Commission Weighs Expanded Autism Therapy Clinic Permit In Contra Costa County

CONCORD, CA — Concord officials will decide this week whether to approve a larger outpatient clinic that would expand therapy options for children with autism and other developmental differences while relocating an existing Concord practice into a downtown office building.

The Concord Planning Commission is scheduled to consider a use permit on July 1 that would allow Cortica Inc. to open an outpatient neurological and developmental therapy clinic inside an existing 8,131-square-foot tenant space at 1485 Civic Court, Suite 1100. The proposal requires only interior tenant improvements and would not alter the building's exterior or site.

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Cortica currently operates at 1320 Willow Pass Road in Concord and plans to relocate its practice to the larger Civic Court office. The expanded facility would add applied behavioral analysis, occupational therapy, and speech therapy while continuing diagnostic assessments, neurology services, including medication management, physical therapy, music therapy, and family counseling. The clinic serves children with autism and other developmental differences.

According to the staff report, the clinic would operate by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. No overnight stays or emergency medical services are proposed. Staffing would range from 17 to 21 licensed and certified health professionals.

Planning staff concluded the proposal is consistent with Concord's General Plan, which encourages medical offices, professional services, business expansion, and continued investment in the downtown mixed-use district. The site sits within a two-story, 33,975-square-foot office building on a 1.9-acre property near offices, a water park, and the Walnut Creek Channel.

City planners also determined the project meets zoning requirements for a medical services facility. The clinic would require 41 parking spaces under the city's development code, and staff calculated the entire office complex would need 123 spaces while providing 127, leaving sufficient parking capacity for existing tenants and the proposed clinic.

Because the project involves converting existing interior space without expanding the building, staff determined it qualifies for categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act for existing facilities and small conversions. Planners also concluded the clinic would not create significant traffic, noise, or other environmental impacts requiring additional review.

Planning staff recommends the commission adopt Resolution No. 26-04 PC approving the use permit for the outpatient therapy clinic.

The application was submitted Feb. 12, deemed complete April 15, and is scheduled for a public hearing Wednesday.