Proposed Revised Mesa Historic Preservation Design Guidelines

Discuss the proposed revised 
Mesa Historic Preservation 
Design Guidelines
Agenda Item: 4-b  
Historic Preservation Board

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Background
Historic Preservation Design Guidelines -2001
•
Two locally-designated Historic Districts
•
218-page document includes several topics not regulated by the MZO
•
Hard copy document
New historic preservation design guidelines reflect changing historic 
resources
•
Six of Mesa's eight locally-designated Historic Districts added since 2001
•
Eight of Mesa’s eleven locally-designated Historic Landmarks added since 2001
• New guidelines can be printed, but will exist primarily as a digital document
•
Wider Distribution
•
PDF format allows for key word searches and embedded links improve user-
friendliness

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Purpose
Provides guidance for planning, designing, and undertaking improvements 
to Mesa’s historic properties
• Used by property owners/designers/contractors
Improve the design quality of future developments and growth
Assist City staff and the HPB in decision making
• Establishes a basis for determining the appropriateness of construction 
projects
Increase the overall public awareness of Mesa’s historic resources
Protect property values in the districts by discouraging poorly-designed and 
inappropriate projects

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Design Guideline Organization
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 2 – Certificates of Appropriateness
Chapter 3 – Guidelines for Preservation, Restoration & Rehabilitation
Chapter 4 – Guidelines for Additions
Chapter 5 – Guidelines for New Construction
Chapter 6 – Guidelines for Historic Signage
Chapter 7 – Historic Building Types & Architectural Styles
Appendices:
A, B, C, D, E

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Design Guideline Organization
Appendices
A – City of Mesa Historic Preservation Program
B – Certificate of Appropriateness Review Standards
C – Character Defining Features
D – Architectural Definitions
E – Locally Designated Historic Districts & Historic Landmarks

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 1
Introduction
Describes the purpose for creating the document
Outlines the many uses for the document including:
• Evaluating real estate
• Preparing for home improvements
• Design review guidance 
How to use the document

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 2
Certificates of Appropriateness
Explains which projects require a COA and which do not
Explains COAs are not needed for properties exclusively on the National 
Register of Historic Places
Encourages the use of the guidelines for non-locally-designated properties
Provides contact information for the Mesa Historic Preservation Office
Details the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic 
Properties and the Standards for Rehabilitation, which is the basis of our code.

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 3
Guidelines for Preservation, Restoration & Rehabilitation
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Character-Defining Features
• Materials and Finishes
• Windows
• Doors and Entries
• Porches, Decks, and Balconies
• Historic Roofs
• Exposed Foundations
• Landscaping and Fences
• Painting

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 4
Guidelines for Additions
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Addition Placement
• Addition Design
• Roofs
• Dormers
• Doors and Windows
• Porches
• Fences and Walls
• Mechanical Equipment
• Solar Panels

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 5
Guidelines for New Construction
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Building Height
• Building Scale
• Building Materials
• Roof Materials
• Doors and Windows – Orientation/Proportions
• Porch Design
• Accessory Dwelling Units – Location/Scale/Design
• Fences and Walls
• Mechanical Equipment
• Solar Panels

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 6
Guidelines for Historic Signage
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Compatible Signage and Streetscape 
Character
• Neon Signs
• Signage Types
• Guidelines for Preservation, 
Rehabilitation, and Design

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 7
Historic Building Types & Architectural Styles
Highlights common residential building types and architectural styles found 
in Mesa
Each building type/style features a description and a list of typical features
Photos of Mesa homes provided as illustrative examples of each building 
type/style

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Appendix A
City of Mesa Historic Preservation Program
Background of the Mesa Historic Preservation program
Brief overview of the City of Mesa Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks
Information on the Heritage Neighborhood Recognition Program
Explanation of the National Register of Historic Places
Importance of Historic Preservation for the Future

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Appendix B
COA Review Standards
Standards for Alteration, Rehabilitation, and/or Additions to Existing 
Structures
Standards for Detached New Construction
Criteria for Demolition

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Appendix C
Character Defining Features
Appendix D
Architectural Definitions
Appendix E
Historic Districts & Landmarks