(A) Purpose. The purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District is to allow single multi-use commercial buildings containing convenience retail and service commercial uses at major intersections on small neighborhood scale sites where public sewer is available and sites are designated in the City of Forest Lake Comprehensive Plan. The district is intended to accommodate the basic needs of neighborhoods that would not otherwise have convenient access to retail areas in the city.
(B) Design character. The character of this district shall reflect the character of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Building scale, setback, and design should be consistent with existing neighborhoods. Because this district is intended to serve surrounding residential areas, pedestrian connectivity to existing neighborhoods is also important. Design in this district should foster a welcoming pedestrian environment through pedestrian scale buildings, street furniture, and pedestrian and bike facilities.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the NC District:
(1) Retail sales and service;
(2) Multi-tenant structures;
(3) Medical uses;
(4) Office;
(5) Restaurant (full service or fast food);
(6) School, specialty;
(7) Brewery;
(8) Micro distillery;
(9) Taproom.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the NC District are allowed only when they are accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the provisions set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.110 et seq.
(1) Outdoor seating accessory to a restaurant;
(2) Trash enclosure service structure;
(3) Attached smoking facility associated with a principal use;
(4) Agricultural seasonal sale;
(5) Roof-mounted solar energy systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.307;
(6) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(7) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.096(II)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the NC District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034):
(1) Day care facility, licensed;
(2) Essential services, governmental building and storage, and utility substations;
(3) Motor vehicle, service station;
(4) Motor vehicle, wash;
(5) Veterinary;
(6) Permitted uses with a drive-thru;
(7) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the NC District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an NC District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area: 43,560 square feet (or 1 acre) for multi-tenant structures;
(b) Lot area: 25,000 square feet for freestanding structures;
(c) Lot width: 150 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated on the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 40 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way.
2. Side yard: 30 feet.
3. Rear yard: 30 feet.
4. Building height: all buildings shall be limited to 1 story with a maximum height of 30 feet.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016)