GI: General Industrial Zoning District in the City of Mesa
The GI: General Industrial district in Mesa is established to support high-intensity industrial activities, including manufacturing, assembly, wholesale, and warehousing. It allows for a maximum building height of 50 feet and up to 90% lot coverage, requiring a minimum site area of 1.0 acre to accommodate uses that often necessitate separation from residential environments due to noise, vibration, or the use of hazardous materials [Section 11-7-1, Table 11-7-3].
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the GI: General Industrial district in Mesa is to provide appropriate locations for manufacturing, processing, assembly, research, wholesale, and storage activities [Section 11-7-1]. Because these activities often involve noise, vibration, or hazardous materials, the GI: General Industrial district is designed to provide a necessary separation between industrial operations and residential areas [Section 11-7-1].
The general character of the GI: General Industrial district is primarily indoor-oriented; however, the district does permit some outdoor activities and a full range of commercial activities that support the industrial workforce or the broader municipality [Section 11-7-1].
Development Standards
The City of Mesa prescribes specific dimensional and intensity standards for the GI: General Industrial district to ensure efficient land use and appropriate transitions to neighboring properties.
| Standard | Requirement in GI District |
|---|---|
| Minimum Site Area | 1.0 acre |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 90% |
| Maximum Building Height | 50 feet |
| Front/Street-Facing Setback (Arterial) | 15 feet |
| Front/Street-Facing Setback (Major Collector) | 20 feet |
| Front/Street-Facing Setback (Local Street) | 20 feet |
| Front/Street-Facing Setback (Freeway) | 30 feet (buildings); 15 feet (parking) |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback (Adj. to R or AG) | 1 foot per foot of building height (min. 20 ft) |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback (Adj. to Comm/PEP) | 1 foot per foot of building height (min. 20 ft) |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback (Adj. to LI, GI, HI) | 0 feet (none) |
Source: [Table 11-7-3]
Supplemental Standards
- Separation between Buildings: For buildings on the same lot, no setback is required [Table 11-7-3].
- Screening: Industrial uses in Mesa must provide a solid screening wall of stucco, decorative block, or concrete panel at least 6 feet in height along interior lot lines when abutting a residential district or use [Section 11-30-9].
- Outdoor Storage: In the GI: General Industrial district, outdoor storage is permitted anywhere on the lot or parcel, subject to screening and setback regulations [Section 11-30-7].
Permitted Land Uses
The GI: General Industrial district supports a wide array of industrial and commercial uses. Uses are classified as Permitted (P), requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP), requiring a Council Use Permit (CUP), or requiring a Special Exception (SE).
Industrial and Employment Uses
- Manufacturing: General, Limited, and Handicraft/Custom manufacturing are all Permitted (P) [Table 11-7-2].
- Warehousing and Storage: Indoor warehousing and storage, as well as wholesale activities, are Permitted (P) [Table 11-7-2].
- Research and Development: Facilities dedicated to scientific research and product testing are Permitted (P) [Table 11-7-2].
- Data Centers: These are classified as a Special Exception (SE), meaning they are not allowed by right but may be permitted through a specific review procedure [Section 11-7-2, Table 11-7-2].
- Marijuana Facilities: Cultivation, infusion, and medical/dual-license dispensaries are Permitted (P) within the Mesa GI district [Table 11-7-2].
Commercial and Service Uses
- Automobile Services: Major and minor vehicle repair, as well as vehicle washing, are Permitted (P). Service stations require a Special Use Permit (SUP) [Table 11-7-2].
- Animal Services: Kennels, pet stores, and veterinary services are Permitted (P) [Table 11-7-2].
- Retail: General retail uses are typically permitted when they are accessory to an industrial use or meet specific floor area limitations [Table 11-7-2].
- Heliports: These require a Special Use Permit (SUP) or a Council Use Permit (CUP) depending on their classification as a primary or accessory use [Table 11-7-2].
Public and Semi-Public Uses
- Government Offices: Permitted (P).
- Hospitals and Clinics: Hospitals are Permitted (P), while clinics require a Special Use Permit (SUP) [Table 11-7-2].
- Correctional Transitional Housing: This specific use requires a Council Use Permit (CUP) [Table 11-7-2].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-7-1: Purpose (Employment Districts)
- Section 11-7-2: Land Use Regulations (Employment Districts)
- Section 11-7-3: Development Standards (Employment Districts)
- Section 11-30-7: Outdoor Storage
- Section 11-30-9: Screening
- Section 11-31-36: Data Centers
- Section 11-31-34: Marijuana Facilities