Mesa Agricultural (AG) Zoning District Guide: Purpose, Uses, and Standards
The Agricultural (AG) District in Mesa serves to protect and preserve agricultural lands by mandating a 10-acre minimum lot size and a maximum residential density of 0.1 units per acre. While single-family residences and primary agricultural activities are permitted by right, more intensive operations such as dairies, feedlots, and commercial stables require the approval of a Special Use Permit.
Purpose of the AG District
The primary intent of the AG District in Mesa is to safeguard agricultural lands and their associated activities from urban encroachment and incompatible land uses. By maintaining the present character of these lands, the City of Mesa encourages local food production and prevents premature urban development. This district ensures that intensive development only occurs when the necessary infrastructure and adopted plans are in place to support it, consistent with the Mesa General Plan [Section 11-4-1].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
Land use in the Mesa AG District is categorized into those permitted by right (P), those requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP), those requiring a Council Use Permit (CUP), and those requiring a Temporary Use Permit (TUP).
Agricultural and Residential Uses
The following table outlines the status of common agricultural and residential activities in the Mesa AG District [Table 11-4-2]:
| Proposed Use | AG District Status | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Single Residence | Permitted (P) | Subject to limitations in AOA overflight areas |
| Agriculture (General) | P / SUP | Dairies and feedlots require a Special Use Permit |
| Crop and Animal Raising | P / SUP | General raising is P; specific livestock limits apply |
| Animal Keeping | Permitted (P) | See Sections 11-4-4(B) and 11-31-4 |
| Day Care Group Home (up to 10) | Permitted (P) | Section 11-31-13 |
| Family Community Residence | Permitted (P) | Section 11-31-14 |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | Permitted (P) | Section 11-31-3 |
| Farm Stands | SUP | Approval required |
| Home Occupations | P / SUP | Section 11-31-33 |
Public, Semi-Public, and Commercial Uses
Certain non-residential uses are allowed to provide services to the rural community, often requiring higher levels of discretionary review [Table 11-4-2]:
| Proposed Use | AG District Status |
|---|---|
| Community Gardens | Permitted (P) |
| Cultural Institutions | Permitted (P) |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities | Permitted (P) |
| Places of Worship | Permitted (P) |
| Cemeteries | SUP |
| Boarding Stables | SUP |
| Kennels | SUP |
| Veterinary Services | SUP |
| Plant Nurseries and Garden Centers | SUP |
| Schools (Public K-12, Colleges) | Permitted (P) |
| Schools (Private K-12, Colleges) | CUP |
Development Standards and General Character
The physical character of the Mesa AG District is defined by vast open spaces, very low building coverage, and significant distances between structures. The following standards are mandatory for all developments within the district [Table 11-4-3]:
| Standard | AG District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 10 acres |
| Minimum Lot Width | 400 feet |
| Maximum Density | 0.1 dwelling units per acre |
| Maximum Building Height | 30 feet |
| Maximum Number of Stories | 2 stories |
| Maximum Building Coverage | 15% |
| Minimum Setbacks (Yards) | |
| Front Yard | 30 feet |
| Interior Side (Minimum each side) | 60 feet |
| Interior Side (Minimum aggregate) | 120 feet |
| Street Side | 30 feet |
| Rear Yard | 60 feet |
Supplemental Regulations for the AG District
The City of Mesa enforces specific supplemental rules to manage the impact of agricultural and animal-related activities on neighboring properties.
Animal Keeping and Livestock
- Aviaries and Apiaries: Hives or buildings for birds/bees must be at least 75 feet from any neighboring residence [Section 11-4-4(B)(1)].
- Poultry and Egg Farms: Enclosures for poultry (other than open pasture) must be located at least 200 feet from any residential, commercial, or employment district [Section 11-4-4(B)(2)].
- Livestock Buffers: Barns and stables must be located at least 75 feet from neighboring residences. Pens and corrals must maintain a 40-foot buffer [Section 11-4-4(B)(3)].
Fences and Walls
"Corral fences" are specifically permitted in the AG District for the keeping of livestock, provided they meet the visibility and safety standards established in the Mesa City Code [Section 11-4-4(A)].
Plant Nurseries
Nurseries oriented toward retail trade in the Mesa AG District require a Special Use Permit. These facilities must be located on sites with direct frontage on an arterial or mid-section collector street. Buildings for these uses (excluding greenhouses) are capped at a total floor area of 10,000 square feet [Section 11-4-4(C)].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-4-1: Purpose
- Section 11-4-2: Land Use Regulations
- Table 11-4-2: Agricultural District Land Use
- Section 11-4-3: Development Standards
- Table 11-4-3: Development Standards - Agricultural District
- Section 11-4-4: Supplemental Regulations