Setback Requirements for Mesa PC: Planned Community District
In the City of Mesa, the PC: Planned Community district does not have a single set of uniform setback requirements. Instead, all development standards, including front, side, and rear setbacks, are custom-established within a unique Community Plan adopted specifically for the subject property [Section 11-11-2(A)]. If a project-specific Community Plan does not explicitly define a setback, the City of Mesa applies the "default" standards from the zoning district or use that most nearly approximates the proposed development [Section 11-11-2(D)(2)].
Determination of Setbacks in the PC District
Because the PC: Planned Community district is intended to accommodate large-scale, unified, and comprehensively planned developments, it allows for flexibility that may not be achievable under conventional City of Mesa zoning regulations [Section 11-11-1]. Consequently, the setbacks are not "one size fits all" but are part of the specific entitlement process for that particular PC-zoned land.
| Regulation Type | Requirement Source for Mesa PC District |
|---|---|
| Primary Source | The project-specific Community Plan adopted by the City Council [Section 11-11-2(A)]. |
| Default Source | The Mesa Zoning Ordinance Standards for the district or use most nearly approximating the proposed use [Section 11-11-2(D)(2)]. |
| Modifications | The Zoning Administrator may grant minor modifications (less than 20%) to default or Community Plan standards based on specific criteria [Section 11-11-2(D)(2)(a)]. |
The Community Plan and Site Plan Review
The adopted Community Plan serves as the primary reference for all development within the boundary of a City of Mesa PC District [Section 11-11-2(A)]. When a developer submits a site plan for review, the City of Mesa evaluates it for consistency with the following [Section 11-11-6(D)]:
- The specific General Development Standards established in the Community Plan.
- The Development Unit Design Guidelines (if the PC district is divided into separate units).
- The approved Land Use Budget for that specific area of the project.
If a developer wishes to deviate from the established setbacks in an existing Community Plan, they must apply for an amendment. Major amendments, such as substantive changes to General Development Standards or changes to the overall PC District boundary, require a formal process including a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board and approval by the City Council [Section 11-11-8(D)].
Default Standards and Consistency
In cases where the Community Plan is silent on a specific setback requirement, the City of Mesa requires that improvements conform to the standards of the zoning district that most closely matches the proposed use [Section 11-11-2(D)(2)]. For example:
- If a portion of a PC District is intended for detached single-family homes, the default setbacks would likely be drawn from the RS (Residential Single Dwelling) districts.
- If a portion is intended for commercial use, the default setbacks would likely be drawn from the NC, LC, or GC (Commercial) districts.
Furthermore, any setback defined must be consistent with the goals and policies of the Mesa General Plan and provide effective transitions between abutting parcels [Section 11-11-3(C)].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-11-1: Purpose and Intent
- Section 11-11-2: Land Use and Development Regulations
- Section 11-11-3: Application Requirements
- Section 11-11-6: Site Plan Review
- Section 11-11-8: Amendments to an Approved PC District