Mesa Zoning Guide for the Downtown Core (DC) District
The Downtown Core (DC) zoning district in the City of Mesa is established to facilitate the highest intensity of urban land use, prioritizing the redevelopment of under-utilized properties into a vital and vibrant activity center. This district focuses on a compact, pedestrian-oriented environment where high-density residential projects and diverse commercial activities are encouraged through flexible, project-specific standards determined by the Planning and Zoning Board [Section 11-8-1, Section 11-8-6].
Purpose of the Downtown Core (DC) District
The City of Mesa utilizes the Downtown Core (DC) designation to provide incentives for high-intensity development within the city's original square mile. The district is intended to serve as a focal point for the municipality, accommodating a blend of residents, businesses, employees, and visitors while enhancing the visual image of central Mesa [Section 11-8-1].
Allowed and Prohibited Land Uses
Land use permissions in the Mesa Downtown Core (DC) are categorized by their impact on the urban environment. The following table details the status of various use classifications within the district.
Residential and Community Uses
| Use Classification | Permission Status in DC District | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Single Residence (Detached/Attached) | Prohibited | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Multiple Residence (Typical) | Permitted (P) | Min. density 20 units/acre for exclusive projects [Table 11-8-3 (1, 16)] |
| Assisted Living Home (up to 10 residents) | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Assisted Living Center (> 10 residents) | Council Use Permit (CUP) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Family Community Residence | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Transitional Community Residence | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Boarding House | Prohibited | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Day Care Group Home (Small and Large) | Prohibited | [Table 11-8-3] |
Public and Semi-Public Uses
| Use Classification | Permission Status in DC District | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Clubs and Lodges | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Community Centers / Gardens | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Cultural Institutions | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Day Care Centers | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Government Offices | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Hospitals and Clinics | Prohibited | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Places of Worship | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Public Safety Facilities | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Schools (Public, Private, Trade, K-12) | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
Commercial and Retail Uses
| Use Classification | Permission Status in DC District | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| General Retail | Permitted (P) | Only with non-residential uses [Table 11-8-3 (15)] |
| Restaurants (Full/Limited/Outdoor) | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Bars, Clubs, and Lounges | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Hotels and Motels | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Banks and Financial Institutions | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Commercial Entertainment | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Commercial Recreation (Small-Scale) | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Commercial Recreation (Large-Scale) | Permitted (P) | Must be in enclosed building [Table 11-8-3 (5)] |
| Automobile Rentals | Council Use Permit (CUP) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Service Stations | Council Use Permit (CUP) | [Table 11-8-3 (15)] |
| Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlors | Permitted (P) | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Pawn Shops | Prohibited | [Table 11-8-3] |
| Plant Nurseries / Garden Centers | Prohibited | [Table 11-8-3] |
Development Standards for Downtown Core
Unlike other districts with fixed setbacks, the City of Mesa regulates the Downtown Core (DC) through a discretionary review process. The Planning and Zoning Board or a designated official determines specific density, area, building, and yard regulations for each project to ensure they align with high-intensity goals [Section 11-8-6].
General Height and Setback Guidelines
While specific dimensions are often determined during site plan review, the following general standards apply to the Downtown Core:
| Standard | Requirement in DC District |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | Determined by the Planning & Zoning Board [Section 11-8-6] |
| Minimum Setbacks | Determined by the Planning & Zoning Board [Section 11-8-6] |
| Maximum Residential Density | Approved by the Planning & Zoning Board [Section 11-8-6] |
| Parking (Structured) | Permitted as a matter of right [Table 11-8-3 (7)] |
| Parking (Surface) | Requires a Council Use Permit (CUP) [Table 11-8-3 (7)] |
Supplemental Regulations
The City of Mesa enforces specific requirements for all Downtown districts, including the Downtown Core, to maintain a cohesive urban environment:
- Off-Site Parking: Required parking for a Downtown Core project may be provided off-site in a private or municipal garage or approved commercial lot within the vicinity [Section 11-8-7(A)].
- Shared Parking: Different commercial or mixed-use projects may share parking spaces if their peak operating hours do not conflict [Section 11-8-7(A)].
- Building Projections: Projections such as awnings and eaves may encroach up to 3 feet into a required yard [Section 11-8-7(C)].
- On-Street Parking Credit: Non-residential uses in the DC district may count adjacent on-street parking toward their required parking minimums [Section 11-32-3(F)].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-8-1: Purpose (Downtown Districts)
- Section 11-8-3: Land Use Regulations (Downtown Districts)
- Section 11-8-6: Development Standards—Downtown Core District
- Section 11-8-7: Supplemental Regulations for All Downtown Districts
- Section 11-32-3: Parking Spaces Required