Mesa Downtown Residence Districts Setback Requirements

In the City of Mesa, the Downtown Residence Districts (DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3) require minimum front setbacks ranging from 10 to 15 feet and consistent street side setbacks of 10 feet. Interior side and rear setbacks are determined by building height and, in the DR-2 district, the number of dwelling units on the property. Specific transitional rules in the City of Mesa zoning code may increase front setbacks for DR-3 properties when they are located adjacent to DR-1 or DR-2 districts.

Minimum Setback Standards for Mesa Downtown Residence Districts

The City of Mesa establishes specific setback requirements to maintain the character of urban-oriented residential areas in the downtown region. These standards vary depending on whether the structure is one, two, or three stories in height [Section 11-8-4].

Setback Requirements Table

Setback Type	DR-1 (Downtown Residence 1)	DR-2 (Downtown Residence 2)	DR-3 (Downtown Residence 3)
Front	15 feet	15 feet	10 feet (See Note 1)
Street Side	10 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Interior Side: 1-Story	5 feet	1-2 units: 5 feet; 3+ units: 15 feet	10 feet
Interior Side: 2-Story	5 feet	1 unit: 5 feet; 2 units: 10 feet; 3+ units: 15 feet	15 feet
Interior Side: 3-Story	N/A	N/A	20 feet
Rear: 1-Story	15 feet	15 feet	10 feet
Rear: 2-Story	20 feet	20 feet	20 feet
Rear: 3-Story	N/A	N/A	20 feet

Note 1: Properties in the City of Mesa DR-3 district are subject to transitional front setback requirements when adjacent to lower-intensity districts [Section 11-8-4(A)].

Special Setback Provisions and Transitional Rules

The City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance includes specific provisions that modify the standard setbacks based on the context of the development site.

DR-3 Transitional Standards

For any residential structure located in the City of Mesa DR-3 district that is adjacent to a DR-1 or DR-2 district, the following transitional rule applies:

Front Yard Increase: A 15-foot front-yard setback is required instead of the standard 10-foot setback.
Applicability: This increased setback must be maintained for the first 40 feet of lot street frontage that is immediately adjacent to the DR-1 or DR-2 district [Section 11-8-4(A)].

Setbacks for Key Lot Adjacency

In the City of Mesa, if the rear property line of a corner lot abuts the side property line of an adjoining "key lot," a visibility triangle must be maintained. This involves a 10-foot deep by 10-foot wide area where obstructions are limited to ensure traffic safety [Section 11-30-4(D)].

Encroachments into Required Yards

The City of Mesa allows certain building elements to project into the required setbacks, subject to specific limitations intended to protect neighbors' access to light and air [Section 11-8-7(D)].

General Limit: No projection may extend closer than 2 feet to an interior lot line or into any public utility easement.
Awnings and Eaves: These architectural features may encroach up to 3 feet into any required yard.
Projections (Bay Windows/Chimneys): Vestibules, bay windows, and chimneys may encroach up to 3 feet into front or rear yards and up to 2 feet into side yards. However, the total width of these projections cannot exceed one-third of the length of the building wall.
Staircases: May encroach 3 feet into a required front yard and 10 feet into a required rear yard.
Porches and Balconies: Attached open porches, patios, and balconies may encroach to within 10 feet of the rear property line.
Enclosed Rooms (DR-1 and DR-2): In the City of Mesa DR-1 and DR-2 districts, enclosed livable rooms may encroach up to 10 feet into a required rear yard for up to half the width of the building, provided a 10-foot gap remains between the building and the rear property line [Section 11-8-7(D)].

Sections Cited

Section 11-8-4: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—DOWNTOWN RESIDENCE DISTRICTS
Section 11-8-7: SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS FOR ALL DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS
Section 11-30-4: FENCES AND FREESTANDING WALLS