Mesa Zoning Regulations for Bars, Lounges, and Nightclubs
In the City of Mesa, establishments primarily serving alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption are classified under the "Bars/Clubs/Lounges" use category. These uses are permitted by right in most high-intensity commercial, industrial, and downtown business districts, but they are strictly prohibited in all residential and neighborhood-scale commercial zones to protect local community character.
Permitted Zoning Districts for Bars and Lounges
The City of Mesa identifies specific districts where "Bars/Clubs/Lounges" may operate. According to the City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance, this classification includes businesses serving beverages for consumption on the premises as a primary use, including on-sale service of alcohol (beer, wine, or mixed drinks), that do not meet the definition of a restaurant [Section 11-86-4].
The following table outlines the permissions for Bars/Clubs/Lounges across the various base districts:
| District Group | Specific Zoning District | Permission Status |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Neighborhood Commercial (NC) | Prohibited |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial (LC) | Permitted |
| Commercial | General Commercial (GC) | Permitted |
| Commercial | Office Commercial (OC) | Prohibited |
| Commercial | Mixed Use (MX) | Permitted |
| Employment | Planned Employment Park (PEP) | Permitted |
| Employment | Light Industrial (LI) | Permitted |
| Employment | General Industrial (GI) | Permitted |
| Employment | Heavy Industrial (HI) | Prohibited |
| Downtown | Downtown Residence (DR-1, DR-2, DR-3) | Prohibited |
| Downtown | Downtown Business (DB-1, DB-2) | Permitted |
| Downtown | Downtown Core (DC) | Permitted |
[Sections 11-6-2, 11-7-2, 11-8-3]
Development and Design Standards
Bars and lounges in the City of Mesa must adhere to specific development standards, especially when located in districts with an "Urban" (-U) community character designator.
Ground-Floor Transparency
In the City of Mesa, any building located in a district with a -U designator (such as NC-U, LC-U, or MX-U) must provide high levels of ground-floor visibility. Exterior walls facing a front or street-facing lot line must include windows, doors, or other openings for at least 50% of the building wall area located between 2.5 and 7 feet above the sidewalk [Section 11-6-4].
Outdoor Eating and Drinking Areas
If a bar or lounge in the City of Mesa includes an outdoor seating area, it must comply with the following:
- Barriers: Areas with more than four tables or eight seats, or those serving alcohol, must have barriers (such as decorative planters or architectural enclosures) not exceeding 42 inches in height [Section 11-31-19].
- Prohibited Materials: Barriers may not be constructed of chain link, chicken wire, or fabric/canvas [Section 11-31-19].
Parking Requirements
The City of Mesa requires specific parking ratios for "Eating and Drinking Establishments," which include bars and nightclubs. The number of spaces is calculated based on the square footage of the service areas.
| Area Type | Minimum Parking Standard |
|---|---|
| Indoor Area | 1 space per 75 square feet |
| Outdoor Seating Area | 1 space per 200 square feet |
[Section 11-32-3.A]
Definitions and Exclusions
It is important to note how the City of Mesa distinguishes between different types of entertainment venues:
- Bars/Clubs/Lounges: Primary focus is the consumption of alcoholic beverages [Section 11-86-4].
- Commercial Entertainment: Includes live theaters, motion picture theaters, and concert halls. This category specifically excludes cabarets and nightclubs where entertainment is incidental to alcohol sales [Section 11-86-4].
- Small-Scale Commercial Recreation: Includes venues such as billiard parlors, dance studios, and bowling centers [Section 11-86-4].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-6-2 (Commercial Land Use Regulations)
- Section 11-7-2 (Employment Land Use Regulations)
- Section 11-8-3 (Downtown Land Use Regulations)
- Section 11-31-19 (Outdoor Eating Areas)
- Section 11-32-3.A (Required Parking Spaces By Use)
- Section 11-6-4 (Special Standards for Districts with -U Community Character Designator)
- Section 11-86-4 (Commercial Use Classifications)