RESIDENTIAL USES IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
Mesa City Code § 11-31-31
in effect11-31-31: - RESIDENTIAL USES IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
A. Residential uses are permitted in the NC, LC, GC, and MX Districts as provided in Section 11-6-2, if located, developed and operated in compliance with the following standards:
1. Commercial Floor Area Requirements.
a. Projects with only single-Story buildings. A project that contains only single-Story (1-Story) buildings may include residential if a minimum of 60 percent of the gross floor area (GFA) of all the buildings for the project is reserved for commercial uses.
b. Projects with multiple-Story buildings or a mixture of single-Story (1-Story) and multiple-Story buildings. A project that contains multiple-Story buildings or a mixture of single-Story and multiple-Story buildings may include residential if:
i. A minimum of 60 percent of the gross floor area (GFA) of all the buildings for the project is reserved for commercial uses; and
ii. A minimum of 65 percent of the ground floor of each multi-Story building is reserved for commercial uses.
2. Maximum Density. Maximum residential density shall be no more than 15 Dwelling Units per acre in the NC district, and no more than 25 Dwelling Units per acre in the LC and GC districts.
B. Live-work units are permitted in the NC, LC and GC districts, subject to approval of a Special Use Permit. A maximum of one (1) live-work unit is permitted per parcel.
C. Caretakers' residences are permitted in the NC, LC, GC, and OC districts, subject to approval of a Special Use Permit. A maximum of one (1) caretakers' residence is permitted per parcel.
D. Projects that comply with the residential density maximums specified in Table 11-6-3.A, and the commercial floor area requirements in Section 11-31-31(A)(1) above require Development Plan Review, as described in Chapter 69.
E. Modifications to Development Standards.
1. Maximum Density. Projects that exceed the residential density maximums specified in Section 11-31-31(A)(2) above require approval of a Council Use Permit (even if the development complies with the commercial floor area requirements in Section 11-31-31(A)(1)).
2. Commercial Floor Area Requirements. Modification to the commercial floor area requirements in Section 11-31-31(A)(1) above require approval of a council use permit.
F. Criteria for Review of Council Use Permit. When required, the review of the Council Use Permit shall include a review and determination regarding the following items:
1. The use is found to be in compliance with the General Plan, Sub-Area Plans and other recognized development plans or policies, and will be compatible with surrounding uses; and
2. A finding that a plan of operation has been submitted, which includes, but is not limited to, acceptable evidence of compliance with all zoning, building, and fire safety regulations; and
3. A finding that a "good neighbor policy" in narrative form has been submitted, which includes, but is not limited to, descriptions of acceptable measures to ensure ongoing compatibility with adjacent uses; including measures to assure that commercial activity will remain as a viable activity on this site; and
4. Evidence that acceptable documentation is present demonstrating that the building or site proposed for the use is in, or will be brought into, substantial conformance with all current City development standards, including, but not limited to, Landscaping, parking, screen walls, signage, and design guidelines; and
5. The overall project conforms to the intent and character of the zoning district and is part of a well integrated mixed-use project.
(Ord. No. 5593, § 9, 12-1-20; Ord. No. 5996, § 4, 3-9-26)
Source: City of Mesa, Arizona, Mesa City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/az/mesa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT11ZOOR_ART4DERE_CH31STSPUSAC_11-31-31REUSCODIFetched: 11/1/2026