Brewery, Taproom, and Micro-Distillery Zoning in Mesa, Arizona
In the City of Mesa, breweries, taprooms, and micro-distilleries are primarily regulated under the "Bars/Clubs/Lounges" and "Manufacturing" land use classifications. These establishments are generally permitted in most Commercial, Employment, and Downtown districts, although specific size limitations and permit requirements apply depending on the zoning sub-designation.
Primary Zoning Permissions
The City of Mesa categorizes the retail and consumption portion of a brewery or distillery as a "Bar/Club/Lounge," defined as a business serving beverages for on-site consumption as a primary use [Section 11-86-2]. The production component is classified under "Food and Beverage Processing" (part of General Manufacturing) or "Limited Manufacturing" [Section 11-86-5].
Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts
In the City of Mesa's standard commercial zones, taprooms and bars are permitted as follows:
| District Name | Designation | Permission Status |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Commercial | LC | Permitted (P) |
| General Commercial | GC | Permitted (P) |
| Mixed Use | MX | Permitted (P) |
| Neighborhood Commercial | NC | Prohibited (—) |
| Office Commercial | OC | Prohibited (—) |
Establishments in these districts are often subject to "Additional Use Regulations" found in Section 11-31-9 when located near residential areas [Table 11-6-2].
Employment (Industrial) Districts
In the City of Mesa's Employment Districts, the scale of the establishment determines the permit type. "Note 6" frequently applies to these areas, stating that uses are permitted by right up to 1,500 square feet, but require a Special Use Permit (SUP) if they exceed that size [Section 11-7-2].
| District Name | Designation | Bar/Lounge Permission | Manufacturing Permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Employment Park | PEP | P/SUP (Note 6) | Limited Manufacturing (P) |
| Light Industrial | LI | P/SUP (Note 6) | General/Limited (P) |
| General Industrial | GI | P/SUP (Note 6) | General/Limited (P) |
| Heavy Industrial | HI | Prohibited (—) | General/Limited (P) |
Downtown Districts
The City of Mesa encourages vibrant activity in its urban core, permitting bars and lounges in most Downtown districts to support the "original square mile" [Section 11-8-1].
| District Name | Designation | Permission Status |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Business 1 | DB-1 | Permitted (P) |
| Downtown Business 2 | DB-2 | Permitted (P) |
| Downtown Core | DC | Permitted (P) |
| Downtown Residence | DR-1, 2, 3 | Prohibited (—) |
Form-Based Code and Transect Zones
In the Downtown and Pioneer/Temple neighborhoods, the City of Mesa utilizes Transect Zones. Permissions for bars, clubs, and lounges vary based on the intensity of the urban environment [Section 11-58-3.A].
- Permitted (P): T5 Main Street Flex (T5MSF), T5 Main Street (T5MS), and T6 Main Street (T6MS).
- Council Use Permit (CUP): T4 Neighborhood Flex (T4NF) and T4 Main Street (T4MS).
- Prohibited (—): T3 Neighborhood (T3N), T4 Neighborhood (T4N), and T5 Neighborhood (T5N).
Technical Development Standards
Parking Requirements
The City of Mesa calculates parking based on the specific function of each area within the establishment. If a brewery has both a production area and a taproom, the requirements are calculated separately for each use [Section 11-32-3].
| Use Category | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Bars/Clubs/Lounges | 1 space per 75 square feet of indoor area |
| Outdoor Seating Area | 1 space per 200 square feet |
| General Industrial/Manufacturing | 1 space per 600 square feet |
Outdoor Eating and Drinking Areas
Establishments wishing to include an outdoor patio must comply with the City of Mesa's specific standards for "With Outdoor Eating Areas" [Section 11-31-19].
- Barriers: Required for areas with alcohol service; must not exceed 42 inches in height.
- Encroachments: In the Downtown Core or Urban (-U) districts, outdoor seating may be permitted on a public sidewalk via an encroachment permit, provided a 6-foot wide clear path is maintained [Section 11-31-19].
- Prohibited Materials: Barriers may not be constructed of chain link, chicken wire, or fabric/canvas.
Sections Cited
- Section 11-6-2: Commercial Districts Land Use Regulations
- Section 11-7-2: Employment Districts Land Use Regulations
- Section 11-8-1: Downtown Districts Purpose
- Section 11-8-3: Downtown Districts Land Use Regulations
- Section 11-31-9: Commercial Uses in Any Residence Districts
- Section 11-31-19: Outdoor Eating Areas
- Section 11-32-3: Parking Spaces Required
- Section 11-58-3.A: Composite Use Table (Form-Based Code)
- Section 11-86-2: Residential Use Classifications (includes Bar definitions)
- Section 11-86-5: Employment and Industrial Use Classifications