SCENIC CORRIDOR ZONE (SCZ) DISTRICT
Tucson Unified Development Code § 7A.11.3
in effect7A.11.3. SCENIC CORRIDOR ZONE (SCZ) DISTRICT
A. Location
The scenic corridor 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.
(SCZ) 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.
includes any portion of property or 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.
within 400 feet, measured in any direction, of the future right-of-way lines
Future Right-of-Way Line
The same as major streets and routes (MS&R) right-of-way line.
of a scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
, as designated on the Major Streets and Routes (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.
map. If any portion of 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.
is within the SCZ 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.
, the entire 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.
will be treated, for sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
purposes only, as though it were entirely within the SCZ 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.
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B. Maximum Total Attached Sign
Attached Sign (7A)
A sign that is fastened, connected or supported in whole or in part by a building or structure other than a sign structure that is supported wholly by the ground.
Area
1. For commercial or industrial uses: 1.25 square feet per foot of 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
with a minimum allowance of not less than 25 square feet and a maximum of 250 square feet per tenant
Tenant (7A)
The occupant of a portion of a site or structure with exclusive control over that portion, regardless of whether it is by individual ownership or lease.
. Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
must be oriented toward a scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
, arterial street
Arterial Street
A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
, collector street
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
, or the interior of the premises
Premise (7A)
A premise is all contiguous land used and occupied by a use or business. All buildings, parking, storage and service areas, and private roads or driveways that are an integral part of the use or business are considered part of the premise. Commercial shopping centers, office complexes, commercial or industrial subdivisions, or similar developments are a premise to the extent such lands are identified as a single site that may contain one or multiple development plans or packages.
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2. For multifamily complexes: 20 square feet per 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
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C. Unified Development Code
Unified Development Code (UDC)
Chapter 23B of the Tucson Code as adopted by the Mayor and Council establishing zoning regulations governing the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and structures within the corporate limits of the City. Such regulations are applied on individual properties through the use of zoning districts. The boundaries of these districts are depicted on the adopted City Zoning Maps. For the purposes of convenience and ease of use, the UDC is also published as a separate book from the Tucson Code.
Compliance
All signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
in this 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.
shall comply with applicable provisions of the Unified Development Code
Unified Development Code (UDC)
Chapter 23B of the Tucson Code as adopted by the Mayor and Council establishing zoning regulations governing the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and structures within the corporate limits of the City. Such regulations are applied on individual properties through the use of zoning districts. The boundaries of these districts are depicted on the adopted City Zoning Maps. For the purposes of convenience and ease of use, the UDC is also published as a separate book from the Tucson Code.
and must be approved through the applicable review process.
D. Colors
All signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
shall use colors that are predominant within the surrounding landscape, such as desert and earth tones, as required in the scenic corridor 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.
provisions of the Unified Development Code
Unified Development Code (UDC)
Chapter 23B of the Tucson Code as adopted by the Mayor and Council establishing zoning regulations governing the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and structures within the corporate limits of the City. Such regulations are applied on individual properties through the use of zoning districts. The boundaries of these districts are depicted on the adopted City Zoning Maps. For the purposes of convenience and ease of use, the UDC is also published as a separate book from the Tucson Code.
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E. Permitted Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
1. Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
generally permitted and sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
types listed in Section 7A.10, except as modified by this subsection for this 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.
, and signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
exempt under Section 7A.8 Exempt and Prohibited Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
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2. Awning signs
Awning Sign (7A)
A sign constructed of cloth, plastic or metal and permanently affixed to a structure and intended to provide shade.
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3. Freestanding signs
Freestanding Sign (7A)
An on-site sign or three-dimensional representation of a figure or object, not attached to any building, supported by uprights or braces or some other approved support that is capable of withstanding the stress from weight and wind load. Includes the following sign types:
A. Freestanding - Monument Type Sign (7A)
A sign that has been provided with a base of some type (a pole cover or architectural embellishment) or stands alone on its own foundation.
B. Freestanding - Low Profile Sign (7A)
A sign that has been provided with a prepared base or support. In order to encourage design flexibility, the maximum height of the sign may be lowered in order to decrease the required setback from the street.
C. Freestanding - Pole Sign (7A)
A sign that stands alone on its own foundation and must be provided with a pole cover or architectural embellishment. The sign may be higher than the other types of freestanding signs, must be setback further from the street, and is permitted only for larger premises or developments.
, monument and low profile only.
a. Maximum number per premises
Premise (7A)
A premise is all contiguous land used and occupied by a use or business. All buildings, parking, storage and service areas, and private roads or driveways that are an integral part of the use or business are considered part of the premise. Commercial shopping centers, office complexes, commercial or industrial subdivisions, or similar developments are a premise to the extent such lands are identified as a single site that may contain one or multiple development plans or packages.
:
(1) Scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
: One for the first 450 feet of scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
street frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
. A second sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
is permitted for a street frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
from 451 feet to 850 feet. A third sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
is permitted for 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
from 851 feet to 1250 feet. This rule applies for each subsequent 400 feet of scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
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(2) Arterial street
Arterial Street
A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
: One for the first 450 feet of arterial street
Arterial Street
A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
. A second sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
is permitted for 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
of 451 feet to 700 feet. A third sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
is permitted for 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
of 701 feet to 950 feet. This rule applies for each subsequent 250 feet of arterial street
Arterial Street
A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
.
(3) Collector Street
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
: One for the first 450 feet of collector street
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
. A second sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
is permitted for 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
of 451 feet to 700 feet. A third sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
is permitted for 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
of 701 feet to 950 feet. This rule applies for each subsequent 250 feet of collector street
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
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b. Maximum area:
(1) Multifamily residential uses: 20 square feet per 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.
frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
.
(2) Commercial or industrial uses: 35 square feet per sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
if located within the SCZ buffer, 50 square feet per sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
if located outside the SCZ buffer.
c. Maximum height: Ten feet.
d. Location:
(1) Scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
: Maximum height signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
shall be located no less than 7.5 feet behind the leading edge of the SCZ buffer and within 50 feet of 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.
line. Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
may be located one foot closer to the leading edge of the SCZ buffer for each foot (below the maximum) they are reduced in height.
(2) All other 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.
: Within 20 feet of 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.
line and at least 150 feet from the centerline
Centerline
A survey reference line designated for a street by the Tucson Department of Transportation Engineer and generally located parallel to the edges of the improved right-of-way. Centerlines for certain streets are depicted on street right-of-way/improvement plans and street setback line maps listed in and made a part of the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
of the scenic route
Scenic Route
Any route designated as a Scenic Route in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
.
e. Freestanding signs
Freestanding Sign (7A)
An on-site sign or three-dimensional representation of a figure or object, not attached to any building, supported by uprights or braces or some other approved support that is capable of withstanding the stress from weight and wind load. Includes the following sign types:
A. Freestanding - Monument Type Sign (7A)
A sign that has been provided with a base of some type (a pole cover or architectural embellishment) or stands alone on its own foundation.
B. Freestanding - Low Profile Sign (7A)
A sign that has been provided with a prepared base or support. In order to encourage design flexibility, the maximum height of the sign may be lowered in order to decrease the required setback from the street.
C. Freestanding - Pole Sign (7A)
A sign that stands alone on its own foundation and must be provided with a pole cover or architectural embellishment. The sign may be higher than the other types of freestanding signs, must be setback further from the street, and is permitted only for larger premises or developments.
that include or consist of a three-dimensional representation of a figure or object are prohibited.
f. Lighting: Sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
panels shall be opaque
Opaque
Opaque means that the material shall not transmit visible light.
. Light shall be emitted through individual translucent letters and/or symbols only, or individual letters and/or symbols may be halo illuminated. Unused tenant
Tenant (7A)
The occupant of a portion of a site or structure with exclusive control over that portion, regardless of whether it is by individual ownership or lease.
panels shall be opaque
Opaque
Opaque means that the material shall not transmit visible light.
and designed to match the rest of the sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
.
g. Within SCZ buffer digital sign
Digital Sign (7A)
A sign component whose informational content such as symbols, logos, graphics, and words can be changed or altered by electric, electro-mechanical or electronic means.
copy and exposed neon signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
are prohibited.
4. Access point sign
Access Point Sign (7A)
An on-site sign located at or near the access point or other wayfinding location.
(medical uses).
a. Maximum area: Eight square feet.
b. Maximum height: Four feet to top of sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
.
c. Permitted: Only if no frontage
Frontage
The length of a lot line that abuts a street right-of-way.
on collector
Collector Street
A street identified as a collector on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
or arterial street
Arterial Street
A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
.
5. Portable signs
Portable Sign (7A)
A sign that is capable of being moved and not designed to be permanently attached to a building or permanently anchored to the ground that is constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, plywood, light plastic or other non-permanent similar materials.
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6. Access point sign
Access Point Sign (7A)
An on-site sign located at or near the access point or other wayfinding location.
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a. Within the scenic corridor 30 foot landscape buffer the following shall apply:
(1) Minimum site area
Site Area
The land area of a site.
: Ten acres.
(2) Maximum area: Three square feet; tenant
Tenant (7A)
The occupant of a portion of a site or structure with exclusive control over that portion, regardless of whether it is by individual ownership or lease.
identification or logo
Logo (7A)
A graphic symbol or insignia that serves to identify a business, building or complex.
not to exceed one square foot
Square Foot
The area of a square with sides of one foot in length.
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(3) Maximum number: One per vehicular entrance.
(4) Location: Within 20 feet of the entrance.
7. Wall signs
Wall Sign (7A)
Sign that is placed upon a building, its structure, parapet, or architectural feature, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the affected wall, parapet, or architectural feature.
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8. Canopy signs
Canopy Sign (7A)
A permanent sign on or affixed to the top or front of an attached canopy.
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(Am. Ord. 11803, 12/8/2020)
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/0-0-0-27287Fetched: 10/28/2026