Mesa Leisure and Recreation (LR) District Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The Leisure and Recreation (LR) zoning district in the City of Mesa is specifically established to provide areas for public and private parks and related recreational facilities. While it permits most public educational and safety infrastructure by right, the Mesa Zoning Ordinance prohibits any use classification not explicitly listed in the district's land use table, including all private schools and residential dwellings.
Purpose of the Mesa LR District
The primary intent of the Leisure and Recreation (LR) district is to allow for the development of public and private parks as a base zoning designation. This district is designed to provide a variety of recreation-oriented facilities and uses to serve both the residents of the City of Mesa and visitors to the community [Section 11-15-1].
Allowed Land Use Classifications
Land uses in the Leisure and Recreation (LR) district are categorized by their permit status. Uses marked with a "P" are permitted by right, while those marked with "TUP" require a Temporary Use Permit. If a use is not listed in the following table, it is strictly prohibited within the LR district of the City of Mesa [Section 11-15-2].
Permitted and Temporary Uses in the LR District
| Use Classification | Status | Additional Use Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Public and Semi-Public Uses | ||
| Community Gardens | P | Must comply with [Section 11-31-10] |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities, Public | P | |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities, Private | P | |
| Public Safety Facilities | P | Only allowed when owned and operated by the City of Mesa [Note 23] |
| Schools, Colleges, and Trade Schools | ||
| Colleges or Universities, Public | P | Must comply with [Section 11-31-24] |
| Commercial Trade Schools, Public | P | Must comply with [Section 11-31-24] |
| Industrial Trade Schools, Public | P | Must comply with [Section 11-31-24] |
| K-12 Schools, Public | P | Must comply with [Section 11-31-24] |
| Accessory and Temporary Uses | ||
| Temporary Outdoor Entertainment | TUP | Must comply with [Section 11-31-30] |
| Temporary Outdoor Sales | TUP |
[Table 11-15-2]
Prohibited Uses
The City of Mesa utilizes a "permissive" zoning code for the Leisure and Recreation (LR) district, meaning any use not specifically designated as permitted is prohibited [Section 11-15-2]. Notable prohibited uses within this district include:
- Private Educational Facilities: Private K-12 schools, private colleges, and private trade schools are explicitly prohibited [Table 11-15-2].
- Residential Uses: There are no permitted residential use classifications within the LR district, including single-family or multi-family dwellings.
- Commercial and Industrial Uses: Retail sales (other than temporary), office, and industrial manufacturing uses are not listed and therefore prohibited.
- Non-City Public Safety: Public safety facilities that are not owned and operated by the City of Mesa are prohibited [Table 11-15-2, Note 23].
Supplemental Regulations for Specific Uses
Several allowed uses in the City of Mesa LR district must adhere to specific performance standards:
Community Gardens
In the LR district, community gardens must follow the standards in Chapter 31. These include size restrictions (typically 1/2 acre maximum in non-agricultural districts), requirements that the site be kept clear of weeds, and specific rules for storage buildings, which must be under 10 feet in height and 200 square feet in area [Section 11-31-10].
Temporary Uses
Temporary outdoor entertainment activities, such as carnivals or festivals, require a Temporary Use Permit (TUP). These events are generally limited to a duration of 21 days, must be located on a site of at least five acres, and must maintain a 250-foot setback from any residential use [Section 11-31-30].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-15-1: Purpose
- Section 11-15-2: Land Use Regulations
- Table 11-15-2: Leisure and Recreation District (Land Use Table)
- Section 11-31-10: Community Gardens
- Section 11-31-24: Schools
- Section 11-31-30: Temporary Uses