Neighborhood Commercial 3 (NC3) zones, function, and locational criteria
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.34.078
in effectA. Function. To support or encourage a pedestrian-oriented shopping district that serves the surrounding neighborhood and a larger community, citywide, or regional clientele; that provides comparison shopping for a wide range of retail goods and services; that incorporates offices, business support services, and residences that are compatible with the retail character of the area; and where the following characteristics can be achieved: 1. A variety of sizes and types of retail and other commercial businesses at street level; 2. Continuous storefronts or residences built to the front lot line; 3. Intense pedestrian activity; 4. Shoppers can drive to the area, but walk around from store to store; 5. Transit is an important means of access. B. Locational criteria. A Neighborhood Commercial 3 zone designation is most appropriate on land that is generally characterized by the following conditions: 1. The primary business district in a regional, urban, or neighborhood center; 2. Served by principal arterial; 3. Separated from low-density residential areas by physical edges, less-intense commercial areas or more-intense residential areas; 4. Excellent transit service. (Ord. 127375 , § 19, 2025; Ord. 122311 , § 11, 2006; Ord. 117430 , § 18, 1994: Ord. 116795 , § 4, 1993: Ord. 112777 § 2(part), 1986.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026