Off-Street Parking Standards for the NC: Neighborhood Commercial District in Mesa, AZ
In the City of Mesa, residential projects within the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district generally require 2.1 parking spaces per unit, while the standard commercial ratio for retail and office uses is one space per 375 square feet of gross floor area. All non-residential developments in the City of Mesa must provide a minimum of at least four on-site parking spaces, and projects located near major transit stations may be eligible for significant reductions in these requirements.
Residential Parking Requirements in the NC District
Residential uses permitted in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district, such as multiple-residence buildings or attached single-family units, must adhere to specific ratios based on the dwelling type and proximity to public transit [Table 11-32-3.A].
| Use Classification | Minimum Parking Standard |
|---|---|
| Single Residence (Detached or Attached) | 2 spaces per dwelling |
| Multiple Residence (Typical) | 2.1 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multiple Residence (within 1/4 mile of BRT/Light Rail) | 1.2 to 1.4 spaces per unit (varies by project size) |
| Live-Work Units | 2.1 spaces per unit |
| Boarding House / Assisted Living Home | 1.2 spaces per unit (distinguishable units) or 1.0 per room |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | No parking space required |
For typical multiple-residence projects in the City of Mesa, the requirement is 2.1 spaces per unit. However, if the development is located within a 1/4 mile radius (1,320 feet) of a bus rapid transit (BRT) or light rail station, the requirements are reduced as follows:
- 9 or fewer total units: 1.4 spaces per unit.
- 10-25 total units: 1.3 spaces per unit.
- 26 or more total units: 1.2 spaces per unit [Table 11-32-3.A].
Commercial and Office Parking Requirements in the NC District
Commercial developments in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district are calculated based on the gross floor area (GFA) and the specific nature of the business activity.
| Commercial Use Type | Minimum Parking Standard |
|---|---|
| General Retail, Office, and Services | 1 space per 375 sq. ft. |
| Medical and Dental Offices / Clinics | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. |
| Eating/Drinking Establishments (No Drive-Thru) | 1 space per 75 sq. ft. (indoor); 1 per 200 sq. ft. (outdoor) |
| Eating/Drinking Establishments (With Drive-Thru) | 1 space per 100 sq. ft. (indoor); 1 per 200 sq. ft. (outdoor) |
| Health Space, Clubs, and Gyms | 1 space per 100 sq. ft. (excluding courts) |
| Day Care Centers | 1 space per 375 sq. ft. |
| Banks and Financial Institutions | 1 space per 375 sq. ft. |
| Data Center | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. (first 200k); 1 per 10,000 thereafter |
General Design and Allowance Standards
The City of Mesa enforces uniform design standards for all off-street parking facilities within the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district to ensure safety and accessibility.
Parking Space Dimensions
The standard parking space in the City of Mesa is 9 feet wide by 18 feet deep for 90-degree parking [Table 11-32-2-H-1]. On sites requiring at least 10 spaces, up to 20 percent of the total spaces may be "compact" stalls, measuring 8 feet by 16 feet [Section 11-32-2.D].
On-Street Parking Credits
In NC districts utilizing the "-U" (Urban) character designator, the City of Mesa allows for a "Credit for On-Street Spaces." On-street parking spaces located immediately adjacent to the property frontage may be counted toward the required off-street parking for non-residential uses [Section 11-32-3.F].
Bicycle Parking
Non-residential and multi-unit residential buildings in the NC: Neighborhood Commercial district must provide at least three bicycle parking spaces or one space per every 10 vehicle parking spaces provided, whichever is greater [Section 11-32-8.A].
Shared Parking and Reductions
Applicants may apply for an Administrative Use Permit to allow for shared parking between two or more non-residential uses that have different peak hours of operation [Section 11-32-5]. Additionally, the Zoning Administrator may approve a Special Use Permit to reduce the required parking if a parking demand study proves the project will not negatively impact the surrounding area [Section 11-32-6].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-31-3: Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Section 11-32-2: General Regulations and Standards
- Section 11-32-3: Parking Spaces Required
- Section 11-32-4: Parking Area Design
- Section 11-32-5: Shared Parking
- Section 11-32-6: Parking Reductions
- Section 11-32-8: Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking
- Section 11-86-3: Public and Semi-Public Use Classifications