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Setback Requirements for the Mesa PS: Public and Semi-Public District

Jurisdiction: MesaCode Version: July 2025

In the Mesa PS: Public and Semi-Public district, building setbacks are primarily determined by the classification of the adjacent street and the specific zoning of neighboring properties. Front and street-facing side setbacks range from 20 to 30 feet depending on road type, while interior side and rear setbacks range from 15 to 25 feet, or 15 feet per story for multi-story buildings [Table 11-10-3].

Development Standards for the Mesa PS District

The City of Mesa utilizes a graduated setback system for the PS: Public and Semi-Public district to ensure compatibility between large-scale governmental or institutional uses and the surrounding community. These standards apply to all facilities owned, leased, or operated by government agencies or school districts within the PS district [Section 11-10-2].

Front and Street-Facing Side Setbacks

For any property in the PS: Public and Semi-Public district, the minimum front yard and street-facing side yard requirements vary according to the Mesa Transportation Plan's street classifications.

Street Classification Minimum Setback Requirement
6-Lane Arterial 30 feet
4-Lane Arterial 20 feet
Major or Midsection Collector 25 feet
Industrial or Commercial Collector 20 feet
Local Street 20 feet
Freeways 30 feet for buildings; 15 feet for parking structures
Adjacent to MX, DC, or districts with a -U designator Same as the adjacent district

[Table 11-10-3]

Interior Side and Rear Setbacks

The required interior side and rear yards in the Mesa PS district are determined by the size of the project site and the zoning designation of the abutting property.

Adjacency Condition Building Type/Site Size Minimum Setback
Adjacent to RS District Sites smaller than 5 acres 20 feet
Adjacent to RS District Sites 5 acres or larger 25 feet
Adjacent to RM District Single-story building 20 feet
Adjacent to RM District Two or more stories 15 feet per story
Adjacent to Non-Residential Single-story building 15 feet
Adjacent to Non-Residential Two or more stories 15 feet per story

[Table 11-10-3]

Supplemental Buffer and Screening Requirements

The City of Mesa requires additional protections when PS: Public and Semi-Public district uses are located next to residential areas.

  • Buffer Yards: If a lot in the PS district abuts a lot in a Residential Single-Family (RS) or Downtown Residence (DR-1) district, a landscape buffer with a minimum width of 15 feet must be provided on the PS-zoned property [Section 11-10-3(A)].
  • Screening Walls: A screening wall with a height of 6 feet is mandatory whenever a lot in the PS district abuts any "R" (Residential) or "DR" (Downtown Residential) district at the time of development [Section 11-10-3(A)].
  • Building Separation: When multiple buildings are located on the same lot within the PS district, they must maintain a minimum separation of 25 feet for one-story buildings, 30 feet for two-story buildings, and 35 feet for buildings with three or more stories [Table 11-10-3].

Sections Cited

  • Section 11-10-2: Land Use Regulations (PS District)
  • Section 11-10-3: Development Standards (PS District)
  • Table 11-10-3: Development Standards - PS Public and Semi-Public District

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Setback Requirements for the Mesa PS: Public and Semi-Public District | Mesa Zoning Guide