7.1. PURPOSE

7.2. APPLICABILITY

7.9. STREETS

7.10. ALLEYS

7.11. DETENTION AND RETENTION BASINS

7.12. EASEMENTS REQUIRED

7.13. EXCAVATING AND GRADING

7.14. HYDROLOGY

7.15. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING DISPOSAL, COLLECTION, AND STORAGE

7.16. UTILITIES

7.3.1. SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS ALLOWED

7.3.2. SHADOWS FROM MULTISTORY STRUCTURES

   Shadows cast from any proposed multistory structure must be taken into consideration as to their effect on adjacent properties. Where such shadows adversely affect solar energy systems between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., a plot plan must show that the multistory structure has been reoriented on the site to mitigate this effect or that other measures have been taken to minimize the adverse effects of the shading. The development potential of any property shall not be reduced by compliance with this section. (See Figure 7.3.2-A.)

Figure 7.3.2-A: Solar Considerations

7.4.1. PURPOSE

7.4.2. APPLICABILITY

7.4.3. GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.4.4. REQUIRED NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING SPACES

7.4.5. REDUCTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

7.4.6. MOTOR VEHICLE USE AREA DESIGN CRITERIA

   A.   General

   The vehicular use area includes the parking spaces, parking area access lanes (PAALs ), and any areas necessary to provide maneuvering, refuse collection locations, or loading spaces. Landscaping and screening within the vehicular use area are considered part of the vehicular use area .

   B.   Location

   Required motor vehicle parking must be located on-site except as follows.

      1.   Off-Site Parking

      Off-site parking is permitted under the following conditions.

         a.   For projects outside the Downtown Parking District , off-site parking must be located within 600 feet of the project site . For projects in the Downtown Parking District , off-site parking must be located within 1,500 feet of the land use provided the parking is within the District boundaries and is approved by the PDSD Director . For purposes of this section, the distance between required parking and the use it serves is the walking distance measured along the pedestrian access system from the closest points between the building or use and the vehicular use area .

         b.   The off-site parking location has parking in excess of the minimum required parking for its use or can demonstrate alternate hours of operation to the use it serves.

         c.   Non-residential uses may not use residentially-zoned property for off-site parking.

         d.   A formal written and signed shared parking agreement between the owner(s) of the shared parking area and the owner(s) of the shared parking use in a form approved by the City is required.

         e.   The off-siteparking area meets the design criteria provided in this section.

         f.   When required parking is separated from the principal use by an arterial or collector street , signage directing customers to the nearest legal pedestrian crossing is required.

         g.   Historic Districts. Land uses within a historic district may apply the location requirements of this section unless different requirements are established specific to that historic district .

      2.   Parking for Certain Residential Uses

         a.   Individual Residential Lots

         Visitor parking spaces on individual residential lots are permitted under the following conditions:

            (1)   At least one visitor parking space is provided on each residential lot within a project site ;

            (2)   The visitor parking space is at least eight and one half feet by 18 feet in size; and,

            (3)   The designated visitor parking space(s) is shown on the tentative plat or site plan , whichever is applicable.

         b.   On-Street Parking

         Visitor parking for single-family and mobile home dwellings is permitted on-street if the street is wide enough to accommodate parking on both sides of the street .

         c.   Common Use Area

         Visitor parking in common use areas is permitted. Visitor parking spaces must be within 250 feet of the front or street side yard property lines of each residential unit.

      3.   Tandem Parking

      Tandem parking for motor vehicles are allowed only for:

         a.   Residential Care Services with four or fewer spaces provided;

         b.   Single-family residential development ;

         c.   Mobile home dwellings;

         d.   Duplexes on individual lots ;

         e.   Valet parking ;

         f.   Non-residential uses within contributing properties to National Register historic districts;

         g.   Home Occupations ; or,

         h.   Vehicle Storage or Display, when it is accessory to the principal use .

      4.   Overflow Parking

      For uses where the peak parking demand is occasional or seasonal (e.g., shopping centers and golf courses), the Zoning Administrator may allow open space areas to be converted to overflow parking areas for special occasions or high-demand days . These areas can retain a natural appearance and be off-limits to vehicles except during these peak periods. Pervious pavement materials that have a decorative or natural appearance may be used.

   C.   Areas That May Not Be Counted As Required Parking

   The following areas are not counted as required parking:

      1.   Spaces in service bays , stacking areas, or car wash bays ;

      2.   At gasoline pumps or other hose locations;

      3.   Those used for the storage or display of vehicles for sale or rent to the public; and,

      4.   Parking spaces may not be located under, or within five feet of, a vertical line intersecting the ground and any structural element extending from a billboard, including, but not limited to, overhangs, cantilevered beams, and elevated walkways.

   D.   Motor Vehicle Use Area Dimensions

      1.   Motor Vehicle Use Area Dimensions

      The minimum parking space, access lane , Parking Area Access Lane (PAAL) , and driveway dimensions are required as follows. Figure 7.4.6-A is to be used in conjunction with Tables 7.4.6-1 & 2 below.

Figure 7.4.6-A: Motor Vehicle Use Area Dimensions

TABLE 7.4.6-1: MOTOR VEHICLE USE AREA DIMENSIONS
A	B1	C	D2	E	F	G

TABLE 7.4.6-1: MOTOR VEHICLE USE AREA DIMENSIONS
A	B1	C	D2	E	F	G
0 (Parallel Parking)3	-	-	-	-	-	-
30	8.51	16.4	12.02	17.0	44.8	37.4
45	8.51	18.7	13.02	12.0	50.4	44.4
60	8.51	19.8	16.02	9.8	55.6	51.4
90	8.51	18.0	24.02	8.5	60.0	-
1 See Section 7.4.6.D.2 for applicable exceptions 2 See Table 7.4.6-2 for applicable exceptions 3 See Section 7.4.6.D.2.c for dimensional requirements

 

 

Table 7.4.6-2: MOTOR VEHICLE USE AREA DIMENSIONS CONTINUED
Use Area Component	Minimum Width
Driveway One-way access lane (except when serving a fire lane)	10 feet
One-way access lane or PAAL serving as a fire lane One-way PAAL within a Storage Use development Two-way access lane	20 feet
Two-way PAAL	24 feet
Two-way access lane or PAAL within a Storage Use development	30 feet

 

      2.   Exceptions and Additional Dimensional Requirements

         a.   Accessible Parking Space Size

         Parking spaces for individuals with physical disabilities must be provided and designed as required by the City of Tucson’s adopted Building Code.

         b.   Minimum Width Requirement When Adjacent to Barrier

         A motor vehicle off-street parking space must have a minimum width of ten feet when the side(s) of the parking space abuts a vertical barrier over six inches in height, other than a vertical support for a carport .

         c.   Parallel Parking Spaces

         A parallel parking space must be eight feet wide and 23 feet in length, except as follows. A parallel parking space can be reduced to 18 feet in length if the space is located immediately adjacent to a driveway , access lane , PAAL , alley , or street intersection and the parking space is designed to provide maneuvering area on at least one end. On-street parking must be approved by the Traffic Engineer.

   E.   Additional Access Lane and Parking Area Access Lanes (PAAL) Design Criteria

      1.   Intersections

         a.   A minimum unobstructed radius of five feet is required for all PAAL intersections, except as follows. A minimum unobstructed radius of 18 feet is required where an access lane or PAAL designated as a fire lane or is used to access refuse and/or recycling collection or loading zones intersects another access lane or PAAL .

         b.   All intersection radii must be physically defined by curb or similar material when permanent improvements or fixtures, including landscaping , are located adjacent to the intersection. In all other instances, the intersection must be delineated, at a minimum, by paint or similar markings.

      2.   Height Clearance

      The minimum height clearance along access lanes and PAALs is 15 feet, except as follows. The minimum height clearance within parking garages may be less than 15 feet as permitted by the City ’s adopted Building Code.

   F.   Circulation

      1.   Ingress and Egress Locations

      Each vehicularingress and egress point to or from a street must comply with the curb cut regulations as specified in Chapter 25, Streets and Sidewalk, of the Tucson Code.

      2.   Setbacks from Access Lanes and PAALs

         a.   Access lanes and PAALs must be setback at least one foot from:

            (1)   An open structure , such as a carport or covered pedestrian access path as measured from the closest part of the structure or roof overhang; or,

            (2)   A structure when the access lane or PAAL serves as a drive-through lane.

         b.   Access lanes and PAALs must be setback at least two feet from a wall, screen , or other obstruction over six inches. The additional area is necessary to provide clearance for fire, sanitation, and delivery vehicles.

      3.   Sight Visibility

      Sight visibility at points of ingress into, egress from , or within the vehicular use area must be provided in accordance with Section 10-01.5.0, Sight Visibility, of the Technical Standards Manual.

      4.   Back-Up Spur (See Figure 7.4.6-B.)

         a.   A back-up spur must be provided at the end of a row of parking if no ingress or egress is provided at that end.

         b.   The spur must be a minimum of three feet in depth and have a three foot radii and a wheel barrier to prevent encroachment onto any unsurfaced areas.

         c.   A minimum distance of three (feet must be provided between the back of spur and any wall, screen , or other obstruction over six inches in height .

Figure 7.4.6-B: Back Up Spur

   G.   Striping

   Parking spaces must be marked with a four inch wide, white stripe along all sides, except at the entrance to the stall or where the limits of the space are defined by other means, such as curbing, except as follows. Striping is not required when tandem parking is permitted in accordance with Section 7.4.6.B.3, Tandem Parking.

   H.   Barriers

      1.   Barriers, such as post barricades or wheel stop curbing, are required in a vehicular use area to prevent vehicles from extending beyond the property lines , to prevent cars from damaging adjacentlandscaping , walls, or buildings , overhanging adjacentsidewalk areas , and/or driving onto unimproved portions of the site .

         a.   Exception

         Barriers are not required to prevent vehicles from overhanging adjacentsidewalk areas when the sidewalk is curbed and the applicant can demonstrate that a clearance space of at least four feet in width is provided for pedestrian access. When demonstrating compliance, the applicant must account for a vehicle overhang of two and one-half feet and any other obstructions in the sidewalk , such as, bicycle parking racks, vending machines, and merchandise display space.

      2.   Barriers may not impede pedestrian circulation and accessible routes.

      3.   When required, wheel stop curbing must be a minimum of two and one-half feet from the front of the parking space. (See Figure 7.4.6-C.) Exception: When a tree is located at the edge or between parking spaces, the minimum required vehicle overhang shall be in accordance with Section 5-01.3.3, Vehicle Overhangs, of the Technical Standards Manual.

Figure 7.4.6-C: Wheel Stop Curbing

   I.   Surfacing Requirements

      1.   All vehicular use areas must be surfaced with one of the following materials.

         a.   Pervious and impervious asphaltic concrete;

         b.   Pervious and impervious cement concrete;

         c.   A penetration treatment of bituminous material and seal coat of bituminous binder and mineral aggregate; or,

         d.   Alternative surfacing as determined appropriate by the City Engineer. Exception: Vehicular use areas for residential development with four or fewer spaces provided, and vehicle storage are exempt from the surfacing requirements.

      2.   The surface must be maintained in a smooth, durable, and well-drained condition and be kept clear of debris or other accumulated refuse.

   J.   Lighting

   Lighting provided in any vehicular use area or for a bicycle parking facility must be in compliance with the adopted Outdoor Lighting Code of the City of Tucson.

   K.   Use of Street or Alley for Maneuvering Area

   A street or alley can not be used for maneuvering directly into or from any parking space located wholly or partially outside the public right-of-way , except as follows:

      1.   The following uses are permitted to use a street or alley for access and maneuvering:

         a.   Residential uses (including, but not limited to, single-family dwellings, mobile home dwellings, duplexes on individual lots, multifamily development, and Residential Care Services) that provide four or fewer off-street motor vehicle parking spaces;

         b.   Home occupations ; or,

         c.   Non-residential uses within contributing properties to a National Register Historic District.

      2.   An alley , when used for access, must be a minimum of 20 feet wide, free of obstructions, and surfaced with a dust control method that is acceptable to the TDOT City Engineer.

      3.   A street may be used for maneuvering directly into or from a parking space, provided the parking space is located completely within the right-of-way and the design of the parking layout is approved by the TDOT City Engineer.

      4.   These exceptions are not applicable on MS&R designated streets as provided in the MS&R Plan .

   L.   Screening and Landscaping Requirements

      1.   Vehicular use areas shall be developed in accordance with Section 7.6.4.B, Vehicular Use Areas.

(Am. Ord. 11070, 5/14/2013; Am. Ord. 11996, 3/21/2023)

7.4.7. MOTOR VEHICLE STACKING REQUIREMENTS

7.4.8. REQUIRED NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES

7.4.9. BICYCLE PARKING DESIGN CRITERIA

   A.   Purpose

   These standards ensure that required bicycle parking is designed so that bicycles may be securely locked without undue inconvenience and will be reasonably safeguarded from intentional or accidental damage.

   B.   General Criteria

      1.   Parking and Maneuvering

         a.   Bicycle parking may not impede on-site pedestrian access. A clearance space of at least four feet in width must be provided for pedestrian access.

         b.   Each bicycle parking space must be accessible without moving another bicycle.

         c.   Adequate maneuvering space must be provided behind all outdoor bicycle parking facilities .

         d.   The bicycle parking area must be hard surfaced and maintained in a smooth, durable, and well-drained condition. Stabilized decomposed granite is an acceptable surface material for bicycle parking areas .

         e.   Outdoor bicycle parking areas must be lighted so that they are thoroughly illuminated and visible from adjacentsidewalks , parking lots , or buildings during hours of use.

         f.   Bicycle parking facilities will be maintained in good condition and kept clear of trash and debris.

         g.   Vehicular Use Areas . Short- and long-term bicycle parking are permitted in vehicular use areas provided the parking area is separated from vehicular parking and drive areas by a barrier or is located a sufficient distance from vehicular uses areas to prevent damage to the parked bicycles. Examples of acceptable barriers include curbs, bollards, concrete planters, landscape buffers, or other suitable barrier devices. Striping in combination with other barrier devices is permitted.

      2.   Bicycle Racks

      Bicycle racks must comply with all of the following criteria: (See Figures 7.4.9-B and C for illustrative examples of these criteria.)

         a.   Bicycle racks must be securely anchored to the ground, floor, wall, or ceiling;

         b.   The bicycle frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack with a high security, U-shaped lock if both wheels are left on the bicycle;

         c.   A bicycle six feet long can be securely held with its frame supported so that the bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that will damage the wheels or components;

         d.   A single rack is designed and located to accommodate two bicycles;

         e.   Racks must not have sharp edges that can be hazardous to pedestrians, particularly individuals with visual disabilities. Artistic bicycle racks are acceptable provided they meet the criteria herein;

         f.   Each required short-term bicycle parking space must be at least two feet by six feet;

         g.   A bicycle rack must be a minimum of two and one half feet from a wall or other obstruction; and,

         h.   An access aisle at least five feet wide must be provided between two rows of bicycle parking. The aisle width is measured between the lengthwise dimensions (i.e., six feet) of the bicycle parking spaces between the two rows.

   C.   Short-Term Bicycle Parking

   The purpose of short-term bicycle parking is to encourage shoppers, customers, messengers, and other visitors to use bicycles by providing a convenient and readily accessible place to park bicycles.

      1.   Short-term bicycle parking must be provided in racks per Section 7.4.9.B.2 or lockers per Section 7.4.9.D.2.d.

      2.   Location

      Short-term bicycle parking must be:

         a.   Within 50 feet of each public entrance to a building as measured along the most direct pedestrian access route (See Figure 7.4.9-A below).

Figure 7.4.9-A: Bicycle Parking Location

            (1)   Exception

            The PDSD Director may allow short-term bicycle parking to be more than 50 feet from a public entrance (s) based on a finding from the City of Tucson’s Bicycle Coordinator or designee that the proposed location is consistent with best practices pertaining to siting short-term bicycle racks, particularly in regards to visibility, security, and convenience for bicyclists.

         b.   Located outside the building (s);

         c.   Clearly visible from the adjacentsidewalks , drives, and/or a public entrance (s); and,

         d.   Where buildings have more than one public entrance or a site has more than one building , short-term bicycle parking must be distributed so that at least one short-term bicycle parking space is within 50 feet of each public entrance .

   D.   Long-term Bicycle Parking

   The purpose of long-term bicycle parking is to provide employees, students, residents, commuters and others who generally stay at a site for several hours, a secure and weather-protected place to park bicycles. Although long-term parking does not have to be provided on-site , the intent of these standards is to allow bicycle parking to be within a reasonable distance in order to encourage bicycle use. Long-term bicycle parking facilities must comply with the following criteria:

      1.   Location

      Long-term bicycle parking must be located on-site or offsite within 300 feet of the building . Long-term bicycle parking for multiple or mixed usedevelopments and shopping centers should be distributed proportionately among the uses;

      2.   Security

      To provide security, long-term bicycle parking must have controlled access. Examples include, but are not limited to:

         a.   Inside residential units;

         b.   Inside buildings provided the bicycle parking does not create a safety hazard or impede pedestrian circulation and in an area that is visible from employee work areas or in a locked room;

         c.   In a bicycle room or an area enclosed by a fence that is eight feet high or connected floor-to-ceiling accessed by key, smartcard, or other secure method; or,

         d.   In bicycle lockers that fully enclose the bicycle, resist tampering, are securely anchored, and constructed of durable materials, such as, but not limited to, steel. These lockers may be leased (keyed or smartcard) lockers or on-demand lockers (self-lock or smartcard) lockers.

      3.   Weather Protection

      Long-term bicycle parking must be covered to provide weather protection and may be provided inside buildings , under roof overhangs or awnings, in bicycle lockers , or within or under other structures . Where long-term bicycle parking is not within a building or locker, the cover must be permanent and at least seven feet above the floor or ground.

      4.   Signage

      Where long-term bicycle parking is not within a building and a key, code, or secure method is needed to access the parking facility, a sign must be provided instructing cyclists how access may be obtained.

      5.   Lighting

      Long-term bicycle parking not within a building must be lit by overhead lighting.

   E.   Bicycle Parking Figures

      1.   Examples of Acceptable Bicycle Rack Design

      The following bicycle racks comply with the criteria of Section 7.4.9.B.2 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Other bicycle rack designs may be used provided they comply with Section 7.4.9.B.2.

Figure 7.4.9-B: Bike Rack Design

      2.   Examples of Bicycle Parking Layouts

      The following bicycle parking layouts comply with the criteria of Section 7.4.9.B.2 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Other layouts may be used provided they comply with Section 7.4.9.B.2.

Figure 7.4.9-C: Bicycle Parking Layouts

7.4.10. PARKING DESIGN MODIFICATION REQUEST (PDMR)

7.4.11. REQUIRED NUMBER OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE).

7.4.12. ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING DESIGN CRITERIA

7.5.1. PURPOSE

7.5.2. APPLICABILITY

7.5.3. GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.5.4. DESIGN CRITERIA

7.5.5. REQUIRED LOADING AREAS

7.6.1. PURPOSE

7.6.2. APPLICABILITY

7.6.3. EXCEPTIONS

7.6.4. LANDSCAPE STANDARDS