Preliminary Future Land Use Map

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Preliminary Future Land Use Map

The Tomorrow's Mesa Preliminary Future Land Use Map is an indispensable cornerstone of the new general plan for the City of Mesa, Arizona. This forward-looking and all-encompassing visual representation embodies the city's long-term vision for how the City should develop. As Mesa proactively plans for its future, this map outlines the spatial arrangement of diverse land uses, thereby charting a path toward sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a flourishing economy. The Future Land Use Map will ultimately used by City staff in reviewing development applications, ensuring the application is in line with the overall vision for growth and/or redevelopment.

The Tomorrow's Mesa Preliminary Future Land Use Map depicts diverse land use categories (all described below), including Rural, Traditional, Mixed, and Urban Residential areas, facilitating a balance between urban amenities and rural spaces. Additionally, it identifies Neighborhood, Urban, and Regional Centers and Local and Regional Employment Centers fostering opportunities for economic prosperity and job growth. Industrial Areas are strategically delineated, promoting innovation and industrial development. The map also highlights the locations of Parks and Open Spaces, enhancing recreational opportunities. The Tomorrow's Mesa Preliminary Future Land Use Map is an in-progress product of extensive engagement and collaboration with residents, businesses, and the overall community. The Map is a blueprint designed to foster a cohesive community that cherishes its past while embracing its future. The map paves the way for thoughtful growth, efficient transportation, and increased access to quality amenities.

Preliminary Future Land Use Map Instructions

The Preliminary Future Land Use Map linked below includes each of the described Future Land Use Categories. Please take a look at the extent of these categories as located within the map and offer comment on areas and your expectation for future development.

Go to the Preliminary Land Use Viewer and Comment Tool

Future Land Use Category Descriptions


Rural Residential is intended for large lot, low-density residential development and agricultural uses. Housing suitable for this designation is single-family, detached homes on large lots. This land use designation is suitable for the keeping of livestock and outbuildings, arenas and stables are common. Streets may take on a more rural character, and sidewalks may or may not accompany roadways. An example of a Rural Residential area is the Lehi Community in northwest Mesa.





Traditional Residential is intended primarily for detached single-family homes, on medium or large lots, with complementary parks, schools, churches, and small commercial areas integrated throughout neighborhoods to increase walkability. Low-density multi-family is appropriate along arterial roadways. An example of Traditional Residential is the Las Sendas Community in northeast Mesa.






Mixed Residential areas are suitable for a variety of housing types, public/semi-public uses, and low-intensity commercial uses, well designed to support walkability. Housing types envisioned for this land use designation include varied lot size single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and multi-family condominiums and apartments. Innovative housing options such as small lot development, cottage courtyards, and live/work units are appropriate in this designation. Additionally, low-intensity office and neighborhood-oriented commercial uses are encouraged within this land use designation. Mixed Residential offers opportunities for infill housing in order to improve the supply and mix of housing options.




Urban Residential is intended to support a diverse mixture of uses, where commercial, residential, and institutional uses coexist. Urban Residential neighborhoods are intended to support a range of medium- and high-density housing types, including townhomes and multi-family condominiums and apartments. The proximity of Urban Residential land uses to Downtown, transit, major arterials, or other commercial nodes will provide convenient transportation and lifestyle options for residents, while also supporting the economic health and vibrancy of the nearby areas. Small-scale, ground-level commercial may be appropriate along arterials and at transit stations. Examples of Urban Residential include the areas immediately adjacent to Downtown Mesa.




Neighborhood Centers are characterized by low-rise commercial areas typically located adjacent to, or within, existing residential neighborhoods. These areas provide goods and services to nearby residents within a short, comfortable walk or convenient drive of their homes, and serve as hubs of activity and socialization. Limited mid-rise buildings can be expected in certain Neighborhood Centers. Some types of auto-oriented uses, well-designed to support walkability, may be located on the edges of Neighborhood Center areas. Neighborhood Centers are the lowest in intensity and smallest in scale of the City’s activity center designations. Businesses catering to a city-wide or regional market—drawing visitors from great distances and generating non-local traffic—are better suited for other commercial designations. An example of a Neighborhood Center includes the intersection of Power Road and McDowell Road.



Urban Centers are compact, mixed-use areas that provide retail, services, civic and institutional uses, recreational facilities, and integrated residential. Urban Centers can be served by either transit or major arterials, however their compact form supports pedestrian-oriented development. Urban Centers can accommodate substantial redevelopment and increased density over time. Auto-centric uses are typically not found within an Urban Center unless located along the perimeter of the Urban Center, on an arterial roadway, and well designed for a pedestrian-oriented environment.





Regional Centers are major retail, cultural, recreational, and entertainment destinations in Mesa. They feature major retailers, national chains, specialty shops, and a wide range of services and amenities like hotels and restaurants that draw consumers from across the City and greater metropolitan area. Development within Regional Centers typically share a common design character or theme. Housing in Regional Centers will mostly consist of low- to high-rise apartments and mixed-use buildings. Housing will be subordinate to the commercial activities occurring in the Center and be integrated to add to the Center's vibrancy. The densities, buildings heights, and overall character of a Regional Center will depend on its location; however, compared to other commercial designations, Regional Centers will have the highest intensity and features the largest scale of development. An example of a Regional Center is Riverview Mesa.



Local Employment Centers are intended for a variety of businesses that provide professional services and create employment opportunities. This land use designation allows for the development of offices, medical facilities, research and development centers, and other employment-focused activities. This designation is intended to promote economic development and job creation within Mesa in a way that is harmonious and complementary to nearby residential and commercial areas. Local Employment Centers are typically smaller than ten acres. An example of a Local Employment Center is at Power Road and Broadway.





Regional Employment Centers are intended for a variety of businesses that provide professional services and create employment opportunities. This land use designation allows for the development of offices, medical facilities, research and development centers, and other employment-based activities. This designation is meant to accommodate large employers and provide them with the amenities they are seeking. Regional Employment Centers are typically ten to fifty acres in area and are often nicely landscaped with large buffers around parking areas and single-use office buildings. Research parks and civic centers are included in this designation. Examples of Regional Employment Centers are the Falcon Field Area, and the area including and surrounding the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.



Industrial areas are intended for the development of facilities used for manufacturing, warehousing, data storage, distribution and other potentially high-intensity industrial activities. This designation and the associated land uses should be well buffered from surrounding areas to mitigate any negative impacts associated with industrial activity like noise, pollution, and truck traffic. In addition to spatial separation, this buffer should include substantial landscaping and on-site stormwater management. Facilities to power these establishments by alternative energy should be encouraged. Examples of Industrial areas are located on the north side of Highway 202 between Greenfield and Recker roads.




Parks and Open Space areas include natural areas, large parks and preservation areas—generally larger than 20 acres. These areas serve as key destinations and provide recreational opportunities for residents. While large parks are included in this land use designation, smaller parks, and those within residential and commercial areas, are included as a part of that respective land use designation to ensure these areas are integrated with the fabric of that land use designation. The various parks, recreational amenities and open spaces within this designation should be connected whenever possible to other Parks and Open Space areas, or smaller park areas to maximize their benefit to both humans and wildlife.

Preliminary Future Land Use Map

The Tomorrow's Mesa Preliminary Future Land Use Map is an indispensable cornerstone of the new general plan for the City of Mesa, Arizona. This forward-looking and all-encompassing visual representation embodies the city's long-term vision for how the City should develop. As Mesa proactively plans for its future, this map outlines the spatial arrangement of diverse land uses, thereby charting a path toward sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a flourishing economy. The Future Land Use Map will ultimately used by City staff in reviewing development applications, ensuring the application is in line with the overall vision for growth and/or redevelopment.

The Tomorrow's Mesa Preliminary Future Land Use Map depicts diverse land use categories (all described below), including Rural, Traditional, Mixed, and Urban Residential areas, facilitating a balance between urban amenities and rural spaces. Additionally, it identifies Neighborhood, Urban, and Regional Centers and Local and Regional Employment Centers fostering opportunities for economic prosperity and job growth. Industrial Areas are strategically delineated, promoting innovation and industrial development. The map also highlights the locations of Parks and Open Spaces, enhancing recreational opportunities. The Tomorrow's Mesa Preliminary Future Land Use Map is an in-progress product of extensive engagement and collaboration with residents, businesses, and the overall community. The Map is a blueprint designed to foster a cohesive community that cherishes its past while embracing its future. The map paves the way for thoughtful growth, efficient transportation, and increased access to quality amenities.

Preliminary Future Land Use Map Instructions

The Preliminary Future Land Use Map linked below includes each of the described Future Land Use Categories. Please take a look at the extent of these categories as located within the map and offer comment on areas and your expectation for future development.

Go to the Preliminary Land Use Viewer and Comment Tool

Future Land Use Category Descriptions


Rural Residential is intended for large lot, low-density residential development and agricultural uses. Housing suitable for this designation is single-family, detached homes on large lots. This land use designation is suitable for the keeping of livestock and outbuildings, arenas and stables are common. Streets may take on a more rural character, and sidewalks may or may not accompany roadways. An example of a Rural Residential area is the Lehi Community in northwest Mesa.





Traditional Residential is intended primarily for detached single-family homes, on medium or large lots, with complementary parks, schools, churches, and small commercial areas integrated throughout neighborhoods to increase walkability. Low-density multi-family is appropriate along arterial roadways. An example of Traditional Residential is the Las Sendas Community in northeast Mesa.






Mixed Residential areas are suitable for a variety of housing types, public/semi-public uses, and low-intensity commercial uses, well designed to support walkability. Housing types envisioned for this land use designation include varied lot size single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and multi-family condominiums and apartments. Innovative housing options such as small lot development, cottage courtyards, and live/work units are appropriate in this designation. Additionally, low-intensity office and neighborhood-oriented commercial uses are encouraged within this land use designation. Mixed Residential offers opportunities for infill housing in order to improve the supply and mix of housing options.




Urban Residential is intended to support a diverse mixture of uses, where commercial, residential, and institutional uses coexist. Urban Residential neighborhoods are intended to support a range of medium- and high-density housing types, including townhomes and multi-family condominiums and apartments. The proximity of Urban Residential land uses to Downtown, transit, major arterials, or other commercial nodes will provide convenient transportation and lifestyle options for residents, while also supporting the economic health and vibrancy of the nearby areas. Small-scale, ground-level commercial may be appropriate along arterials and at transit stations. Examples of Urban Residential include the areas immediately adjacent to Downtown Mesa.




Neighborhood Centers are characterized by low-rise commercial areas typically located adjacent to, or within, existing residential neighborhoods. These areas provide goods and services to nearby residents within a short, comfortable walk or convenient drive of their homes, and serve as hubs of activity and socialization. Limited mid-rise buildings can be expected in certain Neighborhood Centers. Some types of auto-oriented uses, well-designed to support walkability, may be located on the edges of Neighborhood Center areas. Neighborhood Centers are the lowest in intensity and smallest in scale of the City’s activity center designations. Businesses catering to a city-wide or regional market—drawing visitors from great distances and generating non-local traffic—are better suited for other commercial designations. An example of a Neighborhood Center includes the intersection of Power Road and McDowell Road.



Urban Centers are compact, mixed-use areas that provide retail, services, civic and institutional uses, recreational facilities, and integrated residential. Urban Centers can be served by either transit or major arterials, however their compact form supports pedestrian-oriented development. Urban Centers can accommodate substantial redevelopment and increased density over time. Auto-centric uses are typically not found within an Urban Center unless located along the perimeter of the Urban Center, on an arterial roadway, and well designed for a pedestrian-oriented environment.





Regional Centers are major retail, cultural, recreational, and entertainment destinations in Mesa. They feature major retailers, national chains, specialty shops, and a wide range of services and amenities like hotels and restaurants that draw consumers from across the City and greater metropolitan area. Development within Regional Centers typically share a common design character or theme. Housing in Regional Centers will mostly consist of low- to high-rise apartments and mixed-use buildings. Housing will be subordinate to the commercial activities occurring in the Center and be integrated to add to the Center's vibrancy. The densities, buildings heights, and overall character of a Regional Center will depend on its location; however, compared to other commercial designations, Regional Centers will have the highest intensity and features the largest scale of development. An example of a Regional Center is Riverview Mesa.



Local Employment Centers are intended for a variety of businesses that provide professional services and create employment opportunities. This land use designation allows for the development of offices, medical facilities, research and development centers, and other employment-focused activities. This designation is intended to promote economic development and job creation within Mesa in a way that is harmonious and complementary to nearby residential and commercial areas. Local Employment Centers are typically smaller than ten acres. An example of a Local Employment Center is at Power Road and Broadway.





Regional Employment Centers are intended for a variety of businesses that provide professional services and create employment opportunities. This land use designation allows for the development of offices, medical facilities, research and development centers, and other employment-based activities. This designation is meant to accommodate large employers and provide them with the amenities they are seeking. Regional Employment Centers are typically ten to fifty acres in area and are often nicely landscaped with large buffers around parking areas and single-use office buildings. Research parks and civic centers are included in this designation. Examples of Regional Employment Centers are the Falcon Field Area, and the area including and surrounding the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.



Industrial areas are intended for the development of facilities used for manufacturing, warehousing, data storage, distribution and other potentially high-intensity industrial activities. This designation and the associated land uses should be well buffered from surrounding areas to mitigate any negative impacts associated with industrial activity like noise, pollution, and truck traffic. In addition to spatial separation, this buffer should include substantial landscaping and on-site stormwater management. Facilities to power these establishments by alternative energy should be encouraged. Examples of Industrial areas are located on the north side of Highway 202 between Greenfield and Recker roads.




Parks and Open Space areas include natural areas, large parks and preservation areas—generally larger than 20 acres. These areas serve as key destinations and provide recreational opportunities for residents. While large parks are included in this land use designation, smaller parks, and those within residential and commercial areas, are included as a part of that respective land use designation to ensure these areas are integrated with the fabric of that land use designation. The various parks, recreational amenities and open spaces within this designation should be connected whenever possible to other Parks and Open Space areas, or smaller park areas to maximize their benefit to both humans and wildlife.