoning districts [Section 18.60.030].
Lot Coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
The provided zoning text and tables do not define specific numerical lot coverage percentages or Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits for the RLC (Rural Land) District. In the absence of district-specific limits, development on parcels within the RLC District must generally adhere to the performance standards and resource management protections established in the Concord Development Code, such as Hillside Protection [Chapter 18.300] and Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection [Chapter 18.305].
Resource Management and Protection
Development within the RLC District is subject to additional protections intended to preserve the natural character of the land:
- Hillside Protection: Development on any parcel with an average slope of 15 percent or greater is subject to the Hillside Protection regulations [Section 18.300.020]. These regulations include density and intensity criteria, slope limits, and requirements for a hillside development use permit (HDP) [Section 18.300.040, Section 18.300.050].
- Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection: If an RLC District site is adjacent to or crossed by a watercourse or located within a floodplain, development must comply with the creek and riparian habitat protection standards, which include specific structure setbacks based on the height of the top of the bank [Section 18.305.020, Section 18.305.040].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.60.010: Purpose
- Section 18.60.030: Community land districts – Development standards
- Chapter 18.300: Hillside Protection
- Chapter 18.305: Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection