Staff Report

City of Mesa — City Council (2026-04-20)

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1 
City Council Staff Report 
Date 
April 6, 2026 
Case No.  
ZON25-00942 
Project Name 
Rio Salado 25 
Request 
 Rezone 3.1+ acres from General Commercial (GC) to General 
Commercial with a new Bonus Intensity Zone Overlay (GC-BIZ)  
 Council Use Permit to modify the requirements for residential uses 
in commercial districts 
 Site Plan Review for a 54,725 square foot Hotel and 36 Unit Multiple 
Residence building 
Project Location 
Located at the northwest corner of West Rio Salado Parkway and North 
Cubs Way 
Parcel No(s) 
135-38-001N and 135-38-
001M 
 
Project Area 
3.1± acres 
Council District 
District 3 
Existing Zoning 
General Commercial (GC) 
General Plan 
Designation 
Local Employment Center 
Applicant 
Jonathan Boyd, Boyd Development 
Owner 
Rio Salado 25, LLC 
Staff Planner 
Josh Grandlienard, Senior Planner 
Proposition 207 
Waiver Signed 
Yes

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Recommendation 
Staff Recommendation: 
Staff finds that the Proposed Project is consistent with the Mesa 2050 General Plan, the criteria 
in Chapter 21 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance (MZO) regarding Bonus Intensity Zone (BIZ) 
overlays,  the review criteria for Site Plan Review outlined in Section 11-69-5 of the MZO, and the 
review criteria for a Council Use Permit outlined in Sections 11-31 and 11-70 of the MZO.   
Staff recommends approval with conditions. 
Planning & Zoning Board Recommendation: 
On March 11, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Board voted (6-0) to recommend that City Council 
approve the proposed project. 
Project Overview 
Request: 
The applicant is requesting approval for a rezoning for 3.1+ acres from GC to GC with a Bonus 
Intensity Zone Overlay, a Council Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a 54,725 square foot Hotel 
and a 36-unit multiple residence building (Proposed Project).  
Concurrent Applications: 
 
Minor General Plan Amendment: Planning and Zoning Board hearing is scheduled for 
March 11, 2026, to review the request for Minor General Plan Amendment for the project 
site from Local Employment Center with an Evolve Growth Strategy to Urban Center with 
an Evolve Growth Strategy for the project site (GPA26-00147). 
 
Design Review: Design Review Board reviewed the proposed elevations and landscape 
plan at their February 10, 2026, work session and provided minor comments that do not 
impact the site plan (DRB25-00936). 
Site Context 
General Plan:  
 
The Placetype for the project site is Local Employment Center, with the Growth Strategy 
for the project site is Evolve. 
 
The applicant is requesting a Minor General Plan Amendment to the Urban Center 
Placetype. Under the Mesa 2050 General Plan an Entertainment and Recreation use, 
which include hotels, is identified as a principal land use and Multi-Family Residential is 
identified as a supporting land use. 
 
The Proposed Project is consistent with the Urban Center Placetype and furthers the 
implementation of, and is not contrary to, the Vision, Guiding Principles, Strategies, and 
applicable elements of the Mesa 2050 General Plan.

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o The proposed site plan achieves the urban design characteristics of the urban center 
Placetype by placing buildings on the street corner of Price Road and Rio Salado as 
well as highlighting the primary building entrances as well as providing gathering 
spaces for their uses that enhance the proposed pedestrian areas.   
 
Supporting General Plan Strategies: 
o N2. Promote adaptive reuse and infill as tools to rejuvenate and revitalize established 
neighborhoods.  
o LU2. Create opportunities for placemaking in neighborhoods that reinforce their 
unique character and sense of place.  
o LU3. Encourage infill and redevelopment to meet the community’s strategic needs. 
o HAC4. Expand Mesa’s reputation as an arts and culture tourism leader in Arizona. 
o ED5. Promote Mesa as a regional commercial, entertainment, and tourist destination.  
Zoning:  
 
The project site is zoned General Commercial (GC). 
 
A Hotel and Multiple Residence are permitted uses within the GC District, if a Council 
Use Permit is provided for the Multiple Residence Use. 
Surrounding Zoning & Use Activity: 
The proposed hotel and multiple residence are compatible with surrounding land uses, which 
include places of multiple residences, spring training facilities, and vacant land. 
Northwest 
SR101 Pima Freeway 
North 
GC 
City of Mesa Parking Lot 
Northeast 
(Across Cubs Way) 
GC 
Sloan Park 
West 
 
SR101 Pima Freeway 
Project Site 
GC 
Vacant 
East 
(Across Cubs Way) 
GC 
Sloan Park 
Southwest 
SR101 Pima Freeway 
South 
(Across Rio Salado Parkway) 
City of Tempe 
Multiple Residence 
Southeast 
(Across Rio Salado Parkway) 
City of Tempe 
Multiple Residence 
Site History: 
 
June 4, 2007: City Council approved a rezoning for 129.8± acres, including the project 
site, from PF (Public Facilities) to C-3 (equivalent to current General Commercial (GC)). 
While portions of the larger 129.8± acre rezoning included a Council Use Permit and a 
Bonus Intensity Zone overlay, those were not applied to the subject site, which was zoned 
GC and did not include a specific site plan (Case No. Z07-035, Ordinance No. 4707).

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Project/Request Details 
Site Plan: 
 
Building Design: The 54,725 square foot Hotel will be a four-story structure situated in 
the western portion of the site. The primary entrance to the hotel is located on the east 
side of the building and an amenity area, including a pool, is proposed on the north side 
of the building. The 36-unit multiple residence building is located in the northeastern 
portion of the site and includes an outdoor patio amenity, sports court, soccer field and 
putting green.   
 
Access: The site is accessed primarily from an entrance from Rio Salado Parkway with 
a secondary access from Cubs Way.  
 
Parking: Per Table 11-32-3.A of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance (MZO), 179 parking spaces 
are required. This request includes a reduction within the BIZ request to reduce the 
required parking spaces to 159 as shown on the site plan. The proposed site plan 
includes all required parking for the hotel use, while a reduction is being requested only 
for the multiple residence use on this site, which is intended for player housing. In addition 
to the secured parking area shown on the proposed site plan, an existing secured parking 
area is located at the adjacent Spring Training facility for use by players and staff. All 
resident parking will be within the proposed secured parking lot or within the existing 
secured parking lot for the spring training facility, and will not impact the existing public 
parking for the hotel located on the west side of the project site or the public parking 
located to the north of the project site.  
 
Landscaping: The site features landscaped areas located along the perimeter of the 
site, across the front of the building and within the parking area.  
 
Open Space: The proposed multiple residence building includes 120 square feet of 
private open space for all three bedroom units and a minimum of 60 square feet provided 
for all units. In addition to the common space amenities outside of the building, a player’s 
lounge and classrooms are located on the first floor of the multiple residence building.  
Bonus Intensity Zone Overlay: 
Per Section 11-21 of the MZO, the purpose of a BIZ overlay is to provide for variation from the 
application of residential densities and other development standards to allow greater intensity of 
development and encourage unique, innovative developments of superior quality. The BIZ 
overlay must demonstrate that the resulting development will further the goals and objectives of 
the General Plan, Specific Plans, and Council policies and will provide significant social or 
economic benefits to the City. 
Development Standards 
MZO Required 
BIZ Proposed 
Maximum Building Height  – 
MZO Table 11-6-3.A 
 
30 feet 
 
65 feet

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Development Standards 
MZO Required 
BIZ Proposed 
Minimum Setbacks to Building 
and Parking Areas–  
MZO Table 11-6-3.A  
 
Front and Street Facing Side 
(adjacent 
to 
Rio 
Salado 
Parkway) 
 
Side and Rear adjacent to non-
residential district, per story 
 
 
 
 
15 feet 
 
 
 
60 feet (15 feet per story)  
 
 
 
 
11 feet 
 
 
 
7 feet (north side) 
2.5 feet (east side) 
2.5 feet (west side) 
Required Landscape Yards –  
MZO 
Section 
11-33-3 
(B)(2)(a)(ii) 
 
Non-Single 
Residence 
Adjacent to other Non-Single 
Residence Districts  
 
 
 
 
15 Feet 
 
 
 
 
0 Feet 
Perimeter Landscaping –  
MZO Table 11-33-3.A.4 
 
Arterial Streets 
 
 
 
Local Streets 
 
 
 
 
1 Tree and 6 Shrubs per 25 
Linear Feet of Street 
Frontage 
 
1 Tree and 4 Shrubs per 25 
feet of Street Frontage 
 
 
 
 
0 Trees and Shrubs 
required within the 
proposed landscape 
yards  
Required Parking Spaces by 
Use – MZO Table 11-32-3.A 
- Multiple Residence 
 
 
2.1 spaces per unit (76 
spaces) 
 
 
 
1.29 spaces per unit (56 
spaces) 
Required Parking Spaces by 
Use – MZO Section 11-32-3(D) 
 
-  Covered Parking 
 
 
1 covered parking space 
per unit 
 
 
11 covered parking 
spaces on site 
Minimum Private Open Space 
–  
MZO Section 11-5-5(A)(3)(a) – 
Sizing 
- 
Two 
and 
Three 
Bedroom Units 
 
 
100 square feet of private 
open space per two 
bedroom unit and 120 
square feet of private open 
space for three bedroom 
units 
 
60 square feet of private 
open space per unit 
Minimum Private Open Space 
Above Ground Level –  
MZO 
Section 
11-5-
5(A)(3)(e)(i)(2) 
– 
Minimum 
Width  
 
 
8 feet wide 
 
 
5 feet wide

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Per MZO Section 11-21-3(B), The City Council may approve modifications to the underlying 
district standards proportionate to number of items and degree of compliance for projects that 
comply with a combination of the criteria for the BIZ.  This includes a combination of either: 
 
Criteria (1) Providing distinctive, superior quality designs. (See Section 11-31-32, 
Superior Design) and Criteria (2) Addressing environmental performance standards; or 
 
Criteria (1) Providing distinctive, superior quality designs. (See Section 11-31-32, 
Superior Design) and Criteria (3) Providing documented evidence that the building(s) will 
meet or exceed nationally recognized environmental performance standards. For 
purposes of this criterion, buildings that are designed to earn Green Globes, LEED™ 
Silver, or to be in compliance with the International Green Construction Code and/or 
equivalent third-party criteria, are considered to be energy efficient and no higher 
standard shall be required. 
Projects with fewer modifications will comply with a lower percentage of the criteria requirements 
in their request for the BIZ overlay. Projects with a higher number, and greater deviation from, the 
adopted standards are required to comply with a higher percentage of criteria in their request for 
the BIZ overlay. 
The Proposed Project includes a list of modifications to development standards and is required 
to comply with a lower percentage of criteria as staff evaluates the project and makes a 
recommendation. 
The following summarizes an evaluation of each criteria for the BIZ overlay request. 
1. Provide distinctive, superior quality designs. (See Section 11-31-32, Superior Design) 
Per MZO Section 11-31-32, for a project to reflect Superior Design it will incorporate 
all of the following elements: 
A. Holistic Approach to Project Design. Varied, high-quality, regionally-appropriate 
building materials, used in distinctive building forms, building massing and detailing 
that result in a note-worthy example of holistic site design, architecture, 
landscaping and signage; and  
The Proposed Project includes the required proportions of regionally 
appropriate building materials, used in distinctive building forms and 
detailing including a mix of rectangular and cantilevered forms with 
consistent elements and detailing between the two proposed uses on site.  
B. Responsive Approach to Site and Sub-Area Context. Architectural and 
landscape architecture details and features that reflect the character defined in 
Sub-Area Plans or the General Plan's Placetype urban design characteristics, that 
are harmonious with adjacent development patterns, integrate with the physical 
conditions of the immediate site, and create a unique sense of place; and  
The Proposed Project design includes varied architectural forms that are 
harmonious with the area within the district near the Cubs Spring Training 
Facility and the proposed brick for the Cubs Players Facility is consistent in 
color with the existing brink for Sloan Park.

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C. Sustainable Design. Site design, architecture and landscaping features that 
address the local climate to reduce summer sun penetration and provide summer 
sunshade protection for pedestrians, promote energy and water conservation, 
promote the preservation or creation of open space, provide for and encourage the 
use of multiple modes of transportation, utilize existing infrastructure, and create 
the opportunity for social interaction; and 
The Proposed Project provides increased open space on the northern side 
of the property, which will be screened from direct summer sun from the 
South and will be able to provide additional shading for the onsite amenities. 
Paved areas are broken up with landscaping and shaded foundation areas, 
and high-efficiency windows also reduce the heat impact on the site.  
D. Exceeds Standards. Provision of details and features that exceed the criteria and 
standards specified in Sections 11-5-3, 11-5-5, 11-6-43, 11-6-4 (as applicable), 11-
7-3, 11-8-5, 11-8-6 and Chapters 30 through 34, where applicable; and 
The Proposed Project exceeds standard requirements through enhanced 
architectural, landscape, and site design. Foundation base calculations 
exceed base requirements through use of averaging on all sides of the 
buildings. Material quality and façade articulation including varied parapet 
heights, brick and stucco banding, metal accents, glazing, and shade 
canopies further elevate the project above baseline commercial standards.  
E. Great Public Spaces. Details and features that create attractive, comfortable 
environments for pedestrians; ensure safe, useful and well-integrated open or 
public spaces; and include high quality amenities. 
The Proposed Project includes well-designed public spaces that enhance 
the pedestrian experience. The proposed hotel site will directly connect into 
the existing pedestrian network, placing additional emphasis along the 
eastern side of the site for the amenities adjacent to the multiple residence 
building. The amenities provided for the multiple residence includes a sports 
court, putting green, soccer field, in addition to a covered patio area which 
includes BBQ grills.  
Based on the above discussion, staff finds that the Proposed Project complies with 
Criteria 1 required for approval of a BIZ overlay. 
2. Address environmental performance standards outlined below: 
a. Site selection criteria. Sites shall meet one or more of the following criteria. 
i. 
Redevelop and rehabilitate economically distressed properties (particularly 
greyfield sites), damaged sites or environmentally contaminated ‘brownfield’ sites. 
The project site is an infill parcel that is currently vacant. 
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria.

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ii. Utilize areas with existing utility and transportation infrastructure and existing 
community services. This criterion is preferred for higher density and higher 
intensity development, when feasible.  
The site has access to City of Mesa utilities and direct access to Rio Salado 
Parkway and Cubs Way. Both of these roadways include detached sidewalks 
that connect the proposed development to adjacent neighborhoods. 
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
iii. Utilize locations within ½ mile of a planned light rail line or ¼ mile from an existing 
or planned bus stop. This criterion is preferred for higher density and higher 
intensity development, when feasible. 
There is an existing westbound bus stop located on the east side of the 
intersection of Rio Salado Parkway and Cubs Way, approximately 200 feet 
from the Proposed Project. There is an existing eastbound bus stop on the 
south side of Rio Salado Parkway, approximately 450 feet from the Proposed 
Project.  
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
b. Site design criteria. Designing the site to facilitate alternative modes of transportation 
and to reduce onsite environmental impacts.  
i. 
Provide safe and secure storage for bicycles. For residential projects, safe and 
secure bicycle storage areas shall be provided on-site for a minimum 15% of the 
residents. 
The proposed development includes bicycle racks for the hotel use, with 
bike storage for 100% of the multiple residence use located interior to the 
structure.   
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
ii.   Include priority location parking for low-emission vehicles in parking areas. 
The Proposed Project does not include priority parking for low emission 
vehicles. 
The Proposed Project does not meet this Criteria. 
iii. Provide priority location parking spaces for carpool or vanpool vehicles. 
The Proposed Project does not include priority parking for carpool or 
vanpool vehicles. 
The Proposed Project does not meet this Criteria. 
iv. Provide the number of parking spaces designed to serve a development site 
consistent with the number of spaces required to meet the minimum parking ratio. 
Parking spaces over the minimum number is discouraged. 
Per Table 11-32-3.A of the MZO, 179 parking spaces are required for the 
proposed development. The site plan submitted shows 159 parking spaces

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being provided on site.  Since the applicant is requesting a parking 
reduction, this request does not qualify via this criteria.  
The Proposed Project does not meet this Criteria. 
v. 
For greenfield sites, protect or restore natural areas on site with native vegetation 
to encourage biodiversity and for enjoyment by people. For previously developed 
sites, restore areas with native or adapted vegetation to encourage biodiversity 
and for enjoyment by people. The size of the space should be appropriate for the 
size of the site and the activity level or use of the site. 
        Although the site is currently undeveloped, native vegetation was removed 
many years ago with prior development done for a County Animal Shelter. 
The landscape plan for the Proposed Project includes drought tolerant and 
regionally appropriate plant species. 
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
vi.  Design the project to be energy efficient including, but not limited to, designed to 
reduce summer heat gain, reduce winter heat loss, utilize day lighting strategies 
and provide the opportunity for occupants to take advantage of renewable energy. 
The design also mitigates the effects of solar exposure for users and pedestrians. 
For purposes of this criterion, buildings that have efficient HVAC systems, 
incorporate passive solar heating, cooling and day lighting strategies within an 
efficient building envelope, as recommended by the Department of Energy's 
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) section, including buildings 
designed to earn the EPA ENERGY STAR or designed to meet LEED™ Silver or 
equivalent third-party criteria are considered to be energy efficient and no higher 
standard shall be used 
The architectural design proposed includes shaded entries at all pedestrian 
entries, which help to mitigate the effects of solar exposure for employees 
and visitors to the site. This increased shading of the windows also reduces 
heat gain within the building. 
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
c. Provide documented evidence that the building(s) will meet or exceed nationally 
recognized environmental performance standards. For purposes of this criterion, 
buildings that are designed to earn LEED™ Silver, Green Globes, and/or equivalent 
third-party criteria, and no higher standard shall be required. Avoid sites considered 
inappropriate, such as prime farmland, land identified as habitat for endangered 
species, and wetlands or riparian areas associated with wildlife. 
The building proposed for the site is not designed to LEED standards. 
             The Proposed Project does not this Criteria. 
d. Utilize areas with existing utility and transportation infrastructure and existing 
community services. This criterion is preferred for higher density and higher intensity 
development, when feasible.

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The site is in close proximity to existing utility infrastructure and is located to 
support the surrounding area of schools, commercial spaces and residential 
areas with additional commercial uses. 
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
e. Redevelop and rehabilitate economically distressed properties (particularly greyfield 
sites), damaged sites or environmentally contaminated 'brownfield' sites. 
While the site is not considered a greyfield or brownfield site, it is not operating 
at its highest and best economic use. The development of this site will be a 
positive economic benefit both within the immediate area as well as the larger 
City of Mesa. 
The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
f. Utilize locations within ½ mile of a planned light rail line or ¼ mile from an existing or 
planned bus stop. This criterion is preferred for higher density and higher intensity 
development, when feasible. 
The Proposed Project is near to a westbound bus station on Rio Salado 
Parkway, located on the east side of the intersection of Rio Salado Parkway and 
Cubs Way, with an eastbound route located across the street on Rio Salado 
Parkway.  
             The Proposed Project meets this Criteria. 
3. Provide documented evidence that the building(s) will meet or exceed nationally 
recognized environmental performance standards. For purposes of this criterion, buildings 
that are designed to earn Green Globes, LEED™ Silver, or to be in compliance with the 
International Green Construction Code and/or equivalent third-party criteria, are 
considered to be energy efficient and no higher standard shall be required. 
The building proposed for the site is not designed to LEED standards. 
The Proposed Project does not this Criteria. 
Based on the above analysis, staff finds that the Proposed Project is consistent with the purpose 
of a BIZ overlay as outlined in MZO Section 11-21. The BIZ overlay provides for variation from 
the application of residential densities and other development standards to allow greater intensity 
of development and encourage unique, innovative developments of superior quality. 
The Proposed Project is a small, mid-block, urban infill parcel, which has been vacant for many 
years. It is anticipated to demonstrate the unique, innovative design and superior quality required 
by Section 11-21 of the MZO to justify the number of requested deviations.  
Council Use Permit: 
This request includes a Council Use Permit to reduce the minimum commercial floor area 
requirements for projects which include residential uses in commercial districts per Section 11-
31-31 of the MZO. 
 
Required: Multiple-story buildings  
o 60% of the gross floor area (GFA) of all buildings is reserved for commercial use.

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o 65% of the ground floor of each building is reserved for commercial use.  
o Maximum residential density is 25 du/ac. 
 
Proposed: Multiple-story buildings 
o 46% of the GFA is reserved for commercial uses. 
o 52% of the ground floor is dedicated to commercial uses. 
o Density of 12 units per acre. 
Approval Criteria - Section 11-31-31(F): 
1. Approval of the proposed project will advance the goals and objectives of and is 
consistent with the policies of the General Plan and any other applicable City plan 
and/or policies: The applicant is requesting a minor General Plan Amendment to change 
the existing Placetype from Local Employment to Urban Center. If approved, the 
proposed Project will comply with the General Plan, supporting the existing surrounding 
commercial uses and by providing housing for Spring Training staff.  
Entertainment and Recreation is identified as a principal land use, and multiple residence 
is identified as a secondary use, and General Commercial is a principle zoning district 
within the Urban Center Placetype. The focus of the Urban Center Placetype is to create 
compact mixed use areas where many people live, work and play. Urban Centers are 
typically located adjacent to transit or major arterials. Their Compact form supports 
pedestrian-oriented development and vertical mixed-use. The project site is located on 
the edge of the existing Regional Center for the Cub’s Sloan Park and associated spring 
training facility and has been designed to be cohesively integrate with the existing facility.  
By providing additional supporting uses to help to supplement the existing Regional 
Center for the Cub’s Spring Training, the proposed project is consistent with the intent of 
the Urban Center Placetype of the Mesa 2050 General Plan.  
2. An acceptable Operational Plan in narrative form has been submitted for review 
and consideration, which includes, but is not limited to, acceptable evidence of 
compliance with all zoning, building, and fire safety regulations: The proposed Hotel 
will function independently from the Multiple Residence and will be operated to their end 
user’s normal conditions. The Proposed Multiple Residence will be utilized by the 
Chicago Cubs’ Baseball teams as player housing for existing major and minor league 
players to live in during their spring training as well as additional Fall League and other 
related Baseball development schedules throughout the Cubs’ Organization.  
3. Good Neighbor Policy which includes, but is not limited to, descriptions of 
acceptable measures to ensure ongoing compatibility with adjacent uses which 
shall include, but are not limited to, the name and telephone number of the 
manager or person responsible for the operation of the facility; complaint 
response procedures, including investigation, remedial action, and follow-up; and 
litter control measures: The proposed Multiple Residence use includes a Building 
Administrative office which will be operated by the proposed manager of the building to 
operate within. Any proposed concerns or other elements that would need to be rectified

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can be brought to the Building Administrator. All proposed functions for the Multiple 
Residence will occur on site, or directly to the east on the spring training facility.  
4. Conformance with Development Standards: If the proposed Bonus Intensity Zone 
Overlay is approved, the Proposed Project will be in substantial conformance with City 
development standards, including landscaping, parking, and design guidelines. 
5. Zoning District Intent: The property is zoned General Commercial and the intent of the 
General Commercial district is to provide indoor retail, limited outdoor display and related 
service-oriented businesses that serve a large surrounding residential trade area within 
a 4- to 5-mile radius. Other supporting uses may include, but are not limited to, 
commercial lodging, automotive, restaurant, and movie uses, as well as office uses and 
public- and semi-public uses. The Proposed Project aligns with the intent of the General 
Commercial district by providing new on-site destinations for lodging to support the larger 
commercial area, as well as the multiple residence for players to support the existing 
Spring Training Facility located directly to the east of the project site.  
Approval Criteria - Section 11-70-6(D): 
1. Approval of the proposed project will advance the goals and objectives of and is 
consistent with the policies of the General Plan and any other applicable City plan 
and/or policies: The applicant is requesting a minor General Plan Amendment to change 
the existing Placetype from Local Employment to Urban Center. If approved, the 
proposed Project will comply with the General Plan, supporting the existing surrounding 
commercial uses and by providing highly specific housing for specific demographic.  
Entertainment and Recreation is identified as a principal land use, where multiple 
residence is identified as a secondary use, and General Commercial is a principle zoning 
district within the Urban Center Placetype. The focus of the Urban Center Placetype is to 
create compact mixed use areas where many people live, work and play. Urban Centers 
are typically located adjacent to transit or major arterials. Their Compact form supports 
pedestrian-oriented development and vertical mixed-use. The project site is located on 
the edge of the existing Regional Center for the Cub’s Sloan Park and associated spring 
training facility and has been designed to be cohesively integrate with the existing facility.  
By providing an additional supporting uses to help to supplement the existing Regional 
Center for the Cub’s Spring Training, the proposed project is consistent with the intent of 
the Urban Center Placetype of the Mesa 2050 General Plan.  
2. The location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the proposed project 
are consistent with the purposes of the district where it is located and conform 
with the General Plan and with any other applicable City plan or policies: If the 
proposed Bonus Intensity Zone Overlay and Minor General Plan Amendment are 
approved, the Proposed Project will be in substantial conformance with City development 
standards, including landscaping, parking, and design guidelines. The proposed project 
aligns with the intent of the GC zoning District, which is to provide indoor retail, limited 
outdoor display and related service-oriented businesses that serve a large surrounding 
residential trade area within a 4- to 5-mile radius.

13 
3. The proposed project will not be injurious or detrimental to the adjacent or 
surrounding properties in the area, nor will the proposed project or improvements 
be injurious or detrimental to the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the 
City: The Proposed Project will not be injurious or detrimental to surrounding properties 
or the welfare of the city. While the proposed use of the Hotel as well as the proposed 
Multiple Residence will increase traffic compared to the existing vacant parking use, the 
existing Roadway Section of Rio Salado Parkway has been designed to expeditiously to 
move traffic through off peak hours. The proposed use is unlikely to create new trips 
during spring training due to locating additional lodging near the stadium to reduce the 
need to travel along Rio Salado Parkway during Peak Spring Training hours.  
4. Adequate public services, public facilities and public infrastructure are available 
to serve the proposed project: The applicant will be required to install necessary offsite 
improvements and/or upgrades to support the Proposed Project. The applicant is working 
with City of Mesa Parks and Recreation staff to create an enhanced landscape feature 
along the length of the project’s frontage of Cubs Way as a part of their public access 
easement.  
Citizen Participation 
The applicant conducted a Citizen Participation process, notifying surrounding property owners, 
HOAs, and registered neighbors.  
Required Notification: 
 
Property owners within 1,000 feet, HOAs within ½ mile, and registered neighborhoods 
within one mile of the subject site were notified of the public hearing.  
 
Staff received general questions about the use during the Design Review Board process, 
where concerns about the proposed traffic were raised. Staff will update the board on any 
additional comments received after writing this report.  
Conditions of Approval 
Staff recommends approval of the rezone, Council Use Permit and Site Plan Review, subject to 
the following conditions: 
1. 
Compliance with the final site plan as submitted. 
2. 
Compliance with all applicable City development codes and regulations. 
3. 
Compliance with all conditions of DRB25-00936.  
4. 
Installation of all off-site improvements and street frontage landscaping during the first 
phase of construction. 
5. 
Compliance with the Plan of Operation and Good Neighbor Policy submitted.  
6. 
Prior to the submittal of any building permit, record a lot combination or a lot line 
adjustment to combine APNs 135-38-001N and 135-38-001M.

14 
7. 
Compliance with all City development codes and regulations, except the modification to 
the development standards as approved with this BIZ Overlay as shown in the following 
table: 
Development Standards 
BIZ Approved 
Maximum Building Height  – 
MZO Table 11-6-3.A 
 
65 feet 
Minimum Setbacks to Building and 
Parking Areas–  
MZO Table 11-6-3.A  
 
Front and Street Facing Side (adjacent 
to Rio Salado Parkway) 
 
 
Side and Rear adjacent to non-
residential district, per story 
 
 
 
 
11 feet 
 
 
 
7 feet (north side) 
2.5 feet (east side) 
2.5 feet (west side) 
Required Landscape Yards –  
MZO Section 11-33-3 (B)(2)(a)(ii) 
 
Non-Single Residence Adjacent to 
other Non-Single Residence Districts  
 
 
 
 
0 Feet 
Perimeter Landscaping –  
MZO Table 11-33-3.A.4 
 
Arterial Streets 
 
 
Local Streets 
 
 
 
0 Trees and Shrubs required 
within the proposed landscape 
yards  
Required Parking Spaces by Use – 
MZO Table 11-32-3.A 
- Multiple Residence 
 
 
1.29 spaces per unit (56 spaces) 
Required Parking Spaces by Use – 
MZO Section 11-32-3(D) 
 
-  Covered Parking 
 
11 covered parking spaces on site 
Minimum Private Open Space –  
MZO Section 11-5-5(A)(3)(a) – Sizing - 
Two and Three Bedroom Units 
 
60 square feet of private open 
space per unit 
Minimum Private Open Space Above 
Ground Level –  
MZO Section 11-5-5(A)(3)(e)(i)(2) – 
Minimum Width  
 
 
5 feet wide

15 
Exhibits 
Exhibit 1 - Presentation  
Exhibit 2 - Ordinance 
Exhibit 3 - Ordinance Map  
Exhibit 4 - Vicinity Map  
Exhibit 5 - Site Plan  
Exhibit 6 - Minutes  
Exhibit 7 - Submittal Documents