San Luis City Zoning Code

18.25 Single

Residence Zoning Districts

18.25.010 General requirements – Single residence zoning districts.

(A) Purpose. The single residence districts are designed to provide for a range of single-dwelling neighborhoods. The purpose of these districts is to protect the stability of existing land uses, existing neighborhoods, and to encourage new residential developments that encompass the many lifestyles and areas of the City. It is also the intent of these districts to accommodate the needs of single residence neighborhoods by providing for associated, limited, nonresidential uses. The single residence districts are further delineated in the following categories:

(1) “RA-10” Rural Area Residential;

(2) “SR-5,” “SR-2” Suburban Ranch Residential;

(3) “R1-35,” “R1-20” Low Density Residential; and

(4) “R1-12,” “R1-8” and “R1-6” Medium Density Residential. Lots of less than 6,000 square feet per dwelling unit shall not be permitted from and after March 1, 2016.

(B) Review Process. All nonresidential construction within any single residence zoning district shall require site plan review by the Zoning Administrator prior to the applicant’s submittal for building or grading permits. All applications for site plan review shall comply with the submittal requirements outlined in SLCC 18.15.070. The required fee shall accompany all applications.

(C) Development Standards. The development regulations required for each specific single residence zoning district are outlined in Table No. 3 of this chapter. These standards provide certainty to property owners, developers, and neighbors about the limits of what is allowed.

(1) General Provisions. The general provisions in Chapter 18.70 SLCC shall apply.

(2) Parking Regulations. The parking regulations in Chapter 18.75 SLCC shall apply.

(3) Signs. All signage proposed shall comply with Chapter 18.80 SLCC.

(4) Outdoor Lighting. All outdoor lighting shall comply with Chapter 18.85 SLCC. (Ord. 312 § 2(5.0), passed 4-11-2012; Ord. 347 § 2, passed 1-27-2016. Code 2012 § 152.075.)

18.25.020 “RA-10” Rural Area Residential Zoning District.

(A) Purpose. The purpose of this district is to conserve and preserve farms and agricultural related activities and resources. The intent is to protect areas that have prime agricultural soils and existing or desired agricultural uses from incompatible land uses and urban encroachment and foster orderly growth in rural areas. This district is appropriate where rural development with minimal public facilities and services is desired or programmed, and in conjunction with the Airport Overlay Zoning District.

(1) One single residential detached dwelling unit per lot of record.

(2) Farms/ranches and related farming/ranching activities for the production of crops and/or raising of animals but not including: dairies; concentrated animal feeding operations; swine, ratites or poultry farms. Farm and ranch uses shall be in compliance with the following standards:

(a) Application of pesticides shall comply with the buffer requirements of A.R.S. § 3-365 as it relates to schools, day cares and adjacent residential uses;

(b) Animals must be contained and the containment must be within the buildable area of the lot. Only pasture and grazing activity may occur outside of the buildable area of the lot;

(c) Ranch uses may include the following equine activities: boarding, breeding, training, and the sale of animals owned by the rancher;

(d) All activity and pasture areas shall be grassed, sprinkled or treated with regularly tilled organic soil mix for dust suppression; and

(e) All feeding areas and the structures used to house or cover the animals shall conform to the yard setback regulations of Table No. 3.

(3) Farm/ranch headquarters office to conduct business related to farming and ranching operations.

(4) Private or commercial apiaries in accordance with all applicable state regulations.

(5) Private or commercial aquaculture.

(6) Plant nurseries and greenhouses for the propagation, cultivation and wholesale distribution of plants produced on the premises, without retail sales.

(7) Roadside produce stands for the sale of farm/ranch products produced on the premises.

(8) Storage of agricultural related equipment used on the premises and temporary storage of agricultural products used and/or produced on the premises.

(9) Kennels for the boarding or lodging, breeding, or training of small domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, provided the animals are kept within the confines of an exercise area and a sound-attenuated kennel. Animals shall not run at large and shall not number more than five animals per acre with a total of no more than 50 animals under any circumstance. A specific plan for the physical containment and location of waste storage and/or disposal, which minimizes odor and fly impacts on adjacent lots or parcels, must be provided. All kennels shall comply with City and/or state licensing requirements.

(10) One guest house may be permitted on the same lot as a principal residence, provided the guest house complies with the following standards:

(a) The guest house must conform to all minimum density, area, building and yard regulations as that of the principal structure;

(b) The guest house shall be located in the buildable area of the lot;

(d) The guest house may not exceed 50% of the gross square footage of the livable area of the primary structure;

(e) The guest house must be connected to all of the primary structure’s electric, water and gas meters;

(f) The guest house may not be used for any commercial or nonresidential uses; and

(g) A guest house may not be used for rental purposes.

(11) Public and private parks.

(12) Public and private open space preserves.

(13) Public or private utility installation and services including storage facilities, booster stations, lift stations, wastewater treatment plants, and generating plants but not including business offices.

(14) Accessory buildings and accessory uses as prescribed in Chapter 18.70 SLCC.

(1) Secondary residential dwellings, in conjunction with a farm, to meet the residential needs of farm employees provided it complies with the following standards:

(a) The residential units for farm employees shall not be used for any commercial or nonresidential uses, leased to nonfarm employees and/or otherwise used for income purposes; and

(b) A recreational vehicle may be used for accessory agricultural living purposes provided it is placed only within the buildable area of the lot, and shall not be occupied for more than four months out of any 12-month period.

(2) Agricultural processing, including cotton ginning and compressing, grist milling services, seed milling, corn shelling services, produce packing, and other contract sorting, grading and packing services.

(3) Retail sales in conjunction with a plant nursery or greenhouse for the sale of plants propagated or cultivated on the premises.

(4) Retail operations such as, but not limited to, u-pick facilities, farmers market, restaurant, and butcher shop for the sale of farm/ranch products generally produced on the premises provided the site has appropriate access, parking, and public facilities.

(5) Commercial riding stables, boarding stables, and/or commercial ranch only after it has been found to be in compliance with the following standards:

(a) An attendant must be in residence on the property of any commercial ranch;

(b) All livestock structures, containment areas of facilities used for the stabling, storing, showing or training of livestock and for temporary manure storage shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any property line and at least 100 feet from any other residences. Normal setbacks apply to all other structures and uses;

(c) In order for there to be shows or other activities the site must have immediate access to a major or collector City street. Adequate parking for daily activities and additional parking, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, must be provided for shows or other special events;

(d) All livestock turnout areas and pens shall be enclosed with fences at least five feet in height. The design of these enclosures shall be shown on drawings submitted with the conditional use permit application;

(e) A specific plan for the physical containment and location of manure storage and/or disposal, which minimizes odor and fly impacts on adjacent lots or parcels, must be provided. The spreading and tilling of manure into the soil of the paddock, pasture or arena areas may be considered manure disposal;

(f) The applicant must provide a specific program for fly control in barn and stable areas that minimizes the attraction and breeding of flies;

(g) All activity and pasture areas shall be grassed, sprinkled or treated with regularly tilled organic soil mix for dust suppression;

(h) With the exception of the principal residence and its accessory structures, upon revocation of the commercial ranch conditional use permit or abandonment of the operation, all structures shall be removed;

(i) Failure to maintain any of the standards described above is grounds for revocation of the conditional use permit; and

(j) In the review for a commercial riding stable, boarding stables, and/or commercial ranches, the City may also consider lighting, landscaping, hours of operation, signage, plan of operation, and neighborhood impact.

(6) Veterinarian hospitals and clinics for both large and small animals and the associated corrals, pens and kennels used for the keeping of animals while under veterinary care.

(7) Kennels for the boarding or lodging, breeding, or training of small domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, provided the animals are kept within the confines of an exercise run and a sound-attenuated kennel. Animals shall not run at large and shall not number more than four animals per acre with a total of no more than 80 animals under any circumstance. A specific plan for the physical containment and location of waste storage and/or disposal, which minimizes odor and fly impacts on adjacent lots or parcels, must be provided. All kennels shall comply with City and/or state licensing requirements.

(8) Cemeteries, crematoriums, columbaria and mausoleums including associated on-site mortuary.

(9) Large outdoor amusement facilities and/or cultural events, such as but not limited to rodeo grounds, fairgrounds, race tracks, stadiums, amusement parks and crop mazes.

(10) Guest ranch and/or dude ranch operations; provided, that the following standards shall apply:

(a) No more than four bedrooms per residence may be used for the business;

(b) No more than two adult persons per room; and

(11) Public schools (K-12).

(12) Private schools, including charter schools, with a curriculum substantially the same as customarily offered in public schools.

(13) Religious institutions.

(14) Publicly owned or operated library, museum, fire station, or police station.

(15) Public or private detention and correctional facilities and only after it has been found to be in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.

(16) Wireless communication towers and antennas as approved in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.95 SLCC.

(17) Medical marijuana dispensary off-site cultivation location, subject to the requirements found in SLCC 18.70.160, Medical marijuana uses.

(D) Temporary Uses – “RA-10” Zoning District. Temporary uses such as revivals, carnivals, circuses, auctions, holidays or seasonal boutiques or tree lots with appropriate dust control abatement.

(1) The residence shall have a permanent foundation and a garage or carport the design and materials of which shall be compatible with the main structure. Front porches and courtyards are strongly encouraged.

(2) For all nonresidential and nonfarm/agricultural uses, a walkway from the street to the front entry is strongly encouraged.

(3) For all nonresidential and nonfarm/agricultural uses, the mechanical equipment, whether ground mounted or roof mounted, shall be screened from public view and designed to appear as an integral part of the building. The mechanical equipment screening shall be included in the overall building height. Mechanical equipment shall be treated to be nonreflective. Electrical meters, service components, and SES cabinets shall be screened from public view and designed to appear as an integral part of the building. (Ord. 312 § 2(5.1), passed 4-11-2012. Code 2012 § 152.076.)

18.25.030 “SR-5” and “SR-2” Suburban Ranch Residential Zoning Districts.

(A) Purpose. The purpose of these zoning districts is to foster orderly growth in the rural transitional or fringe areas. Large lot residential uses, with emphasis on preserving the character of the farming community, would be most appropriate so that small agricultural land uses and the keeping of a limited number of horses and farm animals can occur without negatively impacting surrounding residential properties. The intent of this district is to provide a pastoral character and home sites that create an open environment and provide a transitional land use buffer between the more intense agricultural uses of the rural zoning districts and the more urban land uses of the low and medium density zoning districts.

(1) One single detached dwelling unit per lot of record.

(2) Limited farm/ranch activities and uses such as corrals, barns, stables, and other similar structures, for the keeping of horses and other agricultural animals but not including a commercial ranch or agricultural crop production for a commercial purpose. All agricultural animal uses shall be in compliance with the standards outlined in SLCC 18.25.020(B)(2)(b) through (e).

(3) Plant nurseries and greenhouses for the propagation, cultivation and distribution of plants produced on the premises.

(4) Public and private parks.

(5) Home occupations as prescribed in Chapter 18.70 SLCC.

(6) Public and private utility installations for gas, electric, water, wastewater or communications and including booster stations and lift stations.

(7) One guest house may be permitted on the same lot as a principal residence, provided the guest house complies with the standards outlined in SLCC 18.25.020(B)(10).

(8) Accessory buildings and accessory uses as prescribed in Chapter 18.70 SLCC.

(1) Public schools (K-12).

(2) Private schools, including charter schools, with a curriculum substantially the same as customarily offered in public schools.

(3) Religious institutions.

(4) Bed and breakfast operations; provided, that the following standards shall apply:

(a) No more than four bedrooms per residence may be used for the business;

(b) No more than two adult persons per room; and

(5) Amateur (ham) radio towers and antennas.

(6) Wireless communication towers and antennas as approved in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.95 SLCC.

(1) Model homes or temporary sales office pertaining to the sale of homes being constructed in the immediate subdivision. In the review for a model home or sales office, the City may consider lighting, landscaping, hours of operation, signage, parking, duration, and neighborhood impact. Approval may be granted for a two-year period, or until all lots in the subdivision are sold, whichever occurs first.

(2) Temporary construction site trailer pertinent to the construction of the homes and public improvements within the immediate subdivision.

(3) Temporary uses such as revivals, carnivals, circuses, auctions, holidays or seasonal boutiques or tree lots with appropriate dust control abatement.

(1) All new residential developments (subdivisions) shall be subject to all requirements set forth in the San Luis Subdivision Ordinance.

(2) The residential structure should have a strong relationship to the neighborhood street. A walkway from the street to the front entry is strongly encouraged.

(3) Housing should foster a sense of neighborhood among nearby residents and a sense of community through linkage with surrounding neighborhoods.

(4) Propane tanks, water filters and similar mechanical or utility equipment shall be installed at ground level or wall mounted and shall be screened from public view and designed to appear as an integral part of the building.

(5) The residence shall have a permanent foundation and a garage or carport the design and materials of which shall be compatible with the main structure.

(6) Front porches and courtyards are strongly encouraged. (Ord. 312 § 2(5.2), passed 4-11-2012. Code 2012 § 152.077.)

18.25.040 “R1-35,” “R1-20,” “R1-12,” “R1-8” and “R1-6” Low and Medium Density Residential Zoning Districts.

(1) “R1-35” and “R1-20” Low Density Residential Zoning Districts. The purpose of these zoning districts is to provide for low density single residence development in areas where adequate public facilities and services are available. The intent of these districts is to encourage a large lot neighborhood environment where more amenities can be provided privately on the individual lots.

(2) “R1-12,” “R1-8” and “R1-6” Medium Density Residential Zoning Districts. The purpose of these zoning districts is to provide for detached single residence development on urban sized lots in areas where adequate public facilities and services are available. The intent of these districts is to encourage a traditional neighborhood environment where amenities and open space are provided more on a neighborhood basis rather than on the smaller individual lots. Lots of less than 6,000 square feet per dwelling unit shall not be permitted from and after March 1, 2016.

(1) One single-dwelling unit per lot of record.

(2) New duplex unit or an attached two-unit condominium on a corner lot provided the lot and the dwelling units meet the following standards:

(a) The area of the corner lot is 8,000 square feet or larger in size; and

(b) Each dwelling unit must have its address and main entrance oriented towards a separate street frontage.

(3) Public and private parks and playgrounds.

(4) Public and private open space preserves.

(5) Public and private recreational amenities and facilities.

(6) Public and private utility installations for gas, electric, water, wastewater or communications including booster stations and lift stations.

(7) Child care, home-based. Home-based child care shall comply with the State of Arizona Department of Health Services regulations for licensing.

(8) Home occupations as prescribed in Chapter 18.70 SLCC.

(9) Assisted living facilities and group care homes for the elderly and handicapped; provided, that:

(a) No such home is located on a lot that is within 1,200 feet of another group home for the handicapped and elderly care;

(b) No such home contains more than six residents;

(d) Such home is licensed with and administratively approved by the City, as to compliance with the standards of this title.

(10) Accessory buildings and accessory uses as prescribed in Chapter 18.70 SLCC.

(1) One accessory dwelling unit on a residential lot provided the lot and the accessory dwelling unit meet the following standards:

(a) The area of the lot is 8,000 square feet or larger in size;

(b) The accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 50% of the gross square footage of the livable area of the primary dwelling unit;

(c) The addition of the accessory dwelling unit may not cause the lot to be split; rather, the lot remains as one lot under the same ownership as that of the primary dwelling unit;

(d) The accessory dwelling unit shall be located in the buildable area of the lot;

(e) A single common driveway shall serve both the principal residence and the accessory dwelling unit; and

(f) The accessory dwelling unit must be connected to all of the primary structure’s utilities with the exception of phone and cable services;

(g) The accessory dwelling unit may not be used for any commercial or nonresidential uses.

(2) Commercial retail use provided the lot meets the following standards:

(a) The minimum area of the lot must be 8,000 square feet or larger;

(b) The lot must be a corner lot with frontage onto a roadway that is designated in the San Luis General Plan – Transportation Element as an arterial or collector roadway;

(d) The building size and permitted uses shall be limited to those allowed in the “MU” Zoning District as outlined in SLCC 18.35.040.

(3) Public schools (K-12).

(4) Private schools, including charter schools, with a curriculum substantially the same as customarily offered in public schools.

(5) Religious institutions.

(6) Publicly owned or operated library, museum, fire station, or police station.

(7) Amateur (ham) radio towers and antennas.

(8) Wireless communication towers and antennas as approved in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.95 SLCC.

(2) Temporary construction site trailer pertinent to the construction of the homes and public improvements within the immediate subdivision.

(3) Temporary uses such as revivals, carnivals, circus, auctions, holidays or seasonal boutiques or tree lots in conjunction with appropriate dust control abatement.

(4) Garage sales are limited to four consecutive days conducted no more frequently than four times per year per residential location. Sales of this nature occurring beyond these limits are prohibited.

(1) All new residential developments (subdivisions) shall be subject to all requirements set forth in the San Luis Subdivision Ordinance.

(2) The residential structure should have a strong relationship to the neighborhood street. A walkway from the street to the front entry is strongly encouraged.

(3) Housing should foster a sense of neighborhood among nearby residents and a sense of community through linkage with surrounding neighborhoods.

(5) The residence shall have a permanent foundation and a garage or carport the design and materials of which shall be compatible with the main structure.

(6) Front porches and courtyards are strongly encouraged and should provide a pedestrian connection, other than the driveway, to the street.

(7) All residential developments, at the time of subdivision development and on a subdivision basis, within the “R1-35,” “R1-20,” “R1-12,” “R1-8” and “R1-6” Zoning Districts shall provide the minimum net acreage of open space as delineated in Table No. 2 herein. Net acres shall be defined as the total acres exclusive of the area required for arterial or collector street right-of-way dedications, any commercial or industrial lands, and school/public site reservations.

(see Open Space definitions in SLCC 18.05.130)

Zoning District	Open Space Percentage
“RA-10”	0%
“SR-5”	0%
“SR-2”	0%
“R1-35”	2%
“R1-20”	2%
“R1-12”	5%
“R1-8”	5%
“R1-6”	5%

Zoning District	Minimum Lot Size (ac./sq. ft.)	Minimum Lot Width (feet)	Maximum Bldg. Height (feet)	Minimum Yard Setback (feet)					Maximum Lot Coverage
Zoning District	Minimum Lot Size (ac./sq. ft.)	Minimum Lot Width (feet)	Maximum Bldg. Height (feet)	Front	Garage Entrance	Side	Street Side	Rear	Maximum Lot Coverage
“RA-10”	10 acres	330	35^(b)	50	40	30	50	50	10%
“SR-5”	5 acres	220	35^(b)	40	40	30	40	40	15%
“SR-2”	2 acres	120	35^(b)	30	30	30	30	40	20%
“R1-35”	35,000 sf	100	30	30	30	15	30	40	30%
“R1-20”	20,000 sf	100	30	25	20	10^(c)	15	30^(c)	40%
“R1-12”	12,000 sf	80^(a)	30	20	18	7^(c)	10	25^(c)	45%
“R1-8”	8,000 sf	70^(a)	30	20	18	7^(c)	10	20^(c)	50%
“R1-6”	6,000 sf	60^(a)	30	20^(f)	18	7^(c) 7>X≥5^(d) 5>X≥1^(e)	10	10^(c)	50%

(a)Lot width on corner lots shall be increased by five feet.

(b)Accessory agricultural buildings may be permitted additional height in accordance with regulations in Chapter 18.70 SLCC.

(c)Increased setbacks for institutional uses allowed by CUP shall be increased one foot for every two feet of building height, but in no case less than 20 feet.

(d)Five-foot setbacks shall be permitted in an “R1-6” District where the construction beyond a seven-foot setback is constructed with no less than two-hour fire-resistive construction.

(e)Side yard setbacks may be reduced to one foot when proof of compliance with the International Building Code and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1) is provided and approved by the San Luis Building Safety Division and the Fire Department.

(f)Front setbacks may be reduced to ten feet in the “R1-6” District only for a “Driveway Shade Structure” as defined in this Code.

(Ord. 312 § 2(5.3), passed 4-11-2012; Ord. 347 § 3, passed 1-27-2016; Ord. 372 § 1, passed 11-21-2017; Ord. 440 § 2, passed 4-26-2023. Code 2012 § 152.078.)