Mesa LR: Leisure and Recreation Zoning District Guide
The LR: Leisure and Recreation district in Mesa is a base zoning district primarily established to allow for the development of both public and private parks and related recreational facilities [Section 11-15-1]. Within the LR: Leisure and Recreation district, most institutional and park uses are permitted by right, provided that public safety facilities are owned and operated by the City of Mesa [Table 11-15-2].
Purpose and District Intent
The City of Mesa established the LR: Leisure and Recreation district to provide a dedicated zoning classification for recreational spaces that serve both residents and visitors. The primary intent is to accommodate large-scale parks and the various facilities necessary to support recreational activities [Section 11-15-1]. By designating specific areas as LR, the City of Mesa ensures that these spaces remain focused on community wellness, leisure, and public-facing institutional services.
Permitted Land Uses in the LR District
Land uses within the LR: Leisure and Recreation district are categorized by their permission levels: "P" for permitted by right and "TUP" for uses requiring a Temporary Use Permit. The following table outlines the specific activities allowed within this district.
LR District Land Use Table
| Proposed Use | Permission Level | Additional Use Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Public and Semi-Public Uses | ||
| Community Gardens | P | See Section 11-31-10 |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities, Public | P | |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities, Private | P | |
| Public Safety Facilities | P | Must be owned/operated by the City of Mesa |
| Schools, Colleges, and Trade Schools | ||
| Colleges or Universities, Public | P | See Section 11-31-24 |
| Commercial Trade Schools, Public | P | See Section 11-31-24 |
| Industrial Trade Schools, Public | P | See Section 11-31-24 |
| K-12, Public | P | See Section 11-31-24 |
| Accessory Uses and Facilities | ||
| Temporary Outdoor Entertainment | TUP | See Section 11-31-30 |
| Temporary Outdoor Sales | TUP |
[Source: Table 11-15-2]
General Character and Development Regulations
The character of the LR: Leisure and Recreation district is defined by open space and public service infrastructure. Unlike residential or commercial districts that have rigid numeric density or floor-area-ratio (FAR) tables in their primary chapters, the LR: Leisure and Recreation district focuses on the qualitative integration of facilities into the park setting.
Administrative Review
Any development or use proposed within the Mesa LR: Leisure and Recreation district is subject to administrative review. This includes:
- Plan Review: All uses and developments must follow the review procedures, standards, and criteria established in Article 7 (Administration) of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance [Section 11-15-3].
- Specific Use Standards: Activities such as Community Gardens must adhere to supplemental standards, including size restrictions (typically 1/2 acre max for most districts) and specific requirements for storage buildings and fencing [Section 11-31-10].
- Public Schools: All educational facilities permitted in the LR: Leisure and Recreation district must comply with the general standards for schools, including height exceptions and parking requirements [Section 11-31-24].
Definitions of Key Facilities
The City of Mesa provides specific definitions for the primary components of the LR: Leisure and Recreation district:
- Public Parks and Recreation Facilities: These are noncommercial areas that include playing fields, courts, gymnasiums, swimming pools, picnic facilities, and botanical gardens [Chapter 86].
- Community Gardens: These are areas managed by a group of individuals to grow and harvest food or ornamental crops for personal use or donation [Chapter 86].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-3-1: Districts Established
- Section 11-15-1: Purpose (LR)
- Section 11-15-2: Land Use Regulations (LR)
- Section 11-15-3: Review of Plans (LR)
- Section 11-31-10: Community Gardens
- Section 11-31-24: Schools
- Section 11-31-30: Temporary Uses
- Chapter 86: Use Types (Definitions)