SECTION 21
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (NC) DISTRICT

Subsections:

21.01    Land Use Definition

21.02    Use Regulations

21.03    Property Development Standards

21.04    Height Regulations

21.05    Setback Regulations

21.06    Additional Regulations

21.01 Land Use Definition

Neighborhood commercial: this category provides areas for commercial centers located within close proximity to residential neighborhoods which provide everyday goods and services. The neighborhood commercial area should be located convenient to the neighborhood(s) it serves.

Permitted are professional/business offices, retail and service shops, child care, community facilities, financial institutions, government facilities, information center, restaurants, and health clubs.

Accessory uses, temporary uses, churches, clinics, cocktail lounges, fraternal or civic clubs, arcades and game centers, auto service stations, department stores, equipment rental, commercial recreation, convenience stores, miniwarehousing, schools, supermarkets, rental cars, research and development, vehicle repair or storage, veterinary services, and any manufactured structures require use permit approval. (Ord. 13-183 § 1 (part))

21.02 Use Regulations

A building or premises shall be used only for the purposes as set forth in the city of Litchfield Park zoning matrix (Section 28).

21.03 Property Development Standards

a.    Development Area

Each development shall have a minimum area of two acres.

b.    Lot Width

Not applicable.

c.    Coverage

The maximum coverage shall be sixty percent of the development area.

d.    Distance Between Buildings

The minimum distance between buildings on the same lot shall be ten feet.

e.    Buffers

Buffer yards, consisting at a minimum of landscaping for the required setback distance, including pathways as appropriate, as approved by the design review board, shall be provided between dissimilar uses or other districts.

f.    Site Plan Review

Development plans shall be submitted for approval by the design review board in accordance with the provisions of Section 37 of this code. (Ord. 04-91 § 1 (part))

21.04 Height Regulations

The height of buildings shall not exceed thirty feet above grade nor two stories, except that the height of any building or structure closer than thirty feet to a rural or residential zone or structure shall not exceed fifteen feet above grade nor one story. Streets and alleys may be included in calculating the distance.

21.05 Setback Regulations

a.    Front Yard

1.    There shall be a front yard having a depth of not less than fifty feet unless approved as a part of a development plan.

2.    Where a lot is located at the intersection of two or more streets, there shall be a yard conforming to the front yard requirements on each street side of a corner lot. No accessory building shall project into yards required to conform with the front yard requirements.

b.    Side Yard

None required, except that:

1.    Where a lot is adjacent to a residential zoning district there shall be a side yard on the side of the lot adjacent to such residential zoning district having a width of no less than fifty feet.

2.    Where a lot fronts on two streets there shall be a side yard on the street side of such corner lot having a width of no less than thirty feet.

3.    If a side yard is otherwise provided it shall have a width of not less than thirty feet.

c.    Rear Yard

None required, except that:

1.    Where a lot abuts a residential zoning district whether or not separated by an alley, there shall be a rear yard having a depth of not less than fifty feet.

2.    If a rear yard is otherwise provided it shall have a depth of not less than thirty feet.

21.06 Additional Regulations

a.    Any exterior lighting shall be directed downward and away from adjacent property in accordance with the city code and this zoning code. See Section 31.15.

b.    Provisions for on-site stormwater retention/drainage and off-site stormwater drainage both entering and leaving the property shall be as required by the city, and the Maricopa County flood control district, the procedures for which shall be approved by the council.

c.    Commercial signage shall comply with the requirements of Litchfield Park sign standards set forth in Section 35.31(b).

d.    When an application for site plan approval pursuant to Section 37 of this zoning code or minor land division or preliminary plat approval pursuant to Chapter 14 of the city code does not include all of the parcel(s) included in the adopted rezoning ordinance for the parcel(s), a master development plan shall be submitted that complies with this subsection. Such site plan, minor land division or preliminary plat shall not be approved except in conformance with this subsection. The planning and zoning commission shall review the master development plan and forward a recommendation to the council. The council may approve or deny the master development plan.

1.    The master development plan shall encompass all of the parcel(s) that were rezoned pursuant to one zoning ordinance.

2.    The design and development of the parcel(s) in the master development plan shall be consistent architecturally and materials and colors shall be harmonious.

3.    The master development plan shall be comprehensive, embracing land, buildings, landscaping and their interrelationships.

4.    The master development plan shall provide for circulation, off-street parking, drainage and related amenities. Buildings, structures and facilities in the parcel(s) shall be integrated, oriented and related to the topographic and natural landscape features of the site.

5.    Circulation patterns on the parcel(s) shall be compatible with circulation patterns on adjoining properties.

6.    The internal street system shall not be a dominant feature in the overall design; rather, it should be designed for the efficient and safe flow of vehicles without creating a disruptive influence on the activity and function of any common areas and facilities. (Ord. 12-178 § 1 (part); Ord. 04-91 § 1 (part))