Concord City Council
August 22, 2023

Chapter 05 Neighborhood Standards ▪ 63
v. Window glazing shall be used between cross
beam overhang and entry door.
vi. Building elevations facing the street shall
include at least twenty (20) percent of wall
face as windows.
vii. Entries shall be highlighted with a door in an
accent color.
viii. Garage doors shall reflect the mid-century
style with wood, composite wood, or other
faux wood material to match the horizontal
panels for the residence(s).
ix. Floor to ceiling vertical windows on the front
building wall.
x. At least two (2) of the following details shall
be incorporated into the design including:
• Horizontal fencing
• Mid-century design accent lighting
• A recessed entry of at least ten (10) feet
• Clerestory windows
Figure 92: Homes in Eichler neighborhood Figure 93: Homes in Eichler neighborhood Figure 94: Homes in Eichler neighborhood Figure 95: Homes in Eichler neighborhood

64 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
c. Canterbury Village neighborhood is located
immediately south of Clayton Road at Cape
Cod Way and provides a neighborhood of
architecture loosely designed as Cape Cod style
architecture. Projects within this neighborhood
shall incorporate the following design standards:
i. Wall length greater than thirty (30) feet shall
be interrupted by projections, indentations,
or changes of direction in wall plane.
ii. Homes shall be one to one-and-a half stories
with horizontal lap siding and/or cedar shake
siding. Stucco shall not be allowed on front
exterior building wall.
iii. Garage doors shall reflect Cape Cod style
with recessed panels.
iv. Design shall have a generally symmetrical
appearance (excluding garage).
v. At least five (5) of the following details shall
be incorporated into the design including
the following:
• Covered porch space of a minimum four
(4) feet by ten (10) feet
• Gabled dormer windows with window
trim and separate window shutters
• Entry portico
• Single-hung windows with grids with
window trim
• Chimney
• White picket fencing with entry gate
• Front entry door with window, painted
an accent color.

Figure 96: Canterbury Village neighborhood

Chapter 05 Neighborhood Standards ▪ 65
Figure 97: Housing typology in Canterbury Village
neighborhood
Figure 98: Housing typology in Canterbury Village
neighborhood

9. Government Code Sections 65852.21
and 66411.7
Projects submitted pursuant to Government Code
Section 65852.21 or 66411.7 include urban lot splits
and second homes. The goal of the objective design
standards is to gain consistency and compatibility
with the appearance of an existing primary home, as
reflected in the Neighborhoods section above. Such
units shall incorporate the following design standards:
a. See other Neighborhood standards in A(1) Site
Plan, A(2) Parking and the B(1) Massing and
Articulation sections.
b. Avoid direct line of sight to existing neighboring
units by staggering window and door placement
for a dwelling unit that is constructed on the
lot after the urban lot split or a new additional
primary unit constructed under Government
Code, Sections 65852.21(b); 66411.7(c).
c. Exterior stairwells shall not be oriented to the
street or visible from the public right-of-way.
d. The Citywide standards for additional details that
shall apply for colors and materials.
e. Colors and materials for any additional unit on a
lot shall be consistent with the existing primary
home or color and materials palette for the
proposed primary dwelling unit, using at least
two of the following three approaches:
i. A minimum of one (1) matching exterior
color from the color palette of the primary
home
ii. A minimum of two (2) matching exterior
materials from the material palette of the
primary homes
iii. A matching roof slope to that of the
dominant roof pitch or form from the
primary home
f. For urban lot splits and two-unit projects,
roadway maintenance agreements shall be
submitted to the Engineering Division for access
roadways.
g. All lots created pursuant Government Code
Section 66411.7 shall have access to, provide
access to, or adjoin, a public right-of-way.

66 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
C. Landscape Design

1. Treatment of Setbacks
a. Where transitional setbacks are required by CDC
Section 18.150.180, tree planting shall be at a
minimum density of one (1) tree a maximum of
every thirty (30) feet to provide a second layer of
screening and shrub planting.
b. The front and exterior side yards shall be
landscaped and if needed, screening of the
parking area to make an appropriate transition
from the street-edge. (Figure 99)
Figure 99: Landscaped front and exterior side yards
Figure 100: Landscaped front yards

2. Types of Plant Materials
a. The size of planters next to carports shall be
determined by the allowable carport length as
specified by the CDC Landscape Ordinance and
Building Code and required on the checklist for
landscape plans. If carports are not required,
then the size of the planters shall be a minimum
of four (4) feet wide.
b. Landscape planters or vine pockets of a minimum
of two (2) feet by two (2) feet shall be provided
where multi-car garages on tuck-under parking
spaces abut pavement (driveways or parking
aisles). (Figure 100)

Chapter 05 Neighborhood Standards ▪ 67
D. Detailing

1. Loading, Service, and Refuse Areas
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 shall apply.

2. Emergency Access, Addresses, and
Mailboxes
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 shall apply.

3. Utility and Mechanical Equipment
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 shall apply.

4. Lighting
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 shall apply.

5. Fencing
a. The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 (Table 1:

Figure 101: Fencing and change in plane and material
Building, Roofing and Fencing Materials) shall
apply.
b. Walls or fences sixty (60) feet or longer, including lots that back-up to Corridors, shall incorporate
at least two (2) of the following: (Figure 101)
i. A minimum change in plane of one (1) foot
every thirty (30) feet
ii. A minimum change of one half (0.5) foot in
height
iii. A change to a material or change in material
texture consistent with the building material
palette every thirty (30) feet
iv. A change to a color consistent with the
building material palette every thirty (30)
feet or change in residential unit.

Concord Objective Design Standards ▪ 69
06 Special Case Standards (Infill
with Sensitive Transitions, and
Emergency Shelters)
A. Site Plan ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 B. Architectural/Building Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 71 C. Landscape Design ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 72 D. Emergency Shelters, SROs, and Group Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 72 E. Detailing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .73

70 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards

06. Special Case
Standards (Infill with
Sensitive Transitions, &
Emergency Shelters)
Special Case (Infill) standards include those infill
sites, primarily within single-family zoned districts,
requiring sensitive transitions from the proposed
project site when the site includes:
i. Transition to adjacent lower density zoning
districts or neighborhoods, or
ii. Transition to adjacent non-residential land
use (i.e., adjacent to commercial uses),
and/or
iii. Emergency shelters for the homeless, single
room occupancies, and group housing
General standards for this section include site
planning and orientation, architectural and building
design, landscape design, and building detailing.

A. Site Plan

1. Neighborhood Context
a. Buildings shall minimize their bulk and include
detail to reflect the neighborhood context in
which they are located using one of the following
approaches:
i. Use the same roof pitch as used by at least
thirty (30) percent of the directly adjacent
residential structures. (Figure 102)
ii. On building walls, use the same bay widths
as those used on two (2) on adjacent
buildings.

2. Site Planning and Orientation
Front entry shall be highlighted with a small porch,
portico, stoop, or architectural awning assembly a
minimum of twelve (12) square feet. Residential entry
door shall be included with recessed panels and/or
window. (Figure 103)

3. Parking
The Neighborhood standards in Chapter 5 for both
vehicular and bicycle parking standards shall apply.

Figure 102: Roof pitch similar to adjoining residential structure
Figure 103: Front entry highlighted with stoop

Chapter 06 Special Case Standards ▪ 71
Figure 104: Building walls with adequate window detail
Figure 105: Exterior building walls with minimum two colors including trim
B. Architectural/Building Design

1. Massing and Articulation
a. Articulation depth of at least twenty-four (24)
inches on a wall plane width of more than forty
(40) feet shall be provided.
b. Any floor above the first floor shall be limited
to eighty (80) percent of the footprint of the
first floor and shall be stepped back at least
an additional four (4) feet from the required
setback.
c. All building walls shall include building detail
using a minimum of one (1) of the following
approaches:
i. Window detail, of either or all, shutters,
trim, sills, mullions, lintels (Figure 104)
ii. Ornamentation, of either or all corbels,
cornices, moldings
d. The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 for
Transitional standards to abutting properties shall
apply.

2. Roof Treatment
a. See Chapter 5, Neighborhood standards, Section
B(2) for Roof Treatment standard.

3. Windows and Doors
a. A direct line of sight into any neighboring units
shall be avoided by staggering window and door
placement.
b. The Citywide standards in Chapter 2, Section B(3)
for windows shall also apply.

4. Color
a. On all exterior building walls, buildings shall
utilize a minimum of two (2) colors, inclusive
of trim. Changes in color due to a change
in building material are not considered an

72 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
additional color. (Figure 105)
C. Landscape Design
For any new primary dwelling units, evergreen
landscape screening shall be planted a maximum of
six (6) feet in height and maintained between the
project and adjacent lots.

D. Emergency Shelters, SROs,
and Group Homes
Emergency Shelters and Single Room Occupancies
(SRO) often require additional outdoor spaces due to
the number of people living onsite and the nature of
the small rooms or units within the building.

Figure 106: Landscape outdoor screening along 10’ side
setbacks
Figure 107: Common outdoor gathering space at group housing with benches, tables, and chairs a. For emergency shelters, SROs, and group homes,
outdoor gathering areas shall include the
following:
i. A maximum slope of ten (10) percent
ii. Be located within one hundred (100) feet of
eighty (80) percent of the units
iii. Have a minimum area of eight hundred (800)
square feet with a minimum dimension of
twenty (20) feet in length or depth
iv. Screen outdoor patio fronting a public ROW ,
with decorative fencing of at least three (3)
feet in height.
v. Provide a minimum of at least a ten (10) foot
landscaped setback from front, side, and
rear property lines between the fencing and
the public right of way and or side or rear
property lines. (Figure 106)
b. For emergency shelters, SROs, and group homes,
outdoor gathering spaces shall include two (2)
of the following amenities to accommodate
a minimum of fifty (50) percent of maximum
residents for the site: (Figure 107)
i. Benches
ii. Tables and chairs
iii. Shade structure
c. Kennels shall be prohibited in residential zoned
areas or on sites within three-hundred (300) feet
of a residential use.

Chapter 06 Special Case Standards ▪ 73
Figure 108: Ground mounted mechanical equipment screen
E. Detailing

1. Loading, Service, and Refuse Areas
a. Trash enclosures for garbage, recycling, and/
or storage shall not be located in the front
or streetside yards. For group homes, trash
containers shall be incorporated into garage
space and/or exterior cabinets, incorporated into
the residential design. (Figure 108)
b. See Neighborhood standards for additional
standards.

2. Utility and Mechanical Equipment
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 shall apply.

3. Lighting
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 shall apply.

4. Fencing and Retaining Walls
The Citywide standards in Chapter 2 (Table 1:

Building, Roofing and Fencing Materials) shall apply.

Concord Objective Design Standards ▪ 75
Appendix
A. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 B . Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 C . References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 D. Area Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 E. Image Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

76 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
A . Definitions
The terms used in the 2023 Objective Design
Standards shall have the following meanings:

Access, Primary. The entrance to a building that is
oriented toward the front lot line and abuts a public
street, a private street, or common parking area.

Active Open Space. Any open space that is used for
sports, exercise, or active play. It can include but is not limited to amenities such as playgrounds, exercise
equipment, and athletic fields.

Articulation. The breaking up of a flat and uniform
exterior building wall by using recessed wall areas,
indents, projections, changes in building materials,
and detailed projecting features such as stoops, bay
windows, awnings, canopies, and/or balconies.

Articulated Saddle Roof. A simple gable roof or a roof
form which follows a convex curve about one axis
and a concave curve about the other, each of which
is articulated with smaller breaks in plane or smaller
roof forms for articulation, such as a dormer .

Cantilever. A rigid structural element that extends
horizontally and is supported at only one end.

Typically, it extends from a flat vertical surface such as a wall, to which it must be firmly attached.

Corbel. A bracket or weight-carrying member, built
deeply into the wall so that the pressure on its
embedded portion counteracts any tendency to
overturn or fall outward.

Cornice . The decorated projection at the top of, or
generally the upper part of, the wall provided to
protect the wall face or to ornament and finish the
eaves. Any projecting element may also be crowned
by a cornice for the same purposes of protection of
surfaces, ornamentation and finishing of an eave.

Corridor . Arterial streets and higher volume corridors within the City (i.e. Clayton Road, Willow Pass Road,
Treat Boulevard, Monument Boulevard, and other
four- and six-lane arterial streets as shown on the
Figure. 66
Caliper. Measurement of the thickness of a tree trunk
describing the diameter measured at breast height of
54 inches (4.5 feet).

Concord Development Code. The Concord
Development Code (CDC) refers to Chapter 18 of the
Concord Municipal Code. The CDC implements the
policies of the Concord general plan by classifying
and regulating the uses of land and structures within
the city. The development code is adopted to protect
and promote the public health, safety, comfort,
convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of
residents and businesses in the city of Concord.

Downspout. A pipe that runs vertically along the side
of the home.

Earth Tone . A color that draws from a color palette
of browns, tans, warm grays, greens, oranges,
whites, and some reds, and some blues. The colors
in an earth tone scheme are muted and flat in an
emulation of the natural colors found in dirt, moss,
trees, and rocks. Earth tone means a color with a
lightness (light reflective) value of 25 to 60 that is
composed of a mixture of any shade of brown and
any shade of any other color or colors.

False Façade (Exterior Building Wall) or False Front.

An exterior building wall extending beyond and
especially above the true dimensions of a building to
give it a more imposing appearance.

Green Roof . A vegetated or living roof created as a ballasted (stabilized) roof consisting of a structural
roof support, waterproofing membrane, drainage
layer, filter membrane, growing medium (soil) and
vegetation overlying a traditional roof.

Green Walls. Vertical structures that have different
types of living plants or other greenery attached to
them, with the greenery planted in a growth medium
consisting of soil, stone, or water and as needed,
having an integrated irrigation system.

Greywater. Domestic wastewater produced from
the recycling of clothes washers, showers, bathtubs,
bathroom sinks and laundry tubs.

Historic Property. Any real property and/or
development on a real property that is included on
the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, and/or the City of
Concord listing of designated historic sites and.

Hydrozones. Portion of landscaped area where plants
with similar water needs are grouped together .

Lot Line Frontage . means the portion of a lot or
parcel of land that borders a public or private street .

Street Frontage shall be measured along the common
lot line separating said lot or parcel of land from the public street, highway or parkway.

Lot Line Front . means the lot line that abuts a street

Appendix ▪ 77
or public right-of-way. For corner lots, the shortest
side fronting a public street is considered the front
lot line regardless of the orientation of the garage or primary entrance, or, if both frontages are the same
length, the front shall be determined by the street
address.

Massing. Massing is an architectural term which
refers to the perception of the general shape, form,
and size of a building.

Objective. Involving no personal subjective
judgement by a public committee, such as the Design
Review Board or Planning Commission and being
uniformly verifiable by reference to an external
and uniform benchmark or criterion available and
knowable by both the development applicant or
proponent and the public official.

Paseo. A privately owned public place or path
designed for walking.

Passive Open Space. An open space on publicly or
privately owned land that is publicly accessible and
has been designated for leisure usually consisting of
sitting and relaxing.

Primary Street. Public or private right-of-way whose
function is to carry vehicular traffic or provide
vehicular access abutting the front property line of a
residential or mixed-use site.

Qualifying Residential Project or Qualifying Project.

Qualifying projects include all new residential and
mixed-use development projects where state law
limits the City’s enforcement of design standards to
objective standards or where state law or the City
Code requires a ministerial approval process.

Residential Street. A public or private right-of-way
whose function is to carry vehicular traffic or provide vehicular access abutting residential or mixed-use
property.

Rooftop Garden. A garden on the roof of a building
for purposes of architectural enhancement,
recreational opportunity, community garden and/or
quiet enjoyment by residents.

Root Drip Irrigation Emitters. Devices that are
designed to be a direct conveyance of water and
nutrients, down to the root zone.

Secondary Street. Public or private right-of-way
whose function is to carry vehicular traffic or provide vehicular access abutting the corner side property
line of a residential or mixed-use site.

Setback. The required distance from the property line
to the allowed exterior building wall envelope.

Step-back. The required distance from the allowed
exterior building wall envelope per the setback to the
allowed building wall envelope per the step-back.

Swale. A long, gently sloping, landscaped depression
that collects and cleans stormwater .

Transitional Setbacks. Additional yard area established for lots abutting a single-family residential district as described in the CDC Section 18.150.280 Transitional
requirements.

Venetian Plaster. Venetian plaster is a wall and ceiling finish consisting of plaster mixed with marble dust,
applied with a spatula or trowel in thin, multiple
layers, which are then burnished to create a smooth
surface with the illusion of depth and texture.

Wall Plane. The plane of a building wall is a plane
that extends from the ground to the top of each wall
of a structure along a straight line; does not include
the roof area.

B . Abbreviations
The abbreviations shall have the following meaning
or titles:

CDC: Concord Development Code
CDFW: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
LID: Low Impact Development
USDFW: U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit
CMX: Commercial Mixed-use
RM: Residential Medium Density
RH: Residential High Density
RL: Residential Low Density
RR: Rural Residential
PD: Planned Development
CO: Community Office
NC: Neighborhood Commercial
ODS: Objective Design Standards
SRO: Single-Room Occupancy hotels

78 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
C . References
McAlester, V., Matty, S. P ., Clicque, S., McAlester, A.

L. 1., Jarrett, L., & Rodriguez-Arnaiz, J. (2013). A field guide to American houses: the definitive guide to
identifying and understanding America’s domestic
architecture. Revised and expanded edition/second
edition. New York, Alfred A. Knopf.

Law Insider (2023) [A contract database and resource
center] Color sample clauses. https://www.lawinsider .
com/
D . Area Maps
Todos
Santos
Plaza
Bonifacio St
Pacheco StAdobe St
Concord Ave
Colfax St
East St
Mira Vi
sta Te
r
Ouimet Pl
Gran
tSt
California St
Galindo St
Central St
M
tDi
ablo
St
PortChica
go H
wy
Salvio St
Willow Pass Rd
Livery Ln
Harrison St
Clay Aly
Almond Ave
Bacon St
North Todos Santos Zoning District I
0 250 500125
Ft
S:\MapRequest\CED\Planning\DesignStandards\DesignStandardGuidelinesUpdate\DesignStandardGuidelinesUpdate.aprx Map Created: 7/17/2023
By GIS Division of Information Technology
Legend
NTS Zoning Boundary
North Todos Santos Parcels
Other

1. North Todos Santos Zoning District
Todos
Santos
Plaza
Bonifacio St
Pacheco StAdobe St
Concord Ave
Colfax St
East St
Mira Vi
sta Te
r
Ouimet Pl
Gran
tSt
California St
Galindo St
Central St
M
t Di
abl
o
St
PortChica
go H
wy
Salvio St
Willow Pass Rd
Livery Ln
Harrison St
Clay Aly
Almond Ave
Bacon St
North Todos Santos Zoning District I
0 250 500125
Ft
S:\MapRequest\CED\Planning\DesignStandards\DesignStandardGuidelinesUpdate\DesignStandardGuidelinesUpdate.aprx Map Created: 7/17/2023
By GIS Division of Information Technology
Legend
NTS Zoning Boundary
North Todos Santos Parcels
Other

Appendix ▪ 79

2. Downtown Specific Plan: Inner and Outer Core
A¿
Todos
Santos
Plaza
The Alameda
Willia
m
Way
Ellis St
De
troit Ave
Almond Ave
SanCarlosAve
Fry Way
Adelaide St
Pine St
OakmeadDr
Concord Blvd
Franquette A
ve
San
Mig
uel
Rd
Grove Way
Walnut Ave
Via De Mercados
Gatew
ay Blvd
Market St
Pacheco St
Adobe St
Concord Ave
Park St
Bonifacio St
Mira
Vis
taTe
r
Maria Ave
East St
Estates Ct
Coventry RdVerna Cir
Dennis Cir
Ouimet Pl
David Ct
Pamela Ct
Montebello C
t
Mount Ct
Verona Ct
Devon Ct
Lonee Ct
Oak St
Orchard Ave
Sunset
Ave
Crawford St
Consuelo Rd
Ascot Ct
Bisso Ln
Civic Ct
Cow
ell Rd
Fabian Way
Meadow
Ln
AlturaDr
Windsor
Pl
Gary
Dr
Marina Ct
Mt Diablo St
Carleton Dr
Esperanz
aDr
Po
rt Ch
icago Hwy
Mesa St
Wren Ave
Amado
rAve
Belmont R
d
Toyon Dr
DoverWay
Euclid Ave
Main Ave
Commerce Ave
Pa
rksideDr
Roslyn Dr
Vincente Rd
Blackfield Dr
Harrison St
Sutter
St
FirstS
t
CrossWay
Fremont St
San Jose Ave
Santa Clara Ave
Cord
ova Wa
y
Broa
dway St
Oakland Ave
Atlantic St
Prospect St
Clayton Rd
Pacific StExecutive
Ln
Marvell
e Ln
Grant St
Leonar
d Dr
Traynor Rd
Colfax St
SixthSt
FifthAve
Leland
W
ay
Alm
end
ra
Ct
Encima Dr
Salvio St
Willow Pass Rd
Third S
t
Livery Ln
Clay A
ly
Galaxy Wa
y
Oxford Pl
Deardorff Ln
Cambridge Pl
Fir StElm St
Date StCedar St
Arlington Rd
Beach St
Fifth St
Darle
neDr
Sinclair Ave
DavisAve
Bedford RdLexingto
nRd
StanfordSt
Kerman Dr
Wis ter
iaWay
Enc
l
ave Pl
Marilyn
W
ay
Waterworld
Pkwy
Todd Ave
Secon
d
St
Galaxy Ct
Gal
indo S
t
Bacon St
Wildewood Dr
California St
Ricardo D
r
Almar St
Ashbury
Dr
Waltham R
d
Lynn Ave
Hu
m
phrey
Dr
Monume
nt Blvd
Laguna St
Raven
wood Dr
Parkside Cir
Downtown Specific Plan: Inner and Outer Core I
0 500 1,000250
Feet
S:\MapRequest\CED\Planning\DesignStandards\DesignStandardGuidelinesUpdate\DesignStandardGuidelinesUpdate.aprx Map Created: 7/17/2023 By GIS Division of Information Technology
Legend
Inner Core
Outer Core
Downtown Specific Plan
Downtown Parcels
Todos Santos Plaza

80 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards

3. Eichler Neighborhoods
Farm
Bureau R
d
Denk
inger
Rd
Cowell
Rd
Chestnut Ave
TreatBl
vd
Babel Ln
Clayton Way
Clayton Rd
West St
Sale
m St
Wilson Ln
Wilson Ct
PlacerDr
Lan
cashi
reDr
Gainsborou
gh Dr
Nulty Dr
Sheridan Rd
Lilli
an Dr
We
sley Ct
Mendocino Dr
Sacramento St
Phoenix St
Merridan D
r
Barrington Dr
Eichler Neighborhoods I
0 500 1,000250
Feet
S:\MapRequest\CED\Planning\Housing\DesignStandards\EichlerNeighborhoods\EichlerNeighborhoods.aprx Map Created: 6/23/2023
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Legend
Eichler Properties
Parcels

Appendix ▪ 81

4. Special Neighborhood Design Treatments
Treat Bl
vd
Cowell Rd
Turtle Creek Rd
Farm Burea
uRd
ThornwoodDr
Denkinger
Rd
Chestnut Ave
Clayton Rd
Babel Ln
West St
West St
Sale
m St
Wilson Ln
Santa Fe Ct
Houston Ct
Wilson Ct
PlacerDr
Lan
cash
ireDr
Gainsborou
gh Dr
Nulty Dr
Sheridan Rd
Lillian Dr
Babel Ln
We
sley
Ct
Chestnut Ave Mendocino Dr
Sacramento St
Phoenix St
Merridan D
r
Barrington D
r
Joan Ct
Essex Ct
Rosal
Ave
CanterburyDr
Cape Cod Way
Ham
let D
r
Clayton Rd
Cobblestone Dr
Joan Ave
Huckleberry Dr
Pickwick Dr
Cob
blesto
neDr
Sherwo
odDr
Sh
ake
spe
areDr
Kensing
ton Dr
Sherwood Ct
Winder
mereWay
Chaucer Dr
Special Neighborhood Design Treatments I
0 500 1,000250
Feet
S:\MapRequest\CED\Planning\Housing\DesignStandards\EichlerNeighborhoods\EichlerNeighborhoods.aprx Map Created: 6/29/2023
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Legend
Eichler
Canterbury Village

82 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
E . Image Credits
Introduction Cover Page
Visit Concord
https://www.visitconcordca.com/outdoors/
Chapter 2: Citywide Objective Design Standards
Cover Page
Renaissance Square,
https://hotpads.com/renaissance-square-concord-ca-
94520-1umnwjf/pad
Figure 4. Common Open Spaces
Metal Architecture, Keller Courts Commons,
https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/2019-
mca-chairmans-awards
Figure 6. Pedestrian Access from Parking Garage to
Sidewalk
MIG
Figure 7. Indoor Bicycle Room
CycleSafe, MultiFamily Bike Lockers,
https://cyclesafe.com/bike-parking-solutions/multi-
family-bike-parking-solutions/
Figure 8. Bicycle Locker
Translink,
https://buzzer.translink.ca/2021/06/how-to-use-
translinks-on-demand-bike-lockers/
Figure 12. Roof with Articulated Saddles
TBD
Figure 13. Roof Materials and Color Consistent with
Material Palette
MIG
Figure 14. Window, Door Articulation for Porch and
Balcony
TBD
Figure 15. Architectural Detailing for Downtown
Buildings
MIG
Figure 16. Architectural Detailing with Canopies,
Balconies, Color Change, and Material Change for
Downtown Buildings
Google Map, Park Central Apartment homes,
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.972926,-
122.0340745,3a,90y,31.06h,96.04t/
Figure 17. Multiple Colors on Buildings of corridor
and Neighborhood Development that Include Earth
Tone Colors
TBD
Figure 18. Multiple Colors on Downtown Buildings
that are Consistent with Color Palette
Renaissance Square,
https://hotpads.com/renaissance-square-concord-ca-
94520-1umnwjf/pad
Figure 19. Tree’s 50’ Apart in Parking Lots
MIG
Figure 20. Parking Lots with Trees and Bioswales
MIG
Figure 21. Street Trees in Planter Strips
MIG
Figure 22. Street Trees in Narrow Planter Areas
Meeting Minimum Soil Volume Standards by Using
Structures Soil
MIG
Figure 23. California Native Planting
TBD
Figure 24. Raised Curb Separations
MIG
Figure 25. Metal Art Element
Allard Square,
https://www.conantmetalandlight.com/
Figure 26. Venetian Plaster
Exterior Venetian Plaster,
https://www.houzz.com/photos/exterior-venetian-
plaster-mediterranean-exterior-miami-phvw-
vp~27888905
Figure 27. EV Charging Stations
MIG
Figure 28. Ground Mounted Mechanical Equipment
Hayneedle,
https://www.hayneedle.com/tips-and-ideas/hiding-
outdoor-eyesores/
Figure 29. Sconce Exterior Fixture Light Respecting
the Architectural Style of Building
MIG
Figure 30. Bollard Lights along Pedestrian Paths
TBD
Figure 31. Illuminated Building Identification Visible
from Public Street
TBD
Figure 32. Ground Signs
City Of Concord
Figure 33. Fences Consistent with Architectural
Design and Material Palette
TBD

Appendix ▪ 83
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards Cover Page
The Grant,
https://www.brown-construction.com/projects/
multifamily/item/147-the-grant
Figure 37. Residential Entries Provided at Grade
MIG
Figure 38. Active Uses Along Street in Front of
Structured Parking
MIG
Figure 39. Parking Signage for Underground and
Podium Structures
MIG
Figure 40. Parking Warning Detail for Podium
Parking
MIG
Figure 46. Green Roof
TBD
Figure 48. Ground Floor Appearing Taller than 16’
TBD
Figure 49. Ground Floor Commercial Made Visually
Distinct Through Use of Different Color and Material
MIG
Figure 50. Ground Floor Commercial Articulated
with Belt Course, Recessed Doors, and Awnings
MIG
Figure 53. Mediterranean Revival Styled Building
MIG
Figure 56. Inner Core Window Recessed with Metal
Frames
MIG
Figure 57. Inner Core Windows Recessed with
Gridded Iron Work
MIG
Figure 58. Outer Core Windows on Upper Floors
with Large Spans and Minimal Recessed Frames
MIG
Figure 60. Stucco Material Less than 60% of Building
Exterior
MIG
Figure 61. New Material or Color Every 20’
MIG
Figure 62. Exterior Walls with Minimum 3 Earth
Tone color Palette
MIG
Figure 63. Landscaping with Pervious Surface and
Pavers
MIG
Figure 64. Landscape Vertical Elements
City of Concord
Figure 65. Raised Patio with Maximum Three (3)
Foot Tall Wooden Enclosures
TBD
Figure 66. Patios with a Locking Gate at Grade Level
Enclosed with Metal Railing, Concrete Wall and
Landscaping Area
MIG
Chapter 4: Corridor Standards Cover Page
Google Map, Park Central Apartment homes,
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.971821,-
122.0328208,3a,88.9y,324.07h,94.73t/
Figure 70. Sloping Carports Separated by
Landscaping
TBD
Figure 72. Balconies, Openings, and Elements for
Breaking the Mass of the Building
TBD
Figure 73. Roof Texture Consistent with
Architectural Materials Palette
MIG
Figure 74. Primary Entrances along Ground floor
with Porch Min. Four Feet (4) Deep and More than
Sixty-four Feet (64’) Sq Ft in Size
TBD
Figure 75. Trees in Front Yard along Sidewalk
TBD
Figure 76. Fencing with Change in Height and
Material
Cahill Park HOA,
https://www.siglercm.com/portfolio-items/cahill-
park/
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards Cover Page
Zillow,
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2820-Willow-
Pass-Rd-Concord-CA-94519/68038703_zpid/
Figure 78. Aerial View of Existing Neighborhood
TBD

84 ▪ Concord Objective Design Standards
Figure 79. Existing Housing Typology in
Neighborhood
Zillow,
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2805-Jefferson-
Ln-Concord-CA-94519/68040000_zpid/
Figure 81. Garage Entrance 16’ Wide
TBD
Figure 84. Changing Roof Profiles with Multiple
Roof Forms
TBD
Figure 85. Exterior Wall with Three colors Including
Trim
TBD
Figure 87. Housing Typology in North Todos Santos
Neighborhood
TBD
Figure 88. Housing Typology in North Todos Santos
Neighborhood
TBD
Figure 89. Housing Typology in North Todos Santos
Neighborhood
TBD
Figure 90. Housing Typology in North Todos Santos
Neighborhood
TBD
Figure 92. Homes in Eichler Neighborhood
TBD
Figure 93. Homes in Eichler Neighborhood
Concord Eichler Homes,
https://www.eichlerforsale.com/concord-eichlers/
Figure 94. Homes in Eichler Neighborhood
Visit Concord,
https://www.visitconcordca.com/things-to-do/visual-
arts/architecture/
Figure 95. Homes in Eichler Neighborhood
https://theglassbox.typepad.com/my-blog/2014/07/
concord-eichler-for-sale-peaceful-setting-loads-of-
potential.html
Figure 97. Housing Typology in Canterbury Village
TBD
Figure 98. Housing Typology in Canterbury Village
Compass,
https://www.compass.com/listing/1301-windermere-
way-concord-ca-94521/1005844157803185369/
Figure 100.Landscaped Front Yards
TBD
Figure 101 Fencing and Change in Plane and
Material
TBD
Chapter 6: Special Case Standards Cover Page
Google Map,
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.9626481,-
121.9805046,3a,75y,169.18h,89.93t/
data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1squNE4JcioeO-9hX3xcOZyw!2e
0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

Appendix ▪ 85

ANNOTATED AGENDA
DRAFT
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Civic Center
Kirk Shelby, Chair Permit Center Conference Room
Jill Finn, Vice Chair 1950 Parkside Drive
Jason Laub Concord, CA 94519
Ronald Leone www.cityofconcord.org
Jack Moore
Regular Meeting of the
City of Concord
Design Review Board
Thursday,
July 13, 2023 5:30 p.m.

1. ROLL CALL
Board Members Present: J. Finn, J. Laub, R. Leone, J. Moore, K. Shelby Board Members Absent: None
Staff Present: S. Watkins, S. Watkins, J. Ryan
Audience Attendance: 4

2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: None

3. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. 6/8/23 Meeting Minutes
ACTION: Approved 3-0 (Leone motioned, Moore seconded)
Abstain: J. Laub, K. Shelby

4. STAFF REPORTS – None

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Ross and dd’s Discount Master Sign Program Amendment (PL23025 – DR) – Considering recommending approval of Design and Site Review (Pl23025) – DR) for a Master Sign Program Amendment for Ross and dd’s Discount on a 3.8-acre site located at 2250 Monument Boulevard. The General Plan designation is Regional Commercial; Zoning classification is Attachment 2

ANNOTATED AGENDA
DRAFT
RC (Regional Commercial); APN 129-170-026. Project Planner: Joan Ryan @ (925) 671-3370 or [email protected]
ACTION: Recommended for approval 4-1 (Leone motioned, Finn seconded), with the following conditions:
 On the monument ground sign, move the address number to the top of the sign, with a maximum total 6 foot, 10 inch sign height.  On the front facade, examine eliminating the orphan windows on each side of sign box (either through extending sign box or extending masonry block, similar to other side of windows).  Lifestyle signs shall specifically relate to products that are sold from the businesses.
 Examine the situation of the building permit having been already approved with the sign box. Staff to follow up with an update to the Board at a future meeting as a staff announcement.
 Under Canopy signs are allowed to be larger for major tenant(s) than for minor tenants, the larger Ross sign (7.2 sq. ft.) was found acceptable.

6. CORRESPONDENCE
A. Objective Design Standards (PL23101 - DR) – Considering recommendations for a Correspondence Item (PL23101 – DR) for the City’s Objective Design Standards project to amend the City’s Development Code with a new Chapter 18.152 Objective Design Standards, and incorporate by reference the 2023 Objective Design Standards. Project Planner: Joan Ryan @ (925) 671-3370 or [email protected]
ACTION: The Board provided the following comments: 1) define “secure” ground floor access for gates, 2) clarify whether use of spandrel lines constitutes as a blank wall, 3) examine the lists of architectural design elements to assess economics/costs of the various options to avoid situations where developers just choose the two least expensive items, 4) provide a more representative photo of a patio enclosure, 5) provide a name for the remainder of the Downtown for areas not in the Inner and Outer Core, 6) examine ways through massing and articulation to address having multiple unit buildings blend in with other single family buildings (i.e. having a four- plex that has the appearance of a large single family home), 7) ensure all aspects of sketch drawings are consistent with standards; 8) re- examine distances to trash enclosures, as the proposed may not be realistic.

7. BOARD CONSIDERATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: None

8. STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Design Review Board meeting was scheduled for July 27 and the potential items for review includes a correspondence item for Chick fil-A. Staff will reschedule the Chick fil-A correspondence item until another project is ready for review. On July 5, 2023 Planning Commissioner Raymond Barbour took the Oath of Office. The July 19th 2023 Planning Commission meeting will include the appointment of a Design Review Board representative. Staff announced that Ms. Villa has retired from the City of Concord, effective Wednesday July 5th.

9. ADJOURNMENT: 8:00 p.m.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting
Date: July 27, 2023

ADA NOTICE
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Law, it is the policy of the City of Concord to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. If you are disabled and require a copy of a public hearing notice, or an agenda and/or agenda packet in an appropriate alternative format; or if you require other accommodation, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (925) 671-3243, at least five days in advance of the hearing. Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
Page # Comments Submitted prior
to 8/8 PC meeting
City staff and consultant Response/Recommendation Incorporated into 8/22 ODS
document

properties have been defined in Appendix
No change

would require a curved
building?
No change. Maintain proposed standard. No change

provided with “demonstrate
potential”; either eliminate
or set reasonable standard.

Modify language as per following.
"Projects shall demonstrate potential energy
generation capacity consistent with the
statewide building standards code through a
recognized assessment method or calculation tool of
either the Title 24 Section 140.10 equation, the total of all available Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) multiplied
by 14 W/ft2, the Solar Assessment Tool, or the
PVWatts® Calculator, and/or passive use of sunlight
through analysis or calculation of either a daylight
analysis per room or window area by floor area per
room."
Yes

determined? In particular on
a full block.

Modify: ‘Primary’ word has been taken out, but is also
defined in definitions.

Yes

what document, as related
to “identified bicycle route”.

Modify: Footnote to be added to City’s Bicycle,
Pedestrian and Safe Routes to Transit document online
with hyperlink.

Yes

have the effect of requiring
all tracts to have sidewalks
on both sides of streets and
may make some infill sites
infeasible to design to
comply with the ODS.

Reconsider this language /
effect.

No change. Maintain proposed standard. No change

must be provided” too
subjective, subsurface
always possible, just a cost
issue.

Modify: revised to: “Where surface parking is provided
due to the presence of…”
Yes

building entry” Is this
defined? What about
buildings with multiple entry
points?
Modification to: “primary or main building entry.” Yes

Suggest removal of this as
landscaping is not a
permanent solution if not
maintained.

City has property maintenance agreements to enforce
upon.

No change

vines” Consider a permanent
Substitute: three (3) foot high shrubs, grasses and/or
vines at maturity
Yes
Attachment 3

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
screen solution/material
instead of plants that can be
temporary.

How is this defined?
Otherwise, may be
subjective.

Add: (LRV-Light reflective value of 60% or below) after “light-absorbing”.

Yes
Page
10 B.1.b.ii “other similar
building elements”. Too
subjective.

Add: and/or projecting windows after “recessed
windows”.

Yes
Page
10 B.1.c “other similar building
elements”. Too subjective.

Add: and projecting building elements after “Bay
windows”.

Yes
Page
11 2.a “shall be integrated into
the design”. Too subjective.

Delete: integrated into the design or after “shall be.” Yes Page
11 2.b “Similar slope”. Too
subjective.

Delete: Similar slope to and change to “Same slope as”. Yes Page
11 2.b.ii. “Similar material
shape”. Too subjective.

Delete: Similar materials shape and change to “Same
size and shape as”.

Yes
Page
11 2.b.iv. “up to ten (10)
percent” 10 percent of
what? this isn’t measurable.

Add: difference between the two, after “up to ten (10)
percent”; and footnote Encycolorpedia for use as tool.

Yes
Page
11 2.c. “any street frontage” ?
this isn’t measurable.

Suggest changing to all street
frontage
Modify: any to “all street frontages using at least…” Yes Page
11 2.c. options i. – vi. Does not
include roof parapets.

Suggest adding parapets.

Add: vii. Roof parapets Yes
Page
11 2.g. shall be incorporated in
the interior design of the
wall – recommends “not be
allowed on the exterior of
the building.”
Add: and not be allowed on the exterior of the building – after “design of the wall”.

Yes
Page
11 2.h. Standard is subjective Modify to clarify: Roof materials and colors shall be included on the material and color palette to ensure
consistency with building palette.

Yes
Page
12 3a. Windows and Doors - a
minimum of three (3) of the
following – Suggest requiring
2, as 3 will be too busy for
some architectural styles.

No change. Maintain proposed standard. No change
Page
12 3c. Weather protection shall
be provided at individual
residential unit entries…”in
the form of a projection”,
such as an overhang. –
Specify minimum width and
depth, otherwise one could
argue a 2-inch foam pop-out
on a plaster building checks
this box.

Add: at a minimum depth of 36 inches after “in the
form of a projection” to provide specific guidance.

Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
Page
12 4. Garage doors. Doors shall
include “raised panel doors”
This doesn’t seem
appropriate, not always the
best solution even for SFD.

However, this is Citywide
Standard and wouldn’t be
appropriate for a garage
door on a large multifamily
Modify: Text modified in two ways:

First sentence deleted; Second sentence modified to
say ‘at least one’ of the following approaches;
Yes
Page
12 4. Garage doors. Using a
minimum of two of the
following approaches. The
list options do not seem
appropriate as a city-wide
standard. These seem
appropriate for SFD/s as an
example, but not a large,
downtown apartment
building.

Modify to clarify: Add ‘for individual residential units on the ground floor’ after garage doors. Reduced the
number of approaches to one (above).

Yes
Page
12 5a. Balconies – “No glass or
plexiglass shall be used.”
Glass balcony walls can be
beautiful and are commonly
used in high-quality
architectural settings.

Suggest eliminating this
sentence.

No change, based on prior guidance of the Ad-Hoc. No change Page
13 6a. Architectural Detailing –
“Detailed drawings shall
indicate how sheet or
panelized materials will be
joined and how lines formed
by control joints related to
other architectural details
shall be provided.” Fine to
require these details, but no
objective standard is being
set, so is this necessary?
Modify with more specific and objective text, as
follows: “Along any exterior building walls, material
transitions shall only occur on the inside corner of plane change or, when material changes need to happen in
the same plane, trims, cornices, or other architectural elements shall be used to create a corner for material
transition.”
Yes
Page
14 7b.i. VOS should read VOC Modify to correct (typo) Yes Page
14 7b.iv. “Northern California
Area” Needs to be defined.

Modify to Nine-County Bay Area Yes
Page
14 Table 1 – under roofing; 1)
don’t think composition is
available in metal; 2) Key:
“Accent only” how is accent
defined? Seems it needs to
have a percentage of surface
area set, e.g. 25%; 3)
Standing seam metal roofing,
currently not allowed; it
seems this can be a high
Modify to a) remove metal in Composition line, b)
define Accent; c) Standing Seam Metal Roof to remain
as not allowed; and d) review Green building material
and modify as needed.

Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
quality, beautiful roof for
some architecture, suggest
allowing for some areas.

Lastly, 4) green building
material, don’t believe
concrete or laminate
products are green
materials, suggest removing
asterisk and note.

Page
15 8a. Remove and footnote
instead.
“Encycolorpedia.com may be
utilized as a tool to assist
with color selection.” And
add “or similar websites”
after Encycolorpedia.

Modify section 8a, per the underline.

Add a footnote (as suggested) after the second
sentence.

Yes
Page
15 8e. “…earthtone color (as
defined in definitions on
page 76), as a primary
building color”.

Modify section 8e, per the underline. Yes
Page
15 8f. Neon or fluorescent
colors including bright
“yellow, green, purple, and
pink” are prohibited. Why
are neon blue or red ok, but
these are not. Consider
revising or striking.

Modify section 8e, per the strike-out text. Yes
Page
15 8g. Roofing materials shall be
within the “grey, brown, or
terra cotta family of colors” -
not appropriate for large flat
roofs such as a large
apartment building. These
roofs should be white or
light to reduce heat island
effect.
.

Modify section 8g, with the addition: “Those areas not
visible from the public right of way, including flat roofs, may be white or light color to reduce heat island
effect.”
Yes
Page
16 C1a. Standard - doesn't seem
this standard accomplishes
anything. Nice info to have,
but there's no standard to
measure against or check off
here... consider eliminating.

Deleted standard as the information is already required with City’s Tree Removal Application Permit and/or
Design and Site Review Applications.

Yes
Page
16 C1d. “at a minimum height
of thirty (30) inches at plant
maturity to block headlight
glare to seventy (70) percent
light transmission and shall
be planted…
Modify section C1d, per the underline. Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
Page
16 C1e. – strike “where
applicable”.

Modify section C1e, per the italics. Yes
Page
16 C1g. – the list implies all
need to be accomplished and
doesn’t make sense.

Modify section C1g, Reduce to “two (2) of the
following elements”
Yes
Page
16 C1i Pool areas shall
incorporate “a minimum of
twenty (20) percent shaded
areas relative to the
combined size of the pool
and deck area….” Add during
the period 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

How is this evaluated? For
example, can shade from an
adjacent building during a
certain time of day be
utilized? Solid, permanent
shade structure? Movable
umbrellas?
Modify section C1i, per the underline. This pertains to landscape section, so referring to landscaping.

Yes
Page
17 2a) iv. In all situations,
sufficient soil base, as
outlined in Table 2 below,
specific organic mulch, root
barriers and tree grates flush
with the sidewalk surface
shall be incorporated for
street trees.” Table 2 Small,
Medium and Large to be
replace with sizes.

Modify section C2a) iv. per the strike-out/underline.

Modify table to 15 gallon, 24-inch box and 36-inch box, rather than small, medium large.

Yes
Page
18 3a. “California native plants”
- specify some percentage?
Section references CDC Chapter 18.170 which is the
City’s Water efficient landscaping which references
State Ordinance, no need to update.

No change
Page
18 3b. “appropriate” organic
material
Modify section 3b to eliminate “appropriate”. Yes
Page
18 3c. Root bound plants or
“plants which show effects of
insect or disease infestation
are prohibited” I would think
this would apply to all plants,
consider changing wording
or eliminating.

Section 3c – retain wording as is. No change
Page
18 3d. “Raised curbs (of 6
inches) shall be used to
separate all planters from
streets, parking and loading
areas.” Consider specifying
minimum height of curb.

Section 3dc – Add underlined language for clarity; but
this is a standard condition of approval.

Yes
Page
18 4. Water Conservation. –
“Greywater shall be planned
for a portion of outdoor
watering.” Needs more
Section 4a – Currently limited only to those projects
50,000 sq. ft. and larger within proximity of purple pipe to front or rear of site. Retain existing language.

No change

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
definition/clarity. This may
be tough and expensive,
reconsider for Citywide.

Page
20 3b. EV Charging Stations.
“For lots with more than one
hundred (100 parking spaces,
EV charging spaces shall be
consolidated in no more than
two (2) locations.” What
about multi-level (think 5+)
parking garages in an
apartment building, EV
stations should be provided
on each level, but this
standard wouldn't allow
that. Consider revising.

Modify Section 3b – by adding second sentence:
“Charging stations within parking garages shall be
provided on all floors, where practicable, with chargers being installed on a minimum of two floors.”
Yes
Page
20 4g. Utility Equip. “Located at
least five feet from the
public right of way and
screened….” This seems it
should be item iii. of item f.

Modify Section 4g – modified as 4giii. Rest of section as have been renumbered.

Yes
Page
21 4h. Utility and Mechanical
Equipment. “Screening
method shall include gated
outdoor rooms or screening
behind wing walls treated as
an integral part of the
elevations.” Subjective
Modify Section 4h based on underlining. Yes
Page
21 4j. “if using copper gutters or
downspouts they shall be
treated as a design element
with a consistent trim color”.

Does this mean raw copper
that patinas over time isn’t
allowed?
Modify Section 4j based on strikeout/underlining. Yes
Page
21 4k. “consistent with those
colors and materials utilized
within the architectural
design palette.” Subjective
Modify Section 4k based on underlining. Yes
Page
21 5a. Lighting. “unless on a
green roof or occupied roof,
where downlighting shall be
used. Many apartment
buildings have rooftop
spaces which require
lighting.

Modify Section 5a based on underlining. Yes
Page
21 5b. Lighting. “Sconce exterior
fixtures shall be the same
style as the building’s
exterior….”. Seems
subjective. Light fixtures are
not sold with labels of
Modify Section 5b. They may not be sold with styles,
but google searches will result in categories of lighting by styles. No change needed.

No change

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
architectural styles. Also,
many modern buildings to
not clearly fit into a defined
style.

Page
22 6b. Addresses. “New
buildings shall be provided
with approved address
identification. Also, “four (4)
inches high with a minimum
stroke width of one-half inch
and have a seventy (70)
percent contrast with the
background color.” Also,
“Where required by ……. The
Fire Protection District,
address identification shall
be provided in additional
approved locations to
facilitate emergency
response, consistent with
State building code.

Modify Section 6b based on redline/strikeout and
additional change below: Illuminated address
identification consistent with Central Contra Costa
County Fire Protection District requirements.

Add footnote about the 70% contrast.

Yes
Page
22 7a. “External Raceways on
wall mounted signs shall be
prohibited. ”
Modify Section 7a based on underlining. Yes
Page
23 8a. “A wood fence finished
on both sides, shall be
provided along the exterior
property lines….” Unclear
Modify Section 8a based on strike-out Yes
Page
23 8b.”Fences or walls attached
to buildings and visible from
any public ROW or open
space shall be of a color,
material, or and detail within
the design palette…”.

Subjective and potentially
undesirable. Example photo
seems to contradict the
standard.

Modify Section 8b – Modify “and” to “or” to provide
more flexibility.

Yes
Ch. 3 Downtown Standards
Page
28 18b.”If a building has retail
space at the ground floor on
a primary street, the building
shall be setback a minimum
of two (2) feet and a
maximum of five (5) feet
from the property line”.

Primary how defined? This
conflicts with, and therefore
overrides, the Downtown
Design Guidelines which
promotes zero setback. Zero
Modify Section 1b – Modify to remove “primary” as the
standard would apply to all streets. Yes, second part of standard would override current zoning, ODS team
believes is acceptable to highlight such retail areas and support outdoor dining.

Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
setback seems appropriate in
Downtown.

Page
28 1c.”Residential entries for
ground floor units with
access from the street, shall
be provided secure access at
grade, to promote
accessibility.” This seems to
prohibit an entry with a
raised stoop or with a step
up. Reconsider.

Retain Section 1c – Due to ADA issues this would
prevent a raised stoop. No change.

No change
Page
29 2a.i.”Active uses and
storefronts shall be located
along street frontages,
between group parking
structures areas and the
pedestrian walkway.” This
seems to prohibit surface
parking. I don’t think this is
appropriate for every single
site in the large expanded
downtown area. For
example, a small townhome
project shouldn’t require
structured parking its cost
prohibitive.

Modify Section 2a.i. – Modify text as per the following:

Remove the first sentence; In the second sentence,
replace parking structures with parking ‘areas’
Yes
Page
29 2a.ii. “Parking located such
that it is fronting onto a
pedestrian route along Grant
Street and/or Oak Street to
the BART station is
prohibited.” Subjective and
could arguably be every
street in the downtown
unless defined.

Modify Section 2a.ii. – Replace with the underlined
text.

Yes
Page
29 2a.iii. ”In shared ramp
garage conditions, secure
access for residential parking
shall be provided via a
parking and traffic control
barrier arm or gate with
electronic or similar controls
for separation from
commercial uses.” Should
be garage (not ramp). Also,
strike or add “or gate”. Most
are completely separated via
a fence and automatic gate,
not just a control arm.

Modify Section 2a.iii. – to make underlined changes. Yes Page
32 2c. ”Rooftop gardens or
common open space…” This
is a significant cost to all
Modify Section 2c. – Remove standard since we have
standard 2d related to market rate housing
Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
projects over 3 stories.

Reconsider.
and “25% of usable rooftop
area..” Define usable
rooftop area.

Page
32 2d. ”All rooftops for market
rate….” While I'm a huge fan
of green roofs, especially
productive vegetable uses,
consider an exemption for
roofs that are filled with
building mechanical, solar or
other active spaces.
.

Retain as is Section 2d. – Recommend retaining the
standard as is; it specifies market rate housing, and the bar is not excessive at 20%. Solar panels can go on
green roofs.

No change
Page
32 2e. ”A roof proposed at a
location where it will be
viewed by occupants of
adjacent taller buildings….”
"will be viewed by occupants
of adjacent taller buildings,"
when? At some point in the
future, this is likely to be true
for most buildings. May be
short-sighted to think of this
as occupants of existing,
taller buildings.
2e.i.”Color in the
architectural design
materials palette.” If you're
going to require color in the
green roof this implies it's
not vegetated and is actually
a hardscape material?
2e.iii. “as a material in the
architectural design
materials palette.” Same
comment. .

Modify Section 2e. – Recommend keeping proposed
standard. The roofscape includes a green roof but could also have hardscape components like strolling paths,
sitting areas, play areas, etc. We are requesting that the color and texture of these elements be consistent with
the overall design materials palette.

For both 2ei and 2eiii, we can add the following:
“color/texture of the hardscape elements to be same as
the architectural design palette”.

Yes
Page
33 3a. ”Figure 48….” While I
agree with the architectural
approach to make the
ground floor appear to be
taller than 16 feet, the
example image very likely is
in conflict with this standard.

The example image uses the
facade to make the ground
floor appear taller than it
and the floor plate appears
Modify Section 3a. – Modify language to say ‘shall
appear to be at least sixteen (16) feet’…
Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
to be well-below the min 16'
requirement (likely 10').

Consider re-wording the
standard to match the
example.

Page
33 3b. ”The ground floor shall
be expressed through use of
any one of the following
different, low maintenance
materials of the following
type iv. Board-formed
concrete; v. Tile or glass Use
of a second material shall be
allowed with at least 15% of
the surface area….” Identify
that this may be
accomplished by any 1 of
these materials. Board-
formed concrete, tile and
glass at a minimum should
also be included. Also,
consider specifying a
percentage of surface area
required or allowing multiple
materials.

Modify Section 3a. – per the underlined text. Yes
Page
34 3i. “A wide architectural
band (through color or
materials) above the first
floor…” Band of what?
Material change? Color
change? Also, may not be a
favourable standard for all
buildings, consider removing.

Modify Section 3i. – per the underline. Yes
Page
34 3j.”v. Window signage and
vi. Window display” If these
are utilized to satisfy this
requirement, could look
sloppy and too busy.

Modify Section ji. – to combine into v. Window signage
and/or display. Concord has maximum 10% window
signage.

Yes
Page
41 8a.”An earthtone color
palette…” See other
comments in document
about earth tone colors and
referencing
encycolorpedia.com
Modify Section 8a. – modify to “Encycolorpedia.com or
similar websites may be utilized.

Yes
Page
43 2b. Patio Enclosure ”Patios
at grade level, directly facing
the public right-of-way, shall
be enclosed with a minimum
five (5) foot tall, solid metal,
wood and/or other material
consistent with the building
material palette, with a
Modify Section 2b. – per the underlined text. Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
locking gate for access to
public right of way, if a
pathway connection is
provided.” The image
example doesn't reflect this
standard text... the text
requires a 5' tall solid
material. While the image
looks nice, the text would
create a wall likely right on
the property line. I don't
think this would be desirable
- consider alternate text or
eliminate this requirement.

Page
43 3a.”shall be located in alleys
or on secondary streets (see
definitions).” Is this
defined? What about a full
city block project with all
major streets on every side?
Modify Section 3a. – Modify to add underlining. Yes
Ch. 4 Corridor Standards
Page
51 C1a.”away from the back of
the sidewalk,” Typo.

Modify Section C1a. – Modify to add underlining. Yes
Ch. 5 Neighborhood Standards
Page
56 A1b.”Corner side yard and
side-yard setback areas and
building elevations should
shall be treated with the
same level of design
emphasis as the front yard
setback and front building
elevation to ensure similar
quality, where visible from
public right of way.”
Subjective
Modify Section A1b. – Modify to add underlining. Yes
Page
57 2bvii.”Garage entrance shall
be set back to match the
minimum setback for the site
or a minimum of twenty (20)
feet from the property line,
whichever is less…” Suggest
making this minimum
dimension to match the
minimum front yard setback
or 20 feet, whichever is less.

Modify Section 2bvii. – Modify to add underlining. Yes Page
58 B1a.”All individual residential
units shall appear as
separate buildings by using
at least one (1) two (2) of the
following approaches:”
Suggest two for this
standard.

Modify Section B1a. – per the edits shown. Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
Ch. 6 Special Case Standards
No comments
A Appendix
Page
76 “Earth Tone” This is pretty
loose…Not sure this can be
defined well. Consider
removing this requirement
or defining better.

Retain as is Section B1a. – Reviewed and no changes
recommended.

No
Comments Submitted at 8/8
PC meeting
Page
11 Roofing – On flat roofs solar
shall be mounted so as not
to be seen.

Add comment in section 2, Citywide. Yes
Page
16 Landscaping - “Parking
spaces adjacent to a
landscape finger shall have a
minimum 18-inch wide
paved surface to allow for
stepping out of a vehicle.”
Add comment in section C1, per the underlining.

Yes
Page
17 Landscaping – “Street trees
that drop pods or other fruit
shall be prohibited along the
public right of way.”
Add comment in section 2c, per the underlining. Yes
Page
19 Loading, Service – “Within a
side yard of the home
behind a minimum six (6)-
foot tall masonry wall or
fence.”
Modify in section C2aiii, per the underlining Yes
Page
20 Utility and Mechanical – “By
a framed welded wire (no
chain link) or louvered trellis
system….”
Modify section 4.d., per the underlining Yes
Page
23 Fencing and Retaining Walls
– “If a noise study is
required, masonry walls or
fences shall be
constructed….”
Modify in section 8c., per the underlining Yes
Comments from 8/16 Ad-
hoc meeting

second sentence to C.b.
“Staff is authorized to
update the 2023 City of
Concord Objective Design
Standards by including
additional illustrations that
improve the usability of the
document, to the extent
such additions are in strict
compliance with the 2023
City of Concord Objective
Modify in section C.b., per the underlining Yes

Planning Commission comments, August 8, 2023
Ad-hoc comments, August 16, 2023
Design Standards, as
adopted by Ordinance No.
23-XX.”

sentence under asterisk at
bottom of page under
Implementation: “Photos are
illustrative for conceptual
purposes, the text shall
prevail.”
Modify in section C., per the underlining Yes
Page
19 Public Art – Change Public
Art to “Wall Detailing” and
add iv. Mosaics (allowable
materials: glass, tile, stone)
Modify in section 1a., per the underlining Yes
Page
43 Patios – Item 2c add “Patios
facing an inner courtyard,
behind a project fence or
wall that are not located
along a public right-of-way,
shall have greater flexibility
for enclosure with a
minimum 42-inch tall semi-
translucent enclosure made
of material consistent with
the building material
palette.”
Modify in section 2c., per the underlining Yes

Objective Design Standards
Development Code Amendment PL23101-DR
Joan Ryan
Principal Planner
City Council
August 22, 2023

Background
2 Design Review Board and Planning Commission have been an integral part of the process in the preparation of the outline and chapters for the Objective Design Standards. • April 6, 2022 – Joint HED, PC and DRB meeting, kick-off. • August 29, 2022 – Development of outline for the ODS document (DRB). • October 13, 2022 – Review of potential Downtown and Neighborhood standards (DRB).
• November 17, 2022 – Review of potential Corridors and Special Case standards (DRB).
• December 22, 2022 – Planning Commission review of working draft. • February 23, 2023 – Senate Bill 9 discussion on urban lot splits/2-unit projects (DRB).

Background
3 • May 2, 2023 – City Council study session to review progress and standards. • May 9, 2023 – Mayor appointed Ad-hoc committee (Mayor, Obringer).

Ad-hoc committee meetings:
• May 30, 2023 – Ordinance language, maps, neighborhood treatments, SB-9, implementation. • June 5 – Window placement, patio enclosures, EV chargers, garages, transitional standards. • June 12 – Review of modified language from prior two meetings and detailed review of standards. • July 13, 2023 – DRB review of Administrative Draft.
• Aug. 8 – Planning Commission adopted (3-0) Resolution 23-10PC recommending the City Council approve an Ordinance Amending the City’s Development Code (Title 18) by adding Chapter 18.152 (Objective Design Standards with recommended modifications for consideration.

Project Goals
4 • Support Concord’s tradition of high quality design with creative, economically feasible, and sustainable standards.
• Establish standards to apply to residential housing development projects when the City’s discretionary review is limited or prohibited. • Generating standards that support the requirements of state law to streamline housing production.
• Maintain consistency with City’s Housing Element Update (2023-2031).

When do the standards apply?
5 • When City’s discretionary review is limited or prohibited. • State laws that limit the City to the application of ODS include the Housing Accountability Act, Senate Bill (SB 25) (Streamlining), SB 330 (Housing Crisis Act), SB 9 (HOME Act), AB 2011 and SB 6 (Mixed Use/Commercial) projects and other qualifying affordable housing projects.
• In general, this applies to multi-family residential projects, emergency shelters, SROs, group housing, and to new units constructed under SB 9.

Revisions/updates - resulting from Ad-Hoc Committee
6 • Updates to incorporate previous DRB and PC comments; • Updates to gap areas within the City’s code: bike storage, materials for retaining and perimeter walls, and limitations on types of signs;
• Clarifications have been made in terms of where the Corridors Chapter applies; • Neighborhoods map has been removed in favor of a textual description; • Special case map has been removed in favor of a broader textual description; • SB 9 projects have moved from the Special Case chapter to the Neighborhoods;

Revisions/updates – resulting from Ad-Hoc Committee
7 • Special design treatment section has been added to the Neighborhoods Chapter for the North Todos Santos, Eichler, and Canterbury neighborhoods to retain the character of those areas (ODS is for new projects only); • The Special Case chapter is focused on sensitive transitions between abutting properties and also has standards specific to emergency shelters, SROs, and group housing;
• Standards for Inner and Outer Core areas have been modified to meet the intent of the original guidelines with additional language and graphics in the Downtown chapter; and
• Additional photos were added to retain more Concord influence in the document.

Revisions/updates – per DRB Meeting
8 • Clarified “secure” ground floor access; (p. 28) and clarified that use of expansion joint lines does not obviate requirements for public art on a blank, flat wall; (p. 19) • Provided more representative photos for patio enclosure; (p. 28, 40, 43) • Clarified downtown components: Inner Core, Outer Core and Remainder; (p. 27) • Examined ways to also support allowing multiple unit buildings blend in with other single-family homes (rather than detached units on same parcel); (p. 56, 65) • Updated sketches to ensure aspects are consistent with standards; (p. 30, 31, 46, 54)

Revisions/updates – per PC Meeting (Aug. 8)
9 Attachment 3 to report includes the proposed Planning Commission modifications, which fell into three categories and were reviewed by the Ad-hoc committee on August 16:
• Typos, clarifications, additions that have now been incorporated into the document.
• Standards that were at odds with prior Ad-Hoc direction and not included. • Standards for Ad-hoc consideration that were reviewed on August 16 for their input, and the table (Att. 3) and document were subsequently updated.

Implementation
10 Should you adopt tonight, Second reading of the Ordinance – September 26, 2023 Ordinance effective, 30 days later, October 26, 2023
Implementation
• Preparation of checklists, update to website, social media push, staff training during Aug. – Sept. and initiate first reviews in October 2023.

Ongoing
• Update to be provided to City Council on implementation – by September 2024, followed by any necessary amendments, as appropriate, but no later than September 2025.

Recommendation
11 Introduce and consider an Ordinance Amending the Concord Municipal Code (Title 18) by adding Chapter 18.152 – Objective Design Standards (2023-2031 Housing Element Objective 15.3) to ensure quality, economically feasible, and sustainable design when state law or local regulations require a ministerial review and approval process.

MIG Presentation
• Mukul Malhotra, Principal, Director of Urban Design
• Christine Thompson, Director of Sustainability/Urban Planning and Design

ODS Illustrated Standards
August 2023
CITY OF CONCORD | CONCORD OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS PROJECT

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards
Companion Document: Cover & Chapters
11

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards
Companion Document: Standards
12

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 13
Companion Document: Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 14
Representative Projects
Chapter 2: Citywide Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 15
A. Site Plan:

1. Site Planning and Orientation
c. Allowed projections of steps, stoops, porches,
patios, and terraces into the required building setback are specified pursuant to CDC Section 18.150.140.
d. A common entry lobby shall face the street for
residential buildings that have a shared common entry
to multiple units.
e. Direct pedestrian access shall be provided to
connect any adjacent sidewalk and the primary
building entry. In the case of multiple individual ground floor residential entries, direct pedestrian access shall be provided for each building entry. For mixed-use
projects, commercial uses on corner properties shall
include direct pedestrian access only from the front, or corner side property line.

Chapter 2: Citywide Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 16
b. ii. Bicycle locker minimum requirements:
a. Dimensions of forty-t wo (42) inches wide,
seventy-five (75) inches deep, and fifty-four
(54) inches high.
b. Must withstand a load of at least two hundred
(
200) pounds per square foot.
c. Opened door must withstand at least a five
h
undred (500)-pound vertical load. (Figure 7)
A. Site Plan:

2. Parking
Chapter 2: Citywide Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 17
d. Roof profiles (for high slope roofs, the eave, and for low slope and flat roofs, the top) shall be vertically
articulated along any street frontage using at least one (1) type of the following architectural elements and/or elements that are integral to the selected architectural style:
i. Articulated saddles (Figure 12)
ii. Gables
iii. Hip and valleys
iv. Dormers
v. Shed
vi. Eave overhang of a minimum of eighteen (18)
inches with exposed rafters or roof brackets. (Figure
13)
vi. Roof parapets
B. Architectural/Building Design:

2. Roof Treatments
Chapter 2: Citywide Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 18
Chapter 2: Citywide Standards
a. Blank, flat walls (inclusive of expansion joints) with a minimum dimension of forty (40) feet in any direction
shall be treated with at least of one of the following
three decorative treatments:
i. Patterned stencil
ii. Metal art element (Figure 25)
iii. Venetian Plaster (Figure 26)
iv. Mosaics (allowable materials: glass, tile, stone)
D. Detailing:

1. Wall Detailing

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 19
Chapter 2: Citywide Standards
j. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
units located on exterior walls or patios of
multi-family projects shall be screened from
view by screen walls, decorative railings, or
screens, consistent with those colors and
materials utilized within the architectural
design palette. (Figure 28)
D. Detailing:

4. Utility & Mechanical Equipment

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 20
Chapter 3: Downtown Map

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards
21 Chapter 3: Typical Downtown Multi-Family Type Building

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 22
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
A. Site Plan:

1. Site Planning and Orientation
a. In the event of any conflicts with these objective design standards and the setback requirements in CDC Section

18.45.030, T able: 18.45.030, the Downtown standards within this document shall prevail. If a multi-family building has individual residential entrances at the ground floor on a street, buildings shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the property line to allow for front yards, porches, and stoops.(Figure 36)
b. If a building has retail space at the ground floor on a primary street, the building shall be setback a minimum of two (2) feet and a maximum of five (5) feet from the property line. c. Residential entries for ground floor units with access from the street, shall be provided secure access at grade, to promote accessibility and pedestrian activity at the street level. These may be in addition to a common entry or lobby location via a hallway. (Figure 37)

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 23
a. After two hundred (200) feet of continuous
building length, a mid-block courtyard space of a
minimum area of three hundred (300) square
feet shall be used to relieve the building mass
and add variation. (Figure 41)
b. All building walls shall be broken up using a
change in the wall plane that is a minimum of
twenty-four (24) inches in depth. A break in the
wall plane, shall be required at a minimum of
every forty (40) feet horizontally along building
walls. (Figure 42)
B. Architectural/Building Design:

1. Massing and Articulation
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 24
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
e. The massing of building walls shall be broken up using at least four (4) of the following design strategies: (Figure 43) i. Balconies
ii. Above the second floor, changes in wall plane of a
minimum of twenty-four (24) inches (either inset or
protruding) from the ground floor wall plane
iii. Window openings and entrances that are recessed or projecting a minimum of six (6) inches
iv. Wall trims, projections, and reveals along different levels of wall surfaces a minimum of four (4) inches
v. Use of at least two (2) of each distinct materials and colors along wall surfaces
vi. Vertical pilasters that reflect internal building structure and/or are integral to the selected architectural style f. Cornices, bases, and tops of columns, arches, and other similar building details shall project at least two (2) inches on the first floor and a minimum of six (6) inches on upper floors, or as suggested in the following architectural style section. (Figure 44)
B. Architectural/Building Design:

1. Massing and Articulation

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 25
b. iii Use of the Mediterranean Revival architectural styles shall include a minimum of seven (7) of the elements below, as outlined in the Inner Core Design Typology: (Figure 52), (Figure 53)
• Stucco or plaster walls
• Terracotta tile hipped roofs
• Low-s loped roofs below and including 3:12
• Curvilinear gables or tower element, round or square
• Arched or straight windows with ironwork or simulated m
aterial
• Arched wing wall
• Decorative tile
• Ornate low relief carvings, arches, and columns
• Vernacular Mediterranean chimneys and vents
• Balconies open or roofed with wood or ironr ailings
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
B. Architectural/Building Design:

4. Architectural Style

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 26
b. iv Arts and Crafts (Craftsman) is a secondary architectural style, the use of which shall include a minimum of six (6) of the elements below: (Figure 54)
• Use of stucco, wood cladding, lap siding, stone
• Low pitched roof of no more than 1:12
• Wide eave overhang of a minimum of twelve (12) inches • Symmetrical and asymmetrical exterior building wall
e
lements
• Inclusion of exposed structural member and wood joinery • Tapered columns with stone base
• Projecting bays set within the larger gable form with a d
ifferent siding material
• Triangular knee brace on the gable roof
• Semi-e nclosed balconies under a roof at corner(s)
• Overhanging eaves of a minimum of twenty-fo ur (24)
inches
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
B. Architectural/Building Design:

4. Architectural Style

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 27
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
c. Window detailing shall include at least two (2) of the following design approaches for inner and outer core windows:
i. INNER CORE WINDOWS
• Recess of a minimum depth of twelve (12) inches to
c
ontrast with the wall surface
• Use gridded ironwork or simulated material (Figure
57)

• Use metal frame of a minimum depth of two (2)
i
nches around windows or lintel
ii. OUTER CORE WINDOWS
• On upper floors, recess of a maximum depth of six
(
6) inches
• On upper floors, use large spans of window wall a
m
inimum forty (40) percent of the wall area
• Use of frameless or minimally framed windows
(F
igure 58)
B. Architectural/Building Design:

5. Architectural Style

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 28
a. Along any exterior building walls, material transitions s
hall only occur on the inside corner of plane change
or, when material changes need to happen in the same
plane, trims, cornices, or other architectural elements shall be used to create a corner for material transition. (Figure 59)
b. For buildings taller than two (2) stories, the use of s
tucco shall not exceed beyond sixty (60) percent of
any exterior building wall that faces a street or
common open space. (Figure 60)
c. For buildings taller than three (3) stories, a new
m
aterial, texture, or color shall be introduced a
maximum of every twenty (20) feet of exterior building
wall length. (Figure 61)
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
B. Architectural/Building Design:

7. Materials

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 29
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
a. Entry pathways to primary entrances of more than one unit shall be treated with a minimum of two (2) of the
following approaches:
i. Arched ironwork/simulated material at entry
ii. Landscape vertical elements (Figure 64)
iii. Decorative pavers
iv. Decorative lighting
B. Detailing:

1. Architectural and Building
Enhancements

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 30
Chapter 3: Downtown Standards
a. Patios within two (2) feet of grade level
shall be enclosed with a maximum three
(3)-foot tall, semi-translucent (or filtered)
enclosure made of metal, wood and/or
other material consistent with the building
material palette. (Figure 65)
b. Patios at grade level, directly facing the
public right of way, shall be enclosed with
a minimum five (5)-foot tall, solid metal,
wood and/or other material consistent
with the building material palette, with a
locking gate for access to public right-of-
way, if a pathway connection is provided.
(Figure 66)
B. Detailing:

2. Patio Enclosure (Fencing)

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 31
Chapter 4: Corridors Map

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 32
Chapter 4: Typical Corridor Multi-Family Building Type

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 33
Chapter 4: Corridor Standards
b. All building walls shall be broken up using a change in the wall plane. A break in the wall plane, created by a change in depth, shall be required at a minimum of every forty (40) feet horizontally along a building wall. (Figure 71)
c. The massing of building walls shall be broken up using a combination of at least four (4) of the following approaches:
(Figure 72)
i. Balconies
ii. Window openings and entrances recessed or
protruding a minimum of six (6) inches in depth
iii. Wall trims, projections, and reveals along different levels of wall surfaces, for a minimum of four (4) inches in depth
iv. Use of at least two (2) distinct materials and two
distinct colors along a wall surface
v. Vertical pilasters that reflect internal building structure and/or are integral to the selected architectural style.

B. Architectural / Building Design:

1. Massing & Articulation

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 34
Representative Projects
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 35
Chapter 5: Typical Neighborhood Multi-Family Type

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 36
e. Primary entrances shall be identifiable through a
minimum of two (2) of the following approaches:
(Figure 80)
i. Projection over the doorway, such as porch,
awning, cantilevered canopy, or portico
ii. Recessed entry that is a minimum of thirty-six
(36) inches in depth from face of wall
iii. Double doors that are a minimum of sixty (60)
inches (thirty [30] inches per door)
iv. Change in materials a minimum of ten (10)
percent, such as more glass.

A. Site Plan:

1. Site Planning and Orientation
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 37
a. All individual residential units shall appear as separate buildings by using at least two (2) of the following approaches:
(Figure 82)
i. Min. of three (3) feet between adjoining unit entries ii. Changes in the depth of the wall plane of a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches
iii. Changes in color from colors within the palette of the project
iv. Changes in material from the materials within the
palette of the project
v. Changes in entry element of either porch, patio, or
entry doorway projection
b. Visual relief shall be created through details associated with a doorway and/or roof eave with a minimum of eighteen (18) inches depth so that they create shade and cast shadow. c. Architectural projections from building walls that
emphasize windows and doors shall project a minimum of
twelve (12) inches. (Figure 83)
B. Architectural / Building Design:

1. Site Planning and Orientation
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards
38 Legend
North Todos Santos Parcels
B. Architectural / Building Design:

8. Special neighborhood
architectural design treatments:

North Todos Santos
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 39
Legend
Eichler Neighborhood Parcels
B. Architectural / Building Design:

8. Special Neighborhood
Architectural Design Treatments:

Eichler Neighborhoods
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 40
Legend
Canterbury Village Neighborhood Parcels
B. Architectural / Building Design:

8. Special Neighborhood
Architectural Design Treatments:

Canterbury Village Neighborhood
Chapter 5: Neighborhood Standards

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards
Chapter 6: Special Case Standards
31

City of Concord | Objective Design Standards 42
Chapter 6: Special Case Standards

2.a. Screening of the outdoor patio fronting a public
right of way with decorative fencing of at least three
(3) feet in height, allowing for a minimum of at least a ten (10) foot landscaped setback from front, side, and
rear property lines between the fencing and the
public right of way and or side or rear property lines. (Figure 106)
D. Emergency Shelters, SROs, and
Group Homes:

ODS Illustrated Standards
August 2023
CITY OF CONCORD | CONCORD OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS PROJECT

Staff Report
Date: August 22, 2023
To: City Council
From: Valerie J. Barone, City Manager
Reviewed by: Kevin Marstall, PE, Director of Community Development Prepared by: Leng Power, Community Services Manager
[email protected]
(925) 603-5838
Subject: Considering an update on status of the Homeless Strategic Plan and (1) endorsing the Working Group’s Proposed Vision Statement; (2) providing feedback on the preliminary draft goals; and (3) providing guidance on the potential strategies being explored.

CEQA: Not a project/exempt pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c),
15061(b)(3), 15262, 15306, 15273, and/or 15378.

Report in Brief
In February 2023, the City Council authorized a scope of work for development of a Homeless Strategic Plan (Plan) involving three major phases of Plan development.

Phase One concluded in June 2023 and a draft Background Report synthesizing data collection, analysis, community feedback, and stakeholder input was presented to Council for review and input; this input is still being incorporated into the Background Report. City staff’s update to Council on the Working Group’s work on the Plan for the meeting on August 22 concentrates on the Vision Statement and Goals for the Plan.

Recommended Action
Receive an update on the status of the Homeless Strategic Plan and (1) endorse the Working Group’s Proposed Vision Statement; (2) provide feedback on the preliminary draft goals; and (3) provide guidance on the potential strategies being explored.

6.a6.a6.a6.a

City Council Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 6.a
August 22, 2023
Background
Council previously received an update on the Homeless Strategic Plan in June 2023, at which time a draft of the Background Report was presented. Staff and the consulting team are working to incorporate Council feedback into the next draft of the document, which is not yet available.

The Working Group subsequently met on July 13 and July 24, and used feedback from Council and the community, along with data collected in the Background Report, to develop a vision statement and preliminary goals. As part of that process the working group also began discussion of strategies that support various goals, but the work on strategies is very preliminary at this point in time. Staff and the consulting team are seeking Council’s endorsement of the established vision statement, feedback on the preliminary goals, and guidance on the potential strategies (See Attachment 1).

Analysis
The vision statement and preliminary Plan goals and potential strategies were developed by synthesizing data in the Background Report and input received throughout Phase One from Council, the general community, stakeholder groups, and those with lived experience of homelessness. The Vision Statement has the full support of the Working Group and the Working Group is seeking the Council’s endorsement for this statement.

The preliminary Plan goals outlined in Attachment 1 reflect the emerging focus areas from Working Group discussions and should be considered as draft versions that will be formalized and confirmed by Working Group members pending further discussion and input from Council.

The strategies outlined under each goal are ideas that the Working Group is exploring and will be refined to align with Council feedback.

Next Steps
Feedback from tonight’s meeting will be provided to the Working Group during its August 28 meeting. The feedback will be used by the Working Group to develop final proposed goals and draft strategies. The Working Group’s final goals will be brought to Council on September 12 for endorsement. At the same September 12 Council meeting, Staff will seek feedback on the Working Group’s draft strategies.

Staff will seek Council’s endorsement of the Working Group’s final strategies when a final draft of the Homeless Strategic Plan is presented to Council for consideration on October 24. To prepare for the October 24 Council meeting, two community meetings will be held (one in person and one online) on September 21 and September 26. The feedback from these community meetings will be shared with Council on October 24.

City Council Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 6.a
August 22, 2023
Financial Impact
There are no fiscal impacts as a result of the recommended actions in this report. A comprehensive fiscal analysis of homeless response strategies will be included as part of the draft Plan that will be brought to Council, anticipated on October 24.

Environmental Determination
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq., as amended and implementing State CEQA Guidelines, Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations (collectively, “CEQA”) these activities do not constitute a “project” within the meaning of Public Resources Code Section 21065, CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c), 15061(b)(3), and/or 15378, because they have no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, are exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15262, 15273, and/or 15306 because they consist of feasibility and planning studies and/or information collection. No unusual circumstances exist and none of the exceptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. This determination reflects the City’s independent judgment and analysis. Individual projects will undergo CEQA analysis as necessary.

Public Contact
The City Council Agenda was posted.

Attachment

1. Concord Homeless Strategic Plan Vision and preliminary Plan Goals

August 22, 2023

HOMELESS STRATEGIC PLAN VISION AND

PRELIMINARY GOALS FROM WORKING GROUP

VISION STATEMENT FOR CONCORD HOMELESS STRATEGIC PLAN
The City of Concord envisions a community where every person has a safe, affirming, and stable place to live. This vision endeavors to reduce homelessness through community involvement, collaboration with partner agencies, and enhanced services that are carried out in a dignified, compassionate, and equitable manner.

The following goals were drafted by the Working Group from input received from various stakeholders including elected officials, service providers, persons with lived experience of homelessness, business community, and City of Concord residents. The goals outlined below are being explored by the working group but are not commitments at this point. Additionally:
● The goals are numbered below for reference only and are not numbered by priority.
● The Working Group believes that all potential goals and strategies must include a robust level of supportive services and staffing support to be successful. ● The Working Group believes that having a narrower focus on the unhoused/ unsheltered population will be the best use of the limited funding available to initially implement the plan
● The Working Group understands the need for affordable housing and knows that the City is already focused on affordable housing as part of the Housing Element process.

Attachment 1

I. INCREASE HOMELESS

PREVENTION SERVICES
Strategies Being Explored by Working
Group:
● Utility assistance
● Referral services (food)
● Life skills classes (this may be a
required component of receiving
these services)
● Eviction prevention
● Rental assistance
II. CREATE A SAFE PLACE FOR THE

UNHOUSED TO DWELL
Strategies Being Explored by Working
Group:
● Centralized Services Site
● Safe camping
● Safe parking area
III. INCREASE COORDINATION OF

EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS
Strategies Being Explored by Working
Group:
● Coordination with County Office of
Emergency Services to ensure
unsheltered are provided services
and resources in inclement weather
conditions
IV. CREATE IMMEDIATELY

ACCESSIBLE TEMPORARY HOUSING
Strategies Being Explored by Working
Group:
● Congregant shelter
● Non congregate shelter
● “Semi-congregate” shelter
● Scattered-Site housing
V. EXPLORE AVENUES OF EQUITABLE

SUPPORT FOR TARGET

POPULATIONS
Strategies Being Explored by Working
Group:
● Develop plan for improved data
collection
● Incorporate an analysis component
of all goals to ensure that services
are being provided on an equitable
manner to all target populations
VI. STRENGTHEN SYSTEM SUPPORT
* This goal was included by the consultant *
Suggested by Consultant to Working Group:
● Staff support
● Regional coordination
● Ongoing communication – Funding
opportunities, community systems,
enhanced communication with
public

PRELIMINARY GOAL TOPICS

From: Judith Herman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 10:39 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 6a. City Council meeting

Good Evening City Council,

As a member of Concord Communities Alliance, I would like to comment on a couple of aspects of the statement on the preliminary goals set by the workgroup.

1. While I appreciate that the workgroup has set explore equitable support for target populations as a goal, it would be helpful to specify the standards of the Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE) as a tool moving forward. Concord is a member but has failed to consistently apply the standards set forth by the organization in analyzing its programs as it committed to doing.

2. I would also like to see harm reduction to the unhoused as a goal of the workgroup.

A. Issue a moratorium on sweeps and incorporate a policy that prevents Concord Police Department from violating the Martin vis. Boise Ruling that states cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if they don’t have enough homeless shelter beds available for their homeless population. In his presentation to the workgroup, the chief clearly spoke about how only one or two individuals can create the majority of the problems that they get calls about, focusing on those individuals would be a more effective use of the cities resources than sweeping whole communities of the unhoused who are not causing any problems.

B. Request an incident log for Todos Santos Plaza Business Association’s private security engagement with unhoused neighbors.
a. Are they creating a safer and cleaner environment for business and the unhoused or are they creating more difficulties for the unhoused?
b. Are they engaging with CORE to assist unhoused individuals?

I also appreciate the consultant’s recommendation that the city work with regional bodies and seek other funding sources as $5 million dollars is not going to go far in addressing this problem.

Thank you for taking a serious look at this ongoing problem.

Sincerely,

Judi Herman
Concord Resident

Benched Correspondence
Agenda Item No. 6.a
August 22, 2023

8 | 22 | 23
Vision and Draft
Goals

Project
Phases
Project
Phases
Project
Phases
1

8/22/2023 2
City of Concord
Homeless Strategic Plan
Draft Vision and Goals
August 22, 2023
Presented by Thurmond Consulting

8/22/2023 3
Public engagement
Working Group guidance
Reach out to key partners
Background Report
Needs assessment and gaps analysis
Development of vision, goals and strategies
Essential Elements of Homeless Strategic Plan Development

8/22/2023 4
Council Action Requested
• Endorse the Vision Statement that the Working Group has put forward
• Feedback on Goals and additional focus areas the Working Group should consider
• Feedback for the types of strategies the Working Group should consider under the draft preliminary Goals

Summary of Vision & Goal Document
• Suggested Goals includes a framework with strategies to give the C
ouncil context and direction
• The handout is not a final draft
• The Homeless Strategic Plan Goals will be finalized by Working G
roup based on input from Council
8/22/2023 5

6 VISION STATEMENT
“The City of Concord envisions a community where
every person has a safe, affirming, and stable place
to live. This vision endeavors to reduce homelessness
through community involvement, collaboration with
partner agencies, and enhanced services that are
carried out in a dignified, compassionate, and
equitable manner.”

8/22/2023 7
• The Goals are numbered for reference only and not by priority • The Working Group believes that a narrower focus on the unhoused/unsheltered population will be the best use of the limited funding available
• The Working Group understands that the City has initiatives focused on affordable housing through the Housing Element
• All potential goals and strategies must include a robust level of supportive services and staffing support to be successful

NOTES ON DRAFT GOALS

8/22/2023 8

DRAFT GOALS
I. INCREASE HOMELESS PREVENTION SERVICES
Strategies Being Explored by Working Group:
• Utility assistance
• R
eferral services
• Life skills classes
(possibly required
component)
• Eviction prevention
• Rental assistance

8/22/2023 9

DRAFT GOALS
II. CREATE A SAFE PLACE FOR THE UNHOUSED TO DWELL
Strategies Being Explored by Working Group:
• Centralized Services Site
• Safe camping
• Safe parking area
• Tiny Homes

8/22/2023 10

DRAFT GOALS
III. INCREASE COORDINATION OFEMERGENCY RESPONSE

EFFORTS
Strategies Being Explored by Working Group:
• Coordination with County Office of Emergency Services to ensure unsheltered are provided services and
resources in inclement weather conditions.

8/22/2023 11

DRAFT GOALS
IV. CREATE IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE TEMPORARY

HOUSING
Strategies Being Explored by Working Group:
• Congregant shelter
• Non-congregate shelter
• “Semi-congregate” shelter
• Scattered-Site housing

8/22/2023 12

DRAFT GOALS
V. EXPLORE AVENUES OF EQUITABLE SUPPORT FOR

TARGET POPULATIONS
Strategies Being Explored by Working Group:
• Improve the system for collectingtarget population data • Incorporate an analysis component of all goals to
ensure that services are being provided on an equitable manner

8/22/2023 13

DRAFT GOALS
VI. STRENGTHEN SYSTEM SUPPORT
Strategies Being Explored by Working Group:
• Staff support
• Regional coordination
• Ongoing communication – funding opportunities,
community systems, enhancedcommunication with public

8/22/2023 14
I. INCREASE HOMELESS PREVENTION SERVICES
II. CREATEA SAFE PLACE FOR THE UNHOUSED TO DWELL
III. INCREASE COORDINATION OFEMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS IV. CREATEIMMEDIATELYACCESSIBLE TEMPORARYHOUSING
V. EXPLORE AVENUESOF EQ U ITAB LESUPPORT FOR TAR GETPOPULATIONS VI. STRENGTHEN SYSTEMSUPPORT

DRAFT GOALS

8/22/2023 15
Next Steps
Working Group Meeting: review Council feedback / finalize Goals 8/28 Council Meeting: endorse Goals/ review draft Strategies 9/12 Community meeting: review Vision, Goals and draft Strategies 9/21 Working Group Meeting: incorporatefeedback for Homeless Strategic Plan 9/25 Working Group Meeting: review and approvefinal Goals and Strategies 10/23 Council Meeting: adoption of Final Homeless Strategic Plan 10/24

8/22/2023 16
Council Action Requested
• Endorse the Vision Statement that the Working Group has put forward
• Feedback on Goals and additional focus areas the Working Group should consider
• Feedback for the types of strategies the Working Group should consider under the draft preliminary Goals