ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTATION PRIOR TO DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Tucson Unified Development Code § 3.12.1

in effect

3.12.1. ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTATION PRIOR TO DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS A. Applicability These regulations apply when an application for a demolition permit involves the complete or partial demolition of a 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 is partially or in its entirety 50 or more years old. B. Required Documentation Applications for permits for the demolition of 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. that are partially or in their entirety 50 or more years old must include architectural documentation to provide a permanent record of 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. of historical significance before their loss. Demolition applications are available from PDSD. 1. Minor Documentation Minor Documentation is required for demolition permit requests for all 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. that are partially or in their entirety 50 or more years old, but are not contributing properties Contributing Property A property within a Historic Preservation Zone, Neighborhood Preservation Zone, or National Register Historic District that contributes to the historic significance and visual character of the zone or district, and has sufficient integrity to convey that significance and those visual character defining features in terms of location, design, setting, material, workmanship, character, or association. Contributing Properties are historic sites or nonhistoric compatible properties. within designated or pending National Register Historic Districts; are not individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and do not meet the eligibility criteria for the National Register of Historic Places. For 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. that otherwise meet the criteria for full documentation, only Minor Documentation is required if the demolition will be limited to an addition that is less than 50 years old. 2. Full Documentation Full documentation is required for demolition permit requests for all 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. that are partially or in their entirety 50 or more years old and are: a. Contributing properties Contributing Property A property within a Historic Preservation Zone, Neighborhood Preservation Zone, or National Register Historic District that contributes to the historic significance and visual character of the zone or district, and has sufficient integrity to convey that significance and those visual character defining features in terms of location, design, setting, material, workmanship, character, or association. Contributing Properties are historic sites or nonhistoric compatible properties. within designated or pending National Register Historic Districts; b. Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places; or, c. Meet the criteria for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. 3. Additional Documentation If the 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. to be completely or partially demolished is located in a Historic Preservation 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. (HPZ) or the Rio Nuevo District (RND) overlay 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. , compliance with the applicable demolition review and approval requirements contained in Section 5.8.10 through Section 5.8.12 and Section 5.11.7 is required in addition to the provisions contained in this section. C. Review Required The applicant shall submit minor or full architectural documentation to PDSD for review before issuance of a demolition permit. D. Application and Review Process 1. Prior to the submittal of a demolition permit application, the applicant may meet with the PDSD. At that time, the PDSD shall determine whether the application requires Minor or Full Documentation. 2. At the time of submittal, the applicant shall submit two copies of the demolition permit application and all required architectural documentation to the PDSD. All new photos must be printed on photographic paper. 3. If Minor Documentation is required, the PDSD reviews and approves the applications for completeness in accordance with Section 3.2.3.A. The PDSD determines and informs the applicant that the Minor Documentation is complete, or of any additional documentation which is required. 4. If full documentation is required, the Historic Preservation Officer (HPO) reviews and approves the applications for completeness, and informs the applicant that full documentation is complete or informs the applicant of any additional documentation which is required. 5. If the PDSD or the HPO determine that the required architectural documentation is complete, then a demolition permit application may be processed. The applicant must demonstrate compliance with all provisions of the Tucson Code before a demolition permit will be issued. E. Minor Documentation Required Minor Documentation shall include: 1. Current photographs of the front, rear and sides of the 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. to be completely or partially demolished (printed on photographic paper); and, 2. Documentation from the County Assessor’s records, the State Historic Preservation Office, or other official government records confirming the year of construction and dates of additions to the 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. to be demolished. Some of this documentation of construction dates may be available at the PDSD. F. Full Documentation Required Full documentation shall include: 1. Floor plans with measured dimensions; 2. Photographs of the front, rear and sides of the 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. to be completely or partially demolished, and all interior rooms; 3. A ‘context photograph’ illustrating the relationship between the 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. to be completely or partially demolished and the nearest 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. . 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. in the Development Zone Development Zone As used in Section 5.8, “H” Historic Preservation Zone (HPZ), Section 5.10, Neighborhood Preservation Zone (NPZ), and, Section 5.11, Rio Nuevo District (RND), a certain designated area adjacent to the lot to be developed. Public and institutional structures within the development zone is not considered to be part of the development zone when evaluating proposed development on an adjacent property, except for public and institutional structures on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The development zone is determined as follows: (See Illustrations below.) • Where the subject lot is an interior lot, the development zone includes that lot, all lots on either side of that lot and fronting on the same street in the same block, and all those lots on the opposite side of that street, except such portions of the development zone that fall outside the boundary of the HPZ, NPZ, or the RND. • Where the subject lot is a corner lot, the development zone includes that lot, the corner lot diagonally opposite that lot, all lots fronting on the same two streets in the same block, and all lots on the opposite sides of those streets, except such portions of the development zone that fall outside the boundary of the HPZ, NPZ, or the RND. • Where the subject lot is located adjacent to a historic zone boundary, the development zone includes that lot, all lots located within the same block, and those lots facing the same street as the subject lot within one block in either direction, except such portions of the zone that fall outside the boundary of the HPZ, NPZ, or the RND. . The Development Zone Development Zone As used in Section 5.8, “H” Historic Preservation Zone (HPZ), Section 5.10, Neighborhood Preservation Zone (NPZ), and, Section 5.11, Rio Nuevo District (RND), a certain designated area adjacent to the lot to be developed. Public and institutional structures within the development zone is not considered to be part of the development zone when evaluating proposed development on an adjacent property, except for public and institutional structures on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The development zone is determined as follows: (See Illustrations below.) • Where the subject lot is an interior lot, the development zone includes that lot, all lots on either side of that lot and fronting on the same street in the same block, and all those lots on the opposite side of that street, except such portions of the development zone that fall outside the boundary of the HPZ, NPZ, or the RND. • Where the subject lot is a corner lot, the development zone includes that lot, the corner lot diagonally opposite that lot, all lots fronting on the same two streets in the same block, and all lots on the opposite sides of those streets, except such portions of the development zone that fall outside the boundary of the HPZ, NPZ, or the RND. • Where the subject lot is located adjacent to a historic zone boundary, the development zone includes that lot, all lots located within the same block, and those lots facing the same street as the subject lot within one block in either direction, except such portions of the zone that fall outside the boundary of the HPZ, NPZ, or the RND. is defined in Section 11.4.5; 4. Copies of old photographs of the 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. to be completely or partially demolished (taken at least 20 years prior to the demolition application), if in the possession of the applicant; 5. Documentation from the County Assessor’s records, the State Historic Preservation Office, or other official government records confirming the year of construction and dates of additions to the 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. to be demolished. Some of this documentation of construction dates may be available at PDSD; 6. A general description of construction materials, such as exterior walls, roofing, windows, porches, and carports Carport A building that does not have walls on two or more sides and is designed for the parking of one or more motor vehicles. of the 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. to be demolished; and, 7. A list of any important historical events or historically significant persons Person Any individual as well as any firm, corporation, partnership, company, or any other form of multiple organization for the carrying on of business. related to the 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. to be demolished, if known to the applicant. G. Documentation Retention Upon approval of the demolition permit, the HPO shall retain one copy as a record of a lost historic resource and forward one copy to the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission for their records.

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/0-0-0-1669Fetched: 10/28/2026