City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Public Hearing - July 15, 2026

Note: The transcript of this meeting references a date of June 24, 2026, but the official meeting date provided is July 15, 2026. This summary uses the latter date as instructed.

The meeting was called to order at approximately 4:23 PM with a quorum present (Chair Ayers, Vice Chair Peterson, Board Members Pitcher, Blakeman, Carpenter, and Farnsworth; Board Member Montes was excused). The board acted on a consent agenda, then heard and voted on a code amendment (Item 4A) and two companion cases (Items 3A and 3B) concerning a proposed development unit plan amendment and a mixed-use project in the Eastmark community.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Item 2A (minutes from June 10, 2026), and Items 4B (amendments to Title 11 regarding electric vehicle and fleet-based services). Items 3A and 3B were removed from consent for individual consideration. Item 4A was initially on consent but was removed to allow a motion with an added condition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rich Ballet, representing approximately five households directly south of the proposed apartment complex, spoke in opposition. He argued that the originally presented development plan promised a 250-300 foot park buffer north of their homes, which was a reason they purchased their lots. He stated that the applicant’s claim of neighborhood agreement is false and asked the board to reject both the zoning amendment and the site plan. He also noted that community meetings felt one-sided ("dictatorship") and that most neighbors chose to attend the public hearing instead.

Discussion Items

• Item 4A – ZON 26-00155? (Code Amendments): Staff presented proposed amendments to Mesa City Code Title 11, covering entryway monumentation, building materials, employment district standards, pedestrian connections, accessory dwelling units, data center screening, landscaping, signs, and more. The board added a condition to Section 11-30-8, Subsection E to allow alternative designs to a vertical curb for pedestrian/auto separation. The motion passed unanimously.

• Items 3A and 3B – DU56 South Plan Amendment & Homestead at Eastmark Site Plan:

  • Staff Presentation (Jennifer & Evan): Item 3A was a major amendment to the DU56 South Development Unit Plan, affecting 11.7 acres at the southwest corner of Signal Butte Road and Rubidium Avenue. Changes included shifting the DUP boundary north to align with the newly built Rubidium Avenue, expanding the district land use group (LUG) to allow multifamily residential and commercial, and reducing the transition area buffer from 275 feet to an 88-foot landscaped buffer combined with a 26-acre Great Park. Staff noted the amendment is consistent with the General Plan and Eastmark Community Plan, and recommended approval with conditions. Item 3B was a major site plan review for a 261-unit, three-story multifamily development and 10,840 sq ft of commercial (including a Chipotle with a pickup window and retail). The site plan provides 444 parking spaces (488 required), a 2,360 sq ft restaurant, and 99 commercial parking spaces (59 required). Landscaping includes a 50–88 foot buffer along the south edge, originally proposed as parking but changed to open space. Staff recommended approval with conditions.
  • Applicant Presentation (Lindsay Shubi, Gamage & Burnham): She emphasized that the Eastmark Community Plan was designed for flexibility, and the transition area was always intended to be finalized later based on built conditions. The 26-acre Great Park (expanded from 10 acres) and the mixed-use project together create a strong buffer between single-family homes and the industrial development to the north. She noted that 2,180 properties were notified, only a few citizens attended meetings, and the project meets all General Plan and Community Plan requirements. She offered to add a condition that windows on the southwest building facing the single-family homes are glazed (frosted) for privacy.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Board Member Pitcher expressed concern over the loss of the original 275-foot buffer and the height of the three-story building. He indicated he would vote in favor but with reservations.
    • Vice Chair Peterson and Chair Ayers noted the need for multifamily housing and commercial amenities in the area, and argued that the 88-foot buffer is substantial and compatible with the industrial transition. They also appreciated that the development does not create a vehicular connection to the single-family neighborhood.
    • The board confirmed with staff that traffic and school capacity have been reviewed and are adequate.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4A – Code Amendments: Approved unanimously (5-0) with an added condition to Section 11-30-8(E) allowing alternative pedestrian/auto separation designs.
• Items 3A and 3B – DU56 Amendment & Homestead at Eastmark: Approved unanimously (5-0) as a recommendation to the City Council, with an added stipulation that the windows on the southwest apartment building facing the existing single-family homes be frosted (glazed) for privacy. The vote was 5-0 (Board Member Farnsworth present).
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 PM.