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Tucson, AZ Code of Ordinances
TUCSON, ARIZONA CHARTER AND GENERAL ORDINANCES
ADOPTING ORDINANCES
PART I CHARTER*
PART II TUCSON CODE
Chapter 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 2 ADMINISTRATION*
Chapter 3 RESERVED*
Chapter 4 ANIMALS AND FOWL*
Chapter 5 BICYCLES AND SHARED MOBILITY DEVICES*
Chapter 6 BUILDINGS, ELECTRICITY, PLUMBING, AND MECHANICAL CODE*
Chapter 7 BUSINESSES REGULATED*
Chapter 7A CABLE COMMUNICATIONS*
Chapter 7B COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Chapter 7C RESERVED*
Chapter 7D LOCATION AND RELOCATION OF FACILITIES IN RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Chapter 8 CITY COURT*
Chapter 9 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS*
Chapter 10 CIVIL SERVICE--HUMAN RESOURCES*
Chapter 10A COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Chapter 10B HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT*
Chapter 10C RESERVED*
Chapter 11 CRIMES AND OFFENSES*
Chapter 11A GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT*
Chapter 11B PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT*
Chapter 12 ELECTIONS*
Chapter 12A BUSINESS SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Chapter 13 FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION*
Chapter 14 LABOR ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION ELECTION PROCEDURE, MEET AND CONFER AND MEET AND DISCUSS*
Chapter 15 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT*
Chapter 16 NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION*
Chapter 17 HUMAN RELATIONS*
Chapter 18 SELF-INSURED RISK PROGRAM AND TRUST FUND*
Chapter 19 LICENSES AND PRIVILEGE TAXES*
Chapter 20 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC*
Chapter 21 PARKS AND RECREATION*
Chapter 22 PENSIONS, RETIREMENT, GROUP INSURANCE, LEAVE BENEFITS AND OTHER INSURANCE BENEFITS*
Chapter 23 LAND USE CODE*
Chapter 23A DEVELOPMENT COMPLIANCE CODE*
Chapter 23B UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE*
Chapter 24 SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL*
Chapter 25 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS*
Chapter 26 FLOODPLAIN, STORMWATER, AND EROSION HAZARD MANAGEMENT*
Chapter 27 WATER*
Chapter 28 TUCSON PROCUREMENT CODE*
Chapter 29 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Chapter 30 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION*
DISPOSITION TABLE - 1953 CODE
CODE COMPARATIVE TABLE
Tucson, AZ Unified Development Code
Tucson Administrative Directives
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Sec. 29-14. Applicability.
   (a)   These regulations apply to all lots or parcels of land existing as of April 25, 1991, that are adjacent to the washes listed in table 1.
   (b)   These regulations do not apply to the following:
   (1)   A lot or parcel existing on April 25, 1991, to be developed with one (1) single- family residence or single-family residence accessory structure.
   (2)   A subdivision plat, development plan, or site plan approved prior to April 25, 1991, provided that construction occurs within five (5) years of the effective date of this article [April 24, 1991].
   (c)   The term "city limit line," as used in Table 1, means the city limits as existing on the effective date of an ordinance, adopted subsequent to an annexation, which specifically extends the applicability of these regulations to the newly annexed wash reaches. Notice and hearing for adoption of an ordinance establishing the applicability of these regulations to annexed areas shall be in the same manner as for adoption of an ordinance establishing original zoning boundaries for newly annexed areas.
TABLE 1
   Washes Subject to the Watercourse Amenities, Safety, Habitat Regulations 
      Airport Wash, Santa Cruz River to city limit line
      Alamo Wash, city limit line to Escalante Road
      Arcadia Wash, Glenn Street to 22nd Street
      Arroyo Chico, Park Avenue to Alvernon Way
      Arroyo Chico, 10th Street to First Avenue
      Atterbury Wash, Pantano Wash to Irvington Road
      Atterbury Wash, between Irvington Road and city limit line.
      Cholla Wash, West Branch Santa Cruz River to City limit line
      Christmas Wash, Rillito Creek to Tucson Boulevard
      Citation Wash, Arroyo Chico to Alvernon Way
      Civano Wash, Pantano Wash to city limit line
      Earp Wash, Julian Wash to city limit line
      Este Wash, Tanque Verde Wash to Broadway Boulevard
      Fahringer Wash, between Sabino Creek and Tanque Verde Road
      Globeberry Wash, Silvercroft Wash to Headwaters
      Hidden Hills Wash, Tanque Verde Creek to city limit line
      High School Wash, Tucson Arroyo to Plumer Avenue
      Julian Wash, Tucson Diversion Channel to city limit line
      Kinnison Wash, Atterbury Wash to Irvington Road
      Maxwell Wash, Silvercroft Wash to Anklam Road
      Naylor Wash, Arroyo Chico to Columbus Boulevard
      Nebraska Wash (East), Airport Wash to 12th Avenue
      Pima Wash, Rillito Creek to Oracle Road
      Powderhorn Wash, Anklam Road to Tumamoc Hill
      Racetrack Wash, Rillito Creek to River Road
      Railroad Wash, Arroyo Chico to Country Club Road
      Robb Wash, Tanque Verde to about one thousand (1,000) feet east to Bonanza Avenue
      Rodeo Wash, Santa Cruz River to Alvernon Way
      Rolling Hills Wash, Pantano Wash to Harrison Road
      Rose Hill Wash, Pantano Wash to 22nd Street
      Sabino Creek, Tanque Verde Creek to city limit line
      Sentinel Wash, Cedar Street to Sentinel Peak
      Spanish Trail Wash, Pantano Wash to Houghton Road
      Tucson Park Wash, Silvercroft Wash to Greasewood Road
      Valencia Wash (East), Santa Cruz River to I-19
      West Branch of Santa Cruz River, Santa Cruz River to Valencia Road
      Wyoming Wash, Santa Cruz River to 17th Avenue
(Ord. No. 7579, § 1, 3-25-91; Ord. No. 7944, § 1, 3-15-93; Ord. No. 8310, § 1, 6-20-94; Ord. No. 8779, § 1, 12-2-96; Ord. No. 9427, § 1, 7-10-00; Ord. No. 9489, § 1, 11-20-00; Ord. No. 9501, § 1, 1-22-01)
Sec. 29-15. Development in the study area.
   (a)   Study area established. A study area consisting of the channel, the banks, and the land area extending fifty (50) feet from the banks of the washes listed in table 1, is hereby established.
   (b)   Required study area information. If alterations to the study area are proposed, the following information shall be submitted to the city engineer prior to the issuance of a permit for development in the study area:
   (1)   Hydrology/hydraulic study. A study of the wash and its hydrology and hydraulics is required. In addition to the information required by Chapter 26, Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Area Regulations, the hydrology/hydraulics study shall contain the following elements:
   a.   The location of the 100-year floodplain on, adjacent to, and a minimum of two hundred (200) feet upstream and downstream of the proposed development.
   b.   Soil conditions in and adjacent to the watercourse, and the erosion potential.
   c.   Existing rights-of-way or easement dedication along the wash for a distance of five hundred (500) feet upstream and downstream of the proposed development.
   d.   The existing and proposed ownership of any drainageway facilities on or adjacent to the site and identification of the persons responsible for the maintenance of such facilities.
   e.   Previous hydraulic/hydrology studies or maps prepared for the watershed.
   f.   Groundwater recharge potential at this location.
   g.   Sediment transport characteristics along the watercourse centered on this location.
   h.   Existing and proposed utilities to and across the site.
   i.   Any other elements that may be characteristic of the watercourses on or adjacent to the site.
   (2)   Plant/habitat inventory. All development proposals shall be accompanied by an inventory of the existing vegetation and wildlife habitats within the study area.
   (3)   A copy of the plant/habitat inventory shall be submitted to the development services department for review.
   (c)   Basin management plan. Development on a lot or parcel which is located within the boundaries of an approved basin management plan shall be in conformance with the plan.
(Ord. No. 7579, § 1, 3-25-91; Ord. No. 9967, § 11, 5-17-04)
Sec. 29-16. Development requirements for resource areas.
   (a)   Resource area. The resource area consists of the channel and banks of a wash, and those portions of the study area containing vegetative resources and wildlife habitat areas. Where alteration to any portion of the resource area is proposed, the applicant for a development permit is required to demonstrate why the resource area cannot be left in its natural condition.
   (b)   Alteration of resource area. No development, including grubbing, grading, removal of vegetation, channelization, or other type of alteration of the land, shall occur in the resource area unless a mitigation plan, which includes a plan for the proposed wash treatment and a preservation/revegetation plan, is submitted to the development services department director and approved as provided for in section 29-17 below.
   (1)   Mitigation plan. The mitigation plan must demonstrate that the loss of existing vegetation and wildlife habitat as a result of development in the resource area is minimized, and that lost vegetation and wildlife habitat are restored or recreated through the specific wash treatment and the preservation/revegetation plan. If a vegetated area is altered, the site must be revegetated to the same or greater density, diversity, and volume of vegetation as existed prior to the alteration. The mitigation plan shall demonstrate the following:
   a.   Wash treatment. The treatment of the watercourse must be done in a manner which maintains the existing appearance or predevelopment condition of the resource area by using one (1) or a combination of the following methods, in order of priority. Alternative structural solutions consistent with the intent of these regulations are encouraged and may be proposed by the owner.
   1.   Earthen channel.
   2.   Retention of stormwater runoff to reduce the impact on an earthen channel.
   3.   Structural materials conducive to retaining existing vegetation or revegetation, including any use of a soil filter blanket.
   4.   Compound channels.
   5.   Riprap, whether exposed or buried.
   6.   Gabions.
   b.   The following wash treatments may be used only if the city engineer determines that an existing safety hazard warrants such treatment, and the wash treatment method is approved by the mayor and council.
   1.   Rock veneer.
   2.   Soil cement.
   3.   Reinforced concrete, including textured, tinted, or colored concrete.
   c.   Preservation/revegetation plan. The preservation/revegetation plan must demonstrate that any vegetation removed from the resource area is replaced as closely as possible to the predisturbance condition in terms of plant type, density, and diversity. Plant types not currently existing on the site may be included in the preservation/revegetation plan if they are listed on the low water use/drought tolerant plant list in development standard 2-16. The preservation/revegetation plan shall contain the following information:
   1.   A preservation plan for native vegetation in the resource area.
   2.   The proposed location of vegetation after development, including the location of salvaged materials.
   3.   An access plan and maintenance schedule for the vegetation in the resource area.
   (2)   A copy of the preservation /revegetation plan shall be submitted to the development services department for review.
(Ord. No. 7579, § 1, 3-25-91; Ord. No. 9967, § 11, 5-17-04)
Sec. 29-17. Review and approval.
   (a)   Plant, habitat and preservation review. The PDSD director shall review the plant/habitat inventory and the preservation/revegetation plan in accordance with Chapter 23B, Unified Development Code (UDC), Section 3.3.3, PDSD Director Approval Procedure, or, when the applicant who was the landowner of record prior to the effective date of the UDC (i.e. January 2, 2013) chooses to be governed by the provisions of the Land Use Code (LUC), Development Compliance Code, Chapter 23A, Section 23A-51, PDSD Full Notice Procedure. Applications under this subsection shall be reviewed by the stormwater advisory commission (SAC), which shall make recommendations on the application to the PDSD director.
   In making a decision, the PDSD director will consider the preservation/revegetation plan as it relates to the following:
   1.   The existing condition of the site.
   2.   The existing character of vegetation upstream and downstream in the channel, on the banks, and fifty (50) feet from the banks of any parcels immediately adjacent to the site.
   3.   The amount, type, and characteristics of the vegetation upstream and downstream of the site, any proposed open space linkages or facilities recommended by parks, recreation, open space, and trails plan, and any applicable findings of the critical and sensitive wildlife habitat map and study.
   4.   The density, diversity, location, and selection of plan materials.
   5.   Other landscaping required by the UDC or the LUC, whichever is applicable as described above.
   (b)   Hydrology/hydraulic review. The PDSD director shall review the hydrology/hydraulic study and the preservation/mitigation plan showing the proposed treatment of the resource area in accordance with Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 3.3.3, PDSD Director Approval Procedure, or, when the applicant who was the landowner of record prior to the effective date of the UDC (i.e. January 2, 2013) chooses to be governed by the provisions of the Land Use Code, Development Compliance Review, Chapter 23A, Section 23A-51, PDSD Full Notice Procedure.
   In making decisions on the type and manner in which drainage improvements or other uses may be located in the resource area, the PDSD director shall consider the following:
   1.   Whether drainage improvements are necessary to prevent erosion or flooding hazards.
   2.   Whether reasonable alternative locations for utility lines and roadway improvements are available.
   3.   Whether erosion setbacks greater than the resource area are required by Chapter 26, Floodplain, Stormwater, and Erosion Hazard Management, if the resource area is left unimproved.
   4.   Whether the development proposed within the resource area is compatible with the purpose and intent of these regulations.
   5.   Whether the resource area is restored as closely as possible to its predisturbance condition.
(Ord. No. 7579, § 1, 3-25-91; Ord. No. 9967, § 11, 5-17-04; Ord. No. 11173, § 1, 5-20-14, eff. 6-20-14)
Sec. 29-18. Violation declared a civil infraction.
   It shall be a civil infraction for any person, firm or corporation to violate, disobey, omit, neglect or refuse to comply with, or to resist the enforcement of any of the provisions of this article.
   If any property or improvement thereon is used in violation of the provisions of this article, the city attorney, in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceeding to restrain, correct or abate such violation.
   The Planning and Development Services Department Director shall either proceed to issue a citation for violation of this article pursuant to Chapter 23B, Unified Development Code (UDC) Article 10, Enforcement and Penalties, or Chapter 23, Land Use Code (LUC) Section 5.5, Compliance and Enforcement, whichever is applicable, or report such violations to the city attorney. Violations for which citations are issued shall be heard under the procedures set forth in the aforementioned section of the UDC or LUC, whichever is applicable.
(Ord. No. 7579, § 1, 3-25-91; Ord. No. 9967, § 11, 5-17-04; Ord. No. 11173, § 2, 5-20-14, eff. 6-20-14)
Sec. 29-19. Appeals and variances.
   (a)   Appeals. The decision of the director may be appealed to the Mayor and Council in accordance with Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 3.9.2, Mayor and Council Appeal Procedure, or, when the applicant who was the landowner of record prior to the effective date of the UDC (i.e. January 2, 2013) chooses to be governed by the provisions of the Land Use Code, Development Compliance Review, Chapter 23A, Section 23A-62, Mayor and Council Appeal Procedure. Appeals must be filed with the City Clerk no later than fourteen (14) days after the date of the decision. A copy of the appeal shall be filed with the director.
   (b)   Variances. A request for a variance from the provisions of this Article shall be reviewed and considered for approval by the Board of Adjustment in accordance with Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 3.10.1 and 3.10.3, Board of Adjustment Variance Procedure, or, when the applicant who was the landowner of record prior to the effective date of the UDC (i.e. January 2, 2013) chooses to be governed by the provisions of the Land Use Code (LUC), Development Compliance Review, Chapter 23A, Section 23A-52, Board of Adjustment Full Notice Procedure. The variance must comply with the findings for granting a variance in accordance with UDC Section 3.10.3.K or LUC Section 5.1.7.3.B, whichever is applicable.
   (c)   Stormwater technical advisory committee (STAC). STAC may make recommendations to the director of the department of transportation to be forwarded to the mayor and council on technical issues and questions raised by appeals and variance requests and proposed amendments to these regulations.
   (d)   Stormwater advisory committee (SAC). The SAC may review all proposed amendments to the Tucson Code, Chapter 29, Article VIII, and may provide written conclusions and recommendations to the director of the department of transportation to be forwarded to the mayor and council and, as applicable, to the planning commission, prior to a public hearing on the proposed amendments.
(Ord. No. 11173, § 3, 5-20-14, eff. 6-20-14)
TABLE 1
WASHES SUBJECT TO THE WATERCOURSE AMENITIES, SAFETY, AND HABITAT REGULATIONS
      Airport Wash, Santa Cruz River to Los Reales Road
      Alamo Wash, Ft. Lowell Road to Escalante Road
      Arcadia Wash, Glenn Street to 22nd Street
      Arroyo Chico, Park Avenue to Alvernon Way
      Arroyo Chico, 10th Street to First Avenue
      Atterbury Wash, Pantano Wash to Irvington Road
      Cholla Wash, West Branch Santa Cruz River to city limits
      Christmas Wash, Rillito Creek to Tucson Boulevard
      Citation Wash, Arroyo Chico to Alvernon Way
      Civano Wash, Pantano Wash to Poorman Road
      Earp Wash, Julian Wash to Valencia Road
      Este Wash, Tanque Verde Wash to Broadway Boulevard
      Fahringer Wash, between Sabino Creek and Tanque Verde Road
      Globeberry Wash, Silvercroft Wash to headwaters
      Hidden Hills Wash, Tanque Verde Creek to Houghton Road
      High School Wash, Tucson Arroyo to Plumer Avenue
      Julian Wash, Tucson Diversion Channel to Country Club Road
      Kinnison Wash, Atterbury Wash to Irvington Road
      Maxwell Wash, Silvercroft Wash to Anklam Road
      Naylor Wash, Arroyo Chico to Columbus Boulevard
      Nebraska Wash, Airport Wash to 12th Avenue
      Pima Wash, Rillito Creek to Oracle Road
      Powerhorn Wash, Anklam Road to Tumamoc Hill
      Racetrack Wash, Rillito Creek to River Road
      Railroad Wash, Arroyo Chico to County Club Road
      Robb Wash, Tanque Verde to about one thousand (1,000) feet east to Bonanza Avenue
      Rodeo Wash, Santa Cruz River to Alvernon Way
      Rolling Hills Wash, Pantano Wash to Harrison Road
      Rose Hill Wash, Pantano Wash to 22nd Street
      Sabino Creek, Tanque Verde Creek to city limits
      Sentinel Wash, Cedar Street to Sentinel Peak
      Spanish Trail Wash, Pantano Wash to Houghton Road
      Tucson Park Wash, Silvercroft Wash to Greasewood Road
      Valencia Wash, Santa Cruz River to I-19
      West branch of Santa Cruz River, Santa Cruz River to Valencia Road
      Wyoming Wash, Santa Cruz River to 17th Avenue
(Ord. No. 8310, § 1, 6-20-94; Ord. No. 8303, § 1, 9-26-94; Ord. No. 8779, § 1, 12-2-96; Ord. No. 9427, § 1, 7-10-00; Ord. No. 9582, §§ 6--8, 8-6-01; Ord. No. 9967, § 11, 5-17-04)
ARTICLE IX.
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROXIMITY OF DESIGNATED LANDFILLS*
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*   Editors Note: Ord. No. 10037, § 1, adopted Sept. 13, 2004, amended Art. IX in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Art. IX, §§ 29-20--29-27, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 8852, §§ 1, 2, adopted April 7, 1997.
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