UTILITIES

Tucson Unified Development Code § 5.3.9

in effect

5.3.9. UTILITIES A. All new utilities Utilities Services such as gas, electric, water, telephone, and cable television. for 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 private property and on public 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. along Scenic Routes Scenic Route Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan. shall be underground unless relief is otherwise granted pursuant to UDC sections 5.3.14, Variances and/or through a Zoning Examiner special exception process per section 4.9.11.A.12. B. Where possible, existing poles shall be used to provide the required transition to underground service to new 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. 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 scenic corridors. However, a new pole set in line with the existing overhead system when necessary to serve approved new 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. is not deemed to be a new utility. Upgrades and reinforcements of existing overhead facilities is allowed to the extent that the total number of electrical circuits or communication cables is not increased. Relocation of overhead utility facilities required by public improvement districts along scenic corridors shall conform with existing franchise standards. C. When an existing 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. is expanded by 50% or more in floor area Floor Area Same as Gross Floor Area. Gross Floor Area The sum of the horizontal areas of all floors of all buildings, including accessory buildings on a lot, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two buildings and includes elevator shafts and the stairwells at each story. Gross floor area includes floor space with structural headroom of six feet and six inches or more used for mechanical equipment; penthouses; attic space; interior balconies; mezzanines; and service bays but does not include any interior space used for parking, loading, or loading space that is incidental to the principal use. or land area, new and existing utilities Utilities Services such as gas, electric, water, telephone, and cable television. to all portions 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. shall be located underground unless relief is otherwise granted pursuant to UDC sections 5.3.14, Variances and/or through a Zoning Examiner special exception process per Section 4.9.11.A.12. Incremental expansion shall be cumulative. Additions to single-family Family Any number of individuals customarily living together as a single household and using common cooking facilities. dwellings are exempt from this standard. (Am. Ord. 11942, 7/12/2022)

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/0-0-0-3420Fetched: 10/28/2026