A. All streets require a sidewalk area on each side of the street. A sidewalk area generally consists of a space between the curb and sidewalk, area for a sidewalk, and a
. Improvements include, but are not limited to, wheelchair
s, sidewalks, driveways, utilities, street furniture, landscaping, and drainage structures.
Reduction in the width of the sidewalk area or the omission of the sidewalk area (see Section 10-01.3.3.A for the criteria for the omission of sidewalk area) is not allowed, except when authorized by the City Engineer or designee under any of the following conditions:
1. If an alternative street cross-section has been previously approved;
2. In order to accommodate
differentials;
3. In order to match existing sidewalks;
4. In order to accommodate drainage facilities; or,
5. In order to accommodate existing right-of-way.
B. The space between the curb and the sidewalk is reserved for placing fire hydrants, traffic signs, mailboxes, water meters, drainage structures, and other similar uses. The minimum width for this space is two feet.
C. When landscaping is installed in sidewalk areas which are not required to have sidewalks, a four-foot wide walk area must be kept free from trees and large bushes. If curbs exist, the walk area will be graded to provide a ground
of 2% to the top of the curb.
D. In sidewalk areas where sidewalks are installed, owners of abutting property may place pea gravel, decomposed granite, or brick in sand in the space between the curb and sidewalk and in the ground
areas. A no cost right-of-way permit from the City of Tucson is required for the placement of the materials.
E. Landscaping work in street right-of-way that involves irrigation systems, raised planters, trees, large shrubs, or curbing will require the abutting property owner to submit a plan to, and receive written
and a permit (pursuant to Chapter 25, Tucson Code) from,
. The landscaping will be reviewed for sight visibility safety, pedestrian safety, upheaval potential, and compatibility with existing utilities and drainage facilities.
F. Any improvements (landscaping, irrigation, etc.) installed in the sidewalk area by the owner of an abutting property will be installed and maintained at the owner’s expense. If the improvements need to be removed or relocated because of construction of City of Tucson projects, removal and relocation will be at the owner’s expense.
G. Maintenance of the sidewalk area in the public right-of-way is the responsibility of the owner of the abutting property when the sidewalk area is damaged or compromised by the owner of the abutting property or resident of the property.