Mesa Downtown Residence Districts (DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3) Land Use Guide
In the City of Mesa, the Downtown Residence Districts (DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3) are established to protect and enhance urban residential neighborhoods while encouraging the redevelopment of underutilized sites. These districts prioritize residential stability and pedestrian linkages to the downtown core, with development intensity increasing from the low-density DR-1 designation to the high-density DR-3 designation, which allows up to 40 dwelling units per acre [Section 11-8-1].
Primary Land Use Regulations for Mesa DR Districts
Land uses in the Downtown Residence Districts are categorized as Permitted (P), permitted subject to a Special Use Permit (SUP), permitted subject to a Council Use Permit (CUP), or permitted as a Temporary Use (TUP). If a use is marked with a dash (—), it is prohibited within that specific district [Section 11-8-3].
Residential Use Classifications
The following table outlines the residential permissions for the three Mesa Downtown Residence sub-districts:
| Proposed Use | DR-1 | DR-2 | DR-3 | Additional Use Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Residence - Detached | P | P | P | |
| Single Residence - Attached | — | P | P | |
| Multiple Residence | P (16) | P (16) | P (16) | [Chapter 81], [Section 11-86-2] |
| Assisted Living Home (up to 10 residents) | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-14] |
| Family Community Residence | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-14] |
| Transitional Community Residence | P | P | P | |
| Day Care Group Home: Small (up to 5) | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-13] |
| Day Care Group Home: Large (6 to 10) | — | SUP | SUP | [Section 11-31-13] |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-3] |
(16) Note: Permitted if an existing non-conforming residential use is located on the lot [Section 11-8-3].
Public and Semi-Public Use Classifications
Mesa permits various civic and educational uses within the Downtown Residence Districts to support the local community:
| Proposed Use | DR-1 | DR-2 | DR-3 | Additional Use Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Gardens | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-10] |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities, Public | P | P | P | |
| Places of Worship | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-22] |
| Public Schools (K-12) | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-24] |
| Private Schools (K-12) | CUP | CUP | CUP | [Section 11-31-24] |
| Public Colleges or Universities | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-24] |
| Community Center | — | SUP | SUP | |
| Day Care Centers | — | SUP | SUP | |
| Clinics | — | — | — | [Section 11-31-15] |
Commercial and Other Use Classifications
Commercial activity is strictly limited in Mesa Downtown Residence Districts to maintain the residential character:
| Proposed Use | DR-1 | DR-2 | DR-3 | Additional Use Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast Inns | SUP | P | P | [Section 11-31-8] |
| Home Occupations | P | P | P | [Section 11-31-33] |
| Utilities, Minor | P | P | P | |
| Transportation Passenger Terminals | — | P | P |
Prohibited Uses in Mesa Downtown Residence Districts
According to the Mesa City Code, any use classification not explicitly listed as permitted (P, SUP, CUP, or TUP) in the land use table is prohibited. Specific prohibited uses within the DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3 districts include, but are not limited to [Section 11-8-3]:
- Commercial Facilities: General retail, pawn shops, tattoo and body piercing parlors, and large commercial developments.
- Eating and Drinking Establishments: Bars, clubs, lounges, and full-service or limited-service restaurants.
- Automotive Services: Automobile rentals, sales, leasing, repair, and washing facilities.
- Industrial and Employment Uses: Manufacturing (heavy or light), research and development, and warehousing/storage.
- Medical Facilities: Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and social service facilities.
- Animal Services: Kennels, pet stores, and veterinary services.
Development Intensity and Density Standards
The City of Mesa enforces specific density limits to differentiate the three Downtown Residence sub-districts [Section 11-8-4]:
| Standard | DR-1 | DR-2 | DR-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Density (units/net acre) | N/A | 12 | 40 |
| Minimum Lot Area (1 dwelling unit) | 6,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Open Space (per unit) | 400 sq. ft. | 400/200 sq. ft. | 400/200 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 30 feet | 30 feet | 40 feet |
Sections Cited
- Section 11-8-1: Purpose
- Section 11-8-3: Land Use Regulations (Table 11-8-3)
- Section 11-8-4: Development Standards — Downtown Residence Districts
- Section 11-31-3: Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Section 11-31-8: Bed and Breakfast Inns
- Section 11-31-10: Community Gardens
- Section 11-31-13: Large Day Care Group Homes
- Section 11-31-14: Community Residences
- Section 11-31-22: Places of Worship
- Section 11-31-24: Schools
- Section 11-31-33: Home Occupations
- Section 11-86-2: Residential Use Classifications