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Mesa Transect 4 Setback and Build-to Line Requirements

Jurisdiction: MesaCode Version: July 2025

In the City of Mesa, the Transect 4 (T4) districts are divided into three distinct sub-zones: T4 Neighborhood (T4N), T4 Neighborhood Flex (T4NF), and T4 Main Street (T4MS). The T4N district requires a minimum front setback of 10 feet, while the T4NF and T4MS districts utilize Build-to Lines (BTL) that prioritize placing buildings close to the street, with T4MS requiring a maximum front build-to line of 0 feet. Side and rear setbacks in these Mesa districts vary from 0 to 5 feet depending on the specific sub-zone and the adjacency to other transect zones.

T4 Neighborhood (T4N) Setback Requirements

The T4 Neighborhood (T4N) district in the City of Mesa is intended to provide a high-quality, medium-density residential environment. This district uses traditional setbacks rather than Build-to Lines to maintain a specific neighborhood character [Section 11-58-5].

T4N Main Building and Accessory Structure Setbacks

Standard Main Building Accessory Structure
Front Setback 10' min.; 15' max. 10' min.
Side Street Setback 5' min.; 10' max. 5' min.
Side Setback 5' min. 5' min.
Rear Setback 5' min. 5' min.

T4 Neighborhood Flex (T4NF) Standards

The T4 Neighborhood Flex (T4NF) district in the City of Mesa provides a flexible area that can accommodate smaller, neighborhood-serving commercial uses in a main street form. This district transitions from traditional setbacks to the use of Build-to Lines (BTL) [Section 11-58-6].

T4NF Build-to Lines (BTL)

The Build-to Line is the specific line where the building façade must be placed [Section 11-64-3].

Frontage Type Build-to Line (Distance from Property Line/ROW)
Front 0' min.; 15' max.
Side Street 0' min.; 15' max.

T4NF Side and Rear Setbacks

Standard Requirement
Side (Main Building) 0' min.
Rear (Main Building) - Adjacent to T5N, T4N, or T3N 5' min.
Rear (Main Building) - Adjacent to All Other Transect Zones 0' min.
Rear (Main Building) - Adjacent to Alley 0' min.
Side (Accessory Structure) 0' min.
Rear (Accessory Structure) 5' min.

T4 Main Street (T4MS) Standards

The T4 Main Street (T4MS) district in the City of Mesa is designed to integrate vibrant main-street commercial and retail environments into neighborhoods. It requires the most restrictive placement of buildings to the property line to encourage a walkable urban form [Section 11-58-7].

T4MS Build-to Lines (BTL)

Frontage Type Build-to Line (Distance from Property Line/ROW)
Front 0' max.
Side Street 0' max.

T4MS Side and Rear Setbacks

Standard Requirement
Side (Main Building) 0' min.
Rear (Main Building) - Adjacent to T5N, T4N, or T3N 5' min.
Rear (Main Building) - Adjacent to All Other Transect Zones 0' min.
Rear (Main Building) - Adjacent to Alley 0' min.
Side (Accessory Structure) 0' min.
Rear (Accessory Structure) 5' min.

Special Placement Rules for Transect 4

In the City of Mesa, several unique rules apply to the placement of buildings within Transect 4 zones:

  • Encroachments: Specific elements like porches, stoops, and balconies are allowed to encroach into the required setbacks or BTL zones up to specified limits (e.g., 10 feet for front porches in T4N) [Section 11-58-5(E)].
  • Adjacency to RS Districts: When a lot in a Transect district is adjacent to a Single Residence (RS) district, additional setbacks or screening may be required to ensure compatibility between different intensities of use [Section 11-58-12].
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): ADUs must follow the specific placement standards found in the City of Mesa's supplemental regulations for accessory uses [Section 11-31-3].

Sections Cited

  • Section 11-58-5: T4 Neighborhood (T4N) Standards
  • Section 11-58-6: T4 Neighborhood Flex (T4NF) Standards
  • Section 11-58-7: T4 Main Street (T4MS) Standards
  • Section 11-58-12: Additional Standards for All Transect Zones
  • Section 11-64-3: Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases (Build-to Line)
  • Section 11-31-3: Accessory Dwelling Unit

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