Willcox City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
83 R, RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT
17.83.010 R zoning purpose.
R (Residential) zoning districts are established to achieve the following purposes:
A. To provide an area for families living at a variety of low to medium densities;
B. To provide an area where single-household dwellings, rehabilitated mobile homes, and manufactured homes can co-exist.
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026)
17.83.020 Division of R zoning districts.
The R (Residential) zoning district shall be further divided into the following density districts, which are so designated on the Official Zoning District Map, and subject to the regulations herein:
A. R-36
B. R-18
C. R-9
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026)
17.83.030 Permitted uses.
The uses established in Table 17-83.A (Permitted Uses) shall be permitted in all R zoning districts, provided that they conform to the applicable site development standards set forth below and meet any other requirements for such uses found in these regulations.
Table 17-83.A: Permitted Uses
| |||
Use | Director | Planning Commission | Standard or Specific Use Regulation |
Table 17-83.A: Permitted Uses
| |||
Use | Director | Planning Commission | Standard or Specific Use Regulation |
Churches or other places of religious worship | P | ||
Civic, social, fraternal or business associations approved as part of a subdivision review process for subdivision residents and guests only | PA | ||
Community gardens | P | ||
Emergency vehicle stations not otherwise exempted | P | ||
Recreational facilities, indoor and/or outdoor, approved as part of a subdivision review process for subdivision residents and guests only | PA | ||
Residential care homes | P | ||
Single- and multiple-household dwellings | P | ||
Unlighted riding stables, commercial, on a minimum site of 10 acres, approved as part of a subdivision review process for subdivision residents and guests only | PA | ||
Utility installations not otherwise exempted, other than electric generation plants, regional sewage treatment plants, solid waste landfills, or incinerators | P | ||
Agritourism | CUP | ||
Animal husbandry | CUP | ||
Cemeteries | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Civic, social, fraternal, and/or business associations | CUP | ||
Commercial plant nurseries | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Communication towers | CUP | ||
Contract construction services in R-36 only | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Cultural, historic, and/or nature exhibits | CUP | ||
Day care facilities or establishments | CUP | ||
Educational services | CUP | ||
Farmers markets | CUP | ||
Golf courses | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Grocery stores | CUP | ||
Group quarters | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Health clinics | CUP | ||
Manufacturing, wholesaling, warehousing, distribution, and/or storage of agriculture- related products in R-36 only | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Mini-warehouses | CUP | ||
Personal and professional services | CUP | ||
Recreational facilities, indoor and/or outdoor | CUP | Subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Title 17 of the Willcox Municipal Code | |
Repair services, light, not to exceed 2,500 square feet of floor area | CUP | ||
Residential care institutions | CUP | ||
Veterinary clinics and/or animal hospitals | CUP | ||
Welfare and/or charitable services | CUP | ||
Legend: “P” = Permitted use “PA” = Permitted accessory use “CUP” = Conditional use permit | |||
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026; Ord. No. NS379, Exh. A, 2026)
17.83.040 R site development standards.
All uses permitted in the R zoning districts shall conform to the following minimum development standards:
A. Minimum site area and maximum density.
District | Minimum Site Area | Maximum Density |
R-36 | 36,000 square feet | One dwelling per 36,000 square feet |
R-18 | 18,000 square feet | One dwelling per 18,000 square feet |
R-9 | 9,000 square feet | One dwelling per 9,000 square feet |
B. Maximum height.
Maximum Height
| |
Principal structure | 30 feet above grade |
Accessory structure | 20 feet above grade |
Wall or fence | 8 feet above grade |
C. Setbacks, principal and accessory structures/uses. The minimum setback shall be measured from the closest point on the property line or the edge of the road travel way to the structure/use, whichever is closer. The minimum required setbacks for permitted uses are:
District | Setback* |
R-36 | 20 feet |
R-18 | 20 feet |
R-9 | 10 feet |
* The minimum required setbacks for accessory structures no larger than 200 square feet are half that of the zoning district in which it is located. | |
D. Maximum site coverage is 65%.
E. Distance between structures. Except as otherwise provided in these zoning regulations, the minimum distance between principal structures shall be 15 feet, ten feet for multiple-household structures. Nothing herein shall prevent the permanent attachment of structures.
F. Screening. In category A, B, and C growth areas, whenever a non-residential use abuts a residential zoning district or is separated therefrom by an alley, the developed area of the non-residential site shall be screened with a six-foot-high solid screen. Non-residential outdoor storage shall be screened regardless of abutting zoning district. The county Zoning Inspector may defer the screening if the abutting residentially zoned property is not yet developed with a residential use. In Category D (Rural) areas, whenever a non-residential use abuts an area designated as Rural Residential (RR), the developed area of the non-residential site shall be screened with a six-foot-high solid screen; otherwise, screening is not required.
G. Alternative conservation subdivision option. Pursuant to the Cochise County Subdivision Regulations, the Residential Conservation Subdivision option, providing a wider latitude of design, more economical use of land, and density bonuses, is available for the development of residential subdivisions.
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026)
17.83.050 Permitted accessory uses.
Accessory uses are permitted in R zoning districts provided they are customarily incidental to an established permitted principal use.
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026; Ord. No. NS379, Exh. A, 2026)
17.83.060 Other permitted uses.
The following uses will be allowed without the establishment of permitted principal use on parcels four-acres or larger:
A. Well houses, in a fixed location. Required minimum setbacks shall be 50 feet from the property lines; no permit is required if 200-square feet or less. A permit is required for electrical and/or if located in a floodplain.
B. One out-building, in a fixed location, corrals, and pens.
C. Solid fences or walls seven feet in height or less. Setbacks do not apply; no permit is required, except if greater than three feet in height on a corner lot (informational permit required).
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026)
17.83.070 Conditional uses.
The use(s) established in Table 17-83.C (Conditional Uses) may be permitted as a conditional use subject to other applicable regulations.
(Ord. No. NS378, Exh. A, 2026; Ord. No. NS379, Exh. A, 2026)
