Planning FAQs

 

What is the zoning of my property, and what are the yard/setback requirements?

The Planning Division maintains a map that shows zoning for every parcel in the City. The map can be viewed in the Planning Division lobby, or anyone can call 671-3454 to speak with a planner regarding specific zoning, setback, and related questions. Typical minimum setbacks in single family neighborhoods are: 5 and 10 feet for side setbacks, 20 feet for front setbacks, and 20 feet for rear setbacks.

Is my property in the earthquake fault zone?

The Concord Fault Zone is shown on the City’s zoning map. Many real estate offices also have maps of the fault zones. Check with the Planning Division at 671-3454 for specific determination of fault zone limits.

Where can I build a six-foot fence?

A six-foot tall fence is allowed on property lines at the rear and sides of most properties. A fence up to three feet is allowed within the first 10 feet of a property as measured from the front property line. A six-foot fence may be constructed 10 feet back from the front property line.

Where can I build a fence up to eight feet tall?

An eight-foot tall fence may be built in those areas where a building is allowed. In other words, if a fence is on or outside the required setback line, the fence may be up to 8 feet tall (see answer to Question 1 for typical setbacks). In some cases, where there is a small change in topography of up to two or three feet, it may be possible to build a combination retaining wall and fence at the property line subject to approval of a Zoning Administrator's Permit.

Can I build a storage shed/shop/garage in my back yard?

One "accessory building" is permitted on each parcel. Minimum side and rear setbacks of 5 feet are required, and it is advisable to separate the accessory building from the primary building by at least 6 feet. If the accessory building is less than 120 square feet, no building permit is required. A building permit is required for an accessory building of 120 square feet or larger. The maximum size for accessory buildings is dependent upon lot size and zoning of the site. R-6 (minimum 6,000 square feet) lots are allowed a building of up to 480 square feet, R-7.5 (minimum 7,500 square feet) lots are allowed a building of up to 600 square feet, and R-10 (minimum 10,000 square feet) and larger lots are allowed a building of up to 800 square feet.

Can I add onto my house?

House additions are allowed up to the limits of the minimum setback and maximum lot coverage requirements. Refer to the answer to Question 1 for typical residential setbacks. Typical maximum lot coverage is 35%, but 10,000 square foot and larger lots are restricted to 25-30% maximum coverage.

A one-story addition to an existing house may be allowed with a 15-foot minimum setback from the rear property line, as long as a useable back yard (20-foot minimum dimension) is preserved. Typically, a second story can be added or expanded.

Can I add a second-floor above my existing house?

Yes, in almost all cases. In very rare instances, there may be private deed restrictions or City requirements prohibiting or limiting second stories on existing homes or lots. But, typically there are no restrictions to adding a second floor above an existing residence.

Can I convert my garage into an extra room?

Yes, in many instances. However, at least one covered parking space for each single family, condominium, or apartment dwelling is required. In some instances, it may not be possible to locate a useable carport or garage on older, very small lots and still stay outside the setback areas. In such cases, it may be possible to qualify for an exception to the parking requirement, but such an exception is subject to a special application and approval in advance by the Planning Division.

Can I get a variance?

A variance is to allow special consideration of unique and exceptional conditions that apply to the parcel in question. A variance is not intended to simply "set aside" a requirement that is otherwise applicable to all other similar properties. To qualify for a variance, it is required that four findings be made concerning special circumstances pertaining to the subject site; it is the applicant's responsibility to present the rationale that supports the findings at a public hearing to the City's decision makers.

Can I split my large lot into two parcels and sell the new parcel?

A lot split is known as a "minor subdivision"; a minor subdivision involves up to four lots and requires review at a public hearing conducted by the City's Zoning Administrator. If a resident owns property that is more than twice the size of the minimum lot area required by the applicable zoning, a two lot (or three or four lot) minor subdivision may be practical. However, all new lots must meet minimum width and depth requirements. For example, property in the R-8 zoning district requires 8,000 square feet minimum lot area, 80 feet minimum lot width, and 85 feet minimum lot depth. Such lot area, width, and depth requirements must be met without including any portion of the private street/driveway providing access to any of the rear (panhandle) lots.

What is required for my home business?

Concord allows uses that are incidental to the primary residential use on a lot. A home business is presumed incidental as long as none of the following activities occur:

  1. Any advertising other than "For Sale/Rent" signs.
  2. Any vehicle service, diagnosis, or repair.
  3. Activity involving employees or customers or pick-up/delivery to or from a residence.
  4. Any interior or exterior changes that alter the residential appearance or limit the required covered parking space.

An operator of a home business must obtain a business license from the City's Finance Department.

I bought a house with an illegal addition and I want to make things legal; can I get a permit for the room that was added five years before I owned the house?

While these situations are often difficult to resolve, it is to the property owner's advantage to make past construction legal. It is important to determine what permits were previously issued, if any, and what construction has been inspected and properly completed. Some of the questions that will need answers include: Were permit(s) issued by Contra Costa County before the subject site was within Concord’s jurisdiction? Was a permit issued by the City? Were the permits finalized? Was any of the construction inspected but not finalized? If such information can be clarified by the County and City Building Divisions or Tax Assessors’ records, Permit Center staff will be able to provide a property owner with options for obtaining the proper permits and inspections.