Mesa Adopts New Zoning Rules for Development | The Locally Times
New regulations standardize development criteria and revise modification standards for site plan and design review.
## New Zoning Standards Approved Mesa has adopted new zoning and land use policies aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable growth within the city. The amendments, adopted on March 9, 2026, establish objective, measurable standards for administrative review of qualifying development applications. These changes standardize development criteria by creating new objective standards and revising existing ones to ensure consistent application across different chapters of the city code. ## Streamlined Review Processes The adopted regulations also amend criteria for minor and major modifications for Site Plan Review and Design Review processes. Additionally, the amendments update expiration and extension provisions for certain application types, aligning timelines for development projects. Obsolete zoning designators, specifically the "U" and "A" character designations, have been retired as part of this update. The city also modified the membership and term limits for the Planning and Zoning Board, requiring professional qualifications for a portion of its members, and adjusted the authority and duties of both the Planning and Zoning Board and the Design Review Board. ## What to Watch The City Council also adopted text amendments on January 26, 2026, pertaining to the organization and duties of the Planning and Zoning Board and the Design Review Board. These modifications adjust appeal bodies and appeal types. Residents can review Ordinance ORD 5996.2026 and Resolution 12463 for further details on these changes.