TYPES OF REZONING ORDINANCES
Tucson Unified Development Code § 3.5.2
in effect3.5.2. TYPES OF REZONING ORDINANCES
All rezoning ordinances require compliance with one or more conditions of rezoning including substantial compliance with the preliminary 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.
submitted in support of the rezoning application. The three types of rezoning ordinances, all considered final actions, are as follows.
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.
Permit
This is the standard type of rezoning ordinance. In addition to other conditions of rezoning, 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.
permit rezoning ordinance requires issuance 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.
permit for construction of the principal 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.
(s) on the rezoning 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.
to effectuate the rezoning. Permits issued for grading
Grading
Any excavating, filling, or combination thereof.
, electrical, sidewalks
Sidewalk
A constructed pedestrian circulation path meeting, at a minimum, the specifications for construction listed in this code or the Technical Manual.
, patio walls, fences, storage 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.
, and other similar types of 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.
will not effectuate the rezoning. 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.
permit must be secured within the time period allowed for the rezoning case. If all conditions of rezoning are met prior to expiration of the rezoning approval, the new zoning becomes effective, and the zoning map is changed to reflect the new zoning.
B. 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.
Plat
Plat
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.
1. This type of rezoning ordinance requires compliance with the conditions of rezoning, including the completion of the rezoning process through the recordation of a 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.
plat
Plat
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.
. Where the plat
Plat
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.
demonstrates compliance with the conditions and the 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.
plat
Plat
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.
is approved and recorded within the time period allowed, the new zoning becomes effective, and the zoning base maps are changed to reflect the new zoning.
2. The use of this type of ordinance is generally limited to single-family
Family
Any number of individuals customarily living together as a single household and using common cooking facilities.
residential projects
Project
A development, consisting of one or more contiguous lots, planned and constructed to function as a single entity, utilizing common or shared facilities, structures, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian access.
, where division of 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.
is such that the property cannot be used for other purposes without replatting. Staff may recommend the use of this type of ordinance for other forms of 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.
where, in staff’s opinion, the same intent can be accomplished. In such instances where there is a 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.
approved for the project
Project
A development, consisting of one or more contiguous lots, planned and constructed to function as a single entity, utilizing common or shared facilities, structures, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian access.
, and the project
Project
A development, consisting of one or more contiguous lots, planned and constructed to function as a single entity, utilizing common or shared facilities, structures, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian access.
is a large multi-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.
with phased construction, the 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.
plat
Plat
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.
can be a 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.
(or master) 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.
plat
Plat
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.
, with each 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.
encompassing 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.
area.
3. Under this option, a rezoning ordinance may be forwarded to the Mayor and Council based on an approved tentative plat
Plat
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.
, provided it can be shown that all conditions of rezoning have been met, with the exception of the recordation of the plat
Plat
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.
. The effectuation of the rezoning is subject to the recordation of the final plat
Plat
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.
prior to the expiration of the time period applicable to the rezoning. Although an ordinance may be adopted based on the approved tentative plat
Plat
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.
, no permits may be issued on the project
Project
A development, consisting of one or more contiguous lots, planned and constructed to function as a single entity, utilizing common or shared facilities, structures, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian access.
until the plat
Plat
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.
has been recorded and the new zoning has become effective.
C. 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.
Inspection
This type of rezoning ordinance applies to those rezoning applications where the eventual 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.
to the property do not require the issuance 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.
permit or the recordation of a 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.
plat
Plat
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.
. The rezoning ordinance requires conditions of rezoning, including the requirement that a 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.
inspection be conducted to verify that the Mayor and Council conditions of rezoning have been met. The purpose of 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.
inspection is to verify that 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.
have been installed on the rezoning 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.
within the time period allowed, in accordance with an 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.
. Once 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 inspected and compliance is confirmed, the new zoning becomes effective, and the zoning base maps are changed to reflect the new zoning.
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/0-0-0-1105Fetched: 10/28/2026
