Regulations for Keeping Chickens, Bees, and Livestock in Mesa
In the City of Mesa, keeping chickens, bees, and livestock is permitted by right within the Agricultural (AG) District, provided specific separation distances from neighboring residences and districts are maintained [Section 11-4-4]. Within residential zones such as RS-43 and RS-90, livestock activities like boarding stables require a Special Use Permit on sites of at least 10 acres, while smaller residential lots under 35,000 square feet may also keep livestock only after obtaining a Special Use Permit and demonstrating compliance with City sanitation and historical usage standards [Section 11-31-4].
Animal Keeping in the Agricultural (AG) District
The City of Mesa Agricultural District is specifically intended to protect and preserve lands for local food production and animal related activities [Section 11-4-1]. In the City of Mesa, the following agricultural uses are permitted by right in the AG District:
- Aviaries and apiaries (bees).
- Poultry, bird, and egg farms.
- Commercial breeding, training, and grazing of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, ostriches, and other livestock.
Note that dairies and feedlots are more restricted and require a Special Use Permit within the City of Mesa AG District [Table 11-4-2, Note 1].
Distance and Separation Requirements for the AG District
To protect neighboring residents from potential nuisances, the City of Mesa enforces the following minimum separation distances for animal keeping within the AG District:
| Animal/Structure Type | Required Minimum Distance | Measured From |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Hives or Buildings | 75 Feet | Neighboring Residence |
| Bee Pens or Structures | 40 Feet | Neighboring Residence |
| Poultry/Bird/Egg Farm Enclosures | 200 Feet | Any Residential, Commercial, or Employment District |
| Livestock Pens and Corrals | 40 Feet | Neighboring Residence |
| Barns and Stables (enclosed) | 75 Feet | Neighboring Residence |
Animal Keeping in Residential Districts
Within the City of Mesa Residential Single Dwelling Districts (RS) and Residential Multiple Dwelling Districts (RM), the keeping of animals is more strictly regulated to maintain neighborhood character.
Large-Scale Keeping (10+ Acres)
In the City of Mesa RS-43 and RS-90 Districts, boarding stables are permitted only upon the approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP) and are restricted to sites with a minimum area of 10 acres [Table 11-5-2, Note 3].
Small-Scale Keeping (Under 35,000 Square Feet)
For residents on smaller City of Mesa lots, a Special Use Permit may be approved for the keeping of livestock on a parcel less than 35,000 square feet. The City of Mesa Zoning Administrator or Board of Adjustment must find that:
- The resident has demonstrated a historical precedent for the number of livestock proposed for the property.
- The livestock is intended strictly for private use and enjoyment and does not constitute a commercial enterprise.
- The keeping of animals will comply with City of Mesa sanitation, health, and placement regulations regarding barns and pens [Section 11-31-4].
General Standards and Fencing
The City of Mesa allows "corral fences" for the keeping of livestock in applicable districts. These fences must be constructed of materials such as masonry, wrought iron, or pipe-rail. In the City of Mesa, corral fences must maintain a minimum transparency of 66 percent to ensure visibility and cannot be constructed of chain-link or barbed wire unless used specifically for livestock enclosures [Section 11-30-4].
Sections Cited
- 11-4-1: Purpose (Agricultural District)
- 11-4-2: Land Use Regulations (Agricultural District)
- 11-4-4: Supplemental Regulations (Animal Keeping)
- 11-5-2: Land Use Regulations (Residential Districts)
- 11-30-4: Fences and Freestanding Walls
- 11-31-4: Animal Keeping (AG and Accessory to Residential Uses)