APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Tucson Unified Development Code § 3.2.3

in effect

3.2.3. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS A. Application Required 1. The Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. of the Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) initiates the review and processing of a complete application, except as provided below. The PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. shall make a determination of application completeness. An application is considered complete if it is submitted in the required form, includes all mandatory information, including all supporting materials specified in the Administrative Manual, and is accompanied by the applicable fee. Rezoning applications shall also submit evidence of plan compliance to be considered complete. If the application is determined to be complete, the application shall then be processed according to this article. 2. If an application is determined to be incomplete, the PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. shall provide notice to the applicant with an explanation of the application’s deficiencies. Incomplete submittals are generally not accepted for review. However, if an incomplete submittal is accepted for review, the applicant should be aware that, because of a lack of information, the review will take longer since comments cannot be finalized until after the re-submittal when the required information is provided. 3. Applications submitted with false or misleading information shall be deemed incomplete. B. Sequential or Concurrent Review Process 1. Where an application under this section requires review under more than one review procedure, the PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. shall determine whether reviews will be conducted sequentially or concurrently, based upon the issues raised by each application. 2. Where the Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. determines that reviews will be conducted sequentially, the date of acceptance for each procedure shall commence upon the date of decision of the prior procedure unless otherwise stated by the PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. . C. Appeal Procedure for Denial of Plan Compliance If an application is rejected because it is not consistent with the General Plan General Plan A comprehensive declaration of purposes, policies, and programs to guide the growth and development of the City and its environs, addressing the following elements: land use; circulation; conservation and environmental planning; parks, recreation, open space, and trails; public buildings, services, and facilities; cultural heritage; housing; conservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment; safety; human resources; government; economic development; community character and design; growth area and population; cost of development; and water resources. or any applicable specific plan Specific Plan A detailed policy plan or regulation that implements the General Plan or any of the elements of that Plan. Specific plans include subregional, area, and neighborhood plans; the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan; the Unified Development Code (UDC); and any other similar plan. , the rejection of the application may be appealed by the applicant in accordance with Section 3.9.2, Mayor and Council Appeal Procedure. D. Suspension and Withdrawal of a Rezoning or Plan Amendment Plan Amendment A proposed change(s) to a plan previously adopted by Mayor and Council. Application 1. For rezoning and plan amendments Plan Amendment A proposed change(s) to a plan previously adopted by Mayor and Council. only, an applicant may suspend an application at any time prior to the date published notice is given for the public hearing before the Planning Commission or the Zoning Examiner. When requested in writing by the applicant, the PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. may authorize a delay of the plan amendment Plan Amendment A proposed change(s) to a plan previously adopted by Mayor and Council. process for a maximum of 90 days Days Days of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. To apply days to a review schedule, the day of the event or act from which the designated period of time begins shall not be included. The last day of the designated period shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, in which event the period runs to the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. When a designated period of time is less than ten days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall not be included. Holidays are those recognized by the City of Tucson. . The applicant may request in writing an additional delay(s). The PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. may delay the amendment process to permit a number of related plan amendment Plan Amendment A proposed change(s) to a plan previously adopted by Mayor and Council. applications to be considered at the same time. An application shall not be suspended for more than one year from the date of acceptance of the application. 2. The PDSD Director Director The chief executive officer of a City department. may withdraw a plan amendment Plan Amendment A proposed change(s) to a plan previously adopted by Mayor and Council. application at any time and at the request of the applicant and/or the party Party As applicable to a public review process, means any of the following: • Applicant; • All owners of record of property within the property owners notification area specified by the applicable development process and any tenants residing on such property; • The City, including applicable Ward offices; or, • Any person, organization, group, or governmental entity which demonstrates to the hearing body a substantial interest in the matter before it or receives a particular and direct impact which is distinguishable from the effects or impacts upon the general public. who paid the filing fee. PDSD shall determine if the applicant is eligible for a refund, and if so, the amount of fees to be refunded. TABLE 3.2-1 PUBLIC NOTICE AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS Procedure | Section | Pre- Application Conference | Neighborhood Meeting | NOTICE** | Decision Maker | Appeal Mailing/Distance* | Posted | Published | Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Association A neighborhood association registered with the City./ Distance | Application Acceptance | Notice of Decision ZONING ADMINISTRATOR INTERPRETATION TABLE 3.2-1 PUBLIC NOTICE AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS Procedure | Section | Pre- Application Conference | Neighborhood Meeting | NOTICE** | Decision Maker | Appeal Mailing/Distance* | Posted | Published | Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Association A neighborhood association registered with the City./ Distance | Application Acceptance | Notice of Decision ZONING ADMINISTRATOR INTERPRETATION ZA Interpretation of UDCUnified 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. | 1.5.1 | | | | | | | R | See Sec. 1.5.1 | ZA | B/A ZONING COMPLIANCE REVIEW 100' Notice | 3.3.4.E | | | R/100' | | | R/NA of the siteSite 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. | R | R | PDSD DirectorDirector The chief executive officer of a City department. | B/A 400' Notice | 3.3.5 | R | R | R/400' | | | R/1 mile | R | R | PDSD DirectorDirector The chief executive officer of a City department. | M/C NPZ Design Review | 5.10.3 | R | | R/100' | | | R/NA of the siteSite 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. | | R | PDSD DirectorDirector The chief executive officer of a City department. | DRB PDSD ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL Minor SubdivisionMinor Subdivision A subdivision that complies with the criteria established for minor subdivisions in Section 8.4.3, Minor Subdivision. A Minor Subdivision may be accomplished with less documentation than other subdivisions. & Block PlatBlock Plat A map of a subdivision that consists of ten or fewer lots the size of which are in conformance with the applicable zoning requirements for lot size. | 8.4.3.E | R | | | | | | | | M/C | FLD SubdivisionSubdivision Any division of land, improved or unimproved, for the purpose of financing, sales, or lease, whether immediate or future, in one of four ways: A. Any property whose boundaries are fixed by a recorded plat, which is divided into three or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; B. Any property whose boundaries are not fixed by a recorded plat which is divided into four or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; C. Any property that requires the development of a new street, which is divided into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land; or, D. Any condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse, or similar project containing four or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon. PlatPlat A map of a subdivision. The term “plat” includes: A. Block Plat A map of a subdivision that consists of ten or fewer lots the size of which are in conformance with the applicable zoning requirements for lot size. B. Tentative Plat A graphic representation of a proposed subdivision, including supporting data, designed and prepared in accordance with the subdivision provisions of this Article, any other local applicable regulation, and state statute. A tentative plat is the same as a preliminary plat as defined in state statute. C. Final Plat A survey document suitable for recordation of all or part of a subdivision substantially conforming to an approved tentative plat, if a tentative plat is required, prepared in accordance with the subdivision provisions of this Article, any other local applicable regulation, and state statute. D. Recorded Plat A fully executed final plat, bearing all required signatures and certificates of approval, that has been recorded in the Pima County Recorder’s Office. or Site PlanSite 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. | 8.7.3.P | | R | R/400' | | | R/1 mile | R | | Varies (see Sec. 8.7.3.P) | CCT, Except Master Plan | 5.11 | R | | R/400' | | | R/1 mile | | | Varies (see Sec. 5.11) | CCT Master Plan | 5.11.8 | R | R | R/400' | | | R/1 mile | | | PDSD Director | SPECIAL EXCEPTION LAND USESLand Use A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses. PDSD DirectorDirector The chief executive officer of a City department. SE | 3.4.2 | | | R/100' | | | R/NA of the siteSite 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. | R | R | PDSD DirectorDirector The chief executive officer of a City department. | B/A ZE SE | 3.4.3 | R | R | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | R | | ZE | M/C M/C SE | 3.4.4 | R | R | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | R | | M/C | REZONING/ZONING EXAMINER LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE RZ/ To Establish PAD | 3.5 | R | R | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | R | R | M/C | Rezoning to Establish a PCD | 3.5.6.E | R | R | R/1/2 mile | R | R | R/2 mile | R | R | M/C | Major Change to RZ condition; SiteSite 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. Specific Establishment of an Overlay ZoneZone 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. ; Major amendments to PAD, PCD | 3.5 | R | R | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | R | R | M/C | LAND USELand Use A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses. PLAN ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT Readoption of General PlanGeneral Plan A comprehensive declaration of purposes, policies, and programs to guide the growth and development of the City and its environs, addressing the following elements: land use; circulation; conservation and environmental planning; parks, recreation, open space, and trails; public buildings, services, and facilities; cultural heritage; housing; conservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment; safety; human resources; government; economic development; community character and design; growth area and population; cost of development; and water resources. | 3.6 | Notice is in conformanceConformance To be in agreement with; to comply with. with the requirements of A.R.S. § 9-461.06 | M/C | Adoption of MS&R, Redev. or Specific PlanSpecific Plan A detailed policy plan or regulation that implements the General Plan or any of the elements of that Plan. Specific plans include subregional, area, and neighborhood plans; the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan; the Unified Development Code (UDC); and any other similar plan. | 3.6 | Notice is in conformanceConformance To be in agreement with; to comply with. with the requirements of A.R.S. § 9-461.06. For Redevelopment Plans, notice must be published for 2 consecutive weeks in compliance with A.R.S. § 36-1479 | M/C | SiteSite 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. -Specific Amendment to Gen. Plan, MS&R, Redevelopment or Specific PlanSpecific Plan A detailed policy plan or regulation that implements the General Plan or any of the elements of that Plan. Specific plans include subregional, area, and neighborhood plans; the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan; the Unified Development Code (UDC); and any other similar plan. | 3.6 | R | R | R/400' | | R | R/1 mile | | | M/C | UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODEUnified 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. TEXT AMENDMENT Text Amendment, General | 3.7 | | | | | R/1/8th page display ad | | | | M/C | Text Amend. Creating or Amending an Overlay zoneZone 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. | 3.7 | | R | R/400' & all owners within Overlay ZoneZone 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. | | R/1/8th page display ad | R/All NA registered with the CityCity Same as City of Tucson. | | | M/C | APPEALS PROCEDURES DRB Appeal | 3.9.1 | | | R/100' | | | R/NA of the siteSite 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. | | R | M/C | M/C Appeal | 3.9.2 | | | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | | R | M/C | Takings Appeal | 3.9.3.C | | | | | | | | R/Applicant only | ZA | BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPEAL AND VARIANCE B/A Appeal | 3.10.2 | | | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | | R | B/A | B/A Variance | 3.10.3 | R | R | R/400' | R | R | R/1 mile | R | R | B/A | ADMINISTRATIVE MODIFICATIONS DDO | 3.11.1 | | | R/100' | | | R/NA of the siteSite 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. | R | R | PDSD DirectorDirector The chief executive officer of a City department. | B/A MISCELLANEOUS APPROVALS Protected Development RightProtected Development Right As provided in A.R.S. §9-1201, a protected development right is the right to undertake and complete the development and use of property under the terms and conditions of a protected development right plan, without compliance with subsequent changes in zoning regulations and development standards, except as provided by A.R.S. §9-1204. | 3.12.2 | | | | | | | | R to applicant only | M/C | B/A=Board of AdjustmentDDO=Development Design OptionDRB=Design Review BoardM/C=Mayor and CouncilMDR= Modification of Development Regulations | MS&R=Major Streets and Routes PlanMajor 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.NA=Neighborhood AssociationNeighborhood Association A neighborhood association registered with the City.PDSD=Planning & Development Services DepartmentPH=Public Hearing | RND=Rio Nuevo DistrictRZ=Rezoning ZA=Zoning AdministratorZE=Zoning Examiner**See also Special Notice Requirements in Section 3.2.4.B.6 & 7 (Am. Ord. 11070, 5/14/2013; Am. Ord. 11127, 11/6/2013; Am. Ord. 11171, 5/20/2014; Am. Ord. 11732, 2/19/2020; Am. Ord. 11996, 3/21/2023; Am. Ord. 12152, 3/18/2025)

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/0-0-0-741Fetched: 10/28/2026