Off-Street Parking Standards for Mesa Downtown Residence Districts (DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3)
In the City of Mesa, residential and limited non-residential projects within the Downtown Residence Districts (DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3) must provide off-street parking based on the specific use of the property, with a standard ratio of 2.1 spaces per typical multi-family unit. Factual requirements for these districts include a prohibition of parking in required front yards and a mandatory requirement in DR-1 and DR-2 zones to provide enclosed structures for any parking located within the front half of a lot [Section 11-32-2(A), Section 11-8-7(A)(3)].
Parking Ratios for the Downtown Residence Districts
The City of Mesa establishes specific parking ratios for various land uses permitted within the DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3 districts. While these districts are primarily residential, certain public, semi-public, and limited commercial uses (such as day care or places of worship) may also be established and are subject to the following requirements:
Residential Parking Ratios
| Use Classification | Minimum Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Residence (Detached or Attached) | 2 spaces per dwelling (may be tandem with approval) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | No parking space required |
| Multiple-Residence (Typical) | 2.1 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multiple-Residence (Within 1/4 mile of BRT or Light Rail) | 1.4 spaces (≤ 9 units); 1.3 spaces (10-25 units); 1.2 spaces (26+ units) |
| Boarding House or Assisted Living Center | 1.2 spaces per unit (distinguishable units) or 1.0 per room plus 2 |
| Live-Work Units | 2.1 spaces per unit |
Non-Residential and Semi-Public Parking Ratios
| Use Classification | Minimum Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Places of Worship / Fraternal Buildings | 1 space per 75 square feet of public assembly area |
| Day Care Centers | 1 space per 375 square feet |
| Schools (K-12) | 1 space per 75 feet of public assembly space plus 1 space per 600 feet for all other areas |
| Cultural Institutions / Museums | 1 space per 250 square feet of public assembly area |
| General Offices (where permitted) | 1 space per 375 square feet |
[Table 11-32-3.A]
Location and Design Standards
In the City of Mesa, the design and placement of parking facilities in the DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3 districts are strictly regulated to maintain the urban character of the downtown area.
- Prohibited Placement: Required parking and loading areas are prohibited within the required front yard of any property in the DR-1, DR-2, or DR-3 districts [Section 11-32-2(A)].
- Enclosed Structure Requirement: Within the DR-1 and DR-2 districts, if a parking space is located in the front half of a lot, it must be provided within an enclosed structure [Section 11-8-7(A)(3)].
- Stall Dimensions: Standard parking stalls must measure at least 9 feet by 18 feet for 90-degree parking [Table 11-32-2-H-1].
- Maneuvering: All vehicles, except those for single-family residences served by individual driveways, must approach the street or alley in a forward motion [Section 11-32-2(C)(2)].
Supplemental Parking Regulations for Downtown Districts
The City of Mesa provides several flexible options for meeting parking demands within the DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3 districts to encourage redevelopment and higher-intensity land use.
Shared and Off-Site Parking
Shared parking is encouraged between different commercial and mixed-use projects in the Downtown districts, provided the peak operating hours are significantly different. Off-site parking is also permitted, provided it is located in a municipal or private garage/lot within 600 feet of the primary entrance of the use served [Section 11-8-7(A), Section 11-32-5].
Transit-Related Reductions
Because the Downtown Residence Districts are often located near high-capacity transit corridors, the City of Mesa allows for a reduction in the total number of required spaces:
- 10% Reduction: For sites where the closest portion of the parcel is within a 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) radius of a light rail or bus rapid transit (BRT) stop [Section 11-32-6(C)(1)(a)].
- 5% Reduction: For sites where the closest portion is within a 1/2 mile (2,640 feet) radius of a light rail or BRT stop [Section 11-32-6(C)(1)(b)].
Bicycle and Motorcycle Credits
Developments in DR-1, DR-2, and DR-3 that are located within an approved Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay may substitute up to 50% of required full-size parking spaces with motorcycle/scooter or bicycle parking [Section 11-32-8(G)].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-8-1: Purpose (Downtown Districts)
- Section 11-8-3: Land Use Regulations (Downtown Districts)
- Section 11-8-7: Supplemental Regulations for All Downtown Districts
- Section 11-32-2: General Regulations and Standards (Parking)
- Section 11-32-3: Parking Spaces Required
- Section 11-32-5: Shared Parking
- Section 11-32-6: Parking Reductions
- Section 11-32-8: Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking