Off-Street Parking Standards for the MX Mixed Use District in Mesa
In the City of Mesa, off-street parking requirements for the MX: Mixed Use district are determined by the specific land use category, with the municipality offering unique credits for on-street parking and proximity to transit for non-residential projects. While residential uses generally require 2.1 spaces per unit, this can be reduced to as low as 1.2 spaces per unit for projects near major transit stations [Table 11-32-3.A].
Residential Parking Requirements in the MX District
For residential developments within the MX: Mixed Use district, the City of Mesa establishes parking minimums based on the type of dwelling and its proximity to high-capacity transit.
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single Residence (Detached or Attached) | 2 spaces per dwelling (tandem allowed with approval) |
| 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) |
| Live-Work Units | 2.1 spaces per unit |
| Assisted Living Home (5 to 10 residents) | 1.0 space per room or unit, plus 2 additional spaces |
Note: No parking space is required for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the City of Mesa [Section 11-32-3].
Commercial and Mixed-Use Parking Requirements
Commercial projects in the MX district must provide off-street parking according to the specific service or retail activity.
| Commercial Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Office, Retail, and Services | 1 space per 375 square feet of gross floor area |
| Medical and Dental Offices | 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area |
| Restaurant (No Drive-Thru) | 1 space per 75 sq. ft. (indoor); 1 space per 200 sq. ft. (outdoor) |
| Restaurant (With Drive-Thru) | 1 space per 100 sq. ft. (indoor); 1 space per 200 sq. ft. (outdoor) |
| Convenience Market | 1 space per 375 square feet of gross floor area |
| Hotels and Motels | 1 space per room/suite plus ancillary use requirements |
| Bank / Financial Services | 1 space per 375 square feet of gross floor area |
Specific Parking Incentives for the MX District
The City of Mesa provides specific flexibility for developments within the MX: Mixed Use district to encourage urban-style development and transit usage.
On-Street Parking Credit
In the MX district, on-street parking spaces located immediately adjacent to the property's frontage may be counted toward the required off-street parking for non-residential uses. One on-street parking space may be substituted for each required off-street space [Section 11-32-3(F)].
Transit-Oriented Reductions
For non-residential uses in the MX district, the City of Mesa allows for a direct reduction in the total number of required spaces if the site is near a transit stop:
- 10% Reduction: If 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.
- 5% Reduction: If the closest portion of the parcel is within a 1/2 mile (2,640 feet) radius of a light rail or BRT stop [Section 11-32-6(C)].
General Parking Design and Stacking
All parking facilities in the MX district must adhere to City of Mesa design standards. Standard parking stalls must measure 9 feet by 18 feet for 90-degree parking [Table 11-32-2-H-1].
For commercial uses with drive-thru facilities, such as those often found in the MX district, specific stacking is required:
- Drive-thru Windows: A minimum 50-foot stacking distance is required between the entrance of the drive-thru lane and the street access [Section 11-31-18].
- Separation: Drive-thru lanes must be physically separated from non-drive-thru traffic areas by a minimum five-foot-wide raised landscape median [Section 11-31-18].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-31-18 (Drive-Thru and Pick-Up Window Facilities)
- Section 11-32-2 (General Regulations and Standards)
- Section 11-32-3 (Parking Spaces Required)
- Section 11-32-6 (Parking Reductions)
- Table 11-32-2-H-1 (Standard Parking Space and Aisle Dimensions)
- Table 11-32-3.A (Required Parking Spaces By Use)