Historic Preservation

Mesa’s Historic Preservation Program enhances public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of our rich history. The program promotes awareness of Mesa’s architectural and cultural heritage, collaborates with residents and business owners to preserve this history, and foster civic pride, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and understand Mesa’s unique cultural legacy.

Preservation involves:

Caring for existing structures to maintain a sense of history for current and future generations.
Protecting and enhancing the character of our neighborhoods;
Ensuring that the quality and diversity of our surrounding environments are preserved;
Being mindful about proposed development projects to ensure they yield broad economic and social benefits without compromising our historical integrity.

Proposed Historic Preservation Updates

Public Outreach Dates

July 7, 2026
Historic Preservation Board Meeting (Introduction)

July 21, 2026
Historic Preservation Community Meeting

July 22, 2026
Planning & Zoning Board Study Session (Introduction)

August 4, 2026
Historic Preservation Board Meeting (Recommendation)

August 26, 2026 (tentative)
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting (Recommendation)

City Council Ordinance Introduction (TBD)

City Council Ordinance Action (TBD)

Historic Preservation Design Guidelines

Draft Historic Preservation Design Guidelines

Summary of the proposed design guidelines update:

Provides guidance for planning, designing, and undertaking improvements to Mesa’s historic properties/historic signage
Used by property owners/designers/contractors
Improve the design quality of future developments and growth
Assist City staff and the HPB in decision making
Establishes a basis for determining the appropriateness of construction projects
Increase the overall public awareness of Mesa’s historic resources
Protect property values in the districts by discouraging poorly designed and inappropriate projects

Historic Preservation Code Text Amendments

Draft Historic Preservation Code Text Amendments(PDF, 340KB)

Summary of the proposed text amendments:
Repeals in its entirety Chapter 23 (Historic and Landmark Overlay Districts), Chapter 74 (Historic District and Historic Landmark Procedures), and Chapter 44 (Historic Signs) and replaces them with a new Chapter 74 (Historic Preservation Procedures);
Creates a new “Historic Preservation Overlay” to replace Historic District and Historic Landmark Overlays;
Clarifies Certificate of Appropriateness procedures and requirements;
Provides an expedited Certificate of Appropriateness review process for emergency repairs;
Establishes standards for the required maintenance of designated historic resources;
Adds revised “Historically Designated Signs” section in new Chapter 74;
Adds requirements for Archaeological Resources in new Chapter 74;
Provides definitions for previously undefined terms in Chapter 87;
Modifies Section 11-66-4 regarding the Historic Preservation Board

Public Input Form

Historic Districts

A historic district is a designated area that preserves and protects a collection of buildings, structures, or sites that have historical, cultural, or architectural significance. These districts are often characterized by their unique architectural styles and historical context, reflecting the heritage of a community.

Historic districts are subject to regulations that guide renovations and new developments to ensure they align with the district's historical character.

Historic districts aim to promote awareness, enhance property values, and foster a sense of community pride.

Mesa has eight locally designated historic districts. Eight of these historic districts are listed on the Mesa Historic Properties Register (MHPR) and seven of the eight are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Designated Local and National Register Historic Districts in Mesa: