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Zoning Guide

Concord Zoning Regulations & Building Permits

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
Concord Planning & Neighborhood Development(704) 920-5152
Building Code Edition
NC State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
RL — Residential Low
Max Height
35 ft

Concord Zoning Overview

Concord is a city in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, with a 2020 Census population of 105,240. The city manages land use and development through its zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into residential, commercial, office/institutional, and industrial zoning districts.

Concord's residential zoning districts include Residential Low (RL) with 20,000 sq ft minimum lots, Residential Medium (RM) with 10,000 sq ft minimum lots, and Residential High (RH) for multi-family and attached housing. The city also has a City Center district for mixed-use downtown development, along with commercial and industrial districts.

Key Residential Zoning Districts

District Min Lot Size Front Setback Side Setback Rear Setback Max Height
RL 20,000 sq ft 30 ft 10 ft 25 ft 35 ft
RM 10,000 sq ft 25 ft 8 ft 20 ft 35 ft

ADU Regulations

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) allowance in Concord has not been confirmed. Property owners interested in building an ADU should contact the Concord Planning & Neighborhood Development department for the most current regulations.

Development Process

Development in Concord generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

  1. Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
  2. Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
  3. Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
  4. Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
  5. Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Concord, property owners should:

  • Verify the zoning classification of their property
  • Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
  • Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
  • Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
  • Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
  • Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Concord and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Concord planning department or municipal code before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Concord

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — North Carolina

  • Building Code: NC State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
View North Carolina zoning overview

County — Cabarrus County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

RLResidential Low
Min Lot
20,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
30 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
RMResidential Medium
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
RHResidential High
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
CCCity Center
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
GCGeneral Commercial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
OIOffice/Institutional
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
LILight Industrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in Concord

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Concord are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Concord permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Concordconcordnc.govOfficial sourceConcord Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

What zoning district is my property in Concord?
Visit the City of Concord website or contact Concord Planning & Neighborhood Development at (704) 920-5152 to determine your property's zoning classification.
Can I build an ADU in Concord?
ADU allowance in Concord has not been confirmed. Contact Concord Planning & Neighborhood Development for the most current information on accessory dwelling unit regulations.
What building code does Concord follow?
Concord follows the NC State Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).