RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

Mesa City Code tit. 11, art. 2, ch. 5

in effect

Mesa City Code § 11-5-1 PURPOSE

11-5-1: - PURPOSE A. General Purpose of Residential Districts. The purposes of the residential districts are to: 1. Provide for the orderly, well-planned, and balanced growth of residential neighborhoods. 2. Provide for a variety of housing types in a range of densities. 3. Promote the development of residential neighborhoods with well-designed transportation links to educational, employment, commercial and recreational destinations, and which encourage multiple methods of transportation, including walking, biking, and the use of public transit. 4. Establish design standards to help create distinct and attractive residential neighborhoods, upgrade the quality of multi-family housing, and ensure that new residential development is well integrated with surrounding neighborhoods. 5. Provide for appropriate public and quasi-public uses such as parks, playgrounds, religious facilities, and day care centers where they are compatible with and preserve and/or improve the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. 6. Provide development patterns that encourage energy conservation and provide opportunities for renewable energy production. B. Specific Purposes of Each District. 1. RS Single Residence. To provide areas for detached single residence housing at densities of up to 7 units per net acre. Designators (-90, -43, -35, -15, -9, -7 and -6) are used to denote the minimum lot size in thousands of square feet. This district also provides for community residences, assisted living homes, day care group homes, park and recreation facilities, and civic and institutional uses such as churches and places for religious assemblies that are appropriate in a residential environment. Non-residential uses of a strictly limited scale under the specific conditions listed may also be allowed. 2. RSL Small Lot Single Residence. To provide areas for small-lot single dwelling development at densities of up to 17 units per net acre, subject to development standards to ensure land use compatibility. Designators (-4.5, -4.0, -3.0 and -2.5) are used to denote the minimum average lot size in thousands of square feet. This district also allows for community residences, assisted living homes, family day care, park and recreation facilities, and civic and institutional uses. 3. RM Multiple Residence. To provide areas for a variety of housing types at densities of up to 43 units per gross acre. Designators (-2, -3, -4, and -5) are used to denote variations in the maximum allowed development intensity (See Table 11-5-5). Appropriate types of dwelling units include small-lot single residences, townhouses, cluster housing, and multiple residence housing. This district also provides for community residences, assisted living facilities, residential home-based day care, boarding house manufactured home parks and subdivisions, recreational vehicle parks and subdivisions, park and recreation facilities, limited and small-scale residential support (including limited scale mixed-use commercial) activities, and civic and institutional uses such as churches and places for religious assembly that are appropriate in a residential environment. (Ord. No. 5541, § 2, 12-9-19; Ord. No. 5632, § 2, 7-8-21)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-2 LAND USE REGULATIONS

11-5-2: - LAND USE REGULATIONS In Table 11-5-2, the land use regulations for each Residential Zoning District are established by letter designations as follows: • "P" designates use classifications permitted in the Residential District. • "SUP" designates use classifications permitted on approval of a Special Use Permits. • "CUP" designates use classifications permitted on approval of a Council Use Permits. • "TUP" designates use classifications permitted on approval of a Temporary Use Permits. • "(x)" a number in parentheses refers to a limitation following the table. Use classifications not listed are prohibited. The "Additional Use Regulations" column includes specific limitations applicable to the use classification or refers to regulations located elsewhere in this Ordinance. Table 11-5-2: Residential Districts Proposed Use | RS | RSL | RM | Additional Use Regulations Residential Use Classifications Single Residence | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | P (12, 13, 14) Multiple Residence | — | — | P (13, 16) Middle Housing | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | — | Section 11-31-38, Middle Housing Assisted Living Facility Assisted Living Home (5 to 10 residents) | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | P (12, 13, 14) | Section 11-31-14, Community Residences Assisted Living Center (greater than 10 residents) | — | — | CUP (13, 16) | Section 11-31-28, Assisted Living Centers, Nursing and Convalescent Homes Boarding House | — | — | SUP (13, 16) Community Residence Family Community Residence | P (13 14) | P (13, 14) | P (12, 13, 14) | Section 11-31-14, Community Residences Transitional Community Residence | SUP (13, 14) | SUP (13, 14) | P (12, 13, 14) Comprehensive Youth Residence | SUP (4, 13, 14) | — | — | Section 11-5-8, Comprehensive Youth Residence Day Care Group Home Small Day Care Group Home (up to 4) | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) Large Day Care Group Home (5 to 10) | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | Section 11-31-13, Large Day Care Group Homes Manufactured Home Parks | — | P (13, 14) | P (1, 13, 14) | Table 11-34-3, Development Standards for RV and Manufactured Home Parks and Subdivisions Manufactured Home Subdivisions | P (13, 14) | — | — Recreational Vehicle Parks | — | — | P (1, 13, 14) Recreational Vehicle Subdivisions | — | — | P (1, 13, 14) Public and Semi-Public Use Classifications Clubs and Lodges | — | — | SUP (9, 13, 14) Community Center | SUP (13, 16) | SUP (13, 16) | SUP (9, 13, 16) Community Gardens | P | P | P | Section 11-31-10, Community Gardens Cultural Institutions | P (13, 16) | P (13, 16) | P (9, 13, 16) Day Care Centers | SUP/P (10, 13, 14) | P (8, 13, 14) | P (13, 14) | Section 11-31-9, Commercial Uses in Residential Districts Hospitals and Clinics Clinics | — | — | SUP (2, 9, 13, 14) | Section 11-31-15, Hospitals and Clinics Hospitals | — | — | SUP (2, 9, 13, 14) Nursing and Convalescent Homes | — | — | CUP (9, 13, 14) | Section 11-31-28, Assisted Living Centers, Nursing and Convalescent Homes Parks and Recreation Facilities, Public | P | P | P (9) Places of Worship | P (13, 16) | P (13, 16) | P (9, 13, 16) | Section 11-31-22, Places of Worship Athletic Facilities When Accessory to a Church | SUP (13, 16) | — | SUP (9, 13, 16) Day Care When Accessory to a Church | SUP (13, 16) | — | SUP (9, 16) Public Safety Facilities | P (23) | P (23) | P (23) Schools, Colleges, and Trade Schools Colleges or Universities, Private | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | Section 11-31-24, Schools Colleges or Universities, Public | P | P | P Commercial Trade Schools, Private | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | Section 11-31-24, Schools Commercial Trade Schools, Public | P | P | P Industrial Trade Schools, Private | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | Section 11-31-24, Schools Industrial Trade Schools, Public | P | P | P K-12, Private | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | CUP (13, 14) | Section 11-31-24, Schools K-12, Public | P | P | P Skilled Nursing Facility | CUP (9, 13, 14) Social Services Facility | — | — | CUP (9, 13, 16) | Section 11-31-26, Social Service Facilities Commercial Use Classifications Animal Sales Services Boarding Stables | SUP (3, 13, 16) | — | — | RS-90 and RS-43 only Bed and Breakfast Inns | SUP (15, 16) | — | P (9, 15, 16) | Section 11-31-8, Bed and Breakfast Inns Eating and Drinking Establishments Restaurants, Full Service | SUP (11) | SUP (11) | SUP (11) | Section 11-31-9, Commercial Uses in Residential Districts Restaurants, Limited Service | SUP (11) | SUP (11) | SUP (11) Offices Business and Professional | SUP (10) | SUP (10) | SUP (10) | Section 11-31-9, Commercial Uses in Residential Districts Medical and Dental | SUP (10) | SUP (10) | SUP (10) Personal Services | SUP (11) | — | SUP (11) | Section 11-31-9, Commercial Uses in Residential Districts Plant Nurseries and Garden Centers | SUP (7) | — | — | SUP option available only in RS-43 and RS-90 districts Retail Sales General | SUP (11) | SUP (11) | SUP (11) | Section 11-31-9, Commercial Uses in Residential Districts Recreational Vehicle Storage Yard | SUP (20) | — | — | Section 11-31-35 Storage Yards in Residential Districts Transportation, Communications, and Utilities Use Classifications Utilities, Minor | P | P | P Specific Accessory Uses and Facilities Animal Keeping | P (3) | — | — | Section 11-31-4, Animal Keeping Accessory Dwelling Unit | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | P (13, 14) | Section 11-31-3, Accessory Dwelling Unit Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) | P (6) | P (6) | P (6) | Section 11-31-37, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and BESS Facilities Farm Stands | SUP (5) | — | — | RS-43 and RS-35 Only Home Occupations | P/SUP (17) | P | P | Section 11-31-33, Home Occupations Outdoor Display | P | P | P | Section 11-31-20, Outdoor Display Portable Storage Containers | P (21, 22) | P (21) | P (21) | Section 11-30-16, Portable Storage Containers (PSC) Temporary Outdoor Entertainments | — | — | TUP (2, 6) | Section 11-31-30, Temporary Uses Temporary Outdoor Sales | — | — | TUP (2, 6) 1. Permitted in the RM-4 District. 2. Only permitted or conditionally permitted in the RM-4 District; prohibited in the other RM sub-designations. 3. Boarding stables are permitted in the RS-43 and RS-90 Districts with approval of a SUP on sites of 10 acres or more. Other Large-Scale Commercial Recreation uses are not permitted. 4. Comprehensive Youth Residence permitted in RS-90 District with approval of a SUP. 5. Stands are permitted for the sale of agricultural or horticultural products produced on the premises in the RS-35, RS-43 and RS-90 zoning districts with approval of a Special Use Permit. Farm stands are prohibited in the remaining RS sub-designations. 6. Refer to Section 11-31-37(B)(2) for conditions under which a BESS may qualify as an Accessory Use. 7. Plant Nurseries may be located in the RS-43 and RS-90 Districts with approval of a Special Use Permits. Criteria include that specified for the AG District, Sec Section 11-4-4(C). Plant Nurseries are prohibited in the remaining RS sub-designations. 8. Day Care Centers permitted only as an accessory activity when provided as an amenity by homeowner's association (HOA) for the principal benefit of residents of that same HOA. 9. Not permitted in RM-5 District. 10. Permitted only with approval of a Special Use Permits, and if the location is coterminous to an intersection of an arterial street with a local or collector street, and the aggregate maximum Gross Floor Area is less than 2,000 square feet in Floor Area, exclusive of any residential uses. 11. Permitted only with approval of a Special Use Permits, and if the location is coterminous to an intersection of an arterial street with a local or collector street, and the aggregate maximum Gross Floor Area is less than 1,500 square feet in Floor Area, exclusive of any residential uses. No drive-thru facilities or pick-up window facilities permitted. 12. Detached Single Residence is not permitted in RM-5 District. 13. Use not permitted when the property is subject to the AOA 1 Overflight Area, see Section 11-19-2, Runway Protection Zones and Airport Overflight Areas. 14. Use not permitted when the property is subject to the AOA 2 Overflight Area, see Section 11-19-2, Runway Protection Zones and Airport Overflight Areas. 15. Use permitted with approval of a (CUP) Council Use Permits when the property is subject to the AOA 1 Overflight Area, see Section 11-19-2, Runway Protection Zones and Airport Overflight Areas. 16. Use permitted with the approval of a (CUP) Council Use Permits when the property is subject to the AOA 2 Overflight Area, see Section 11-19-2, Runway Protection Zones and Airport Overflight Areas. 17. Special Use Permit options for expanded Home Occupations are allowed only in the RS-90 and RS-43 Districts. 18. Reserved. 19. Reserved. 20. Also requires previous establishment of a PAD Overlay District. 21. Temporary use of Portable Storage Containers during construction and for loading and unloading is permitted in accordance with Section 11-30-16. 22. Permanent use of Portable Storage Containers is limited to RS-43 and RS-90 zoning districts in accordance with Section 11-30-16. 23. Use only permitted when owned and operated by the City of Mesa. (Ord. No. 5541, § 2, 12-9-19; Ord. No. 5592, § 2, 12-1-20; Ord. No. 5593, § 2, 12-1-20; Ord. No. 5632, § 1, 7-8-21; Ord. No. 5759, § 1, 12-8-22; Ord. No. 5813, § 1(Exh. 1), 10-16-23; Ord. No. 5814, § 1(Exh. 1), 10-16-23; Res. No. 12269, § 2, 9-23-24; Ord. No. 5883, § 3, 10-7-24; Ord. No. 5989, § 1, 12-8-25; Ord. No. 5876, § 2, 1-12-26)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-3 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE RS AND RSL DISTRICT

11-5-3: - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE RS AND RSL DISTRICT A. Zoning District Standards. Tables 11-5-3.A.1 and 11-5-3.A.2 prescribe the development standards for the RS and RSL Districts. The "Additional Standards" column lists additional standards that apply in some or all districts. Section numbers in this column refer to other sections of the Zoning Ordinance, while individual letters refer to subsections that directly follow the table. Table 11-5-3.A.1: Development Standards - RS Residential Single Dwelling Districts Standard | RS-90 | RS-43 | RS-35 | RS-15 | RS-9 | RS-7 | RS-6 | Additional Standards Lot and Density Standards Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 90,000 | 43,560 | 35,000 | 15,000 | 9,000 | 7,000 | 6,000 Minimum Lot Width: Interior Lot (ft.) | 150 | 130 | 130 | 110 | 75 | 65 | 55 | Section 11-5-3(A)(1), Additional Lot Width and Depth Minimum Lot Depth (ft.) | 150 | 150 | 150 | 120 | 100 | 94 | 90 Minimum Lot Depth abutting Arterial Street (ft.) | 150 | 150 | 150 | 120 | 110 | 104 | 100 Maximum Density Conventional Subdivisions (units/gross acre) | Based on compliance with minimum lot size requirements, and with off-site improvement and right-of-way requirements specified in MCC Title 9. Planned Area Development (PAD) Overlay District (units/net acre) | 0.48 | 1.0 | 1.24 | 2.9 | 4.84 | 6.22 | 7.26 Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot) | 40% | 40% | 50% | 50% | 60% | 60% | 60% Building Form and Location Maximum Height (ft.) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 Minimum Setbacks (ft.) Front: Enclosed Livable Areas, Porches, Side Entry Garages, and Porte Cocheres | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 15 | 10 | 10 Front and Street-Facing Side: Garages and Carports | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 20 Interior Side: Minimum either side | 20 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | Section 11-5-3(A)(3), Zero-Lot-Line Developments Interior Side: Minimum Aggregate of 2 sides | 40 | 30 | 30 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 15 | Section 11-5-3(A)(3), Zero-Lot-Line Developments Street-Facing Side | 30 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 Rear | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 20 | Section 11-5-3(A)(2), Additional Standards for Rear Setbacks Rear: Abutting Arterial Street | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 Maximum Building Coverage (% of lot) | 25 | 25 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | Section 11-31-38, Middle Housing Table 11-5-3.A.2: Development Standards - RSL Residential Small Lot Single Dwelling Districts Standard | RSL-4.5 | RSL-4.0 | RSL-3.0 | RSL-2.5 | Additional Standards Lot Standards Minimum Average Lot Area of Subdivision (sq. ft.) | 4,500 | 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,500 Minimum Individual Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 4,000 | 3,600 | 2,925 | 2,400 Minimum Lot Width: Interior Lot (ft.) | 50 | 45 | 45 | 40 | Section 11-5-3(A)(1), Additional Lot Width and Depth Minimum Lot Width: Corner Lot (ft.) | 55 | 50 | 50 | 45 Minimum Lot Depth (ft.) | 80 | 80 | 65 | 60 Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot) | 70% | 75% | 80% | 80% Building Form and Location Maximum Height (ft.) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | Section 11-5-3(A)(5), Third Story Structures Minimum Setbacks (ft.) Front: Building Wall | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 Front: Garage | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 Front: Porch | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 Street-Facing Side | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 Interior Side: Minimum Each Side | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Section 11-5-3(A)(3), Zero-Lot-Line Developments Interior Side: Minimum Aggregate of 2 sides | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 Rear | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 Rear or Side: Garage, Accessed by Alley or Common Drive Shared by 3 or More Lots (Measured to Construction Centerline of Alley or Drive) | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 Minimum Useable Open Space Per Unit (sq. ft.) | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | Section 11-5-3(A)(6), RSL Open Space Requirements 1. Additional Lot Width and Depth. a. At Local or Collector Street Intersections. i. Additional lot width equivalent to 10% of the standard lot width for the zoning district shall be provided on lots located at the intersection of: (1) Two (2) local streets; or (2) A local street and collector street. ii. Street-facing side lot lines separated from street right-of-way by a dedicated tract of land with a width of 10 or more feet are excluded from this requirement. b. At Arterial and Collector or Arterial and Local Street Intersections. i. Additional lot width equivalent to 15% of the standard lot width for the zoning district shall be provided on corner lots located at the intersection of: (1) Two (2) collector streets; (2) Two (2) arterial streets; or (3) A collector and arterial street. ii. Street-facing side lot lines separated from street right-of-way by a dedicated tract of land with a width of 15 or more feet are excluded from this requirement. c. Lots With Two (2) or More Intersection Corners. For lots that have more than one (1) corner adjacent to an intersection, the additional lot width required will be based on the highest classified intersection. d. Lot Depth Adjacent to Arterial Street. Where the rear lot line of a lot in the RS-7 or RS-6 District directly abuts the right-of-way of an arterial street: i. The minimum lot depth shall be increased by an additional 10 feet; except: ii. Rear lot lines separated from arterial street right-of-way by a dedicated tract of land with a depth of 10 or more feet are excluded from this requirement. 2. Additional Standards for Rear Setbacks. a. Rear Setback Adjacent to Arterial Street. A rear setback adjacent to an arterial street shall be at least 30 feet in depth. This requirement shall not apply if the residential lot is separated from the arterial street by a landscape tract, stormwater retention basin, or privately owned and maintained recreation open space that is at least 10 feet in depth. b. Rear Setback Adjacent to Alley or Canal. When a rear lot line abuts an alley or canal right-of-way at least 16 feet in depth, the rear setback may be measured from the centerline of that alley or canal right-of-way, provided the resulting reduction does not exceed 10 feet. 3. Zero-Lot-Line Developments. Zero-lot-line developments are permitted in the RS-6, RS-7, and RSL Districts as follows. Use benefit easements shall not be used to establish, satisfy, or replace any required setback or access provision for zero-lot-line developments. a. In zero-lot-line developments, no interior side setback is required on one (1) side of a lot if the opposite side setback is at least equal to or greater than the minimum aggregate setback stated in Table 11-5-3.A.1 or Table 11-5-3.A.2, or 10 feet, whichever is greater. b. Where a zero-side setback is used, the abutting property must be held under the same ownership at the time of initial construction, or the owner of the property abutting the zero-side setback must sign an agreement that permanently grants consent in writing to such zero setback. c. Owners of zero-lot-line developments must provide permanent access and maintenance easement providing the owner of the zero-lot-line structure with access to the adjacent lot to maintain the structure. A copy of the easement shall be provided to the City prior to recording the document in the Maricopa County Recorder's Office. 4. Limitation on Paving of Street-Facing Setbacks. a. RS Districts. No more than 50% of any required front or street-facing side setback may be covered with a paved surface. b. RSL Districts. No more than 80% of any required front or street-facing side setback may be covered with a paved surface. 5. Third Story Structures in RSL Districts. A Single Residence dwelling unit in an RSL Zoning District may have a third story subject to the following: a. The third story is located inside a roof that is pitched at a vertical to horizontal ratio of at least 1 to 3 (1:3). The third story may include dormers that are not more than 15 feet in depth or width and located wholly below the ridge of the roof. The roofs of dormers shall have a minimum slope of 1 to 6 (1:6); or b. The horizontal area of the third story (measured from exterior walls) does not exceed 60% of the footprint of the building, and the third story is set back a minimum of eight (8) feet from the front exterior wall(s) of lower stories, or set back at least five (5) feet from the front exterior wall and five (5) feet on at least one (1) side exterior wall of lower stories. 6. RSL Open Space Requirements. The open space requirement in the RSL Districts may be satisfied in one (1) of the following ways: a. Private Open Space Option. A minimum of 400 square feet of open space is provided on each lot. The following criteria apply to the provision of private open space: i. The open space may be contained in one (1) or multiple areas. No single space shall be smaller than 80 square feet. ii. To count toward the required open space, the open space must have a minimum depth of at least six (6) feet as an upper story balcony, eight (8) feet as a porch or patio and 10 feet as a courtyard or lawn area. iii. Items such as covered porches or patios, open on two (2) sides; or designated courtyards with two (2) sides defined by a knee wall of not more than three (3) feet in height may be considered as open space when located in front and street-side facing setbacks, provided the minimum dimension of the open space in any direction is: (1) Ten (10) feet in the RSL-4.5, 4.0, and 3.0 Districts; and (2) Eight (8) feet in the RSL-2.5 District. b. Combined Private and Common Open Space Option. A development may satisfy open space requirements through a combination of private open space on each lot and common open space areas, subject to the following: i. For properties zoned RSL 4.5 or 4.0, the open space requirement may be met by providing at least 350 square feet of private open space on each lot and providing common open space areas to serve the development at the rate of 100 square feet per lot. ii. For properties zoned RSL-3.0 or 2.5, the open space requirement may be met by providing at least 280 square feet of private open space on each lot and providing common open space areas to serve the development at a rate of 120 square feet per lot. iii. Minimum open space dimension standards provided in Subsection (6)(a) above, apply to the size and location of the on-lot open space. iv. To qualify as common open space, all of the following standards must be met: (1) The area shall have a minimum of two (2) pedestrian access points and shall not be enclosed or otherwise restricted from use by the residents of the subdivision; (2) The common area must be at least 0.25 acres in size with a minimum usable width of at least 75 feet in any direction; (3) The open space must be at least 50% open to the sky. At least 75% of open space areas that are open to the sky and not otherwise used as active recreation facilities shall be landscaped and maintained with live plant materials; (4) Open space areas shall be improved with facilities that provide for active and/or passive recreation, such as benches, paths, playground equipment, ball courts, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities; and (5) At least 75% of the required open space shall be located within 1,320 feet of the geometric center of the development site, measured to the nearest edge of the open space. 7. Encroachments. Building projections may extend into required setbacks, subject to the following standards: a. No projection may extend into a public utility easement or closer than three (3) feet to an interior lot line. b. Awnings, eaves, overhangs, or basement window wells may encroach up to three (3) feet into any required setback. c. Vestibules, bay windows, nooks, chimneys, or similar wall projections with or without footings may encroach not more than three (3) feet into any required front or rear setback and not more than two (2) feet into any required side setback, provided the aggregate width of all such projections adjacent to any yard does not exceed one-third (⅓) of the length of the building wall. d. Staircases may encroach up to three (3) feet into any required front setback, and up to 10 feet into any required rear setback. e. Attached open porches, open patios, open carports or open balconies may encroach into a required rear setback, but shall be no closer than 15 feet to a rear property line, except in the RS-6 and RS-7 Districts, where these structures may encroach to within 10 feet of the rear property line. Such open structures may include window screens, knee walls, and other partial enclosures as specified in the Mesa Building Code for patio covers. f. In RS Districts only, enclosed livable rooms may encroach up to 10 feet into a required rear setback for up to one-half (½) the width of the building, provided a minimum of 10 feet remains between the building face and the rear property line. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-3.A(1): BUILDING PROJECTION (Ord. No. 5593, §§ 3, 4, 12-1-20; Ord. No. 5858, § 1, 7-1-24; Ord. No. 5989, § 2, 12-8-25; Ord. No. 5996, § 1, 3-9-26)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-4 SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE RS AND RSL DISTRICTS

11-5-4: - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE RS AND RSL DISTRICTS A. Neighborhood Character and Image. Residential subdivisions of five (5) acres or more shall comply with the following requirements: 1. Connectivity. Residential subdivisions shall provide vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to adjacent schools, parks, places of work or services, and abutting residential developments. a. All development shall be designed in accordance with the City of Mesa Standard Details and Specifications, Engineering Design Standards Manual, Land Division Regulations, and transportation facilities identified by the City's Transportation Plan. b. The street or roadway pattern shall be designed with regard to topography and existing natural features. c. Streets stubbed or platted to the boundary of previously approved Development Plans shall be incorporated and continued, to provide for logical, orderly, and convenient movement from one neighborhood to the next. d. Sidewalks, trails, and greenbelts shall be utilized to provide pedestrian/bicycle connections between neighboring subdivisions and major activity areas. 2. Entryway Monumentation Feature. Provide at least one (1) entryway monumentation feature at two (2) neighborhood access points where a street intersects an arterial or collector street. Each entryway monumentation feature shall include at least three (3) of the following: a. Monument signage. b. Specialty pavement delineating the primary entryway, such as stamped asphalt, brick, stone, pavers, or colored concrete. Specialty pavement within the public right-of-way shall be approved by the City Transportation Department. c. Enhanced perimeter wall details, such as but not limited to, decorative panels, lighting, architectural tower or arch feature, or a decorative gate. d. Enhanced landscape treatment with a defined landscaped area of at least 200 square feet that includes a minimum of three (3) trees with a minimum 36-inch box size and decorative shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, or specimen plants. At least 60% of this landscaped area must contain live plant material. e. Public art elements, such as but not limited to, sculptural features or thematic elements that reflect neighborhood history, culture, or surrounding natural features. f. Landscaped median or entry island. g. Monument or gateway lighting features, such as but not limited to, uplighting, halo lighting, or illuminated columns. h. Neighborhood identity markers, such as but not limited to, branded poles, pylons, or similar vertical elements. i. Decorative landscape wall or seat wall integrated with planting, in lieu of a perimeter wall. j. Water feature. k. Additional entryway monumentation feature approved by the Planning Director. 3. Architectural Variation. Developments shall provide architectural variety through the use of distinct building elevations, exterior materials, roof lines, garage placement, and building placement. Such variation in buildings shall not consist solely of combinations of the same building features. a. For developments containing three (3) to nine (9) lots, there shall be at least two (2) different types of building elevations. b. For projects containing 10 to 39 lots, there shall be at least three (3) different building elevations. c. An additional building elevation shall be provided for each additional 40 lots. d. No two (2) of the same building elevation with the same floor plan shall be located next to each other or across the street from one another. B. Massing and Scale. Buildings shall contain varied massing and architectural elements and techniques shall be utilized to reduce the apparent massing and scale of buildings, provide shading, and define different uses and activities in the house. 1. Façade Articulation. a. Front Façade. The front façade of buildings shall have at least one (1) change in building plane, excluding the garage. b. Two-story Dwellings on Corner Lots. No second-story street-facing wall shall run in a continuous plane of more than 20 feet without a window, or without a projection, offset, or recess of the building wall at least one (1) foot in depth. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-4.B(1): TWO-STORY DWELLINGS ON CORNER LOT C. Primary Entrances. Primary entrances shall consist of either a covered front porch or portico, awning, recess, or stoop as specified below. 1. Covered Front Porch. A covered front porch with a minimum depth of six (6) feet and a minimum length of eight (8) feet. a. Measuring Front Porch Depth. i. The required porch depth shall be measured from the building façade to outside of the support post; ii. The total clear furniture area shall be a minimum of four (4) feet by six (6) feet. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-4.C(1): COVERED FRONT PORCH MEASUREMENTS 2. Portico, Awning, Recess, or Stoop. A portico, awning, recess, or stoop measuring at least four (4) by four (4) feet which is well defined by a gabled entry, distinct change in roof line or columns, or has some other significant architectural distinction. D. Garage Frontage and Location. To prevent residential streetscapes from being dominated by protruding garage doors, and to allow the active, visually interesting features of a house to be dominant, the following standards shall apply: 1. Front Loaded Garages. Where a garage door is parallel to the front property line of the lot, the following shall apply: a. Lots Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Wide. i. The aggregate width of garage doors shall not exceed 50% of the aggregate width of the front building elevation; ii. The garage shall be located at least three (3) feet behind the primary wall facing the street; and iii. A covered front porch, patio, or porte-cochere whose aggregate width is 20% of the aggregate width of the front building elevation may be considered the primary wall facing the street. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-4.D(1): GARAGE FRONTAGE AND LOCATION b. Lots Less Than 50 Feet Wide. i. The aggregate width of garage doors shall not exceed 60% of the aggregate width of the front building elevation; and ii. The garage shall be located at least three (3) feet behind the primary wall or covered front porch (at least eight (8) feet wide and six (6) feet deep) facing the street. 2. Side Loaded Garages. Where garages are oriented with side entry doors, the street-facing façade shall incorporate windows and architectural detailing to maintain the appearance of habitable living space. 3. Garages With Three (3) or More Doors. Garages with three (3) or more doors, or designed to accommodate three (3) or more non-tandem parked cars, are permitted only on lots 75 feet wide or greater, and at least one (1) garage front must be separated from the remaining garage fronts by at least two (2) feet. This requirement does not apply to the following: a. Side or rear loaded garages in which the garage doors are oriented parallel to or within 10 degrees of parallel to the front property line, or oriented perpendicular to an alley located adjacent to the rear property line. b. Garages set a distance of 1.5 times the minimum front setback for garages and carports, based on the requirement for each zoning district, from the front property line, as specified by Table 11-5-3A.1 and Table 11-5-3.A.2. E. Driveways—Maximum Number and Width. 1. Lots Less Than 75 feet Wide. a. A maximum of one (1) driveway up to 20 feet wide is permitted. b. One (1) additional driveway up to 10 feet wide is permitted, if it leads to an interior side setback that is at least 12 feet in width. 2. Lots Greater Than or Equal to 75 Feet Wide. a. A maximum of one (1) driveway up to 30 feet wide is permitted; or b. One (1), 20-foot driveway and one (1) additional 10-foot driveway if it leads to an interior side setback that is at least 12 feet in width. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-4.E(1): DRIVEWAYS F. Windows. 1. On front facades, windows shall either: a. Contain window trim on at least two (2) sides that is at least two (2) inches in depth; or b. Be recessed at least four (4) inches from the outside plane of the surrounding exterior wall. 2. On buildings that are two (2) stories or greater in height, all façades facing a street, alley, open space, or park shall provide windows on the upper-stories that constitute at least 10% of the façades area. G. Materials. Buildings and structures shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials appropriate for the Arizona climate. 1. Primary Exterior Building Materials. Primary exterior building materials are brick, stone, integrally tinted and textured masonry block, precast concrete, siding, natural and synthetic wood, natural and synthetic stone, stucco and synthetic stucco, or other material approved by the Planning Director. 2. Minimum Use of Primary Materials. a. Publicly Visible Façades. Building façades facing a street, alley, open space, or park shall contain at least two (2) kinds of primary exterior building materials. b. The use of any one (1) material shall not exceed 85% of each façade. c. Primary Material Calculation. Primary building material coverage shall be calculated by measuring the area of each façade, excluding fenestration, pedestrian and vehicular openings, and other elements that are not part of the vertical façade plane. The percentage of each primary building material shall be calculated by dividing the area covered by that material by the resulting façade area. 3. Architectural Metals. Architectural metals, such as bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, metal-composite material (MCM), and steel shall not cover more than 15% of a building façade. 4. Change in Materials. a. Where material changes are horizontal (i.e., different materials side by side) the transition between materials shall occur at a change in wall plane, preferably at inside corners or where architectural elements intersect (e.g., pilasters, bays, projections), and shall not occur mid-field on a flat wall surface, except where brick or stone veneer is used as wainscoting, it shall be wrapped a minimum of two (2) feet around side walls. b. Where material changes are vertical (i.e., different materials stacked one above another), the transition between materials shall include a belt course, trim band, sill, cap, frame, or similar element to separate the two (2) materials. H. Factory-Built Buildings. Factory-built buildings designed, manufactured and approved for residential purposes as dwelling units and attached to permanent foundations are permitted in all Residential Districts, if such buildings are installed in conformance with all applicable provisions of the Mesa City Code including applicable development standards. (Ord. No. 5996, § 1, 3-9-26)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-5 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE RM DISTRICT

11-5-5: - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE RM DISTRICT A. Zoning District Standards. Table 11-5-5 prescribes the development standards for the RM Districts. Section numbers in this column refer to other sections of the Zoning Ordinance, while individual letters refer to subsections that directly follow the table. Table 11-5-5: Development Standards - RM Residential Multiple Dwelling Districts Standard | RM-2 | RM-3 | RM-4 | RM-5 | Additional Standards Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 7,200 | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 Minimum Lot Width (ft.) Single Residence - Detached | 36 | 30 | 25 | — Single Residence - Attached | 36 | 25 | 25 | 25 Multiple Residence | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 Minimum Lot Depth (ft.) Single Residence- Attached or Multiple Residence | 94 | 94 | 94 | 65 Single Residence -Detached | 94 | 94 | 75 | 75 Maximum Density (dwelling units/net acre) | 15 | 20 | 30 | 43 Minimum Lot Area per Dwelling Unit (sq. ft.) | 2,904 | 2,183 | 1,452 | 1,000 Maximum Height (ft.) | 30 | 40 | 40 | 50 Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot) | 70% | 70% | 70% | 80% Minimum Setbacks: 2 or More Units Per Lot (ft.) Front and Street-Facing Side | Varies by street classification identified in the Mesa Transportation Plan: 6-lane arterial: 30 ft. 4-lane arterial: 20 ft. Collector: 25 ft. Local Street: 20 ft. Freeways: 30 ft. | Setbacks shall be landscaped according to standards in Chapter 33, Landscaping. Interior Side and Rear: 3 or More Units Per Lot | Single Story: 20 ft. Multiple Story: 15 ft. per story | Single Story: 15 ft. Multiple Story: Additional 10 ft. per story | Section 11-5-5(B)(1), Additional Setback Adjacent to RS District Section 11-5-5(B)(2), Setbacks Adjacent to a Canal Interior Side: 2 Units Per Lot | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 Interior Side: Single Residence - Attached (ft.) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | Section 11-5-5(B)(2), Setbacks Adjacent to a Canal Rear | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | Section 11-5-5(B)(1), Additional Setback Adjacent to RS District Section 11-5-5(B)(2), Setbacks Adjacent to a Canal Minimum Setbacks: 1 Unit Per Lot (ft.) Front and Street-Facing Side | Varies by street classification identified in the Mesa Transportation Plan: 6-lane arterial: 30 ft. 4-lane arterial: 20 ft. Collector: 25 ft. Local Street: 20 ft. Freeways: 30 ft. | Setbacks shall be landscaped according to standards in Chapter 33, Landscaping. Interior Side: Single Residence - Detached (ft.) | 5 | 5 | 5 | N/A | Section 11-5-5(B)(2), Setbacks Adjacent to a Canal Interior Side: Single Residence - Attached (ft.) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Section 11-5-5(B)(2), Setbacks Adjacent to a Canal Section 11-5-3(B)(3), Zero Setback for Attached Single Residences Rear | 15 | 15 | 15 | Single Residence- Attached: 15 | Section 11-5-5(B)(2), Setbacks Adjacent to a Canal One-story Building | 25 | 25 | 25 | 15 | Section 11-5-5(B)(5), Additional Building Separation Requirements Two-story Building | 30 | 30 | 30 | 20 Three-story Building | 35 | 35 | 35 | 25 | Section 11-5-5(B)(5), Additional Building Separation Requirements Detached Covered Parking Canopies and Buildings | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 Maximum Building Coverage (% of lot) | 45 | 50 | 55 | 65 | Section 11-5-5(B)(5), Additional Building Separation Requirements Minimum Open Space (sq. ft./unit) | 200 | 175 | 150 | 120 | Section 11-5-5(B)(6), Standards for Required Open Space B. Additional Standards. 1. Additional Setback Adjacent to RS District. Where a lot located in an RM District is adjacent to the RS District, the following shall apply: a. A single-story building on the RM-zoned lot shall be setback from the RS District property line at least 25 feet. b. Multiple story buildings shall be setback a minimum of 15 feet of setback for each story (i.e., two-story buildings must be setback at least 30 feet; three-story buildings must be setback, 45 feet), except in the RM-5 District, in which the minimum setback is limited to 25 feet from a RS District, with no additional setback per story. c. At least 20 feet of the depth of such setbacks must be landscaped consistent with the standards of Chapter 33, Landscaping, and shall remain free from parking, driveways, and encroachment by any structures that are not part of the landscaping design. d. On lots of five (5) acres or more, at least 25 feet of the depth of such setbacks must be landscaped and free from parking or encroachments. 2. Setback Adjacent to Canal. A setback of at least 15 feet shall be maintained along property lines that abut a canal. 3. Zero Setback for Attached Single Residences. Attached Single Residence structures may have zero-setback on both sides of the structure. a. The minimum interior side setback shall be 10 feet on the end units. b. Any portion of the building not placed on a zero-setback line shall maintain a minimum of 10-foot building setback. c. Where a zero-side setback is used, the abutting property must be held under the same ownership at the time of initial construction, or the owners of the abutting property must sign an agreement that grants consent in writing to such zero setback. Additionally, owners of zero-lot-line developments must provide a maintenance easement providing the owner of the zero-lot-line structure with access to the zero side to maintain the structure. A copy of the easement shall be provided to the City and recorded in the Maricopa County Recorder's Office prior to recording a plat. 4. Limitation on Paving of Street-Facing Setbacks. No more than 50% of any required front or street-facing side setback may be covered with a paved surface. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-5.B(1): SETBACK ADJACENT TO RS DISTRICT 5. Additional Building Separation Requirements. Buildings shall be arranged in a manner that addresses privacy issues for individual units and allows sufficient separation so that daylight and air is available for each residential unit. a. Non-Parallel Buildings. For non-parallel buildings, the minimum building separation requirement shall be calculated by determining the open area that would be required between any two (2) buildings if they were parallel and met the minimum requirement; then ensuring that the same or greater total open area is available between the two (2) buildings. At no time shall any points of the buildings be closer than 10 feet. b. Ground Floor Separation. Ground floor building separation distance may be reduced up to 20% if the upper floor steps back an equal distance. For example, if the required building separation between two (2), three (3) story buildings is 35 feet, the ground floor units may be separated by 28 feet provided the upper stories are stepped back so that the building separation for upper stories is no less than 42 feet. 6. Standards for Required Open Space. Provide residents with both private and public outdoor space that may be used for social, recreational, aesthetic, and economic purposes. a. Proportion of Private and Common Open Space. Open space may be provided in any combination of private and common open space, as long as studio and one (1) bedroom units have at least 60 square feet of private open space, two (2) bedroom units have at least 100 square feet of private open space and three (3) bedroom or more have at least 120 square feet of private open space. b. Surfacing. Surfaces provided for outdoor activities shall allow convenient use for outdoor activities. Such surface may be any combination of lawn, garden, brick, flagstone, wood planking, concrete, or other serviceable, dust-free surface. c. Slope. The slope of required open space areas shall not exceed 10%. d. Exclusive Dedication. Off-street parking and loading areas, driveways, and service areas shall not be counted as usable open space. 7. Additional Standards for Private Open Space. a. Accessibility and Location. Private open space shall be accessible to only one (1) living unit by a doorway to a habitable room or hallway. Multiple spaces may be provided for individual living units to meet the aggregate open space requirement, provided at least one (1) private open space meets the minimum dimensions below: i. Private open space located at the ground level (e.g., yards, decks, patios) shall have no dimension less than 10 feet. ii. Above-ground private open space (e.g., balconies) shall be a minimum of 60 square feet and shall not be less than eight (8) feet wide or less than six (6) feet deep. b. Openness. Open space shall be at least 50% covered and shall have at least one (1) exterior side that is open and unobstructed between three (3) and eight (8) feet above its floor level. 8. Additional Standards for Common Open Space. a. Accessibility. Common open space shall be located no more than 400 feet from the main entrance of any dwelling unit it is intended to serve, as measured along accessible pedestrian routes. b. Location. Common open space shall be located within the same development as the units served. It may not be located within the required front or street-facing side setback. Up to 20% of common open space may be located on the roof of a building. c. Minimum Dimensions. Common open space shall have no dimension less than 15 feet. d. Openness. Common open space shall be unroofed and unobstructed, except for facilities that enhance its usability, such as armadas or playground shade structures, and except that up to 25% of ground-level common open space may be covered by a balcony projecting from a higher story. e. Amenities. Common open space shall include amenities for the everyday use and enjoyment of residents of the development. i. Amenities Required. Multiple Residence and Single Residence-attached developments containing five (5) or more dwelling units shall provide amenities from Table 11-5-5.B.2 to meet the minimum point value specified in Table 11-5-5.B.1, unless an alternative amenity is approved in accordance with Subsection (iii) below. Table 11-5-5.B.1: Multiple Residence and Single Residence-Attached Amenity Minimums Number of Dwelling Units | Minimum Points Required 5—19 dwelling units | 1 20—50 dwelling units | 2 51—100 dwelling units | 3 101—150 dwelling units | 4 151—250 dwelling units | 5 >250 dwelling units | 6 ii. Amenity Types. Table 11-5-5.B.2 below lists amenity types, the minimum standard (where applicable), and the point value. A proposed amenity may be counted only once toward the required minimum point total, except that regulation-sized sports courts of different types may each be counted separately. Table 11-5-5.B.2: Amenity Types Amenity Type | Minimum Standard | Points Fenced dog park/pet run area | 500—1,000 sq. ft. | 1 >1,000 sq. ft | 2 Ramada with barbeque and seating area | Min. 200 sq. ft. | 1 Putting green | 1 Fire pit with seating area | 1 Regulation-size sports court (e.g., tennis court, racquetball court, pickleball court, basketball court, etc.) | Regulation size | 2 Jacuzzi | Min. 6-person capacity | 2 Covered pavilion with seating area | Min. 600 sq. ft. | 2 Community garden | Min. 25 ft. in any direction | 2 Swimming pool | 500—1,000 sq. ft. | 2 >1,000 sq. ft. | 3 Outdoor fitness area | Min. 3 stations | 2 Tot lot | 1,000—2,500 sq. ft., 2 distinct play features | 2 >2,500 sq. ft., 3 distinct play features | 3 Rooftop deck/terrace with seating and weather protection | Min. 1,500 sq. ft. | 3 Indoor recreational facility (e.g., fitness center, game room, movie theater, etc.) | Min. 1,500 sq. ft. | 3 iii. Alternative Amenities. Additional amenities not listed above may be approved by the Planning Director. Upon approval, the Planning Director shall assign a point value based on the amenity's comparability in function, scale, and resident benefit to those listed in Table 11-5-5.B.2. 9. Encroachments. To facilitate the use of architectural features, building projections may extend into required setbacks, subject to the following standards: a. Entry porches, balconies and patios may encroach no more than 10 feet into a required street side setback, 20 feet or greater in depth (measured from property line to building). b. No projection may extend into a public utility easement or closer than two (2) feet to an interior lot line. c. Awnings, eaves, overhangs, or basement window wells may encroach up to three (3) feet into any required setback. d. Vestibules, bay windows, nooks, chimneys, or similar wall projections with or without footings may encroach no more than three (3) feet into any required front or rear setback and no more than two (2) feet into any required side setback, provided the aggregate width of all such projections does not exceed one-third (⅓) of the length of the building wall. e. Staircases may encroach up to three (3) feet into any required front setback, and up to 10 feet into any required rear setback. (Ord. No. 5541, § 2, 12-9-19; Ord. No. 5593, § 5, 12-1-20; Res. No. 12269, § 3, 9-23-24; Ord. No. 5883, § 3, 10-7-24; Ord. No. 5928, §§ 1, 2, 2-3-25; Ord. No. 5996, § 1, 3-9-26)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-6 SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE RM DISTRICTS

11-5-6: - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE RM DISTRICTS A. Character and Image. 1. Entryway Monumentation Feature. Provide at least one (1) entryway monumentation feature at the primary entryway into a development. The primary entryway shall be the entrance accessing the street with the highest functional classification. Where multiple entrances access streets of the same highest functional classification, the Planning Director shall determine which entrance shall be the primary entryway for the purposes of this section. The entryway monumentation feature shall include at least three (3) of the following: a. Monument signage. b. Specialty pavement delineating the primary entryway, such as stamped asphalt, brick, stone, pavers, or colored concrete. Specialty pavement within the public right-of-way shall be approved by the City Transportation Department. c. Enhanced perimeter wall details, such as but not limited to, decorative panels, lighting, architectural tower or arch feature, or a decorative gate. d. Enhanced landscape treatment with a defined landscaped area of at least 200 square feet that includes a minimum of three (3) trees with a minimum 36-inch box size and decorative shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, or specimen plants. At least 60% of this landscaped area must contain live plant material. e. Public art elements, such as but not limited to, a sculptural features or thematic elements that reflect neighborhood history, culture, or surrounding natural features. f. Landscaped median or entry island. g. Monument or gateway lighting features, such as but not limited to, uplighting, halo lighting, illuminated columns. h. Neighborhood identity markers, such as but not limited to, branded poles, pylons, or similar vertical elements. i. Decorative landscape wall or seat wall integrated with planting, in lieu of a perimeter wall. j. Water feature. k. Additional entryway monumentation feature approved by the Planning Director. 2. Architectural Variation. Where adjacent to existing multiple residence dwellings, unique massing and architectural design shall be provided to avoid the appearance of large contiguous developments. B. Massing and Scale. Buildings shall contain varied massing and architectural elements and techniques shall be utilized to reduce the apparent massing and scale of buildings, provide shading, and define different uses and activities in the building. 1. Façade Articulation. Exterior building walls shall be subdivided and proportioned to human scale, using projections, overhangs and recesses in order to add architectural interest and variety and to avoid long, uninterrupted wall planes. a. Publicly Visible Façades. All street-facing and publicly visible façades shall have at least one (1) horizontal projection or recess of at least four (4) feet in depth, or two (2) projections or recesses of at least 2.5 feet in depth, for every 25 horizontal feet of wall. b. Two or More Story Buildings. If located on a building with two (2) or more stories, the articulated elements must be greater than one (1) story in height and may be grouped rather than evenly spaced in 25-foot modules so long as the total amount of articulation meets or exceeds that which would be required if no grouping occurred. c. Building entrances, front porches, and projections such as stoops, bays, overhangs, fireplaces, and trellises count towards this requirement. 2. Varied Roof Form. Roof forms shall be integrated into the building design and varied within a development through the use of offsets; changes in slope, angle, or direction; and elements such as dormers, towers, or parapets. 3. Roof Articulation. Roof articulation is required to provide architectural interest at the skyline and accentuate appropriate building elements. a. No more than two (2) side-by-side units may be covered by one (1) unarticulated roof. b. Flat roofs in excess of 100 feet shall provide vertical modulation of two (2) or one-tenth ( 1/10 ) of the wall height, whichever is greater. 4. Balconies, Bay Windows, and Other Projections or Recesses. Buildings shall incorporate balconies, bay windows, entry porches or other projections and recesses across 30% of the length per floor of the façade. a. Windows. Windows shall either: i. Contain window trim on at least two (2) sides of all windows that is at least two (2) inches in depth; or ii. Be recessed at least four (4) inches from the outside plane of the surrounding exterior wall. b. Balconies. Balconies shall be at least four (4) feet wide and three (3) feet deep if not used to meet private open space requirements. 5. Façade Detailing and Materials. Each side of a building that is visible from a public right-of-way, private street, parking lot, or common open space shall be designed with a complementary level of detailing and quality of materials. C. Materials. Buildings and structures shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials appropriate for the Arizona climate 1. Primary Exterior Building Materials. a. Primary exterior building materials are brick, stone, integrally tinted and textured masonry block, precast concrete, siding, synthetic wood, natural and synthetic stone, stucco and synthetic stucco, or other material approved by the Planning Director. b. Variations in the color, finish, or texture of a material (e.g., form-board concrete, smooth stucco vs sand stucco, etc.) shall not be considered separate or distinct materials for the purpose of meeting the material requirements of this section. c. Glazing may be considered as a primary exterior building material only when it is installed as an architectural glazing system (e.g., curtainwall, structural glass wall) and comprises more than 30% of an individual building façade. Standard window systems, storefront glazing, and other non-architectural fenestration shall not qualify as a primary exterior building material for the purposes of this requirement. 2. Minimum Use of Primary Materials. a. Each building façade shall incorporate at least two (2) different primary exterior materials. b. Primary exterior materials shall cover no less than 75% of each building façade. c. Each primary building material used to satisfy Subsection (2)(a) above shall cover at least 25% of that façade. d. Primary Material Calculation. i. Primary building material coverage shall be calculated by measuring the area of each façade, excluding non-architectural fenestration, storefront systems, pedestrian and vehicular openings, mechanical equipment, and signage. ii. The percentage of each primary building material shall be calculated by dividing the area covered by that material by the resulting façade area. 3. Architectural Metals. Architectural metals, such as bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, metal-composite material (MCM), and steel shall not cover more than 25% of a building façade. 4. Change in Materials. a. Where material changes are horizontal (i.e., different materials side by side) the transition between materials shall occur at a change in wall plane, preferably at inside corners or where architectural elements intersect (e.g., pilasters, bays, projections), and shall not occur mid-field on a flat wall surface. b. Where material changes are vertical (i.e., different materials stacked one above another), the transition between materials shall include a belt course, trim band, sill, cap, frame, or similar element to separate the two (2) materials. D. Building Entrances. Primary building entrances shall be clearly defined, shaded, and inviting. The architectural details of building entrances shall be integrated with the overall building design in terms of materials, scale, proportion, and design elements and are appropriately scaled for people. 1. Dwelling Unit Access. a. Ground Floor Access. Exterior entrances to units shall be in the form of individual or shared entrances at the ground floor of the building. b. Upper Story Access. Individual entrances for units above the ground floor shall be provided via an interior corridor. 2. Orientation. All units located along public rights-of-way shall have the primary entrance to the building, or individual unit entrances, facing this right-of-way. Exceptions to this requirement may be approved for projects where multiple-residence housing is located on four (4) or six (6) lane streets carrying high traffic volumes. In such cases, the project may be oriented around courtyards or open space. 3. Projection or Recess. Building entrances and individual exterior unit entrances shall have a roofed projection (such as a porch) or recess with a minimum depth of at least five (5) feet and minimum horizontal area of 50 square feet. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-6.D(1): BUILDING ENTRANCE PROJECTION OR RECESS E. Access, Circulation, and Parking. The parking and circulation system within each development shall accommodate the movement of vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and transit, throughout the proposed development and to and from surrounding areas, safely and conveniently, and shall contribute to the attractiveness of the development. 1. Directness and Continuity. Walkways within the site shall be located and aligned to provide continuous connection between buildings, and various site amenities such as play areas, club houses, pools, mailboxes, etc. Walkways shall not be located and aligned solely based on the outline of a parking lot configuration that does not provide such direct pedestrian access. 2. Off-site Access. a. Walkways shall provide direct connections to trails, parks, schools, transit stops or other public amenities adjacent to the development. b. Drive aisles leading to main entrances shall have walkways on both sides of the drive aisle. 3. Parking Area Design. a. Parking areas shall be located to the side or rear of buildings, except visitor parking may be located between a building and the adjacent street. b. The total frontage of parking areas visible from the street, including visitor parking, shall not exceed 30% of the lot frontage. [image omitted; see the official code] FIGURE 11-5-6.E(1): PARKING AND GARAGE FRONTAGE LIMITATION 4. Location of Parking Spaces. a. Tenant Parking. Required parking spaces shall be arranged to provide at least one (1) parking space per unit within 200 feet of the dwelling units they are intended to serve. b. Guest Parking. Guest parking spaces shall be distributed proportionally to the dwelling unit locations that they are intended to serve. 5. Attached Garages. a. In one (1) story buildings that include livable floor area, walls containing garage doors shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the front façade of the building. b. In multi-story buildings that include livable floor area, garage doors located below upper-story living space shall be recessed at least three (3) feet from the upper story facade. c. When multiple garage doors are located within one (1) building, the maximum number of garage doors adjacent to one another shall be limited to three (3), unless there is a break in the building façade between garage doors consisting of a projected building entrance or a recess at least six (6) feet wide and three (3) feet deep. 6. Detached Garages. a. Detached garages shall use exterior materials, colors, roof forms, roof materials, and architectural details that are the same as the principal buildings on the lot or within the development. b. Perimeter garages that face public right-of-way or private property shall be designed in accordance with Subsections B and C above. (Ord. No. 5996, § 1, 3-9-26)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-7 ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE

11-5-7: - ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE A. Purpose and Applicability. 1. Purpose. Alternative Compliance may be used to satisfy the Site Planning and Design Standards in Section 11-5-4 and Section 11-5-6 when conditions may exist where strict compliance is impractical or impossible, or when alternative approaches achieve equivalent or superior design outcomes through innovative site planning, architectural solutions, or other means. 2. Applicability. Alternative Compliance may be requested for any application subject to the Site Planning and Design Standards of Section 11-5-4 and Section 11-5-6. It may not be used to alter development standards or requirements of other sections of this Zoning Ordinance, and it shall not result in an increase in intensity or lot coverage. B. Application. Requests for Alternative Compliance may be accepted for any application to which Site Planning and Design Standards apply. A written request must be provided in conjunction with the applicable land use application describing the following: 1. The code section(s) and development standard(s) for which Alternative Compliance is being requested; 2. The proposed alternative or offset(s), including any numeric modification(s) from the development standard; 3. An explanation on how the proposal meets the intent of the applicable development standard(s), the applicable General Plan Placetype, and any other applicable Sub-area Plan; 4. An explanation on how the alternative is equivalent or superior to the required development standard, or how the proposed offset(s) produce superior design; and 5. A statement of how the proposal meets the approval criteria in Subsection C below. C. Approval Criteria. The review authority may approve Alternative Compliance only upon finding that the request meets all of the following: 1. The alternative does not create adverse impacts on safety, access, visibility, glare, privacy, noise, drainage, heat island effect, and does not reduce pedestrian comfort or accessibility. 2. The proposed alternative or tradeoff is the minimum necessary to achieve the intent while maintaining overall compliance with all other applicable standards. 3. The proposal either: a. Provides equivalent or superior quality and functionality; or b. Provides offsetting public benefits (e.g., improved streetscape, enhanced shade/canopy, open space, sustainability features). (Ord. No. 5996, § 1, 3-9-26)

Mesa City Code § 11-5-8 RESERVED

Mesa City Code § 11-5-9 RESERVED

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_ART2BAZO_CH5REDIFetched: 11/1/2026