Design Review Process
Overview of the Design Review Process
The Design Review process has been established to ensure quality
of design for site plans, landscape plans, and building design.
The requirements for site plan review and design review are
established in the Administrative chapters of the
Zoning Ordinance. Established
Design Guidelines are also used to help
direct and evaluate the quality of the proposed development.
The ordinance established the threshold for when developments
require full design review. All projects are required to meet or
exceed the standards established in the zoning ordinance.
The Design Review (DR) process includes review of new
applications and significant modifications to previously approved
applications by the
Design Review Board.
The Administrative Design Review (ADR) is for minor modifications to
previously approved applications. Product review of dwellings
in production subdivisions is also part of the City's design review
process.
Submittal and Review Process for DR Applications
A formal application for the DR process can be made after
completing the
pre-submittal process.
The following describes the basic steps involved in the formal DR
process.
- A complete
application
with all required attachments is received by staff according to
the established
deadline dates.
- The material is provided to the
Design
Review Board (DRB) and scheduled for their next work
session. A DRB work session is an informal opportunity for the
applicant and DRB members to review the application and make
recommendations regarding the proposed design.
- The applicant makes a follow-up submittal addressing the
DRB's recommendations.
- Notice is provided to the public regarding the proposed
development and staff design.
- Staff reviews the revised submittal. If all of the
design issues have been resolved consistent with the direction
of the DRB, the Planning Director approves the application.
if there are still items that need further clarification or
direction from the DRB, it can be scheduled for a subsequent
work session for additional review and discussion.
- Following an opportunity for citizens to comment on a final
design, the Planning Director can approve the case with
stipulations needed to meet the design objectives. If the
applicant does not agree with all of the requirements, the
staff decision can be appealed to the DRB.
- If the applicant does not agree with the decision of the
DRB, the final plan can be appealed to the City Council.
Submittal and Review Process for Administrative DR Applications
An application for administrative design review can be made any
time. There are no set deadlines for the receipt of
administrative applications. Once a complete
application has been received, staff
shall process the case in a timely matter. If necessary, the
applicant may be asked to provide revised or more complete
information. Staff also reserves the right to consult with the
Design Review Board as part of an
administrative review. Final approval is in the form of a
letter from the Planning Director. Should the applicant not
agree with the requirements of the administrative approval, they can
appeal the decision to the Design Review Board.
Submittal and Review Process for Product Review
The review of single-residence homes in subdivisions where the
builder builds homes from a preset list of floor plans and
elevations is referred to as product review. Product review
may be considered by the Planning and Zoning board as part of review
of the subdivision plat or may be considered administratively by
staff following plat approval. The proposed housing product is
reviewed against Mesa's approved
Residential
Guidelines.
Product review looks at all sides of the product for architecture
details such as:
- trim around all windows, except for accent windows;
- continuous wainscot detailing, base molding or details
around the sides of product and returned to the fence or bay
window projection;
- continuous eave trim and/or molding and continuous parapet
details;
- all columns at roof projections to be similarly detailed and
dimensional;
- incorporation of patios into the building mass; and,
- design with an integrally designed roof drainage system.
An
Administrative Review Application
must be completed and submitted to initiate review.
Administrative process have no application deadlines or set review
schedules. Once a case planner is assigned, they will contact
the applicant to review the processing schedule and discuss any
additional information needed.
Planning Home
Office Hours:
7:00 am to 6:00 pm, M-TH
Phone:
(480) 644-4273
Email
CLOSED FRIDAYS & HOLIDAYS
Location:
55 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211