DEFINITIONS - M
Tucson Unified Development Code § 11.4.14
in effect11.4.14. DEFINITIONS - M
Major Employment Center
A grouping of commercial, institutional, office, or industrial uses or any combination of such uses that are of such scale and in such proximity to each other that enables and encourages employees to use alternate modes of travel both to and from work and during daily activities (e.g., shopping, lunch, banking). Examples: Tucson Medical Center (TMC), Park Mall, El Con Mall, Pima Community College, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tucson Mall, and the Downtown Business District.
Major Streets and Routes
Those freeways, arterials, and collector streets
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
identified in the Major Streets and Routes Plan
Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan
The plan adopted by the Mayor and Council to implement the circulation element of the General Plan that identifies the general location and size of existing and proposed freeways, arterial and collector streets, future right-of-way lines, typical intersections, and Gateway and Scenic Routes.
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Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan
The plan adopted by the Mayor and Council to implement the circulation element of the General Plan
General Plan
A comprehensive declaration of purposes, policies, and programs to guide the growth and development of the City and its environs, addressing the following elements: land use; circulation; conservation and environmental planning; parks, recreation, open space, and trails; public buildings, services, and facilities; cultural heritage; housing; conservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment; safety; human resources; government; economic development; community character and design; growth area and population; cost of development; and water resources.
that identifies the general location and size of existing and proposed freeways, arterial and collector streets
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
, future right-of-way lines
Future Right-of-Way Line
The same as major streets and routes (MS&R) right-of-way line.
, typical intersections, and Gateway
Gateway Route
A street or parkway that is a heavily traveled entrance to and through the City, and is designated as a Gateway Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan map. These routes link major employment areas, shopping centers, and recreational areas used regularly by a large number of residents and visitors and present a visual impression of Tucson’s character.
and Scenic Routes
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
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Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Right-of-Way Area
That area between the MS&R right-of-way lines
Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Right-of-Way Lines
A line establishing the projected width for that major street or route located parallel or approximately parallel to the center line of the street a distance equal to one-half the right-of-way width shown for that street or route in the MS&R Plan.
of a major 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.
or route designated as such by the MS&R Plan
Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan
The plan adopted by the Mayor and Council to implement the circulation element of the General Plan that identifies the general location and size of existing and proposed freeways, arterial and collector streets, future right-of-way lines, typical intersections, and Gateway and Scenic Routes.
. The 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.
width existing for the major 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.
or route may or may not be equal to the MS&R 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.
area and in certain situations includes privately-owned property.
Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Right-of-Way Lines
A line establishing the projected width for that major 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.
or route located parallel or approximately parallel to the center line of 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.
a distance equal to one-half the 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.
width shown for 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.
or route in the MS&R Plan
Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan
The plan adopted by the Mayor and Council to implement the circulation element of the General Plan that identifies the general location and size of existing and proposed freeways, arterial and collector streets, future right-of-way lines, typical intersections, and Gateway and Scenic Routes.
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Master Developer
The Master Developer is the person
Person
Any individual as well as any firm, corporation, partnership, company, or any other form of multiple organization for the carrying on of business.
or entity that has sole control of the property within the Planned Community Development (PCD) District at the time of application and for the implementation of the PCD District after approval.
Master Development Plan (MDP)
An MDP is a multi-faceted 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.
plan, including a land use
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
plan, resource and infrastructure
Infrastructure
All structures or improvements to the land, such as roads or facilities for the provision of gas, electric, water, drainage, or communications, that are necessary to support development on or abutting property.
plan, 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.
agreement, and phasing plan that controls the overall implementation of the Planned Community Development District.
Meal
For the purposes of applying Section 4.9.4.V, a “meal” means the usual assortment of foods commonly ordered at a restaurant at various hours of the day.
Mechanical Greenhouse
See Greenhouse, Mechanical.
Miniature Goat
See Goat, Miniature.
Minor Subdivision
A subdivision
Subdivision
Any division of land, improved or unimproved, for the purpose of financing, sales, or lease, whether immediate or future, in one of four ways:
A. Any property whose boundaries are fixed by a recorded plat, which is divided into three or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
B. Any property whose boundaries are not fixed by a recorded plat which is divided into four or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
C. Any property that requires the development of a new street, which is divided into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; or,
D. Any condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse, or similar project containing four or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon.
that complies with the criteria established for minor subdivisions
Subdivision
Any division of land, improved or unimproved, for the purpose of financing, sales, or lease, whether immediate or future, in one of four ways:
A. Any property whose boundaries are fixed by a recorded plat, which is divided into three or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
B. Any property whose boundaries are not fixed by a recorded plat which is divided into four or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
C. Any property that requires the development of a new street, which is divided into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; or,
D. Any condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse, or similar project containing four or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon.
in Section 8.4.3, Minor Subdivision
Subdivision
Any division of land, improved or unimproved, for the purpose of financing, sales, or lease, whether immediate or future, in one of four ways:
A. Any property whose boundaries are fixed by a recorded plat, which is divided into three or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
B. Any property whose boundaries are not fixed by a recorded plat which is divided into four or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
C. Any property that requires the development of a new street, which is divided into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; or,
D. Any condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse, or similar project containing four or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon.
. A Minor Subdivision
Subdivision
Any division of land, improved or unimproved, for the purpose of financing, sales, or lease, whether immediate or future, in one of four ways:
A. Any property whose boundaries are fixed by a recorded plat, which is divided into three or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
B. Any property whose boundaries are not fixed by a recorded plat which is divided into four or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
C. Any property that requires the development of a new street, which is divided into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; or,
D. Any condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse, or similar project containing four or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon.
may be accomplished with less documentation than other subdivisions
Subdivision
Any division of land, improved or unimproved, for the purpose of financing, sales, or lease, whether immediate or future, in one of four ways:
A. Any property whose boundaries are fixed by a recorded plat, which is divided into three or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
B. Any property whose boundaries are not fixed by a recorded plat which is divided into four or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land;
C. Any property that requires the development of a new street, which is divided into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; or,
D. Any condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse, or similar project containing four or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon.
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Mitigation
Methods used to alleviate or compensate for the negative impact of 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 healthy Protected Native Plants
Protected Native Plants
Plant genus and species of a minimum size with special status per the Protected Native Plant List in Section 5-02.0.0 of the Technical Standards Manual.
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Mixed Use
A single building
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any person, entity, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind or nature.
or single 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.
of more than one building
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any person, entity, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind or nature.
that includes residential and non-residential uses. In a mixed use
Mixed Use
A single building or single development of more than one building that includes residential and non-residential uses. In a mixed use development the different types of land uses are in close proximity, planned as a unified complementary whole, and functionally integrated to the use of shared vehicular and pedestrian access and parking areas.
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.
the different types of land uses
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
are in close proximity, planned as a unified complementary whole, and functionally integrated to the use of shared vehicular and pedestrian access and parking areas
Parking Area
Same as Vehicular Use Area.
Vehicular Use Area
Any area of a site or structure used for the movement, parking, or standing of motor vehicles. The vehicular use area includes access drives, maneuvering areas, refuse collection locations, loading spaces, and any landscaping and screening within ten feet of these areas.
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Mobile Home Space
An area of a mobile home park with a pad and utility pedestal that is rented or sold for the placement of a mobile home and for the exclusive use of the occupants of the mobile home.
More Restrictive Zoning
See Section 4.5, More Restrictive Zoning.
Motor Vehicle Parking Space
An area permanently reserved and maintained for the parking of one motor vehicle.
Multiple Use
A 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 a site
Site
The land area consisting of a portion of a lot, an entire lot, or contiguous lots, not including dedicated public property, designated for development as a single entity.
with two or more separate principal land uses
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
, designed, developed, and owned or managed as a single coordinated entity utilizing legally established common elements or shared facilities. Such common elements shall comply with the following standards.
• Shared motor vehicle and pedestrian access is provided to the site
Site
The land area consisting of a portion of a lot, an entire lot, or contiguous lots, not including dedicated public property, designated for development as a single entity.
from a 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.
. The number of curb cuts
Curb Cut
A depressed segment of a vertical roadway curb for driveways, wheelchair ramps, bicycle access, drainage, or other purposes.
is limited to two or fewer, unless a greater number is approved by the Tucson Department of Transportation City Engineer or designee.
• Shared pedestrian and motor vehicle circulation is provided.
• The motor vehicle parking areas
Parking Area
Same as Vehicular Use Area.
Vehicular Use Area
Any area of a site or structure used for the movement, parking, or standing of motor vehicles. The vehicular use area includes access drives, maneuvering areas, refuse collection locations, loading spaces, and any landscaping and screening within ten feet of these areas.
are common to all land uses
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
on the site
Site
The land area consisting of a portion of a lot, an entire lot, or contiguous lots, not including dedicated public property, designated for development as a single entity.
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• All common or shared facilities are legally documented for use by all land uses
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
on site
Site
The land area consisting of a portion of a lot, an entire lot, or contiguous lots, not including dedicated public property, designated for development as a single entity.
for the life of 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.
as a mixed use
Mixed Use
A single building or single development of more than one building that includes residential and non-residential uses. In a mixed use development the different types of land uses are in close proximity, planned as a unified complementary whole, and functionally integrated to the use of shared vehicular and pedestrian access and parking areas.
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Mural (7A)
A piece of artwork painted on, or applied directly to the exterior walls.
(Am. Ord. 11328, 12/8/2015; Am. Ord. 11508, 12/5/2017)
Source: City of Tucson, Tucson Code (Charter and General Ordinances) and Unified Development Code (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/tucson/latest/tucson_az_udc/0-0-0-7882Fetched: 10/28/2026