GENERAL PROVISIONS
Tucson Unified Development Code § 7.4.3
in effect7.4.3. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Parking Required
1. Parking is required for every use unless otherwise specified in Section 7.4.4.B, Minimum Number of Motor Vehicle Spaces Required, or 7.4.8.B, Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
Bicycle Parking Space
An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle.
Required.
2. Each Land Use
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
Group (Group), except for Residential and Storage, has a standard minimum parking formula. The standard formula applies to every Land Use
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
Class (Class) within that Group, except for those Classes specifically listed in the parking tables.
3. The Land Use
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
Groups and the Classes within each Group are defined in Article 11.
4. Required parking for uses not defined in Article 11 are determined by the Zoning Administrator.
B. Parking for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Individuals with Physical Disabilities
A person, as defined in A.R.S. §28-881, or as it may be amended, having a physical impairment that substantially limits that person’s ability to move from place to place.
Off-street parking
Off-Street Parking
Any space provided for vehicular parking not within the street right-of-way.
spaces for individuals with physical disabilities
Individuals with Physical Disabilities
A person, as defined in A.R.S. §28-881, or as it may be amended, having a physical impairment that substantially limits that person’s ability to move from place to place.
must be provided as required by the City of Tucson’s adopted Building Code.
C. Change of Approved 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.
Any change of the 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.
as shown on the approved site plan
Site Plan
A drawing of a project site that provides detailed information that shows how a proposed project will be developed in compliance with City regulations and other applicable regulations as required by outside review agencies involved in development review.
must comply with the requirements of this section.
D. Changes of Use
Parking for changes of use is required as follows.
1. When the proposed use is the same as the use it is replacing, the parking remains the same in accordance with Article 9, Nonconforming Uses
Nonconforming Use
An existing land use activity lawfully established and maintained which no longer complies with land use standards of the Unified Development Code (UDC) applicable to the zoning category in which the land use activity is located.
, Buildings
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 Structures
Nonconforming Structure or Lot
A structure or portion thereof that was lawfully erected or altered or a lot that was legally established that no longer complies with the specific land use standards of the Unified Development Code (UDC) applicable to the zoning category in which the building or structure or lot is located.
.
2. When the proposed use is different that the use it is replacing, the parking remains the same provided all of the following criteria are met:
a. The replacement use must be a permitted use in the current 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.
, except a replacement use may not include a restaurant or bar (Food Service or Alcoholic Beverage
Alcoholic Beverage
Alcohol, brandy, whiskey, rum, tequila, mescal, gin, wine, porter, ale, beer and malt liquor, malt beverage, absinthe or compound or mixture of any of them, or of any of them with any other substance, alcohol bitters, bitters containing alcohol, and any liquid mixture of preparation, whether patented or otherwise, which produces intoxication, fruits preserved in ardent spirits, or beverages containing more than 0.5% of alcohol by volume.
Service uses) or a similar use listed in the applicable Land Use
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
Group;
b. The parking intensity for a proposed replacement use, except as permitted by Section 3.3.3.H, Zoning Compliance for 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.
Improvements
Improvements
Any on-site or off-site improvements, such as, but not limited to, refuse container enclosures, streets, sidewalks, sewer, water, and electric utility installations, drainage and flood control facilities, monuments or other similar facilities or developments for which the City of Tucson may ultimately assume responsibility for maintenance and operation, or landscaping, screening, or other site improvements required by the Tucson Unified Development Code (UDC) or other appropriate City code.
in Existence on May 1, 2005, must be the same or a lesser intensity as a prior use on the subject property as documented by the applicant. The property owner must provide documentation regarding the prior use as required by the Zoning Administrator;
c. Existing 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.
parking, landscaping
Landscaping
An exterior improvement of a site in accordance with an approved landscape plan and approved landscape methods, materials, and maintenance.
, and screening may remain in their current configuration; however, the Planning and Development Services Director
Director
The chief executive officer of a City department.
may require new improvements
Improvements
Any on-site or off-site improvements, such as, but not limited to, refuse container enclosures, streets, sidewalks, sewer, water, and electric utility installations, drainage and flood control facilities, monuments or other similar facilities or developments for which the City of Tucson may ultimately assume responsibility for maintenance and operation, or landscaping, screening, or other site improvements required by the Tucson Unified Development Code (UDC) or other appropriate City code.
including paving and striping when a public safety hazard exists or may be created; and,
d. The proposed use must comply with the City of Tucson’s adopted Building Code pertaining to accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities
Individuals with Physical Disabilities
A person, as defined in A.R.S. §28-881, or as it may be amended, having a physical impairment that substantially limits that person’s ability to move from place to place.
.
3. When the proposed use is different than the use it is replacing and the criteria of Section 7.4.3.D.2 cannot be met, the required number of motor vehicle and bicycle parking spaces
Bicycle Parking Space
An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle.
shall be in accordance with Sections 7.4.4 and 7.4.8, respectively, except as provided below.
4. When the change of use
Change of Use
A land use that is being located on vacant land; a land use that replaces an existing use with a use from a different Land Use Class; or a land use that replaces an existing use that is from the same Land Use Group but that requires more parking spaces than required for the prior use.
is in a tenant space within a shopping center, 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.
, or multiple use
Multiple Use
A development on a site with two or more separate principal land 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 from a street. The number of curb cuts 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 are common to all land uses on the site.
• All common or shared facilities are legally documented for use by all land uses on site for the life of the project as a mixed use.
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 required number of bicycle parking spaces
Bicycle Parking Space
An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle.
is based on the 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 whichever method for determining the minimum required number bicycle parking spaces
Bicycle Parking Space
An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle.
in accordance with Section 7.4.8, of the tenant space in which the proposed change of use
Change of Use
A land use that is being located on vacant land; a land use that replaces an existing use with a use from a different Land Use Class; or a land use that replaces an existing use that is from the same Land Use Group but that requires more parking spaces than required for the prior use.
occurs.
E. Expansions
Expansions of existing uses are subject to the following.
1. If an expansion is less than 25% or if a series of expansions cumulatively results in less than a 25% expansion 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.
, the requirements of this section apply only to the proposed expansion. 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.
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.
is subject to the zoning regulations in effect at the time of approval of the most recent approved plan for the 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.
. However, if the 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.
was approved prior to April 1, 1969, and there is no approved plan on file with the City
City
Same as City of Tucson.
, the 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.
for the 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.
shall comply with:
a. The parking, screening, and landscaping
Landscaping
An exterior improvement of a site in accordance with an approved landscape plan and approved landscape methods, materials, and maintenance.
requirements in effect at the time 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.
permit for the existing use was approved; and,
b. The paving and striping requirements of this division.
2. If an expansion is 25% or greater or if a series of expansions cumulatively results in a 25% or greater expansion 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.
, the requirements of this section apply to the entire 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.
.
3. Expansions as noted in Section 7.4.3.E.1 and 2 are cumulated over time from April 1, 1969, for the application of motor vehicle parking regulations and from May 9, 1990, for the application of 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 regulations. Once 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 brought into conformance
Conformance
To be in agreement with; to comply with.
with the provisions of this division, subsequent expansions will begin cumulating as of the date 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.
was brought into conformance
Conformance
To be in agreement with; to comply with.
.
F. Calculation of Required Motor Vehicle and Bicycle Parking Spaces
Bicycle Parking Space
An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle.
The minimum number of parking spaces required must be calculated based on the particular characteristics of the use. The following methods shall be used to calculate the required number of parking spaces.
1. Based on Fixed Seats
Use the total number of fixed seats to calculate the requirement. If individual seats are not provided, each 18 linear inches of benches, pews, or similar seating facilities is considered one seat.
2. Based on Beds
Use the total number of beds to calculate the requirement.
3. Based on Bedrooms
Bedroom
The term bedroom includes all of the following: 1) Any room that is designated as a bedroom; 2) Any enclosed room that has a minimum area of 60 square feet and has an accessible opening to the exterior of the building in compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), whether termed a studio, family room, study, den, bonus room, or any other name, except for a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms; and 3) Any room designated as a bedroom for the purpose of any other code requirement.
Use the total number of bedrooms
Bedroom
The term bedroom includes all of the following: 1) Any room that is designated as a bedroom; 2) Any enclosed room that has a minimum area of 60 square feet and has an accessible opening to the exterior of the building in compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), whether termed a studio, family room, study, den, bonus room, or any other name, except for a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms; and 3) Any room designated as a bedroom for the purpose of any other code requirement.
to calculate the requirement.
4. Based on 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.
(GFA)
Use the total GFA of all applicable land uses
Land Use
A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses.
within 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.
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.
, plus the area of any outdoor areas necessary to provide the service to the public or conduct the activity, such as outdoor eating areas or outdoor areas used for sale of merchandise, to calculate the requirement. The calculation does not include vehicular use areas
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.
, automobile display areas, or other outdoor areas used for nonpublic purposes. Where such areas are identified on 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.
plan but are not defined, the Zoning Administrator shall determine the extent of the area.
5. Based on the Number of Residents
Use the total number of residents for which the facility is authorized to calculate the requirement.
6. Based on the Number of Students
Use the total number of students for which the facility is designed to calculate the requirement.
7. Based on the Number of Employees
Use the shift with the greatest number of employees to calculate the requirement.
G. Fractional Amounts
When the calculation of required motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle Parking Space
An area permanently reserved and maintained for the parking of one motor vehicle.
, bicycle parking spaces
Bicycle Parking Space
An area designated for the use of an individual bicycle.
, and EVSE
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
The conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors, and electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and an electric vehicle.
spaces results in a fractional number, a fraction of one-half or more is adjusted to the next higher whole number, and a fraction of less than one-half is adjusted to the next lower whole number.
(Am. Ord. 11953, 8/23/2022)
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/0-0-0-5400Fetched: 10/28/2026