Public and Semi-Public (PS) District Land Use Regulations in Mesa
The Public and Semi-Public (PS) District in Mesa, Arizona, is established to accommodate large-scale facilities operated by governmental, public utility, recreational, or educational entities. While most public-sector and community-oriented uses are permitted by right, specific activities such as private schools, airports, and major utilities require a Council Use Permit (CUP) to ensure compatibility with the surrounding City of Mesa environment.
Purpose of the Public and Semi-Public District
The City of Mesa designates the Public and Semi-Public District specifically to recognize uses provided by public entities for public usage and convenience. The regulations are intended to ensure high-quality development, encourage sustainable practices, and maintain compatibility with surrounding land uses [Section 11-10-1].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
In the City of Mesa, land use permissions within the Public and Semi-Public District are categorized by letter designations:
- P (Permitted): Allowed by right.
- CUP (Council Use Permit): Requires discretionary approval by the City Council.
- TUP (Temporary Use Permit): Allowed for a limited duration with specific oversight.
- Prohibited: Any use not explicitly listed in the table below is considered prohibited within the Public and Semi-Public District [Section 11-10-2].
Table 11-10-2: Land Use Regulations for the PS District
| Use Classification | Permission | Additional Regulations/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Uses | ||
| Community Gardens | P | See Section 11-31-10 |
| Public & Semi-Public Uses | ||
| Cemeteries | P | |
| Community Center | P | Subject to Overflight Area restrictions (2, 5) |
| Cultural Institutions | P | Subject to Overflight Area restrictions (2, 5) |
| Government Offices | P | |
| Clinics | P | See Section 11-31-15; restrictions (2, 3) |
| Hospitals | P | Subject to Overflight Area restrictions (2, 3) |
| Parks and Recreation (Public) | P | |
| Public Safety Facilities | P | |
| Public Maintenance Facilities | P | |
| Schools, K-12 (Public) | P | |
| Schools, K-12 (Private) | CUP | See Section 11-31-24; restrictions (2, 3) |
| Colleges/Universities (Public) | P | |
| Colleges/Universities (Private) | CUP | See Section 11-31-24; restrictions (2, 3) |
| Commercial/Industrial Trade Schools (Public) | P | |
| Commercial/Industrial Trade Schools (Private) | CUP | See Section 11-31-24; restrictions (2, 3) |
| Transportation & Utilities | ||
| Airports | CUP | |
| Heliports | CUP | Note (1) |
| Antenna & Transmission Towers | CUP | See Chapter 35 |
| Facilities within Buildings | P | |
| Transportation Passenger Terminals | P | |
| Utilities, Major | CUP | |
| Utilities, Minor | P | |
| Accessory & Temporary Uses | ||
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | P | See Section 11-31-3; Note (6) |
| Temporary Outdoor Entertainment | TUP | See Section 11-31-30 |
| Temporary Outdoor Sales | TUP |
Use Limitations and Overflight Area Restrictions
Land uses in the Public and Semi-Public District are further governed by their proximity to airports. The following numerical notes from the City of Mesa use table clarify specific restrictions:
- Heliports: Require a CUP unless they are considered an accessory use to a hospital or clinic.
- Airport Overflight Area 1 (AOA 1): Use is generally not permitted if the property is within this area.
- Airport Overflight Area 2 (AOA 2): Use is generally not permitted if the property is within this area.
- AOA 1 Exception: Use may be permitted with a CUP if subject to AOA 1.
- AOA 2 Exception: Use may be permitted with a CUP if subject to AOA 2.
- Residential Exception: An Accessory Dwelling Unit is permitted only if an existing non-conforming residential use is already located on the lot [Section 11-10-2].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Mesa strictly prohibits any land use within the Public and Semi-Public District that is not explicitly authorized in the zoning table. This generally excludes the following from the district:
- General retail and commercial sales.
- Private residential housing (except for ADUs on non-conforming lots).
- Heavy industrial manufacturing.
- Commercial animal sales or boarding.
Development Standards
All construction within the Public and Semi-Public District must adhere to the following physical limitations:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Site Area | None |
| Maximum Height | 30 ft. if within 60 ft. of RS, RSL, or DR-1 districts; 60 ft. otherwise |
| Front/Street-Side Setback | Varies by street type (e.g., 30 ft. for 6-lane arterials) |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback (Adj. to RS) | 20 ft. for sites < 5 acres; 25 ft. for sites ≥ 5 acres |
| Building Separation | 25 ft. to 35 ft. depending on building height |
[Section 11-10-3]
Sections Cited
- Section 11-10-1: Purpose
- Section 11-10-2: Land Use Regulations
- Section 11-10-3: Development Standards
- Section 11-31-3: Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Section 11-31-10: Community Gardens
- Section 11-31-15: Hospitals and Clinics
- Section 11-31-24: Schools
- Section 11-31-30: Temporary Uses