Setback Requirements for the MX Mixed Use District in Mesa
In the City of Mesa, the MX Mixed Use district (regulated under the MX-U Urban character designator) requires a minimum front and street-facing side setback of 5 feet, with a maximum allowable yard depth of 25 feet. Interior side and rear setbacks are determined by the adjacent property's zoning, ranging from a 15-foot minimum for single-story structures near residential zones to a maximum of 35 feet for buildings three stories or taller adjacent to Single Residence (RS) districts.
Development Standards for the MX Mixed Use District
The City of Mesa utilizes the MX Mixed Use district to provide areas for employment centers, retail, and residential uses at densities typically ranging from 15 to 25 units per acre [Section 11-6-1(B)(5)]. In the City of Mesa, these developments are primary governed by the "Urban" (-U) character designator standards, which emphasize a close relationship between pedestrians, storefronts, and the street [Section 11-3-1(C)].
Required Setbacks for MX Mixed Use
Setback requirements in the MX Mixed Use district are designed to create a consistent street wall while providing adequate buffers when the district abuts less intensive residential zones.
| Setback Location | Minimum Requirement | Maximum or Height-Based Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 5 feet | 25 feet (Maximum allowed yard) |
| Street-Facing Side Yard | 5 feet | 25 feet (Maximum allowed yard) |
| Interior Side & Rear (Adjacent to RS District) | 15 feet | 2-story: 25'; 3-story: 35' |
| Interior Side & Rear (Adjacent to RM District) | 15 feet | +10 feet for each additional story |
| Interior Side & Rear (Adjacent to Non-Residential) | 15 feet | Required for each story |
| Street Intersection Radius | 10 feet | Minimum radius for buildings and patios |
[Table 11-6-3.B]
Specific Implementation Rules
When applying these setback standards in the City of Mesa, several additional regulations must be considered:
Maximum Yard Limits
Unlike many other districts, the MX Mixed Use district in the City of Mesa imposes a "Maximum Yard" requirement for the front and street-facing sides. This ensures that buildings are positioned close to the property line to support the intended urban, pedestrian-oriented character. For the MX Mixed Use district, the building facade may be no further than 25 feet from the property line [Table 11-6-3.B].
Landscaping and Transparency
The City of Mesa requires that all street-facing setbacks be landscaped according to the standards found in Chapter 33 of the City Code [Table 11-6-3.B]. Furthermore, because the MX Mixed Use district follows the "-U" (Urban) designator, ground-floor transparency requirements apply. Exterior walls facing any front or street-facing lot line must include windows, doors, or other openings for at least 50% of the building wall area located between 2.5 and 7 feet above the sidewalk [Section 11-6-4(B)].
Buffering Residential Districts
The City of Mesa mandates more significant setbacks when an MX Mixed Use development abuts a Single Residence (RS) district. These setbacks increase progressively with the height of the building to protect the privacy and character of neighboring single-family homes:
- 1-Story Buildings: 15-foot setback.
- 2-Story Buildings: 25-foot setback.
- 3-Story Buildings: 35-foot setback.
If the MX Mixed Use property is adjacent to a Multiple Residence (RM) district, the setback is 15 feet for the first story, with an additional 10 feet required for every story thereafter [Table 11-6-3.B].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-3-1: Base Zones and Community Character Designators
- Section 11-6-1: Purpose of Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts
- Table 11-6-3.B: Development Standards - Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts - with Character Designators
- Section 11-6-4: Special Standards for Districts with -U Community Character Designator