ARTICLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section

1.1.   TITLE AND EFFECTIVE DATE

1.2.   AUTHORITY

1.3.   PURPOSE OF THIS CODE

1.4.   APPLICABILITY AND JURISDICTION

   1.4.1.   General Applicability and Compliance

   1.4.2.   Zoning Maps

1.5.   DETERMINATIONS OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC)

   1.5.1.   Zoning Determinations and Zoning Certifications by the Zoning Administrator

   1.5.2.   Determinations of Graphics and Captions

   1.5.3.   References to Other Codes and Laws

   1.5.4.   Terms

1.6.   CONFLICTING PROVISIONS

   1.6.1.   Conflict with Ordinances, Regulations, or Permits

   1.6.2.   Effect on Other Provisions

   1.6.3.   No Relief from Other Provisions

1.7.   TRANSITIONAL REGULATIONS

   1.7.1.   Purpose

   1.7.2.   Violations Continue

   1.7.3.   Nonconforming Uses , Structures , and Lots

   1.7.4.   Applications Commenced or Approved Under Previous Ordinances

1.8.   SEVERABILITY

1.1. TITLE AND EFFECTIVE DATE

   This ordinance is enacted as Chapter 23B of the Tucson Code and may be cited as the “Unified Development Code ” or “UDC ” of the City of Tucson.

(Am. Ord. 11070, 5/14/2013)

1.2. AUTHORITY

   This UDC is adopted pursuant to the powers granted by the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.).

1.3. PURPOSE OF THIS CODE

   The provisions of the UDC are established to protect and promote the general health, safety, and welfare of all present and future residents of Tucson and more specifically:

•   To implement the General Plan ;

•   To guide new growth and redevelopment of the community in accordance with the policies of the General Plan ;

•   To encourage the most efficient use of land through site sensitive design;

•   To reduce potential hazards to the public that may result from incompatible land uses or from the development of environmentally hazardous or sensitive lands;

•   To protect and enhance the City ’s natural, cultural, historical, and scenic resources; and,

•   To promote the economic stability of the community.

1.4. APPLICABILITY AND JURISDICTION

1.4.1. GENERAL APPLICABILITY AND COMPLIANCE

   A.   The provisions of the UDC apply to all development and uses of land within the City .

   B.   Land shall not be divided into two or more parcels , except as allowed in accordance with Section 8.2, Land Division and Subdivision Standards, or be used or occupied, no site modification or construction started, and no existing use or structure expanded, reconstructed, changed, or otherwise altered until compliance with the provisions of the UDC have been certified.

   C.   The Planning and Development Services Department shall not issue approvals or permits for, nor shall any person commence excavation , grubbing, grading , paving, demolition, or construction of any sort before compliance with UDC standards has been certified.

   D.   All provisions of the UDC shall be consistent with, and conform to, the General Plan and other related plans and policies adopted by the Mayor and Council.

   E.   The certification of zoning compliance as provided in Section 1.5.1.B, Zoning Determinations and Zoning Certifications, shall consist of the certification that proposed development and construction are in conformance with the UDC prior to final development approval.

   F.   The Administrative and Technical Standards Manuals are companion documents to the UDC and provide additional criteria, standards, and requirements that support the implementation of the UDC .