Presentation

Discuss and make a 
recommendation to City Council 
regarding the Proposed 
amendments to the Mesa Historic 
Preservation Design Guidelines
Agenda Item: 3-b  
Planning and Zoning Board
P&Z – September 09, 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 of 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
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
Historic Preservation Board Recommendation
Historic Preservation Board (Action) - September 01, 2026
Staff presented the draft of the proposed updated Mesa Historic 
Preservation Design Guidelines to the Historic Preservation Board 
for discussion and recommendation to City Council.  
The Board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council 
adopt the updated Mesa Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, 
including the revised Mesa historical context and Heritage 
Neighborhood language to be incorporated into Chapter 7 and 
Appendix E, without requiring the document to return to the Board 
for additional review.

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Board 
provide a recommendation that the City Council adopt the 
updated Mesa Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, 
including the additional Mesa historical context and Heritage 
Neighborhood language that will be added to Chapter 7 and 
Appendix E, without requiring the document to return to the 
Board for additional review.

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