Charlotte’s NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District Guide
The NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District in the City of Charlotte supports pedestrian-oriented mixed-use environments with a maximum building height of 65 feet, which can be increased to 80 feet through a development bonus. The City of Charlotte requires a high degree of frontage engagement in this district, mandating that at least 80% of a building’s facade be located within a 0-foot to 20-foot build-to zone. For properties larger than 0.5 acres, the NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District requires 10% of the site area to be dedicated to on-site open space [Section 10.4].
Purpose and General Character
The NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District is established by the City of Charlotte to create a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhood environment. Its primary intent is to provide daily shopping needs and services within walking distance of nearby residential neighborhoods. The City of Charlotte encourages both vertical and horizontal mixed-use development within this district to ensure commercial and service uses are closely integrated into the residential fabric of a "complete neighborhood" [Section 10.1].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Charlotte allows a diverse range of residential, commercial, and institutional uses within the NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District, often subject to prescribed conditions (PC) to ensure compatibility with surrounding areas [Section 10.2].
Residential Uses
- Dwellings: Multi-family stacked (Permitted by-right), Duplex, Triplex, and Quadraplex (PC), Multi-family attached (PC).
- Specialty Housing: Multi-dwelling developments (PC), Group homes (PC), and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) (PC).
Commercial and Office Uses
- Retail and Service: Art galleries, arts or fitness studios, medical/dental offices, and general offices (Permitted by-right).
- Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants/bars (PC), specialty food services (X), and micro-production of alcohol (PC).
- Neighborhood Services: Animal care facilities (PC - no outdoor component), childcare centers (PC), and neighborhood commercial establishments (PC).
Institutional and Public Uses
- Community Support: Community centers, educational facilities (primary, secondary, and university), places of worship, and public parks (Permitted by-right).
- Infrastructure: Public transit facilities (X) and wireless telecommunications (PC).
Dimensional and Design Standards
The City of Charlotte applies specific siting and height standards to ensure the NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District maintains an urban, walkable form [Section 10.3].
Building Siting Standards
Frontage setbacks are measured from the future back of curb. The "Build-To Zone" (BTZ) defines the area where the building facade must be located to ensure a consistent street wall [Table 10-1].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frontage Setback: Uptown Signature | 24 feet |
| Frontage Setback: Main Street | 24 feet |
| Frontage Setback: Linear Park | 36 feet |
| Frontage Setback: 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 20 feet |
| Frontage Setback: Transit Station/Public Park | 5 feet |
| Build-To Zone (BTZ) | 0 to 20 feet from setback line |
| Min. BTZ Build-To Percentage (Structure) | 80% |
| Side Setback | 0 feet (not abutting N1) / 10 feet (abutting N1) |
| Rear Setback | 0 feet (not abutting N1) / 20 feet (abutting N1) |
Building Height and Articulation
Height limits in the NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District allow for moderate-density urban forms while protecting the scale of adjacent neighborhoods [Table 10-2, 10-3].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Building Height | 16 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 65 feet |
| Max. Building Height with Bonus | 80 feet |
| Maximum Building Length | 400 feet |
| Min. Ground Floor Height (Residential) | 10 feet |
| Min. Ground Floor Height (Nonresidential) | 14 feet |
| Max. Spacing for Prominent Entrances | 250 feet |
Development Requirements
Open Space
The City of Charlotte requires a minimum of 10% on-site open space for developments in the NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District, except for sites smaller than 0.5 acres. A minimum of 50% of this required space must be public open space for commercial developments [Section 10.4, Table 10-8].
Parking and Transparency
- Parking Tier: The NC Neighborhood Center Zoning District is classified as a Tier 2 parking area, meaning both minimum and maximum parking limits apply [Section 19.2].
- Transparency: Buildings must meet transparency requirements to engage the public realm. Residential ground floors require 25% transparency, while nonresidential ground floors require 50% [Table 10-4].
Sections Cited
- Article 10: Neighborhood Center Zoning District: NC
- Section 10.1: Purpose
- Section 10.2: Uses
- Section 10.3: Dimensional and Design Standards
- Section 10.4: Open Space Requirements
- Article 15: Global Use Matrix
- Article 19: Off-Street Vehicle & Bicycle Parking
- Section 22.9: Signs Requiring a Permit