Mesa Zoning and Permit Requirements for Accessory Structures and Sheds
In the City of Mesa, the Zoning Ordinance primarily distinguishes detached accessory structures based on a 200-square-foot threshold, though explicit building permit requirements are noted for temporary structures exceeding 400 square feet [Section 11-30-17, 11-31-30]. While the City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance refers to the Mesa Building Code (Title 4) for general permit issuance, permanent portable storage containers in specific residential and agricultural districts always require a building permit regardless of size [Section 11-30-16].
General Regulations for Accessory Structures in Mesa
The City of Mesa defines an accessory structure as a building physically detached from and secondary to the primary structure on the same site [Section 11-64-3]. Within the City of Mesa, these structures (such as sheds, garages, or workshops) must follow specific standards depending on their size.
Technical Standards for Detached Accessory Buildings
The City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance establishes different standards for structures based on whether they are 200 square feet or less, or greater than 200 square feet.
| Requirement | Structures $\leq$ 200 Square Feet | Structures $>$ 200 Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted Locations | Rear, Side, or Street Side Yards | Rear, Side, or Street Side Yards |
| Front Yard Proximity | Prohibited in Front Yard | Prohibited in Front Yard |
| Max Height (Peak) | 8 feet | Lesser of Primary Building height or District Max |
| Min. Separation | 6 feet from Primary Building | 6 feet from Primary Building |
| Rear/Side Setbacks | No specific minimum if $\leq$ 8ft high | 5 feet (if $\leq$ 15ft high) or District Setbacks |
| Drainage | No runoff onto neighboring property | No runoff onto neighboring property |
[Section 11-30-17]
Explicit Building Permit Triggers
While many general shed permit requirements are found in the Mesa Building Code (Title 4), the City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance explicitly identifies certain scenarios where a building permit is mandatory for accessory-type uses:
- Temporary Structures: Any temporary structure, such as a tent, umbrella, or covering, that measures over 400 square feet requires a building permit and approval by the Fire Marshal [Section 11-31-30].
- Portable Storage Containers (PSCs): When used for permanent storage in Agricultural (AG), RS-43, or RS-90 districts, a building permit is required before installation. These must be placed on an elevated pad at least 4 inches above grade [Section 11-30-16].
- Manufactured Homes: The installation of any manufactured home or related component requires a permit from the Building Official as specified in the Mesa Administrative Code [Section 11-34-5].
Size and Coverage Limitations
The City of Mesa enforces strict limits on the cumulative size of accessory structures to prevent overdevelopment of residential lots:
- Primary Building Ratio: The combined gross floor area of all detached accessory structures cannot exceed 100% of the gross floor area of the primary building unless the owner obtains a Special Use Permit (SUP) [Section 11-30-17].
- Building Coverage Exclusion: A single, non-habitable accessory structure is excluded from the calculation of "building coverage" only if it is under 120 square feet and under seven feet in height [Section 11-2-3(J)].
- Bungalow Courts: In a City of Mesa Bungalow Court, the footprint area of an accessory structure is strictly prohibited from exceeding the footprint area of the main body of the primary building [Section 11-59-6].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-2-3: Rules for Measurement
- Section 11-30-16: Portable Storage Containers (PSC)
- Section 11-30-17: Detached Accessory Buildings or Structures
- Section 11-31-30: Temporary Uses
- Section 11-34-5: General Provisions (Manufactured Homes)
- Section 11-59-6: Bungalow Court
- Section 11-64-3: Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases
- Section 11-68-2: Applicability (Zoning Clearance)