NC: Neighborhood Commercial Zoning Designation in the City of Arlington
The NC: Neighborhood Commercial district in the City of Arlington is designed to accommodate businesses and small-scale offices that serve the daily needs of nearby residential areas. This district prioritizes compatibility with residential development, allowing for high-density multi-family living and mixed-use buildings alongside low-intensity commercial services while strictly prohibiting heavy industrial, automotive, and high-intensity entertainment uses [Section 2.3.4].
Permitted and Conditional Uses
In the City of Arlington, land uses within the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district are classified as Permitted (P), Permitted subject to supplemental standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S). A blank cell in the official use table indicates that the use is prohibited [Section 3.1.2].
Residential and Mixed-Use Categories
The NC: Neighborhood Commercial district allows for specific residential integrations to support a pedestrian-friendly environment.
| Use Type | Permission | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling, Multi-family | P* | Must comply with Section 5.12 |
| Dwelling, Live/Work | P* | Residential portion prohibited on 1st floor of 2-story units |
| Mixed-use Development or Building | P* | Requires a Mixed-Use Development Plan |
Public, Institutional, and Civic Categories
These uses are intended to provide essential services to the immediate City of Arlington neighborhood.
| Use Type | Permission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Art Gallery or Museum | P | |
| Domestic Violence Shelter | P | |
| Emergency Shelter | P | |
| Government Administration and Civic Buildings | P | |
| Philanthropic Institution (other than listed) | P | |
| Religious Assembly | P | |
| Business School | P | |
| Public or Private School | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.2 |
| University, College, or Seminary | S | |
| Medical or Dental Office or Clinic | P | |
| Community Garden | P | |
| Public Park or Playground | P | |
| Cemetery | S |
Commercial Service and Retail Categories
The City of Arlington limits commercial activities in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district to those with lower impacts on adjacent residents.
| Use Type | Permission | Supplemental Standards / Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Clinic | P* | No outside boarding; max 5,000 sq. ft. per space |
| Bank or Financial Institution | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.3.C |
| Alternative Financial Institution | S* | 1,000 ft from others; 200 ft from residential |
| Catering Service | P | |
| Restaurant | P | |
| Restaurant, Take-out and Delivery Only | P | |
| Restaurant with Drive-through | S* | Stacking lanes must be screened |
| Sidewalk Cafe | P* | Subject to Section 3.3.6.M |
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | S* | Limited to six guest rooms |
| Office, Business or Professional | P | |
| Telemarketing Call Center | P | |
| Day Care Center | P* | 300 ft setback from gas wellheads |
| General Personal Services | P | |
| Massage Therapy Clinic | P | |
| Lodge or Fraternal Organization | P | |
| Recreation, Indoor (other than listed) | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.3.G |
| Theatre, Indoor | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.3.G |
| General Retail Store (other than listed) | P | |
| Nursery, Garden Shop, or Plant Sales | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.3.I |
| Small Box Discount Store | S* | 1.5 miles from others; multi-tenant buildings only |
Utilities and Communications
| Use Type | Permission | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Lines, Towers, or Metering Station | P | |
| Telecommunication Facilities (Building-mounted) | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.4.D |
| Telecommunication Facilities (Towers <= 75 ft) | P* | Subject to Section 3.2.4.D |
| Telecommunication Facilities (Towers > 75 ft) | S* | Subject to Section 3.2.4.D |
Prohibited Uses
The City of Arlington expressly or effectively prohibits any use not listed in the permitted or conditional tables for the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district. Significant prohibited uses include:
- Automotive Uses: Auto service centers, major auto repair, car washes, motor vehicle fueling facilities, motor vehicle rental, and new/used vehicle sales are all prohibited in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district [Section 3.1.5].
- Industrial and Wholesale: Manufacturing (light, heavy, or small-scale), gas wells, high-impact uses, salvage yards, self-storage facilities, and wholesale supply businesses are strictly forbidden [Section 3.1.5].
- High-Intensity Entertainment: Bars, nightclubs, banquet halls, bingo parlors, billiard parlors, bowling alleys, gun ranges, and teen clubs are prohibited [Section 3.1.5].
- Outdoor Recreation: Country clubs, golf courses, and marinas are not permitted [Section 3.1.5].
- Restricted Retail: Firearm sales, package liquor stores, pawn shops, second-hand goods stores, tobacco/e-cigarette shops, and specialty paraphernalia sales (head shops) are prohibited [Section 3.1.5].
Dimensional and Development Standards
All development in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district must adhere to specific site parameters to ensure a transition between residential and more intense retail zones.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 36 dwelling units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 square feet |
| Freeway or Frontage Road Setback | 20 feet |
| All Other Street Setbacks | 10 feet |
| Interior Side and/or Rear Setback | 0 feet (increases to 20 feet if adjacent to single-family) |
| Maximum Building Height | Refer to Article 4 |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | Refer to Article 4 |
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.4, Neighborhood Commercial | NC
- Section 3.1.2, Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Section 3.1.5, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.2.1, Residential Uses
- Section 3.2.2, Public and Institutional Uses
- Section 3.2.3, Commercial Uses
- Section 3.2.4, Industrial Uses
- Section 3.3.6, Supplemental Accessory Use Standards
- Section 5.12, Standards for Multi-family Residential Dwellings in Non-Residential Zoning Districts