Permitted Zoning Districts for Automobile Repair and Service Stations in Mesa
Establishments providing major automobile repair, body work, or fuel sales in the City of Mesa are primarily concentrated in the General Commercial, Light Industrial, and General Industrial districts. While service stations (gas stations) are allowed in several commercial and employment zones, they typically require the approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Council Use Permit (CUP) and must adhere to strict location and design standards. Automobile repair facilities are classified as either "Major" (including body shops) or "Minor" (including oil changes and tune-ups), with Major repair restricted to high-intensity districts and specific areas within the Downtown Business District.
Permitted Zoning Districts and Use Classifications
The City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance categorizes these activities under "Commercial Use Classifications." The following table details the level of permission for each use across relevant zoning districts.
| Zoning District | Service Station (Gas Station) | Automobile Repair (Minor) | Automobile Repair (Major/Body Shop) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC (Neighborhood Commercial) | SUP | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| LC (Limited Commercial) | SUP | Permitted (P) | Prohibited |
| GC (General Commercial) | SUP | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| PEP (Planned Employment Park) | SUP | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| LI (Light Industrial) | SUP | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| GI (General Industrial) | SUP | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| HI (Heavy Industrial) | CUP | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| DB-2 (Downtown Business 2) | SUP | SUP | SUP |
| DC (Downtown Core) | CUP | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Key: P = Permitted by right; SUP = Special Use Permit required; CUP = Council Use Permit required. [Table 11-6-2, Table 11-7-2, Table 11-8-3]
Performance Standards for Automobile Repair and Body Shops
In the City of Mesa, all automobile repair facilities must comply with specific operational requirements to mitigate noise and environmental impacts. "Major" repair specifically includes body and fender shops, as well as the installation of related equipment and parts on an overnight basis [Section 11-86-4].
General Repair Standards
- Minimum Lot Size: Facilities must be at least 1 acre in size unless they are part of a larger group commercial center [Section 11-31-6].
- Noise Containment: All body and fender work, or similar noise-generating activities, must be conducted within an entirely enclosed building constructed of masonry to absorb sound [Section 11-31-6].
- Bay Orientation: Bay openings must be oriented to minimize sound emanating toward residential uses [Section 11-31-6].
- Outdoor Storage: No used or discarded parts, equipment, or wrecked vehicles may be stored outside of the main building [Section 11-31-6].
Performance Standards for Service Stations (Gas Stations)
Service stations in the City of Mesa are defined as establishments retailing automotive fuels, often in combination with minor repair or food services [Section 11-86-4].
Location and Site Design
- Arterial Intersections: A maximum of two service stations are permitted at any single arterial intersection [Section 11-31-25].
- Frontage: The site must have a minimum of 100 feet of frontage on each street [Section 11-31-25].
- Fencing and Landscaping: Fencing must be masonry only. Landscaping must comprise at least 10% of the site area and include an irrigation system [Section 11-31-25].
- Litter Control: At least one permanent, non-flammable trash receptacle must be installed at each pump island [Section 11-31-25].
Urban Character (-U) Standards
When a service station is located in a district with a "-U" (Urban) character designator, the City of Mesa requires the main structure (office/retail) to be placed between the pump canopy and the street right-of-way. This structure can be no further back than the maximum allowed setback [Section 11-31-25].
Required Off-Street Parking
The City of Mesa identifies specific parking ratios for these uses to ensure adequate on-site circulation.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Standard |
|---|---|
| Service Stations | 1 space per 375 sq. ft., including service bays, wash tunnels, and retail areas |
| Auto Repair / Body Shops | 1 space per 375 sq. ft., including service bays, wash tunnels, and retail areas |
[Table 11-32-3.A]
Sections Cited
- Table 11-6-2 (Commercial Districts Land Use Regulations)
- Table 11-7-2 (Employment Districts Land Use Regulations)
- Table 11-8-3 (Downtown Districts Land Use Regulations)
- Table 11-32-3.A (Required Parking Spaces By Use)
- Section 11-31-6 (Automobile/Vehicle Repair, Major and Minor)
- Section 11-31-25 (Service Stations)
- Section 11-86-4 (Commercial Use Classifications)