DEFINITIONS - N

Tucson Unified Development Code § 11.4.15

in effect

11.4.15. DEFINITIONS - N Native Plant Preservation Plan A graphic representation of a project site Project Site In general application, the area of the project. A site may be any number of contiguous lots, separated by no more than 600 feet, or it may be one lot. As applicable in Section 5.6, Airport Environs Zone (AEZ), the land area designated for development and managed as a single entity, exclusive of any abutting public right-of-way. The project site utilizes common facilities such as parking, structures, and vehicular and pedestrian access. Noncontiguous lots shall, at a minimum, be connected by pedestrian facilities. that includes, but is not limited to, an aerial photograph, at a minimum scale of one inch equals 100 feet, indicating the project site Project Site In general application, the area of the project. A site may be any number of contiguous lots, separated by no more than 600 feet, or it may be one lot. As applicable in Section 5.6, Airport Environs Zone (AEZ), the land area designated for development and managed as a single entity, exclusive of any abutting public right-of-way. The project site utilizes common facilities such as parking, structures, and vehicular and pedestrian access. Noncontiguous lots shall, at a minimum, be connected by pedestrian facilities. boundaries and individual native plants or native plant preservation areas to be assessed and utilized to satisfy preservation standards. Based on the Native Plant Preservation methodology selected by the applicant, additional Plan elements will be required. Native Vegetation Plants indigenous to 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. and to areas contiguous Contiguous Same as Abutting. Abutting Having a common boundary. Parcels or lots having only a common corner are not considered abutting. to 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. . Natural Grade The topographic configuration of land, graphically represented by contour lines, prior to any grading Grading Any excavating, filling, or combination thereof. or other human disturbance. Natural Open Space Any area of land, essentially unimproved and not occupied by structures Structure A physical element constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to another physical element having a fixed location at, below, or above grade. Structures include such elements as, but are not limited to, buildings, paved areas, walls, fences, posts, and patios. or man-made impervious surfaces, except as permitted herein, that is set aside, dedicated Dedicated The act of giving a gift or donation to another person or entity and that such gift or donation has been accepted. , or reserved in perpetuity for public or private enjoyment as a preservation or conservation area. A pedestrian or non-motorized recreational trail Non-motorized Recreational Trail A publicly accessible, improved or natural path designed for pedestrians, equestrians, bicycles - including electric bicycles, if local regulations permit - and manual and electric wheelchairs. may be located in a natural open space Open Space Open space is the aggregate of “natural undisturbed open space (NUOS),” “natural open space” and “functional open space.” . Rights-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. (including alleys) and utilities Utilities Services such as gas, electric, water, telephone, and cable television. are allowed to cross when the impact of the crossing on the natural open space Open Space Open space is the aggregate of “natural undisturbed open space (NUOS),” “natural open space” and “functional open space.” is minimized. Natural Undisturbed Open Space An area of land that is unimproved and not occupied by structures Structure A physical element constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to another physical element having a fixed location at, below, or above grade. Structures include such elements as, but are not limited to, buildings, paved areas, walls, fences, posts, and patios. or man-made impervious surfaces and includes environmentally significant features (as identified in the Environmental Resource 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. ; Hillside Development 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. ; and, Watercourse Amenities, Safety and Habitat 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. ), culturally significant features (features eligible for National Register status as identified during the cultural resource assessment process), or designated floodplains (except where channelized). Neighborhood Association A neighborhood association registered with the City City Same as City of Tucson. . Neighborhood Character The combination of various defining characteristics of 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. and 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. within a 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. that creates and conveys the historic significance and visual character of a neighborhood. These characteristics include scale and proportion Proportion The relationship between the width and height of a building’s front facade, windows, and doors. , architectural style and detail, open spaces Open Space Open space is the aggregate of “natural undisturbed open space (NUOS),” “natural open space” and “functional open space.” , spatial relationships, and landscaping Landscaping An exterior improvement of a site in accordance with an approved landscape plan and approved landscape methods, materials, and maintenance. . Net Acreage The remaining ground area after deleting all portions for proposed and existing public 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 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. , 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. , or subdivision Subdivision 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. . Networked Electric Vehicle (EV) Station An EV charging unit that is part of an EVSE network, connected via the internet, and that can provide functions such as billing, access control and real time updates while charging. Information can be accessed remotely, such as through a smart phone app. Noise Control District-A (NCD-A) A specifically designated noise exposure area at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base where the existing and predicted average noise levels are 65 to 70 Ldn Ldn (Day-Night Average Sound Level)] Ldn values are expressed in decibels and represent the average noise level over a 24-hour period for an average day of the year. For Tucson International Airport, the Ldn values are calculated based on an FAA integrated noise model, which averages noise over a 365-day year. For Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ldn values are calculated based on the Department of Defense Noise Map model that averages noise over the total flying days of the year. . Noise Control District-B (NCD-B) A specifically designated noise exposure area at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base where the existing and predicted average noise levels are 70 Ldn Ldn (Day-Night Average Sound Level)] Ldn values are expressed in decibels and represent the average noise level over a 24-hour period for an average day of the year. For Tucson International Airport, the Ldn values are calculated based on an FAA integrated noise model, which averages noise over a 365-day year. For Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ldn values are calculated based on the Department of Defense Noise Map model that averages noise over the total flying days of the year. or higher. Noise Control District-65 (NCD-65) As applied in Section 5.6, Airport Airport Any area of land designed and set for the landing and taking off of aircraft. Environs 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. (AEZ), a specifically designated noise exposure area at Tucson International Airport Airport Any area of land designed and set for the landing and taking off of aircraft. where the existing and predicted average noise levels are 65 to 70 Ldn Ldn (Day-Night Average Sound Level)] Ldn values are expressed in decibels and represent the average noise level over a 24-hour period for an average day of the year. For Tucson International Airport, the Ldn values are calculated based on an FAA integrated noise model, which averages noise over a 365-day year. For Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ldn values are calculated based on the Department of Defense Noise Map model that averages noise over the total flying days of the year. . Noise Control District-70 (NCD-70) As applied in Section 5.6, Airport Airport Any area of land designed and set for the landing and taking off of aircraft. Environs 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. (AEZ), a specifically designated noise exposure area at Tucson International Airport Airport Any area of land designed and set for the landing and taking off of aircraft. where the existing and predicted average noise levels are 70 Ldn Ldn (Day-Night Average Sound Level)] Ldn values are expressed in decibels and represent the average noise level over a 24-hour period for an average day of the year. For Tucson International Airport, the Ldn values are calculated based on an FAA integrated noise model, which averages noise over a 365-day year. For Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ldn values are calculated based on the Department of Defense Noise Map model that averages noise over the total flying days of the year. or higher. Nominal Cost A cost that is very small, or negligible, bearing no relation to the real value at the time of transaction. Such cost should not exceed $500 or the minimal cost of transferring ownership, whichever is less. Non-Chartered Financial Institution A use, other than state State Same as the State of Arizona. or federally chartered bank, credit union, mortgage lender or savings and loan association, that offers deferred presentment services as defined in A.R.S. § 6-1251(3) or check cashing services and loans for payment of a percentage fee. Specifically included are check cashing businesses that charge a percentage fee for cashing a check or negotiable instrument, payday loan businesses that make loans upon assignment of wages received and auto title lenders who offer a short-term loan with a car title as a means to secure the loan. Nonconforming Sign (7A) A sign lawfully erected or altered in conformance with applicable regulations, including a sign lawfully existing in the county at the time of annexation, that no longer complies with the sign standards due to amendments to this sign code adopted subsequent to the approved permit for the sign or the annexation. Nonconforming Structure or 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. A structure Structure A physical element constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to another physical element having a fixed location at, below, or above grade. Structures include such elements as, but are not limited to, buildings, paved areas, walls, fences, posts, and patios. or portion thereof that was lawfully erected or altered or a 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. that was legally established that no longer complies with the specific land use Land Use A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses. standards of the Unified Development Code (UDC) 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. applicable to the zoning category in which 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. or structure Structure A physical element constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to another physical element having a fixed location at, below, or above grade. Structures include such elements as, but are not limited to, buildings, paved areas, walls, fences, posts, and patios. or 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. is located. Nonconforming Use An existing land use Land Use A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses. activity lawfully established and maintained which no longer complies with land use Land Use A description of the existing or proposed occupancy or utilization of land that include the principal use and accessory uses. standards of the Unified Development Code (UDC) 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. applicable to the zoning category in which 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. activity is located. Noncontributing Property 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. , object, 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. , or structure Structure A physical element constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to another physical element having a fixed location at, below, or above grade. Structures include such elements as, but are not limited to, buildings, paved areas, walls, fences, posts, and patios. that does not add to a historic 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. ’s sense of time, place, or historic 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. . A Noncontributing Property may be a nonhistoric incompatible property, a historic architecturally compromised property, or an Intrusion Intrusion A building, object, site, structure, or portion thereof that detracts from a district’s historic significance because of its architectural incompatibility with the district’s time, place, and historic development or its incompatibility of scale, materials, or texture or a building, object, site, or structure whose historic architectural integrity has been irretrievably lost. . Non-motorized Recreational Trail A publicly accessible, improved or natural path designed for pedestrians, equestrians, bicycles - including electric bicycles, if local regulations permit - and manual and electric wheelchairs. Non-networked Electric Vehicle (EV) Station A stand-alone EV charging unit that is not part of an EVSE network. Nuisance A condition or use on the property that endangers life or health, gives offense to the senses, or obstructs the reasonable and comfortable use of other property, or any combination of these effects. (Am. Ord. 11508, 12/5/2017; 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/0-0-0-7917Fetched: 10/28/2026