20.34.020 - PURPOSE AND INTENT
A. Generally. The "Commercial" (C) general use type is intended to accommodate various levels of business and service facilities; such levels will fluctuate depending upon the area's location, function and proximity to population and transportation facilities. B. Neighborhood, Use Qualifier. The Commercial Neighborhood designation (NC) is intended to accommodate retail and personal service establishments which will primarily serve the immediate neighborhood populous. To help retain the purpose and integrity of neighborhood commercial areas, two self-limiting actions have been taken. First, existing neighborhood business areas have been reduced in size within the neighborhood plans. Future land use designation changes to neighborhood commercial should follow these guidelines; (1) Separate NC areas should not be located closer than one mile from each other, (2) NC areas should not contain more than three acres, (3) NC areas should be located only along primary, secondary or collector arterials as identified in the circulation element of the comprehensive plan, (4) NC areas should be limited to 600 feet of frontage along said arterial, (5) NC areas should be located where access and internal circulation patterns can be limited and coordinated. Second, limitations are placed upon a maximum retail building size. This restriction will vary depending upon neighborhood, and will prevent facilities from expanding beyond the intended scope of the neighborhood commercial district without Council review and approval. C. Auto, Use Qualifier. The Commercial-Auto (AC) designation recognizes the need to adequately serve the motoring public with essential services such as food, lodging and gasoline for the automobile. Because not all land within an auto commercial area can, in a practical sense, be used for motel, service station, or eating and drinking establishments; small retail activities are permitted. To prevent these facilities from becoming freeway oriented shopping centers a restriction on maximum retail building size can be found within the neighborhood plans. In order to avoid strip zoning, the width of any Auto Commercial area should not be less than 40% of its length. D. Waterfront, Use Qualifier. The Commercial-Waterfront (WC) designation is created with the intent of revitalizing our historic waterfront areas with a people-oriented marine use atmosphere. The intent of the waterfront commercial designator is to reserve property abutting and/or in close proximity to the shoreline for commercial, light industrial, and recreational activities which depend upon or traditionally relate to the waterfront, or to those uses which will lend or help support a marine type atmosphere. E. Central, Use Qualifier. The Commercial-Central (CC) designation is intended to accommodate a broad range of goods and services. [Ord. 9490 §1, 1986; Ord 9024 (part). 1982]
