Presentation

Discuss and make a 
recommendation to City Council 
regarding the Proposed 
amendments to the Mesa Historic 
Preservation Design Guidelines
Agenda Item: 3-b  
Historic Preservation Board
HPB – September 01, 2026

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Why Update the Design Guidelines?
Existing guidelines were first created in 1996 
and then updated in 2001 
Mesa's Historic Preservation program has 
grown significantly since then 
New document is easier to use, search, and 
update Supports consistent decision-making 
while protecting Mesa's historic character

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Modernizing the Existing Guidelines
The updated guidelines:
Reflect Mesa's expanded Historic Preservation 
program 
Address additional Historic Districts and Historic 
Landmarks designated since original document  
Transition from a primarily printed document to a 
searchable digital resource 
Improve accessibility through hyperlinks and 
keyword searches 
Better align with current preservation practices

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
How the Guidelines Are Used
The Design Guidelines are intended to:
Assist property owners, architects, designers, and 
contractors 
Guide appropriate improvements to historic 
properties 
Support Historic Preservation Board and staff review 
Provide consistent evaluation of Certificate of 
Appropriateness applications 
Encourage compatible development while preserving 
historic character

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Comprehensive Yet Easy to Use
The document is organized into major sections covering:
Certificates of Appropriateness 
Preservation, Restoration, and Rehabilitation 
Additions to Historic Buildings 
New Construction 
Historic Signage 
Historic Building Types and Architectural Styles 
Supporting appendices provide:
Program overview
Character-defining features 
Heritage Neighborhood details

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
What the Guidelines Address
The guidelines provide recommendations for:
Character-defining features 
Building materials and architectural details 
Windows, doors, roofs, porches, and foundations 
Additions and new construction 
Building height, scale, setbacks, and compatibility 
Landscaping, fences, signage, and mechanical equipment
Goal: Preserve historic character while 
allowing thoughtful investment and change.

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Preserving What Makes Historic Places Unique
The guidelines emphasize:
Identifying and preserving character-defining features 
Retaining original materials and craftsmanship whenever 
possible 
Designing additions and new construction that are 
compatible—but not imitative 
Respecting the scale, massing, and character of historic 
neighborhoods

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
More Than Design Standards
The updated guidelines also include:
Overview of Mesa's Historic Preservation Program 
Certificate of Appropriateness review standards/process 
Mesa’s cultural setting and historic development context 
Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks 
Heritage Neighborhood Program 
Architectural styles and building types unique to Mesa
Character defining features and definitions

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Public Review Process
Extensive Outreach Included:
Historic Preservation Board meetings 
Community public meetings 
Consultation with SHPO
Consultation with SRPMIC Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Consultation with GRIC Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Review by preservation stakeholders 
Upcoming Hearings
Planning & Zoning Board 
City Council

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Public Review Process
Based on Board comments and after further consultation 
with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community THPO 
and the Gila River Indian Community THPO, staff needs 
additional time to revise the historical context portions of:
Chapter 7: Mesa's Historic & Architectural Context 
Appendix E - Heritage Neighborhoods & Other Heritage 
Places 
These portions will be completed prior to being presented 
to City Council.

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Board 
provides a recommendation that the City Council adopt the 
Updated Mesa Historic Preservation Design Guidelines with 
the additional Mesa historical context and Heritage 
Neighborhood language that will be added to Chapter 7 and 
Appendix E.

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Questions & Discussion
For additional information, please visit:
mesaaz.gov/hp