§ 5.12.10 — DOWNTOWN CORE SUBDISTRICT (DCS)
Tucson Code (General Ordinances) (2026 S-151: current through August 18, 2026) · Tucson Unified Development Code § 5.12.10
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5.12.10. DOWNTOWN CORE SUBDISTRICT (DCS)
A. Permitted Uses With the exception of detached single-family dwellings, which are not allowed, permitted uses in the DCS are listed in Section 5.12.8 .A. B. Standards Standards Design principles, criteria, and specifications that describe the manner in which development and related improvements are accomplished in order to obtain development approval. The following apply to all development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. within the DCS: 1. Building Height Building Height Same as Structure Height. Structure Height The vertical dimension of a structure measured from a specified point on the ground. For information on applying a height standards, refer to Section 6.4.4, Height. a. Maximum building height Building Height Same as Structure Height. Structure Height The vertical dimension of a structure measured from a specified point on the ground. For information on applying a height standards, refer to Section 6.4.4, Height. may be increased up to 60 feet unless the current zoning allows a greater height or where the approved IID Plan’s Development Transition Standards requires less. b. In the underlying I-1 and I-2 Zone Zone A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district. , uses permitted in the DCS under Section 5.12.8.A, other than residential uses, above are limited to a maximum 75 foot building height Building Height Same as Structure Height. Structure Height The vertical dimension of a structure measured from a specified point on the ground. For information on applying a height standards, refer to Section 6.4.4, Height. . c. Residential uses in the underlying I-1 and I-2 zone Zone A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district. , are limited to a maximum 60 foot building height Building Height Same as Structure Height. Structure Height The vertical dimension of a structure measured from a specified point on the ground. For information on applying a height standards, refer to Section 6.4.4, Height. . d. Exception: affordable housing projects are governed by the standards Standards Design principles, criteria, and specifications that describe the manner in which development and related improvements are accomplished in order to obtain development approval. of UDC Section 5.12.8.H. 2. Residential Density a. Residential uses in the underlying I-1 and I-2 zones Zone A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district. shall follow residential density requirements of the C-3 zone Zone A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district. district. b. Residential uses where the underlying zoning is not the I-1 or I-2 zones Zone A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district. , shall follow residential density Density The number of residential units per acre. requirements of the underlying zone Zone A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district. . c. Exception: affordable housing projects are governed by the standards of UDC Section 5.12.8.H. 3. When provided, landscaping Landscaping An exterior improvement of a site in accordance with an approved landscape plan and approved landscape methods, materials, and maintenance. shall be in accordance with the City's City Same as City of Tucson. drought-tolerant plant list; 4. Bicycle Bicycle A nonmotorized device propelled only by human power having two or three wheels, any of which is more than 16 inches in diameter. parking shall be provided when motor vehicle parking is provided. The required number of bicycle parking spaces Bicycle Parking Space An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle. may be reduced pursuant to an IID Parking Plan, Section 5.12.6.M when bicycle Bicycle A nonmotorized device propelled only by human power having two or three wheels, any of which is more than 16 inches in diameter. parking is required per this section; 5. Where applicable, applicants are strongly encouraged to comply with Section 7.7, Native Plant Preservation; and, 6. All applications shall be in accordance with Section 5.12.7.C.6, .9, .12, .13, and .14, and Section 5.12.7.D.3. Open space is defined in the DCS as stated in Section 5.12.11.B.6, Downtown Links Subdistrict. C. Exemptions Except as provided in this section, development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. within the DCS is exempt from the following standards Standards Design principles, criteria, and specifications that describe the manner in which development and related improvements are accomplished in order to obtain development approval. unless the PDSD Director makes a finding that public safety and health would be jeopardized: 1. Section 5.4, Major Streets and Routes Setback Zone; 2. Minimum perimeter yard standard as provided in Section 6.3, except when required by Section 5.12.8.B, Development Transition Standards; 3. Maximum lot coverage standard as provided in Section 6.3; 4. Minimum lot size standard as provided in Section 6.3, 5. Section 7.4, Motor Vehicle and Bicycle Parking, except as provided in Section 5.12. 8.E; 6. Section 7.5, Off-Street Loading; 7. Section 7.6, Landscaping and Screening Standards, except as required by Section 5.12.8.B, Development Transition Standards; and, 8. Section 7.7, Native Plant Preservation, except when the property includes a drainage corridor where native plants are present or when the property is adjacent Adjacent Two or more parcels Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. or lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. sharing a common boundary or separated by an alley Alley Alleys are public ways used for the placement of utilities, refuse collection, or similar public services, and under certain circumstances as provided in the UDC, access to individual properties. or other right-of-way Right-of-Way An area reserved for a public or private use, such as, but not limited to, street or alley rights-of-way and utility easements. 20 feet or less in width. Parcels Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. or lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. having only a common corner are considered adjacent. Within the Infill Incentive District District A zone that has zoning options to encourage transit-oriented development or has specific urban design standards within the City. Examples include the Rio Nuevo District, the Downtown Area Infill Incentive District. A “district” is also referred to as a zoning district. , Optional Zoning Sub-Districts, Areas and Sub-Areas, the term "adjacent" or "adjacency" means: A. Two or more parcels Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. or lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. sharing a common boundary or separated by an ally Alley Alleys are public ways used for the placement of utilities, refuse collection, or similar public services, and under certain circumstances as provided in the UDC, access to individual properties. or a local Local Street A street that primarily serves as access to a residence or other abutting property. or arterial street Arterial Street A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan. 30 feet or less in width. Parcels Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. or lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. having only a common corner are also considered adjacent. B. Where the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel is an interior parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. , adjacent lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. includes all residential lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. or development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. on either side of the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. , those lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. fronting on the same street Street Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place. in the same block Block A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public lands, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses, or other barriers to the continuity of the unit of land. A block may be comprised of one or more lots. A block made up of one lot may also be referred to as a lot or parcel. as the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. , and all those lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. on the opposite side of that street Street Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place. (See Figure, "Interior Lot Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. "); C. Where the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. is a corner lot Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. , the term "adjacent" includes all the residential corner lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. or developments Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. diagonally opposite the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. , fronting on the same two streets Street Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place. in the same block Block A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public lands, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses, or other barriers to the continuity of the unit of land. A block may be comprised of one or more lots. A block made up of one lot may also be referred to as a lot or parcel. , and on the opposite sides of those streets Street Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place. as shown in the diagram below (See Figure, "Corner Lot Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. "); D. Where the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. is adjacent to an HPZ, the term "adjacent" includes all lots Lot A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street. across the street Street Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place. and diagonally across from the development Development Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas. parcel Parcel The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance. . to a drainage corridor and remnant native plants are present on the project site Project Site In general application, the area of the project. A site may be any number of contiguous lots, separated by no more than 600 feet, or it may be one lot. As applicable in Section 5.6, Airport Environs Zone (AEZ), the land area designated for development and managed as a single entity, exclusive of any abutting public right-of-way. The project site utilizes common facilities such as parking, structures, and vehicular and pedestrian access. Noncontiguous lots shall, at a minimum, be connected by pedestrian facilities. . D. Other Permitted Modifications 1. Pedestrian Access Alternative pedestrian access that creates connectivity between public entrances to the project Project A development, consisting of one or more contiguous lots, planned and constructed to function as a single entity, utilizing common or shared facilities, structures, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian access. and abutting Abutting Having a common boundary. Parcels or lots having only a common corner are not considered abutting. sidewalks may be allowed as long as no safety hazard is created. All pedestrian access shall conform to the City's City Same as City of Tucson. adopted Building Code. 2. Solid Waste Collection On-site refuse collection container standards Standards Design principles, criteria, and specifications that describe the manner in which development and related improvements are accomplished in order to obtain development approval. governing access, type, and location may be modified if the Environmental Services Department determines that no public health or traffic safety issue is created. (Am. Ord. 11246, 2/18/2015; Am. Ord. 11977, 12/20/2022)
