Building Codes
The City of Tucson has adopted the 2018 International Building Codes with local amendments. The codes are updated periodically to reflect the latest standards of life-safety and construction technology.
These codes can be found at the public library or purchased through the International Code Council (ICC).
International Building Codes
The City of Tucson has adopted the 2018 International Building Codes with local amendments.
All permits applied for after January 2, 2019 will use the 2018 Codes.
These codes can be found at the public library, and/or purchased through the International Code Council (ICC).
Each code has been amended to accommodate the City of Tucson. See amendments below.
City of Tucson IBC Local Amendments
- Amendments(PDF, 152KB) to the 2018 International Building Code
- Amendments(PDF, 63KB) to the 2018 International Existing Building Code
- Amendments(PDF, 95KB) to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
- Amendments(PDF, 60KB) to the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
- Amendments(PDF, 98KB) to the 2018 International Mechanical Code
- Amendments(PDF, 123KB) to the 2018 International Plumbing Code
- Amendments(PDF, 140KB) to the 2018 International Residential Code
- Amendments(PDF, 92KB) to the 2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code
- Amendments(PDF, 75KB) to the 2017 National Electrical Code
- Amendments(PDF, 183KB) to the 2018 International Fire Code
- City of Tucson/Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code(PDF, 116KB)
- Arizona Administrative Code Title 18 Chapter 5 for public and semi-public swimming pools
- ICC A117.1 - 2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (by reference)
Adopting Local Amendments to the Building Code is authorized by Ordinance #11590.
Engineering Codes
Engineering Regulatory Documents - Below is a list of documents used in plan review that are helpful for applicants to refer to when preparing plans for engineering review.
- Access Management Guidelines(PDF, 1MB)
- Unified Development Code - Article 5, Article 7, Article 8
- Administrative Manual - Section 2
- Technical Standards Manual - Section 2, Section 4, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9, Section 10, Section 11
- City of Tucson Standards Manual for Drainage Design and Floodplain Management
- Pima County Detention/Retention Manual(PDF, 4MB) (June 2021 Update)
- Tucson Code Chapter 25 Streets and Sidewalks
- Tucson Code Chapter 26 Floodplain and Stormwater
- Tucson Code Chapter 29 Energy and Environment
- Water Harvesting Guidance Manual
- Drainage Design Manual(PDF, 12MB)
On January 5, 2021, Mayor and Council approved amendments to the Technical Standards Manual related to the Design Standards for Stormwater Detention and Retention.
Plans
View Plans web page
Plans help shape the development and future of Tucson. Plans in Tucson range from the General Plan, which guides a broad range of topics and the development of other plans, to more specific plans such as Area Plans and Neighborhood Plans which focus on a localized level.
There are over 50 adopted plans across Tucson. They contain policies related to land use, future development, transportation and connectivity, open space, housing, water, and other topics.
The development of new plans must be initiated by Mayor & Council. Amendments to adopted area or neighborhood plans can be initiated by Mayor & Council or by a property owner within the plan area.
Information about the following items can be viewed on the Plans web page:
- Area & Neighborhood Plans
- Regional & Citywide Plans
- Planned Area Development (PAD) & Redevelopment Plans
- Studies & Reports
Zoning Code
The Zoning Code guides what is allowable for development within the city of Tucson.
Visit City of Tucson Zoning Code web page.
The City of Tucson uses the Unified Development Code (UDC) as its Zoning Code for development started after January 2, 2013. As supporting documents, the City also uses the Administrative Manual and the Technical Standards Manual.
The following items can be accessed on the Zoning Code web page:
- The Unified Development Code
- Zoning Interpretations and Determinations
- Urban Overlay District Regulations
Green Building
The City of Tucson has adopted ordinances to support sustainable practices related to water and energy conservation. Some of these practices are required for certain types of new construction.
- Water and Energy Conservation - Ordinances pertaining to requirements for solar readiness, residential gray water, commercial water harvesting, and electric vehicle charging.
- Water Harvesting Guidance Manual(PDF, 2MB)
The purpose of this manual is to provide basic information and design ideas to developers, engineers, designers, and contractors of commercial sites, public buildings, subdivisions, and public right of ways. The City of Tucson Unified Development Code includes requirements for water harvesting at these types of developments. The manual will also be useful for those interested in water harvesting on their existing or future home sites.
Modifications & Appeals
If you wish to file an administrative appeal to the codes, please visit Code Modification for information.
Other Information