Off-Street Parking Requirements for the LR: Leisure and Recreation District in Mesa
In the City of Mesa, the LR: Leisure and Recreation district is intended to accommodate public and private parks and related facilities, and any development within this district must provide a minimum of four on-site parking spaces unless otherwise specified [Section 11-32-3(E)]. While standard residential dwellings are generally not permitted in the LR: Leisure and Recreation district, allowed public and semi-public uses such as schools, community centers, and recreational facilities must adhere to specific parking-to-square-footage ratios [Section 11-15-2].
General Parking Standards in the LR District
All projects within the LR: Leisure and Recreation district in the City of Mesa must follow the general regulations for on-site parking, including the minimum number of spaces and the surfacing of those spaces with asphalt, concrete, or masonry [Section 11-32-2(C)].
For any site in the LR: Leisure and Recreation district requiring at least 10 parking spaces, up to 20 percent of those spaces may be designated as compact parking [Section 11-32-2(D)]. Standard parking spaces must measure at least 9 feet by 18 feet, while compact spaces are reduced to 8 feet by 16 feet [Section 11-32-2(H)].
Specific Parking Ratios for Allowed Uses
Because the LR: Leisure and Recreation district is focused on park and institutional uses, the City of Mesa calculates required parking based on the specific type of activity or the intensity of public assembly.
| Use Category | City of Mesa Minimum Parking Standard |
|---|---|
| General Minimum | 4 on-site spaces for all uses [Section 11-32-3(E)] |
| Community Centers / Assembly Halls | 1 space per 75 square feet used for public assembly |
| Parks/Recreation: Gyms & Health Clubs | 1 space per 100 sq. ft. (excluding courts) + 2 spaces per court |
| Parks/Recreation: Amusement & Water Slides | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of outdoor recreation area + ancillary needs |
| Parks/Recreation: Skating Rinks / Dance Halls | 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of recreational area + ancillary needs |
| Public Schools (K-9) | 1 space per 75 feet of assembly space + 1 space per 600 sq. ft. of other areas |
| Public Colleges or Vocational Schools | 1 space per 200 square feet |
| Public Safety: Fire Stations | 1 space per bed + 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of community room |
| Public Safety: Police Substations | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. + 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of community room |
[Table 11-32-3.A]
Residential and Commercial Limitations
According to the City of Mesa land use regulations for the LR: Leisure and Recreation district, standard commercial retail and private residential dwellings (such as single-family or multi-family homes) are not listed as permitted or conditionally permitted uses [Table 11-15-2].
If the City of Mesa Zoning Administrator determines that a specific proposed use is not listed in the standard parking tables, the requirement will be established based on the most similar comparable use or through a parking demand study submitted by the applicant [Section 11-32-3(H)].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
The City of Mesa requires that any non-residential development (such as those in the LR: Leisure and Recreation district) provide at least three bicycle parking spaces or one space for every 10 vehicle spaces provided, whichever is greater [Section 11-32-8(A)]. For libraries and public schools, specific ratios apply:
- Libraries: 1 space per 5 vehicle spaces provided.
- Public Colleges: 1 space per 5 vehicle spaces provided.
- Elementary and Junior High Schools: 1 space per 1,000 square feet.
Sections Cited
- Section 11-15-2: Land Use Regulations (LR District)
- Section 11-32-2: General Regulations and Standards (Parking)
- Section 11-32-3: Parking Spaces Required
- Table 11-32-3.A: Required Parking Spaces By Use
- Section 11-32-8: Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking