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Pima County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

37 MU MULTIPLE USE ZONE

18.37.010 Permitted uses.

   A.   Uses permitted:
      1.   All uses as permitted in Section 18.09.020(A) (General Residential and Rural Zoning Provisions);
      2.   Duplex dwelling;
      3.   Multiple dwelling;
      4.   Dwelling group;
      5.   Manufactured or mobile home;
      6.   Manufactured home park in accordance with Section 18.37.065;
      7.   Trailer or trailer court;
      8.   Boarding/rooming house;
      9.   Private stable: In accordance with Section 18.21.010(A)(3) (CR-1 Single Residence Zone);
      10.   Motel;
      11.   Private and parochial school in accordance with Section 18.09.020(A)(1)(g);
      12.   College or governmental structure;
      13.   Community service agency;
      14.   Library or museum;
      15.   Playground or athletic field;
      16.   Public or private utility and facilities;
      17.   Hospital or sanatorium, provided:
         a.   The building site of any hospital is not less than four commercial acres, and
         b.   The buildings of any hospital or sanatorium occupy not more than thirty percent of the building site and are located at least fifty feet from any lot line;
      18.   Clinic;
      19.   Club;
      20.   Club (private, athletic, sport or recreation);
      21.   Keeping chickens in accordance with the restrictions in Section 18.09.020(T)(1) (General Residential and Rural Zoning Provisions);
      22.   Trail-Oriented Development: In accordance with Section 18.07.030(V) (Land use regulations).
(Ord. 2020-24, § 5, 2020; Ord. 2017-36 § 7 (part), 2017; Ord. 2011-2 § 9, 2011; Ord. 1998-37 § 7 (part), 1998; Ord. 1998-36 § 14, 1998; Ord. 1985-153 § 1 (part), 1985; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

18.37.020 MU special uses.

   A.   Any of the uses of Section 18.37.020(B); provided, that:
      1.   The applicant for an MU special use permit submits plans to the zoning inspector for the proposed use; and
      2.   When the zoning inspector finds that the use will create no foreseeable flood, traffic or health hazards or nuisances as defined by the standards adopted by the board of supervisors, the inspector shall then give notice by mail to all property owners of record within three hundred feet of the proposed site of the intention to grant an MU special use permit for the use, and giving any interested person thirty days in which to appeal to the board of adjustment from the inspector's interpretation of the application of the standards in connection with the proposed use; and
      3.   If no appeal is received within thirty days from the date the notices are mailed, the permit shall be issued and become final;
      4.   All uses are subject to Pima County Code Section 18.71 Development Plan Standards; and
      5.   All uses must comply with Section 18.53.020(A) (CI-2 General Industrial Zone).
   B.   Uses conditionally permitted:
      1.   Cemetery or crematory;
      2.   Storage building or warehouse (except if operated in conjunction with a permitted manufacturing or home occupation use, in which case no separate permit shall be required);
      3.   Building material, contractor's or well driller's equipment yard;
      4.   Lumber or commercial feed yard;
      5.   Business: Any use permitted in Section 18.43.030(B) (CB-1 Local Business Zone) and in Section 18.45.030(B) and (C) (CB-2 General Business Zone), except massage establishment, reducing salon or gymnasium, which is expressly prohibited under this chapter;
      6.   Manufacture, processing, assembly or repairing which the board of adjustment determines not objectionable due to odors, smoke, noise, vibration or similar cause. Permitted are the following:
         a.   The manufacture, assembly and repair of advertising displays,
         b.   The processing, assembly and repair of light sheet-metal products, miscellaneous small parts, novelties, toys and merchandise from previously prepared materials such as cellophane, nylon, canvas, cloth, felt, leather, paper, plastics and similar materials;
      7.   The primary assembly of electrical appliances, radios, phonographs, and similar assembly businesses;
      8.   The processing of food products except: meat, fish, sauerkraut, vinegar, yeast, pickles, and the refining of fats and oils, and canneries;
      9.   Beverage bottling plant;
      10.   Laundry, cleaning or dyeing works;
      11.   Auto body or fender repair: If operated in conjunction with a general garage or gasoline service station business;
      12.   Experimental laboratory;
      13.   Radio or television tower or station;
      14.   Veterinary hospital;
      15.   Kennels;
      16.   Commercial stable: In accordance with Section 18.17.030(C)(1) (SR Suburban Ranch Zone);
      17.   Animal Rescue and Sanctuary Facility for cats, dogs, and small household pets, provided that no such building or structure is within one hundred feet of the boundary of an adjacent rural or residentially-zoned property, unless such building or structure is used as a caretaker's residence.
         a.   Owners and operators of such facilities must meet the eligibility requirements of Sections 18.09.020(N)(3) and 18.09.020(N)(5).
      18.   Fair, carnival, circus or tent show: For not more than fifteen days;
      19.   Community food pantry.
(Ord. 2019-5 § 7, 2019; Ord. 2009-59 § 3, 2009; Ord. 2007-81 § 10, 2007; Ord. 1986-125 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

18.37.030 Development standards - Residential.

   A.   Minimum lot area: Seven thousand square feet.
   B.   Minimum lot area per dwelling unit: Three thousand five hundred square feet.
   C.   Minimum lot width: Sixty feet.
   D.   Minimum yard requirements:
      1.   Front: Twenty feet, which may be used to meet off-street parking requirements, or as part of an off-street parking lot;
      2.   Side: Seven feet each;
      3.   Rear: Twenty-five feet.
   E.   Building height limitations:
      1.   Maximum height:
         a.   Thirty-four feet, or,
         b.   Eighty feet for all buildings located outside of the following Approach-Departure Corridors defined in Chapter 18.57:
            i.   ADC-1
            ii.   ADC-2 and greater than 2,500 feet from the ADC-2 boundary,
            iii.   ADC-3.
            Provided that the building is setback a minimum distance equal to double the total building height from any abutting existing permitted single family detached residence. The distance shall be measured from the closest point of the existing residence to the proposed building.
   F.   Minimum distance between main buildings: Fourteen feet.
(Ord. 2019-10 (part), 2019; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

18.37.040 Development standards - Nonresidential.

   A.   Minimum lot area: None.
   B.   Minimum lot width: None.
   C.   Minimum yard requirements:
      1.   Front: Twenty feet, which may be used to meet off-street parking requirements, or as part of an off-street parking lot;
      2.   Side: Seven feet each;
      3.   Rear: Twenty-five feet.
   D.   Building height limitations:
      1.   Maximum height:
         a.   Thirty-four feet; or,
         b.   Eighty feet for all buildings located outside of the following Approach-Departure Corridors defined in Chapter 18.57:
            i.   ADC-1,
            ii.   ADC-2 and greater than 2,500 feet from the ADC-2 boundary,
            iii.   ADC-3.
            Provided that the building is setback a minimum distance equal to double the total building height from any abutting existing permitted single family detached residence. The distance shall be measured from the closest point of the existing residence to the proposed building.
   E.   Minimum distance between main buildings: None.
(Ord. 2019-10 (part), 2019; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

18.37.050 Development standards - Accessory buildings and accessory structures.

   A.   Permitted coverage:
      1.   Residential: Ten percent of the lot area.
      2.   Non-residential: Forty percent of the required rear yard and any additional space within the buildable area.
   B.   Maximum building height:
      1.   Within the required rear yard: Twenty-four feet;
      2.   Within the buildable area: Two stories or Thirty-four feet.
   C.   Minimum distance standards:
      1.   To front lot line: Twenty feet;
      2.   To side lot lines: Four feet;
      3.   To rear lot line: Four feet;
      4.   Accessory structures used to shelter chickens shall be a minimum of twenty feet from any dwelling on adjoining properties.
(Ord. 2017-36 § 7 (part), 2017; Ord. 2004-59 § 18, 2004; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

18.37.060 Mobile home subdivision option.

   A.   Scope:
      1.   Single residential lots may be individually owned if so indicated upon a recorded subdivision plat setting forth the area of individual ownership;
      2.   Dwelling units permitted in a mobile home subdivision may be of one, or a combination of any one of the three generally defined types:
         a.   Mobile,
         b.   Manufactured, or
         c.   Site-built;
      3.   Where common areas, private roads, or common open spaces are provided, a mandatory homeowners' association shall accept the responsibilities of maintenance, liability and control of private streets and common areas.
   B.   Development standards:
      1.   Minimum area: Eighteen thousand square feet, exclusive of adjacent rights-of-way;
      2.   Maximum density: One dwelling unit per three thousand five hundred square feet;
      3.   Minimum individual lot area: None;
      4.   Minimum individual lot width: None;
      5.   Minimum yard requirements: None. Zero lot-line siting of units on individual lots is permissible, subject to applicable county building codes (Title 15) and Section 18.09.060(D) (General Residential and Rural Zoning Provisions);
      6.   Maximum building height: Thirty-four feet;
      7.   Minimum distance between detached dwelling units: Fourteen feet;
      8.   Off-street parking: Two off-street parking spaces per unit shall be provided;
      9.   Required buffers:
         a.   In lieu of yard setbacks, a permanent buffer of ten feet shall be required along all subdivision boundaries wherein no structures exceeding six feet in height shall be placed,
         b.   A six-foot masonry wall, fence, opaque landscape screen or any combination thereof shall be provided on all subdivision boundaries except at vehicle or pedestrian access locations;
            1)   At vehicle access locations, such screening shall be no more than thirty-six inches high for a distance of twenty feet on either side of the opening,
            2)   Appropriate covenants shall be placed in effect to insure the continued maintenance of such walls, fences and screens;
      10.   Streets and utilities:
         a.   Streets shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 18.69.040 (Subdivision Standards),
         b.   Curbs shall be installed on both sides of all streets and sidewalks shall be placed on at least one side of all streets,
         c.   Underground utilities shall be provided;
      11.   Siting:
         a.   All mobile home units shall be secured to permanent masonry or concrete foundations,
         b.   The wheels and axles shall be removed;
      12.   The lots so created shall be subject to all other subdivision regulations of this code.
   C.   Accessory buildings:
      1.   Accessory buildings shall conform to the requirements of Section 18.37.050;
      2.   Carports and patio covers, open on two sides, shall be considered accessory buildings, except that:
         a.   They may be attached to the dwelling unit,
         b.   The front yard setback shall be four feet, and
         c.   The side and rear yard setbacks shall be three feet;
      3.   Any side of a carport or patio cover located within fourteen feet of the main dwelling unit on the adjacent lot shall not be enclosed.
   D.   Landscaping:
      1.   A landscape plan shall be developed for the subdivision to insure unity of design;
      2.   Covenants shall be recorded, providing for the continuation and maintenance of the landscaping;
      3.   Approval of the landscape plan by the county subdivision review staff shall be a prerequisite for approval of a development plan or final plat;
      4.   Each subdivision lot shall have at least one functionally placed shade tree, indigenous to, or in harmony with the area, of fifteen gallons or larger size at the time of planning;
      5.   Tree species shall be desert hardy, low pollen producing and low in water requirement.
   E.   Common areas and private areas:
      1.   A minimum of five percent of the gross subdivision area shall be devoted to recreational facilities or common, functionally usable, open space;
      2.   Private outdoor living and service space shall be provided as necessary to assure reasonable privacy and shall be partially paved or hard surfaced for garden furniture;
         a.   It shall be located for privacy, convenience and optimum use,
         b.   The minimum area shall be not less than four hundred square feet,
         c.   The paved or hard surfaced area, included in the outdoor living area, shall not be less than one hundred square feet.
(Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

18.37.065 Development standards - Manufactured home park.

   All manufactured home parks shall comply with the following development requirements:
   A.   Minimum site area: Fourteen thousand square feet.
   B.   Minimum area per dwelling unit: Three thousand five hundred square feet.
   C.   Minimum site width: Sixty feet.
   D.   Minimum site setbacks:
      1.   Front: Twenty feet.
      2.   Side: Seven feet.
      3.   Rear: Ten feet.
   E.   Minimum distance between units: Fourteen feet.
   F.   Off-street parking: Per Section 18.75 (Off-street Parking and Loading Standards.)
   G.   Minimum bufferyard: "C."
      1.   For sites less than eighteen thousand square feet in area, the five-foot bufferyard "C" option may be used on all sides of the site and a chain link fence perimeter structure may be used.
      2.   All other landscaping requirements per Chapter 18.73 (Landscaping, Buffering, and Screening Standards).
   H.   Detached accessory buildings:
      1.   Maximum site coverage: Twenty-five percent of the rear yard setback area for the site.
      2.   Maximum height: Twenty-four feet.
      3.   Minimum distances required:
         a.   To dwelling units or other buildings: Seven feet.
         b.   To front site setback: Thirty feet for an entryway building used to control access, and for all other buildings.
         c.   To side site setback: Seven feet.
         d.   To rear site setback: Ten feet.
   I.   Storage area:
   A manufactured home park may include a detached, accessory open storage area for the storage of a travel trailer, boat, automobile recreational vehicle, noncommercial truck, motorcycle, or similar vehicle owned by residents of the park.
      1.   Only residents of the park may use or have access to the open storage area.
      2.   All vehicles must be operable. Storage of junk or inoperable vehicles is not permitted.
      3.   A minimum five-foot wide buffer shall be provided around and abutting the entire storage area, except at the point of access. The buffer shall at a minimum include all of the following:
         a.   A minimum six-foot high opaque screen wall or fence.
         b.   A fifteen-gallon canopy tree for each twenty linear feet of buffer length.
         c.   A five-gallon desert shrub for each twenty linear feet of buffer length.
         d.   Two one-gallon accents, flowers or vines for each twenty linear feet of buffer length.
         e.   Decomposed granite or other acceptable groundcover over the entire buffer surface.
         f.   Plant materials within the buffer shall be selected from the official regulatory plant list, Section 18.73.030A (Landscape Design Manual).
   J.   Paving: All driveways and parking areas shall be surfaced with a durable asphalt, concrete, stone, tile or brick surface consistent with pavement design standards and principles and engineered according to soil conditions and anticipated wheel loads.
   K.   Exception: The requirements of this section do not apply to a manufactured home park which was permitted prior to May 26, 1998. Such a manufactured home park must comply with the zoning standards in place at the time the manufactured home park was permitted.
(Ord. 1998-37 § 7 (part), 1998)

18.37.070 Lot development option.

   A.   Refer to Section 18.09.060 (General Residential and Rural Zoning Provisions) for the provisions of the lot development option.
(Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)