The Mesa Business Resource Guide

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Chapter 4 – Planning / Zoning / Permits

CITY OF MESA

CITY OF MESA DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – The City of Mesa offers an innovative customer service program to provide complete assistance to developers, contractors, and the general public.

55 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 644-4273

Development Services staff can assist with:  

• Construction permits
• Sign permits
• Plan review 
• Building inspections 
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Hydrant meters (Temporary Water)
• Utility clearances 
• Right of Way Permits

City of Mesa Planning & Zoning – All property inside the Mesa city limits is zoned in accordance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Depending on the type of business, the current zoning, and location conditions, public or advisory board hearings may be required. Specific requirements, processes, and procedures can be determined and reviewed with the business owner using a preliminary plan review through the Planning Division. 

Important Questions to answer for the Planning Department:  

• What is the current Zoning on the property?
• Is my use permitted in the Zoning District?
• Is the property vacant?
• If vacant, is there an approved site plan on file that must be followed for development?
• What planning related procedures must be completed for my business to be located at this site?
• Is the site I'm considering non-conforming to current site development codes?
• Will my business at the existing location invoke current site development codes due to a change in use of the property or change in occupancy?
• If so, what will the requirements be and what is the process I must follow?
• I'm planning to do some building and facade renovation, are site plan modifications and design review needed?
• I want to create a separate tract on the property for my business, what are the requirements to divide the property and create a new lot?
• Am I doing any work that would require a permit?

City of Mesa Development Services Small Business Assistance – Development Service’s also has Small Business Assistance to help small business owners navigate the development and permitting process. Contact Small Business Assistance at 480-644-5600, or smbz@mesaaz.gov for assistance with your permitting questions.  

City of Mesa Commercial Construction – Development Services provides one-stop convenience for all construction plan submittals. A single submittal is routed internally for building, civil, fire, zoning, and transportation review. An online portal is used to submit all Planning and Construction documents. For more information visit: DIMES Online Portal for Submitting Plans.

City of Mesa Commercial Building Permit Process (Video)

City of Mesa Construction Inspections – Inspections are typically performed within 24 hours of a request. Requests for inspections can be made online, by phone, or by text. 

Construction permits (private property): Construction permits are issued for all new on-site construction; demolition; building alterations; remodeling and the installation or modification of electric, plumbing, or mechanical systems; and fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Utility clearances for gas and electric are issued upon final inspection.  Water meter clearances are issued at time of permit issuance.  To request meters to be set contact (480) 644-2221.

Temporary water: If temporary water is needed from a fire hydrant for street work or preparation of a construction site before permanent water is available, a hydrant meter use permit can be issued.
Application for a hydrant meter should be made 24 hours in advance of need.

Right-of-way permits: Separate off-site permits are required before construction of any work that will be performed within the public rights-of-way or a public easement and can be obtained at the Permit Services Center located at the Building Safety Division.  

City of Mesa Alarm Permits – All businesses and homes with alarms must have an alarm permit.

City of Mesa Fire Safety Operation Permit (FSOP) – Information on Fire inspection requirements and fees associated.

City of Mesa Smoking Ordinance

City of Mesa Administrative Codes

Signage and Sign Code – Exterior advertising signs, including banners, may be installed or displayed after obtaining a sign permit. Banner signs can be displayed for up to 30 days. Portable signs and vehicle signs parked for advertising purposes are prohibited. Some real estate signs are exempt. 

City of Mesa Sign Permits: Your Questions Answered (Video)  

MARICOPA COUNTY

Maricopa County Offices
301 W. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3011

Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office – General business and tax information.

Maricopa County Permits Home Page (All Permits)

Maricopa County Food Permits – For restaurants, online, and cottage food businesses.

Maricopa County Food Protection Manager & Food Handler’s Certificates – Information for production and handling of food.

Maricopa County Mobile Food Establishments – Mobile food and temporary/seasonal food permits.