A.   Purpose. The purpose of this zone is to permit the development of golf courses in Pima County while preserving and enhancing water resources, scenic vistas, neighborhoods, property uses and values.

   B.   Use.

      1.   This zone, when superimposed upon any zoning district permits the use of golf courses. Other provisions and requirements of the underlying zones remain applicable.

      2.   Associated business, commercial and residential uses which are not directly in support of the golf course use shall be excluded from the golf course zone. These associated uses shall be provided in the zones with which the golf course zone is combined.

(Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

   Certain terms used in this chapter shall be defined as follows:

      1.   Irrigation water: directly served effluent, reclaimed water or Central Arizona Project (CAP) water, and shall not include effluent, reclaimed water or CAP water stored and recovered pursuant to Title 45, Chapter 3.1, Arizona Revised Statutes.

(Ord. 2006-96 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

   A.   Supporting, related and other uses shall be allowed only as approved with the development plan or by later resolution of the board of supervisors, provided such uses are consistent with the purpose of the golf course zone.

(Ord. 2006-96 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

   A.   Design Standards. The following standards shall control the design, maintenance and operation of golf courses:

      1.   Irrigation.

         a.   Required Water. A golf course zoned on or after January 1, 2007 shall utilize irrigation water, unless otherwise exempted by the board of supervisors. Where a golf course zoned prior to January 1, 2007 is not using irrigation water, water withdrawn for irrigation shall be offset by prior or concurrent recharge of an equivalent amount of CAP water in the Tucson Active Management Area.

         b.   Conversion. If at any time the board of supervisors determines that irrigation water has become available for purchase and a conveyance system for such directly served water is within three miles of the boundary of a golf course established prior to January 1, 2007, the board may direct the golf course to convert to irrigation water. The board may set a reasonable time for conversion;

      2.   Minimum irrigation of fairways and roughs;

      3.   Rough and fairway areas shall make maximum use of existing landforms and indigenous grasses and vegetation;

      4.   Use of "landing areas" rather than fully grassed fairways;

      5.   Landscaping shall be in harmony with the desert environment:

         a.   Trees, shrubs, and groundcovers shall be drought tolerant, non-invasive, low pollen-dispersing, and low water use,

         b.   Use of inorganic groundcovers, rather than turf, is encouraged;

      6.   Water features shall be in context with the area and shall utilize the same source as irrigation water, excluding swimming pools and spas;

      7.   Irrigation water shall be metered;

      8.   Provision shall be made for on-site storage of irrigation water. Storage ponds shall have sealed bottoms;

      9.   The most advanced water conserving irrigation systems shall be employed. Drip irrigation, where feasible, is the preferred method;

      10.   Natural drainageways shall be retained to the maximum extent;

      11.   Golf course design shall respond to the natural topography and drainageways of the site, and employ minimal clearing of native vegetation. Mass grading shall be avoided;

      12.   Buffers shall be provided to protect existing neighborhoods by mitigating the adverse impacts of sound, visibility, and traffic. Buffers may include landscaping, walls, fences, pathways, drainageways, natural features, existing vegetation and open space.

   B.   Off-street Parking. Off-street parking spaces shall be provided in adequate number to serve person employed, residing or visiting on the premises so as to prevent congestion of surrounding streets and promote the safety of the public.

(Ord. 2006-96 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 1999-22 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1998-47 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1995-65 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

   A.   The golf course development plan shall be prepared by professional designers and planners in accordance with Chapter 18.71 (Development Plan) and shall address graphically and in writing the elements of this section. This development plan requirement may be satisfied by a development plan of which a golf course is an element.

   B.   Site analysis. A rezoning site analysis (Chapter 18.91, Rezoning Procedures) may substitute for the golf course site analysis. The site analysis shall include:

      1.   Topography, including the effect of the proposed treatment upon existing land forms;

      2.   Effect of development on views, both on and off-site;

      3.   Existing and projected traffic circulation, including the functional relationship of roads and paths;

      4.   Inventory of existing vegetation and wildlife and analysis of the effect of development;

      5.   Hydrology, including detention, recharge opportunity, drainage, erosion and flood control;

      6.   Applicability of the hillside development zone (Chapter 18.61, HD Hillside Development Zone) and the Buffer Overlay zone (Chapter 18.67, Buffer Overlay Zone);

      7.   Trails opportunities and access provisions;

      8.   Open space and buffers;

      9.   Soils suitability analysis;

   C.   Landscape Plan. The landscape plan shall include:

      1.   Graphic representation of all elements of the development, such as golf course, water features, roads, paths, recreation elements, buildings, walls, patios, and parking areas, as they relate to the landscaping;

      2.   List and legend by common and scientific names of all plants to be used, indicating location and size of plant materials;

      3.   Irrigation plan, including schedules and estimated consumption of irrigation water;

      4.   Identification and location of existing native vegetation intended to be left undisturbed.

   D.   Grading Plan. A Type 2 grading plan shall be required in accordance with Section 18.81.060 (Grading), and the plan shall include appropriate notes or comments relative to special features, conditions or techniques that relate to the golf course.

   E.   Context Analysis: The plans shall also show the existing development and improvements of adjacent properties within six hundred feet of the proposed golf course zone and its associated land uses.

(Ord. 2006-96 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 1986-187 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)

   A.   Establishment and Removal. Requests for establishment or removal of a golf course zone shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 18.91 (Rezoning Procedures), and is supplemented by the requirements outlined in this chapter.

   B.   Submission of Plan. The petitioners for a golf course zone shall submit a golf course preliminary development plan for the entire zone and its associated land uses at the time of application.

   C.   Notice.

      1.   Notice of all public hearings shall be given to owners of property within six hundred feet of the proposed golf course zone.

      2.   Failure to give notice shall not invalidate decisions made.

   D.   Effective Date and Phasing.

      1.   The certificate of compliance for the golf course zone shall be issued when the construction of the golf course and its supporting facilities have been completed in substantial compliance with the approved development plan.

      2.   If a golf course is constructed in phases, a construction schedule must be submitted and approved with the development plan.

      3.   A certificate of compliance for each phase of the golf course zone shall be issued only for that phase completed in substantial compliance with the approved development plan.

   E.   Grading Permits.

      1.   No clearing, brushing or grubbing, grading or development shall be allowed in the proposed golf course zone prior to approval of a Type 2 grading plan and the issuance of a grading permit.

      2.   A golf course grading plan will be accepted and approved only as an element of the required golf course development plan.

      3.   Grading permits will be issued in conjunction with grading plan review and approval by the department of transportation and flood control district.

(Ord. 2006-96 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 1986-187 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 1985-82 (part), 1985)