Concord Board Weighs Car Wash, Housing

CONCORD, CA — Two development proposals could reshape corners of Concord, with one project bringing a new automated car wash to Oak Grove Road and another replacing an existing residential property with seven new single-family homes on Cowell Road.

Both projects are scheduled for discussion before the city's Design Review Board as developers seek feedback and approvals before moving forward.

The design review Board is set to review the two notable development proposals Thursday, including plans for a new 7 Flags Express Car Wash near Oak Grove Road and a seven-home residential subdivision on Cowell Road.

The larger commercial proposal would bring a 4,598-square-foot automated and attended car wash facility to a vacant 28,565-square-foot site at 1090 Oak Grove Road. The project includes a 110-foot wash tunnel, vacuum stations, upgraded landscaping, pedestrian improvements, new lighting, and signage. City staff said revised plans addressed many concerns raised earlier this year, including vehicle circulation, pedestrian connectivity, architectural detailing, landscaping, and site design. Several items, including final circulation plans, landscaping calculations, lighting details, and sign modifications, would still need refinement before building permits could be issued.

Meanwhile, developers are seeking feedback on a proposal to subdivide a 1.32-acre property at 4071 Cowell Road into seven residential lots. The conceptual plan calls for seven two-story single-family homes arranged around a new private cul-de-sac. Each home would include about 2,001 square feet of living space and an attached two-car garage. Project plans feature Craftsman and Modern Farmhouse architectural styles intended to provide a transition between larger residential lots west of Cowell Road and smaller lots in surrounding neighborhoods.

The subdivision proposal remains in its early review stages. City staff noted that architectural details for all sides of the homes, landscape plans, tree preservation information, fencing details, and lighting plans will be required before a formal application can move forward. Neighbors who attended a recent community meeting raised concerns about grading, stormwater management, retaining walls, traffic, and construction noise.

Staff is recommending approval of the final design review for the Oak Grove Road car wash project, while the Cowell Road subdivision is seeking conceptual feedback that will guide a future formal application. Both projects will be considered during Thursday's Design Review Board meeting beginning 5:30 p.m.