Development Codes, Ordinances, Regulations & Standards

Mesa's Development Services Department is dedicated to guiding the growth of a vibrant, healthy, and livable city through strategic land use planning, comprehensive plan reviews, permitting, and building inspections.

This section outlines the key regulations and guidelines that support our mission:

  • Zoning and land use policies that promote responsible and sustainable growth.
  • Design standards that enhance the city's visual appeal and functionality.
  • Construction practices and safety codes that ensure durability, quality, and resilience.

These regulations help create a city that is attractive, diverse, and sustainable, while preserving and revitalizing Mesa’s existing neighborhoods.

Codes & Ordinances

Regulating Plans

Newly Adopted Text Amendments

Accessory Dwelling Unit, Detached Accessory Building, and other Misc. Text Amendments 
Amendments to Chapters 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 30, 31, 32, 34, 86, and 87 pertaining to Detached Accessory Buildings, Accessory Dwelling Units, Public Safety Facilities, and Various Technical Updates and Minor Revisions. The text amendments:  

  • Modify the definition of Accessory Dwelling Unit; 

  • Expand the number of permissible zoning districts for ADUs; 

  • Increase the permissible size of ADUs; 

  • Modify the height and setback requirements for ADUs;  

  • Modify covered parking requirements when converting a garage or carport to an ADU; 

  • Allow for nonconforming structures to be converted to an ADU; 

  • Modify the height and setback requirements for detached accessory buildings or structures; 

  • Modify the accessory structure requirements for manufactured homes; 

  • Add Public Safety Facilities as a permitted use in residential zoning districts; and  

  • Various technical updates and minor revisions. 

Adopted: October 7, 2024 
Ordinance: 5883(PDF, 2MB)
Adoption by Reference Document: 2024 Associated ADU Text Amendments(PDF, 399KB)  

Billboard Text Amendments 
Amendments to Chapter 25 pertaining to Billboards. The text amendments: 

  • Modify the spacing requirement between a Billboard and another Billboard or between a Billboard and a Freeway Landmark Monument;  

  • Modify the spacing requirements between Billboards and Residential Zoning Districts or residential uses; and  

  • Clarify the height requirements for Billboards.  

Adopted: November 4, 2024 
Ordinance: 5889(PDF, 359KB)

Freeway Landmark Monument Text Amendments 
Amendments to Chapter 43 pertaining to Freeway Landmark Monuments. The text amendments: 

  • Repeal the Freeway Landmark Monument Design Guidelines and incorporate the development standards in Section 11-43-7 of the MZO 

  • Remove the General Plan Character Area Designation eligibility requirement for Freeway Landmark Monuments;  

  • Modify the height requirements for a Freeway Landmark Monument;  

  • Modify the sign area calculation for Freeway Landmark Monuments;  

  • Add a spacing requirement between Freeway Landmark Monuments and Billboards;   

  • Modify the spacing requirements for Freeway Landmark Monument to Residential Zoning Districts or residential uses;  

  • Modify the project identification standards for Freeway Landmark Monuments;  

  • Modify the development standards for the nighttime illumination of Freeway Landmark Monuments;  

  • Modify the development standards for electronic message displays;  

  • Add maintenance requirements; and 

  • Add modification provision to the development standards contained within Section 11-43-7. 

Adopted: November 18, 2024 
Ordinance: 5886(PDF, 871KB)

Adaptive Reuse Permit Text Amendments  
Amendments to Chapters 6, 7, 8, 81, and 87 pertaining to Adaptive Reuse. The text amendments: 

  • Add Chapter 81: Adaptive Reuse Permit; 

  • Amend land use tables to allow for multiple residence use buildings in Commercial, Industrial, and Downtown Districts with the approval of an Adaptive Reuse Permit; and  

  • Add definitions for Adaptive Reuse; Adaptive Reuse Permit; Existing Commercial, Office, and Mixed-use Buildings; Low-Income Housing; Moderate-Income Housing; and Multiple Residence Reuse.  

Adopted: December 9, 2024 
Ordinance: 5904(PDF, 579KB)  

Administrative Completeness Review Timeline Text Amendments  
Amendments to Chapters 67 and 87 pertaining to Administrative Completeness Review Timelines. The text amendments: 

  • Add a timeframe for Administrative Completeness Review of residential zoning applications;  

  • Add a process for residential zoning applications that are deemed incomplete;  

  • Add a timeframe for approving or denying a residential zoning application;  

  • Provide exceptions from the residential zoning application timeframes; and 

  • Add a definition of Residential Zoning Application. 

Adopted: December 9, 2024 
Ordinance: 5905(PDF, 443KB)

General Plan Reference Text Amendments 
 Amendments to Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 30, 31, 42, 63, and 75  pertaining to general plan references. The text amendments:  

  • Modify development standard tables to remove references to the general plan;
  • Remove references to the general plan and replace them with references to the transportation plan;
  • Update terminology related to the general plan with new terminology used in the Mesa 2050 General Plan; and
  • Modify the time frame for major amendment public hearings.

Adopted: February 3, 2025
Ordinance: 5928(PDF, 550KB)

Design Guidelines

Desert Uplands


City Plans

Sub-Area Plans 

Redevelopment Plans

Construction and Engineering Standards

Contact Us

Phone

480-644-4273

 

AzRelay 7-1-1

 

Hours

Monday - Thursday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

 

Friday - Essential Service Call Center ONLY
8:00 am to 12:00 pm

 

Location

55 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85201

 

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