Concord's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Concord, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rules

Concord must allow at least one ADU plus one Junior ADU per single-family residential lot under California Government Code §65852.2 (AB 68/881). ADUs up to 800 sq ft cannot be denied. Permits process within 60 days, 4-foot setbacks, no parking near transit, no impact fees under 750 sq ft.

Key details: At least 1: At least 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. Up to 800: Up to 800 sq ft ADU cannot be denied. 4-foot rear/side setbacks: 4-foot rear/side setbacks maximum. No impact fees: No impact fees under 750 sq ft. 60-day permit processing: 60-day permit processing mandate.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Concord gives residents more flexibility on adu rules.

Shed Rules

Sheds under 120 square feet and 12 feet tall do not require a building permit in Concord under California Residential Code R105.2. Sheds must still comply with zoning setbacks (typically 3 feet from rear/side property lines) and cannot contain plumbing or electrical without permits.

Key details: Under 120 Sq Ft: Under 120 sq ft: no building permit required. 3-foot Setback From: 3-foot setback from rear/side property lines. Rear Side Yard: Rear or side yard only, not front. Electrical Plumbing Requires: Electrical or plumbing requires separate permits. Cannot Be Used: Cannot be used for habitation.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Concord gives residents more flexibility on shed rules.

Garage Conversions

Garages in Concord must remain available for vehicle parking under zoning code, and cannot be converted to living space without ADU or habitable-conversion permits. Detached garages follow accessory structure setbacks. Garage conversions to ADUs are streamlined under state law.

Key details: Parking: Required parking garages must stay available. Habitable Conversion: Habitable conversion requires permits. Parking: Garage-to-ADU exempt from replacement parking near transit. Setback: Detached garages: 3-5 foot setbacks typical. 15-Foot Max: 15-foot max height (higher if ADU above).

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Concord gives residents more room on accessory structures. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Concord can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.