Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District in Arlington, Texas
The Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district in the City of Arlington is established to provide small-scale retail and professional office sites that serve the daily needs of immediate residential areas. The City of Arlington Unified Development Code requires a minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet and mandates a 20-foot setback for developments adjacent to single-family residential uses to preserve neighborhood character [Section 2.3.4].
Purpose and General Character
The Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district in the City of Arlington serves as a transitional zone between low-density residential areas and more intensive commercial developments. The primary intent of the City of Arlington NC district is to accommodate businesses that provide goods and services directly to nearby residents while ensuring the scale, intensity, and design are compatible with a residential environment.
The City of Arlington mandates that the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district be located adjacent to residential uses. The standards for this district are specifically crafted to prevent significant adverse effects on the surrounding neighborhoods, making the NC district an effective buffer [Section 2.3.4].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code defines specific density, lot size, and setback requirements for the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district to maintain its intended small-scale character.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 36 dwelling units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Setback (Freeway/Frontage Road) | 20 feet |
| Minimum Setback (All other streets) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Setback (Interior Side and/or Rear) | 0 feet |
| Minimum Setback (Adjacent to Single-Family) | 20 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | N/A (Refer to Article 4) |
| Maximum Building Height | N/A (Refer to Article 4) |
Note: While a general height limit is not listed in the NC summary table, Section 4.1.7.E stipulates that in non-residential districts, a building's height cannot exceed 45 feet within the first 75 feet of a shared property line with a single-family residential use.
Permitted Land Uses
The Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district in the City of Arlington allows for a variety of residential, public, and commercial uses, many of which are subject to supplemental use standards to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
Residential and Group Living
- Multi-family Dwellings: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
- Live/Work Dwellings: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
- Nursing Homes: Permitted by right [Table 3.1-2].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Community Facilities: Art galleries, museums, domestic violence shelters, government buildings, and religious assemblies are permitted by right [Table 3.1-2].
- Educational Facilities: Business schools, public or private schools, and universities are permitted [Table 3.1-2].
- Parks and Open Space: Community gardens and public parks are permitted by right. Cemeteries require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) [Table 3.1-2].
Commercial and Service Uses
- Medical Services: Medical or dental offices or clinics are permitted by right [Table 3.1-2].
- Animal Services: Veterinary clinics are permitted subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
- Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions are permitted subject to supplemental standards. Alternative financial institutions require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) [Table 3.1-2].
- Food and Beverage: Restaurants (with or without drive-through), catering services, and sidewalk cafes are permitted [Table 3.1-2].
- Office and Professional: General business or professional offices and telemarketing call centers are permitted [Table 3.1-2].
- Retail Sales: General retail stores (other than those specifically listed), nursery/garden shops, and small box discount stores (with SUP) are allowed [Table 3.1-2].
- Recreation and Entertainment: Indoor recreation (other than listed), skating rinks, and indoor theatres are permitted [Table 3.1-2].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Arlington requires off-street parking for the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district based on the specific type of land use and its gross floor area (GFA).
| Land Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Office | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA |
| Medical or Dental Office | 4 per 1,000 sf GFA |
| General Retail Store | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA |
| Restaurant | 10 per 1,000 sf GFA (includes outdoor areas) |
| Bank or Financial Institution | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA |
| Day Care Center | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA |
| Multi-family (Residential) | 1 space per dwelling unit |
[Table 5.4-1]
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.4, Neighborhood Commercial | NC
- Section 3.1.5, Table of Allowed Uses
- Table 3.1-2, Allowed Uses – Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Districts
- Section 4.1.7.E, Special Height Limitations in Non-Residential Zoning Districts
- Section 5.4.3, Off-Street Parking Standards
- Table 5.4-1, Off-Street Parking Schedule A