Long Range Planning

Long Range Planning is responsible for developing plans, policies, and programs designed to guide the physical design and development of Mesa. We work with local residents, neighborhood and business groups, developers, local jurisdictions, and other community stakeholders to help provide a quality of life that is responsive to all its residents. businesses, and neighborhoods.

Proposed Text Amendments

We welcome your input on the following proposed zoning text amendments currently under development.

Public Input Comment Form


Nonconforming and Procedurally Conforming Text Amendments

Upcoming Meetings

Planning and Zoning Board Meeting
August 27, 2025
4:00 p.m.
Old City Council Chambers (upper level)
57 E. First Street

City Council Introduction
September 8, 2025
5:45 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
20 E. Main Street

City Council Action
September 22, 2025
5:45 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
20 E. Main Street

Proposed Amendment Details

Mesa is considering amendments to Chapter 36 of the MZO relating to the Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots.

The proposed text amendments would:

  • Reorganize Chapter 36 by topic so the regulations are easier to understand and apply.
  • Add clear definitions for nonconforming uses, lots/parcels, structures, and sites, distinguishing between lawful and unlawful cases and clarifying which standards apply.
  • Add provisions to define and regulate legal procedurally conforming uses and structures that were lawfully built but later reclassified by the Zoning Administrator.
  • Set an objective cap on reconstruction of damaged nonconforming structures to prevent nonconformities from continuing indefinitely.
  • Add a new section to establish rules for nonconforming sites, allowing maintenance and improvements that gradually bring them into compliance.

Draft Amendment: Draft Amendment(PDF, 230KB)

 (PDF, 230KB)Public Meeting Slides(PDF, 2MB)

Employment Opportunity (EO) District Text Amendments

Upcoming Meetings

City Council Introduction
September 8, 2025
5:45 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
20 E. Main Street

City Council Action
September 22, 2025
5:45 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
20 E. Main Street

Proposed Amendment Details

Mesa is considering amendments to Chapter 14 of the MZO relating to the Employment Opportunity (EO) District.

The proposed text amendments would:

  • Add provisions to allow flexibility that promotes unified, mixed-use development on land owned by political subdivisions of the State of Arizona. 

Draft Ordinance: Draft Ordinance(PDF, 192KB)

Draft Amendment: Chapter 14 Employment Opportunity District(PDF, 359KB)

Virtual Public Meeting Slides(PDF, 381KB)

Public Input Comment Form

 

Codes & Ordinances

Regulating Plans


Newly Adopted Text Amendments

 

Data Center and PAD Text Amendments

Amendments to Chapters 6, 7, 22, 21, 32, and 86 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance related to Data Centers and Planned Area Development (PAD) Overlay Districts.

The proposed text amendment will:

  • Add a definition for Data Center and modify the definition of Indoor Warehousing and Storage.
  • Modify land use tables to permit Data Centers as an accessory use in Commercial and Employment Districts, and as a principal use in the General Industrial (GI) and Heavy Industrial (GI) zoning districts, subject to approval of a Planned Area Development (PAD) Overlay District.
  • Establish specific use standards (i.e. application requirements, development standards, operational standards, etc.) for Data Centers.
  • Modify PAD Overlay Districts regulations to allow land uses not otherwise permitted in a base zoning district to be allowed through PAD approval.

Adopted: July 8, 2025
Ordinance:
 5957
Adoption by Reference Document: Section 11-31-36 Data Centers(PDF, 253KB)  and Planned Area Development Overlay District Amendments(PDF, 115KB)

Form: Data Center Law Waiver(PDF, 168KB)


2025 Zoning Code Refinement Text Amendments

Amendments to Chapters 30, 31, and 87 of the MZO relating to Accessory Dwelling Units, Detached Accessory Buildings, and Home Occupations.

The  text amendments will:

  • Exclude ADUs from the total detached accessory building size limit for lots.
  • Permit the gross floor area of all detached accessory buildings to exceed the gross floor area of the home through approval of a Special Use Permit.
  • Clarify setback rules for converting existing structures to ADUs.
  • Refine the definition for Home Occupation.
  • Add a definition for Home Addition.

Adopted: July 8, 2025
Ordinance:
 5950
Staff Presentation: June 11, 2025 Zoning Code Refinement Presentation(PDF, 2MB)



Form-Based Code Text Amendments
Amendments to Chapters 56, 58, 59, 60, and 64 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance, also known as the Form-Based Code (FBC).

The amendments are intended to:

  • Enhance clarity and usability of the FBC by reformatting chapters and refining text to better articulate the purpose of requirements and goals.
  • Reduce the need for variances by modifying standards to better reflect Mesa's urban form and address inconsistencies with other development standards and requirements.

Adopted: July 1, 2025
Ordinance:
 5948
Adoption by Reference Document: Form-Based Code Text Amendments(PDF, 10MB)


Marijuana Facilities Text Amendments
Amendments to Section 11-31-34 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance related to Marijuana Facilities.

The text amendment will:

  • Increase the permissible size of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Dual Licensee Facilities from 2,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet.
  • Remove the specific size requirements for storage areas and customer waiting areas in Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Dual Licensee Facilities.
  • Remove the standard which restrict home delivery of marijuana products to just medical marijuana qualifying  patients from Medical Marijuana Dispensaries.

Adopted: July 1, 2025
Ordinance: 5947


Subdivision (Land Division) Text Amendments
Amendments to Chapter 6 of the Public Ways and Property Ordinance (Title 9) related to subdivisions or the division of land.

The text amendment will:

  • Allow for the administrative approval (without a public hearing) for the division of land.
  • Create a Minor Plat procedure to allow for the division of 10 or fewer parcels, lots, or tracts of land without requiring a Preliminary Plat.
  • Clarify the procedures and eligibility for plat revisions.
  • Remove outdated exhibits and/or exhibits contained within the City’s Engineering Design Standards Manual.
  • Update definitions.

Adopted: July 1, 2025
Ordinance: 5949
Adoption by Reference Document: 2025 Chapter 6 Land Division Regulations(PDF, 4MB)


Adaptive Reuse Permit Text Amendments
Amendments to Chapter 81 and 87 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance pertaining to Adaptive Reuse Permits.

The text amendment addresses modifications made by the state legislature to A.R.S. § 9-462.10. The amendments specifically:

  • Modify terms within Chapter 81 (Adaptive Reuse Permit) to reflect eligibility of Existing Commercial, Office, and Mixed-use Parcels rather than buildings
  • Modify the Adaptive Reuse Permit application cap
  • Change the zoning districts in which Adaptive Reuse Permits are allowed
  • Clarify the applicable development standards
  • Modify the definitions for Adaptive Reuse, Adaptive Reuse Permit, Low-Income Housing, Moderate Income Housing, and Multiple Residence Reuse
  • Remove the definition of Existing Commercial, Office, and Mixed-use Building
  • Add a definition of Existing Commercial, Office, and Mixed-use Parcel

Adopted: July 1, 2025
Ordinance:
 5946


Manufactured Home and Recreational Vehicle (RV) Subdivisions Text Amendments 
Amendments to Chapters 34 and 87 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance to allow conventional construction in Manufactured Home and RV Subdivisions.

The amendments:

  • Allow a property owner within a Manufactured Home or RV Subdivision to:
    • Build a conventionally built dwelling unit on their lot
    • Construct an addition to their unit which may include habitable space
    • Construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit
  • Require compliance with development standards for:
    • Manufactured Home and RV Subdivisions
    • Accessory Dwelling Units
    • Require compliance with Building Codes
    • Require Compliance with Subdivision Regulations

The proposed text amendment does not:

  • Require property owners to replace their units with conventionally built units
  • Apply to Manufactured Home and RV Parks

Adopted: June 2, 2025
Ordinance:
 5943
Presentations: