HP_Text_Amendments

City of Mesa — Historic Preservation Board (2026-07-07)

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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: 5-c  
Historic Preservation Board

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Background and Purpose
To improve clarity and understanding of historic 
preservation requirements and processes that include:
• Reorganization – related to historic preservation
• Clarity – language and processes
• Consistency – among historic preservation provisions
• Compliance – align with current state and federal 
laws and regulations regarding archaeology

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Reorganization
Related historic preservation zoning provisions have been 
combined and organized
• Chapter 23 (Historic Preservation Overlay) and Chapter 44 
(Historic Signs) moved into Chapter 74 (Historic Preservation 
Procedures).
All Historic Preservation regulations and procedures located in 
one place within the zoning ordinance (Chapter 74)

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Clarity
Expand on the Purpose of HP Procedures
Historic Preservation Overlays
• Processes clarified – including application and review
• Integrated Eligibility Criteria
• Modification of Current Overlay Process

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
Demo Permits (Within Proposed Overlay)
•
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
Historically Designated Signs (11-74-5)
•
Processes clarified
•
Application
•
Review
•
Eligibility Criteria
•
Mesa Historic Sign Register
•
Maintenance and Repair
•
Revocation Process

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Terms Defined
•
Certificate of Appropriateness
•
Historic District
•
Historic Landmark
•
Historic Preservation Overlay
•
Historic Resource
•
Historically Designated Sign
•
State of Disrepair

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Supplemental Inventory List
1.The Supplemental Inventory List is a list of building(s), structure(s), 
object(s), site(s), and district(s), that have been determined eligible 
for inclusion in the Mesa Historic Property Register but not yet 
designated.
2.To be included on the Supplemental Inventory List, Historic 
Resources must meet the eligibility requirements in this Chapter.
3.The Historic Preservation Officer will maintain the Supplemental 
Inventory List and make it available to the public.

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Consistency
Redundant and unnecessary provisions eliminated
Consistent terminology throughout
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 Text Amendments
HPB recommended staff consider adding a maintenance of historic 
resources provision 
Required Maintenance and Repairs provision added as Section 11-74-3(I)
Duty to Maintain
1. 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.
2. The condition of the Historic Resource on the effective date of the Historic 
Preservation Overlay designation shall serve as the standard of reference for 
evaluating whether the Historic Resource has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Additional Text Amendments
HPB recommended staff consider adding a COA review process for 
necessary emergency repairs
Provision added stating that COAs are to be issued concurrently 
with a building permit in emergency situations
Emergency Repairs provision added under Section 11-74-4(F)

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Addition of 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
1. 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
2. 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
Text Amendments Outreach
Outreach Dates:
• HPB Study Session – Aug. 01, 2023
• Public Meeting – Aug. 24, 2023
• HPB Meeting – Jul. 07, 2026
• Public Meeting – Jul. 15, 2026
Consultation:
• State Historic Preservation Office
• Tribal Historic Preservation Offices
Additional Review
• Mesa Historical Foundation
• Mesa City Website
Required Review: 
• Planning and Zoning Board
• City Council

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Questions & Discussion