NC: Neighborhood Commercial District in Mesa, Arizona
The NC: Neighborhood Commercial district in Mesa provides local retail and service options intended to serve the surrounding residential trade area within a 1.5 to 2-mile radius. Key development standards for the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district include a 30-foot maximum building height, a maximum lot coverage of 80%, and a minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet [Section 11-6-1, Table 11-6-3.A].
Purpose of the NC: Neighborhood Commercial District
The primary purpose of the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district in Mesa is to accommodate locally oriented retail and service uses. Typical uses appropriate for this Mesa district include retail stores, grocery-store-anchored shopping centers, drug stores, restaurants, cafes, gas stations, and convenience stores [Section 11-6-1(B)(1)].
While the district allows for essential services, the Mesa Zoning Ordinance specifies that large commercial development buildings are not appropriate for the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district. The district is also designed to be compatible with small-scale medical and professional offices, personal services, and various public and semi-public uses [Section 11-6-1(B)(1)].
Permitted Land Uses
In the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district, land uses are categorized as Permitted (P), requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP), requiring a Council Use Permit (CUP), or requiring a Temporary Use Permit (TUP).
Common Permitted and Conditional Uses
| Use Classification | Permission Level | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | ||
| Single Residence - Attached | CUP / P | Subject to Section 11-31-31 |
| Multiple Residence | CUP / P | Subject to Section 11-31-31 |
| Community Residence | CUP / P | Subject to Section 11-31-31 |
| Public and Semi-Public | ||
| Community Gardens | P | Subject to Section 11-31-10 |
| Cultural Institutions | P | |
| Day Care Centers | P | |
| Places of Worship | P | Subject to Section 11-31-22 |
| Commercial | ||
| Pet Stores | P | |
| Veterinary Services | P | |
| Coffee Shops / Cafes | P | |
| Restaurants (Full or Limited Service) | P | |
| Bank / Financial Institutions | P | |
| Convenience Market | P / SUP | Subject to Section 11-31-11 |
| General Market | P | Max 10,000 sq. ft. per store |
| Business and Professional Offices | P | |
| Medical and Dental Offices | P |
[Table 11-6-2, Section 11-86-4]
General Character and Design Standards
The general character of the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district in Mesa is defined by its integration into residential areas. Mesa utilizes "Community Character Designators" to further refine the look and feel of these districts:
- Urban (-U): This designation is applied to NC areas where an urban character is desired. Buildings are built close to the street and sidewalk to foster a close relationship between pedestrians and shops. Site and building design must reinforce this character to provide a safe and interesting pedestrian environment [Section 11-3-1(C)(1)].
- Auto-Oriented (-A): This designation is used for areas providing easy automobile access, typically featuring buildings located at the back or side of a site with parking in front [Section 11-3-1(C)(2)].
Development Standards
Development in the Mesa NC: Neighborhood Commercial district must adhere to specific intensity and location standards to ensure compatibility with neighboring residential zones.
NC: Neighborhood Commercial Intensity and Dimensional Standards
| Standard | Requirement in NC District |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 80% |
| Maximum Building Height | 30 feet |
| Minimum Front Setback | Varies by street (e.g., Arterial: 15-30 ft.) |
| Interior Side Setback (Adj. to RS) | 25 ft. (1-story); 50 ft. (2-story); 75 ft. (3-story) |
| Interior Side Setback (Adj. to RM) | 20 ft. (1st story); +15 ft. per additional story |
| Rear Setback (Adj. to RS) | 25 ft. (1-story); 50 ft. (2-story); 75 ft. (3-story) |
| Building Separation (Same Lot) | 25 feet (for buildings up to 20 ft. high) |
[Table 11-6-3.A]
Parking and Circulation
Mesa requires on-site parking for all uses in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district. For general retail or office uses, the standard is typically 1 space per 375 square feet of gross floor area [Table 11-32-3.A]. Parking areas must be screened if they are adjacent to public streets or residential districts [Section 11-30-9(H)].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-3-1: Districts Established
- Section 11-6-1: Purpose (Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts)
- Section 11-6-2: Land Use Regulations (Commercial Districts)
- Section 11-6-3: Development Standards (Commercial Districts)
- Section 11-30-9: Screening
- Section 11-31-10: Community Gardens
- Section 11-31-31: Residential Uses in Commercial Districts
- Section 11-32-3: Parking Spaces Required
- Section 11-86-4: Commercial Use Classifications