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Discuss the proposed text amendments to Mesa Zoning Ordinance Title 11, Chapters 23, 44, 66, 74, and 87 relating to historic preservation Agenda Item: 3-a Planning & Zoning Board Study Session – July 22, 2026 Historic Preservation Text Amendments Background and Purpose Collectively, the proposed text amendments are intended to improve clarity, useability, and organization of the City’s Historic Preservation regulations. Reorganization – simplify and streamline Clarify – language and processes Consistency – among historic preservation provisions Compliance – align with current state and federal laws and regulations Historic Preservation Text Amendments Reorganization Related historic preservation zoning provisions have been combined and reorganized: Chapter 23 (Historic Preservation Overlay), Chapter 44 (Historic Signs), and Chapter 74 (Historic District and Historic Landmark Procedures) will be repealed Create new Chapter 74 (Historic Preservation Procedures) to include the following sections: Mesa Historic Property Register; Historic Preservation Overlay; Certificate of Appropriateness; Historically Designated Signs; Appeals; and Archaeological Resources Historic Preservation Text Amendments Clarity More detailed application / review process to follow a more chronological manner Additional reference made to the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties” and to existing and future Historic Preservation guidelines regarding project evaluation Extends the current 180-day delay on demolition permits to 1 year for both existing and proposed Historic Preservation Overlays Historic Preservation Text Amendments Consistency Redundant and unnecessary provisions eliminated Consistent terminology throughout Aligned with nationwide standards created by the Secretary of the Interior (National Register) References to MZO updated Public notice requirements for Historic Preservation Overlay to conform to MZO processes (11-74-3) Historic Preservation Text Amendments Compliance Created archaeological resource requirements for development on public and private land Aligned with current state and federal laws and regulations governing the protection of cultural resources Archaeological resource assessment to ensure compliance Historic Preservation Text Amendments Additional Amendments Chapter 74 Historically Designated Signs Supplemental List Duty to Maintain Emergency Repairs Demolition Process Archaeological Resources Chapter 66 Historic Preservation Board Chapter 87 Definitions Historic Preservation Text Amendments Historically Designated Signs (11-74-5) Removed from Chapter 44 Processes clarified • Application • Review Eligibility Criteria Mesa Historic Sign Register Maintenance and Repair Revocation Process Historic Preservation Text Amendments Supplemental Inventory List The Supplemental Inventory List is a list of properties that have been determined eligible for inclusion in the Mesa Historic Property Register but not yet designated. Same eligibility requirements as listed properties The Historic Preservation Officer will maintain the Supplemental Inventory List and make it available to the public. Historic Preservation Text Amendments Required Maintenance and Repairs provision added (11-74-3) Duty to Maintain The owner of a Historic Resource within a Historic Preservation Overlay shall not permit any portion of the Historic Resource to fall into a state of disrepair. Benchmarked at the time of designation Historic Preservation Text Amendments Emergency Repairs provision added under Section 11-74-4(F) Provision states that COAs are to be issued concurrently with a building permit in emergency situations Historic Preservation Text Amendments Certificate of Appropriateness – Demolition Process Clarified: 11-74-4 (G) Demo Permits (Within Approved Overlay) May be appealed if Demo Request denied by HPB 1 year (365 day) delay on any demo permit from date of HPB denial Work on plan/agreement No plan or agreement – clearance for demo permit at applicant’s request Historic Preservation Text Amendments Certificate of Appropriateness – Demolition Process Clarified: 11-74-4 (G) Demo Permits (Within Proposed Overlay) Delay for a period of 1 year (365 days) from the date of application for a proposed Historic Preservation Overlay If the Overlay is not approved by City Council within 1 year (365 days) – demo permit approved Historic Preservation Text Amendments Archaeological Resources HPB and SHPO recommended staff consider the importance of archaeology and protecting archaeological resources. Archaeological Resources added as Section 11-74-6 to address: • Archaeology on Private Land • Archaeology on Land under City Ownership or Control • Archaeological Resource Assessments • Review of relevant resource databases • Consultation with SHPO, THPO, and qualified professionals, as appropriate Align our zoning ordinance with current cultural resource laws Historic Preservation Text Amendments Archaeological Resources Affirm that archaeological resources are irreplaceable community assets that represent significant aspects of the past, may retain connections to living communities, and merit stewardship for future generations; and Enhance the City’s community character and heritage by considering archaeological resources during development, where appropriate. • In general, all development (private and municipal) shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing the protection of cultural resources. Historic Preservation Text Amendments Chapter 66: Historic Preservation Board (11-66-4) Portions reformatted: The Historic Preservation Officer (or designee) is the Secretary of the Historic Preservation Board; At least four (4) members of the Historic Preservation Board must be present to conduct a meeting; The Historic Preservation Board meet at least four (4) times a year; The Chair (or in the Chair's absence, the Vice Chair) leads the meeting and is the final decision maker Historic Preservation Text Amendments Chapter 87: Definitions Adds a new category of definitions titled “Historic Preservation Related Definitions” to include: • Certificate of Appropriateness • Historic District • Historic Landmark • Historic Preservation Overlay • Historic Resource • Historically Designated Sign • State of Disrepair All other definitions in Chapter 87 remain the same Historic Preservation Text Amendments Text Amendments Summary Repeals Chapter 23 (Historic and Landmark Overlay Districts), Chapter 74 (Historic District and Historic Landmark Procedures), and Chapter 44 (Historic Signs) Replace with a new Chapter 74 (Historic Preservation Procedures) Modify Chapter 66 (Historic Preservation Board) Add definitions to Chapter 87 (Definitions) Historic Preservation Text Amendments Historic Preservation Board Comments Comments from the Historic Preservation Board have been overwhelmingly positive. Many of their comments have been previously addressed. Additional comments from the last HPB meeting include: Details regarding the Supplemental List Purview of archaeology regarding city roads and utilities Outreach with stakeholder organizations All these comments have also been addressed. Historic Preservation Text Amendments Text Amendments Outreach Outreach Dates: • HPB Study Session – Aug. 01, 2023 • Public Meeting – Aug. 24, 2023 • HPB Meeting – Jul. 07, 2026 • Public Meeting – Jul. 21, 2026 Consultation: • State Historic Preservation Office • Tribal Historic Preservation Offices Additional Review: • Mesa Preservation Foundation • Mesa City Website (mesaaz.gov/hp) Required Review: • Historic Preservation Board • Jul. 07 (discussion) • Aug. 04 (action) • Planning & Zoning Board • Jul. 22 (study session) • Aug. 26 (action) • Mesa City Council • Sep. (introduction) • Oct. (action) Historic Preservation Text Amendments Questions & Discussion For additional information, please visit: mesaaz.gov/hp