Chapter 18.30

Concord Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Concord

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (RR, RS, RL, RM AND RH)

Sections:

18.30.010 Purpose.

18.30.020 Table 18.30.020 – Residential districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements.

18.30.030 Table 18.30.030 – RR and RS districts – Development standards.

18.30.040 Table 18.30.040 – RL, RM, and RH districts – Development standards.

18.30.010 Purpose.

This chapter lists the uses that may be permitted within the residential zoning districts, the type of permit or approval required for each use, and basic development standards for the site and building. The purpose of each district is as follows:

A. RR – Rural Residential. The RR district is applied to areas of the city appropriate for rural single-family residential development or clustered development at densities up to two and one-half units per net acre. Designators (RR-40, RR-20, and RR-15) are used to denote minimum lot sizes of 40,000 square feet, 20,000 square feet, and 15,000 square feet, respectively. The RR district is consistent with and implements the rural residential (RR) land use designation of the general plan.

B. RS – Residential Single-Family. The RS district is applied to areas of the city appropriate for single-family residential uses in neighborhoods at densities of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre, subject to appropriate standards. The RS zoning districts generally apply to the single-family residential districts with development existing at the time of the adoption of this development code. The specific allowable density for each parcel is shown on the zoning map by a numerical suffix residential density designator (RS-12, RS-10, RS-8, RS-7.5, RS-7, and RS-6) corresponding to the minimum lot size (12,000, 10,000, 8,000, 7,500, 7,000 and 6,000, respectively). The RS district is consistent with and implements the low density residential (LDR) land use designation of the general plan.

C. RL – Residential Low Density. The RL district is applied to areas of the city appropriate for low density residential uses in a neighborhood with predominately detached single-family dwellings, but allows a diversity of compatible housing types and lot sizes from larger lot single-family dwellings to cottages, cluster, courtyard, and patio homes, and duplexes, at densities of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre. The RL district is consistent with and implements the low density residential (LDR) land use designation of the general plan.

D. RM – Residential Medium Density. The RM district is applied to areas of the city appropriate for residential uses with attached and detached dwellings, including a variety of housing types such as small lot single-family dwellings, townhomes, row houses, and cluster housing, at densities of 11 to 33 units per net acre, with provisions for appropriately scaled and located live/work units. The RM district is consistent with and implements the medium density residential (MDR) land use designation of the general plan.

E. RH – Residential High Density. The RH district is applied to areas of the city appropriate for compact, high density, multifamily residential development including apartments, townhomes, and condominiums at densities ranging from 33 to 100 units per net acre, with limited provisions for appropriately scaled and located live/work units. The RH district is consistent with and implements the high density residential (HDR) land use designation of the general plan. [Ord. 17-11 § 3 (Exh. 10); Ord. 12-4. DC 2012 § 122-77].

18.30.020 Table 18.30.020 – Residential districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements.

Table 18.30.020 identifies the uses allowed by the development code in each residential zoning district and the type of permit required to establish each use. See CDC 18.25.030(B) or Division VII of this title (Permits and Permit Procedures). Additional requirements may apply pursuant to Division IV (Development Standards) and Division V (Standards for Specific Uses) of this title.

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Table 18.30.020 ZC = Permitted Use,
Zoning Clearance
Residential Districts
AP = Administrative
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
Permit Required
MP = Minor Use
Permit Required
UP = Use Permit
Required
6409 = Section 6409
Application
– = Use Not Allowed
Permit Required by District
Additional
Land Use Classifications
Requirements
RR RS RL RM RH
Residential Uses
Bed and Breakfast Inn UP UP UP UP UP
Dwelling, Dwelling Units, Housing Units
Single-Family, Detached ZC ZC ZC – –
Single-Family, Detached – – UP UP UP –
Small Lot Subdivision
Single-Family, Attached – UP ZC ZC ZC Chapter 18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
Duplex – – AP ZC – Chapter 18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
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r>Bed and Breakfast Inn UP UP UP UP UP
Dwelling, Dwelling Units, Housing Units
Single-Family, Detached ZC ZC ZC – –
Single-Family, Detached – – UP UP UP –
Small Lot Subdivision
Single-Family, Attached – UP ZC ZC ZC Chapter 18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
Duplex – – AP ZC – Chapter 18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
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Multifamily ZC ZC Chapter
18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
Family Day Care Home (14 or
fewer children)
ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Group Housing UP UP
Home-Based Business ZC,AP ZC,AP ZC,
AP
ZC,
AP
ZC,
AP
CDC
18.200.100,
Home-based
businesses
Live/Work Unit UP UP UP CDC
18.200.110,
Live/work or work/live
units
Mixed-Use Project Chapter
18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
CDC
18.200.140,
Mixed-use projects
Mobile Home Park UP UP
Residential Care Facility,
Small
ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Residential Care Facility,
Large
AP UP AP MP MP
Residential Facility for
Seniors, Assisted Living
UP UP MP MP
Supportive Housing ZC,
UP(1)
ZC,
UP(1)
California Government
Code Section
65650 et
seq.
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Transitional Housing,
Multifamily
ZC ZC
Transitional Housing, Single-
Family
ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Work/Live Unit CDC
18.200.110,
Live/work or work/live
units
Public/Quasi-Public and Recreational
Uses
Airport
Ambulance Service
Cannabis Uses
Commercial Cultivation
Distribution (Type 11)
Distribution Transport Only
(Type 13)
Indoor Personal
Cannabis
Cultivation
ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC Up to six plants per
residence, pursuant to
state law
Industrial Hemp Cultivation
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Manufacturing
Microbusiness
Non-Storefront Retail
Storefront Retail
Testing Laboratory
Cemetery, Columbarium,
Mausoleum
Conference, Convention
Facility
Cultural Institution UP
Emergency,Homeless Shelter CDC
18.200.070,
Emergency shelter and
homeless shelters
Low Barrier Navigation
Center
California Government
Code Section
65660 et
seq.
Farmers’ Market
Funeral Parlor, Mortuary
Government Ofce ZC
Heliport
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Library UP
Medical
Hospital, Medical Center
Medical Services Facility
Nursing Facility/Extended
Care
UP MP
Urgent Care Facility
Meeting Facility,
Public/Private
UP UP UP UP UP
Military
Parking Facility MP
Public Maintenance and
Service Facility
Recreational Facilities
Bingo Hall
Commercial Recreation,
Indoor
Golf Course, Country Club UP UP UP UP CDC
18.200.130,
Mechanical and
electronic games
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Park and Recreation Facility ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Residential Recreation Facility ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Sports and Entertainment,
Assembly
CDC
18.200.080,
Entertainment
uses
Sports and Recreation Facility CDC
18.200.130,
Mechanical and
electronic games
Recycling Facilities
Small
Collection Facility
CDC
18.200.170
(Recycling facilities)
Large
Collection Facility
CDC
18.200.170
(Recycling facilities)
Processing Facility CDC
18.200.170
(Recycling facilities)
Religious Facility UP UP UP UP UP
Schools
Elementary, Middle,
Secondary
UP UP UP UP UP
College, University
Trade
School,Vocational
Training
Social Services Facility
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Theater, Auditorium CDC
18.200.130,
Mechanical and
electronic games
Utility Facility, Transmission
Towers
UP UP UP UP UP
Wireless Communications
Facility
AP,
MP or
6409
AP,
MP or
6409
AP,
MP
or
6409
AP,
MP
or
6409
AP,
MP
or
6409
Chapters
18.205 and
18.207 CDC
Open Space and Agricultural
Uses
Community Garden AP AP AP AP AP
Companion Animal,Horses,
Fowl
AP AP CMC
6.10.040,
standards for keeping
noncommercial
livestock,
animals,and
fowl
Crop Production, Orchard,
Vineyard
ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Livestock,Grazing ZC
Ofce, Commercial, and Retail Services
Mining, Quarrying
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Adult Day Care Center UP UP UP
Adult-Oriented Business Chapter
18.210 CDC,
Adult-Oriented
Businesses
Animal Services
Boarding Kennel MP
Dog Day Care, Training AP
Grooming AP
Hospital, Veterinary Clinic
Antique, Collectible Stores
Automobile Sales and Rental/Leasing
Auction
Brokers – Ofce Only
Brokers – Ofce with Vehicle
Display
Dealership – New
Dealership – Used
Dealership – Motorcycles
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Rental
Automobile Services and Repair
Car Wash, Attended CDC
18.200.090,Gas
stations and car
washes
Car Wash, Unattended CDC
18.200.090,Gas
stations and car
washes
Gas
Station
CDC
18.200.090,Gas
stations and car
washes
Maintenance Services
Major Repair/Body Work
Minor Repair
Banks and Financial Services
Bank, Credit Union
Bank with Drive-Through
Service
CDC
18.200.060,
Drive-through facilities
Check Cashing Business
Building Materials Sales and Services
No
Outdoor Storage
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
With
Outdoor Storage
CDC
18.200.160,
Outdoor sales and
displays
Business Support Services
Catering Service
Eating and Drinking Establishments
Bar,Night Club, Lounge CDC
18.200.080,
Entertainment
uses
Multifamily ZC ZC Chapter
18.152 CDC,
Objective Design
Standards
Food
Vendor Group
Site
CDC
18.200.210,Food
vendor group
sites
Micro-Brewery/Distillery CDC
18.200.040,
Alcoholic beverage
sales
Micro-Brewery/Distillery,
Large
CDC
18.200.040,
Alcoholic beverage
sales
Restaurant, Full Service
Restaurant, Limited Service
Restaurant, with Drive-
Through
CDC
18.200.060,
Drive-through facilities
Restaurant, with Live
Entertainment
CDC
18.200.080,
Entertainment
uses
Tasting Room CDC
18.200.040,
Alcoholic beverage
sales
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Fitness Facility, Health Club
Food, Beverage Sales
Convenience Store, no
Alcohol Sales
Convenience Store, with
Alcohol Sales
CDC
18.200.040,
Alcoholic beverage
sales
Grocery Store
Liquor Store CDC
18.200.040,
Alcoholic beverage
sales
Hotel, Motel UP
Maintenance Services
Ofce with No
Outdoor
Storage or Activities
Ofce with
Outdoor Storage
or Activities
Nursery, Preschool, Childcare UP UP UP UP UP CDC
18.200.050,Child
day care facilities
Ofces
Administrative, Information
Processing
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Professional UP UP
Personal Services
General UP
Improvement, Instructional
Restricted
Repair Service, Appliance
and Small Equipment
Retail Sales
Big Box
General
Nursery, Garden Center CDC
18.200.160,
Outdoor sales and
displays
Restricted
With Drive-Through CDC
18.200.060,
Drive-through facilities
Secondhand Sales
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Business Park and Industrial
Uses
Auto Wrecking, Dismantling
Yard
Contractors, Special Trade
Cabinet Shop
Contractor Ofce, No
Outdoor Storage
Contractor Yard, with
Outdoor Storage
Fleet-Based Service
Freight and Truck Terminal
Heavy Vehicle and Large Equipment, Sales/Rental, Service, and Repair
Commercial Vehicles and
Equipment
Recreational Vehicles
Laboratory, Research, and
Development
Manufacturing,
Processing
Artisan/Custom Product
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Industry, Heavy
With No Outdoor
Storage/Activities
With Outdoor
Storage/Activities
Warehouse Show Room with
Assembly and Sales
Media Production Facility
Storage
Hazardous Materials
Self-Storage Facility, Mini-
Storage
Vehicle
Towing Services
Warehouse, with No
Outdoor
Storage
Warehouse, with
Outdoor
Storage
Wholesaling, Distribution

(1) Use permit required for any facility that does not meet the requirements outlined in the applicable California Government Code sections.

[Ord. 24-7 § 7 (Exh. B); Ord. 24-6 § 8 (Exh. B); Ord. 24-5 § 7 (Exh. B); Ord. 21-2 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 20-4 (Exh. B); Ord. 19-5 § 1 (Exh. B); Ord. 18-3 § 7 (Exh. A); Ord. 17-13 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 17-11 § 3 (Exh. 10); Ord. 17-5 § 2 (Exh. I); Ord. 17-2 § 2 (Exh. D); Ord. 14-6 § 1; Ord. 13-5; Ord. 12-5; Ord. 12-4. DC 2012 § 122-78].

18.30.030 Table 18.30.030 – RR and RS districts – Development standards.

Subdivisions, new uses and structures, and alterations to existing uses and structures shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements specified in Table 18.30.030. Additional requirements may apply pursuant to Division IV (Development Standards) and Division V (Standards for Specific Uses) of this title.

Table 18.30.030

RR and RS Districts

Development Standards (1, 2)

Standards RR-20 RR-40 RR-15 RS-6 RS-7 RS-
7.5
RS-8 RS-10 RS-12
Density (du/net acre) minimum/maximum
0 – 2.5 du/net acre 0 – 10 du/net acre
Lot Area (square feet) minimum
Single-Family 20,000 40,000 15,000 6,000 7,000 7,500 8,000 10,000 12,000
Nonresidential 20,000 40,000 15,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 12,000
Lot Width (feet) minimum
Single-Family 100 150 100 60 70 75 80 100 100
Nonresidential 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Standards RR-20 RR-40 RR-15 RS-6 RS-7 RS-
7.5
RS-8 RS-10 RS-12
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Lot Depth (feet) minimum
Single-Family 100 100 85 85 85 85 85 85 85
Nonresidential 100 100 85 85 85 85 85 85 85
Lot Coverage (percent) maximum
Single-Family 25 20 25 35 35 35 35 30 25
Nonresidential Lot coverage shall be established in compliance with the requirements
specifed by the permit; except that if the permit does not regulate a
development feature that is regulated by an abutting
district,or if a permit is
not required, the regulations of the abutting
district shall apply to each
adjacent portion of the property, as applicable.
Building Height (feet) maximum
Single-Family 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Nonresidential Building height shall be established in compliance with the requirements
specifed by the permit; except that if the permit does not regulate a
development feature that is regulated by an abutting
district,or if a permit is
not required, the regulations of the abutting
district shall apply to each
adjacent portion of the property, as applicable.
Setbacks (feet) minimum(1, 3, 4)
Single-Family
Front 25 30 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
Standards RR-20 RR-40 RR-15 RS-6 RS-7 RS-
7.5
RS-8 RS-10 RS-12
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Interior Side(5) 10 10 10 min 5, 10 5, 10 5, 10 5, 10 5, 10 10 min
Aggregate 25 50 25 15 15 15 15 15 20
Corner Side 15 25 15 10 10 10 10 15 15
Rear 30 50 30 15 20 20 20 25 25
Nonresidential Setbacks shall be established in compliance with the requirements specifed
by the permit; except that if the permit does not regulate a
development
feature that is regulated by an abutting
district,or if a permit is not required,
the regulations of the abutting
district shall apply to each
adjacent portion of
the property, as applicable.

(1) Additional requirements may apply pursuant to Division IV (Development Standards) and Division V (Standards for Specific Uses) of this title.

(2) Unless otherwise approved through a planned unit development (PUD) use permit.

(3) Measured from property line or back of sidewalk (whichever is less) to the face of building or structure.

(4) In no case shall any structure be erected closer than 45 feet (50 feet in RR-40) from the centerline of any street; provided, that where four or more lots in a block on the same side of the street have been improved with buildings, the minimum requirement shall be the average of improved lots if less than 20 feet, or less than 25 feet in RR-20, or less than 30 feet in RR-40.

(5) Minimum for each side.

[Ord. 12-4. DC 2012 § 122-79].

18.30.040 Table 18.30.040 – RL, RM, and RH districts – Development standards.

Subdivisions, new uses and structures, and alterations to existing uses and structures shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements specified in Table 18.30.040. Additional requirements may apply pursuant to Division IV (Development Standards) and Division V (Standards for Specific Uses) of this title.

Table 18.30.040

RL, RM, RH Districts

Development Standards(1)

Standards RL RM(4) RH(4) Additional Standards
Density (du/net acre)
minimum/maximum
2.5 – 10 11 – 32 33 – 100
Lot Area (square feet) minimum
Residential 1,920 1,440 5,000
Nonresidential 5,000 5,000 5,000
Lot Width (feet) minimum
Residential 24 18
attached
24
detached
50
Nonresidential 50 50 50
Lot Depth (feet) minimum
Residential 80 60
attached
80
detached
100
Nonresidential 100 100 100
Lot Coverage (percent) maximum
Standards RL RM(4) RH(4) Additional Standards
--- --- --- --- ---
Residential 50 80
attached
60
detached
75
Nonresidential 50 60 75
Building Height (feet) maximum
Residential 30 40 67 Additional
height may be
approved with a
use permit.
Nonresidential Building height shall be established in compliance with the
requirements specifed by the permit; except that if the permit
does not regulate a
development feature that is regulated by an
abutting
district,or if a permit is not required, the regulations of the
abutting
district shall apply to each
adjacent portion of the
property, as applicable.
Setbacks (feet)(2) The area between the
street improvements and
street setback line
shall be landscaped in compliance with Chapter
18.165 CDC
(Landscaping).
Residential(1)
Front, minimum 5 5 0 Additional
setback
standards may apply in
Interior Side, minimum 5 5 5(3) small
lot subdivisions
pursuant to Chapter
18.155
CDC.
Corner Side, minimum 10 10 10(3)
Rear,minimum 5 6 6(3)
Standards RL RM(4) RH(4) Additional Standards
--- --- --- --- ---
Garage,
Street Access
20 20 Note: Minimum fve feet
behind
primary building
facade.
Garage,
Alley Access,
minimum
4 4 4
Nonresidential Setbacks shall be established in compliance with the requirements
specifed by the permit; except that if the permit does not regulate
a
development feature that is regulated by an abutting
district,or if
a permit is not required, the regulations of the abutting
district shall
apply to each
adjacent portion of the property, as applicable.
Open space/unit (square
feet) minimum
200(1) 200(1) 200 See CDC
18.150.100,Open
space and recreational
facilities for residential
development,and Chapter
18.155 CDC for small
lot
subdivisions

(1) Additional requirements may apply pursuant to Chapter 18.155 CDC (Standards for Small Lot and Medium Density Development) and Division V of this title (Standards for Specific Uses). Standards for RH apply to aggregate sites only and not to individual fee simple/condominium units which may be created on a subdivided RH site.

(2) Unless otherwise approved through a planned unit development (PUD).

  • (3) Minimum for each side.

(4) Standard does not apply to small, independent parcels corresponding to individual dwellings within a larger multifamily residential, mixed-use, or townhome development.

[Ord. 26-1 § 7 (Exh. A); Ord. 17-5 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 12-4. DC 2012 § 122-80].

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The Concord Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-1, passed February 10, 2026.

Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has

the official version of the Concord

18.300 Hillside Protection

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Division VI. Resource Management