Setback Requirements for Mesa Downtown Business Districts (DB-1 and DB-2)

In the City of Mesa, non-residential buildings in the Downtown Business Districts (DB-1 and DB-2) generally require a 15-foot front and street-side setback, though this may be reduced to 10 feet along arterial streets. While interior side and rear setbacks are zero feet when not adjacent to residential areas, a 10-foot minimum is mandated whenever the property borders a residential development [Table 11-8-5]. For residential projects in the DB-1 district, setbacks range from 10 to 20 feet depending on the street type and yard location, while all residential setbacks in the DB-2 district are determined through the Council Use Permit process [Table 11-8-5].

Non-Residential Setback Standards

The City of Mesa provides uniform setback requirements for non-residential development within both the Downtown Business District 1 (DB-1) and Downtown Business District 2 (DB-2). These standards are designed to accommodate the commercial, service, and light industrial nature of these districts while protecting adjacent residential uses.

Yard Type	DB-1 and DB-2 Requirement	Supplemental Standard
Front	15 feet	May be reduced to 10 feet when on an arterial street and not adjacent to residential [Table 11-8-5].
Street Side	15 feet	May be reduced to 10 feet when on an arterial street and not adjacent to residential [Table 11-8-5].
Interior Side (Not adjacent to residential)	0 feet	N/A
Interior Side (Adjacent to residential)	10 feet	See Section 11-8-5(A) for intrusion standards.
Rear (Not adjacent to residential)	0 feet	N/A
Rear (Adjacent to residential)	10 feet	See Section 11-8-5(A) for intrusion standards.

Residential Setback Standards

Setback requirements for residential developments in Mesa's Downtown Business Districts differ between DB-1 and DB-2. In the DB-2 district, which is intended for more intensive commercial and light manufacturing uses, the City of Mesa determines residential setbacks on a project-specific basis during the Council Use Permit review [Table 11-8-5].

Yard Type	DB-1 District	DB-2 District
Front (Arterial Street)	15 feet	Plan Specific
Front (Non-Arterial Street)	10 feet	Plan Specific
Street Side (Arterial Street)	15 feet	Plan Specific
Street Side (Non-Arterial Street)	10 feet	Plan Specific
Interior Side	10 feet	Plan Specific
Rear	20 feet	Plan Specific

Supplemental Regulations and Buffers

The City of Mesa enforces additional standards when Downtown Business District properties interface with residential zones to maintain community character and privacy.

Intrusion and Privacy

Multi-storied structures in the DB-1 or DB-2 districts that feature windows on sides adjacent to residential districts may be subject to increased setbacks [Section 11-8-5(A)]. The Planning Director has the authority to require these increased distances or specific window placements to limit intrusion into the neighboring residential area [Section 11-8-5(A)].

Screening and Landscaping

The City of Mesa requires specific landscape and wall treatments within the setback areas:

Front and Street-Side Setbacks: These areas must be landscaped in accordance with Chapter 33. The City of Mesa requires these areas to use low-water usage plantings and limits inorganic ground cover to a maximum of 20% [Section 11-8-5(B)].
Residential Interface: A 6-foot-high masonry wall with a mortar wash or stucco finish must be installed along any interior property lines that are adjacent to residential districts or uses [Section 11-8-5(C)].
Refuse Areas: Trash and refuse collection areas are prohibited within any required front yard or street-side yard [Section 11-30-12(B)].

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