Tucson, AZ Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 single-family max coverage
- 70% of lot area
- R-2/R-3/MH-2 multi-family max
- 75% of lot area
- Calculation method
- improvement area ÷ site land area
- Solar collector treatment
- excluded from lot coverage entirely
- FLD/nonresidential subdivisions
- use site coverage under § 8.7.3.D
- Enforcement citation authority
- Zoning Administrator, Chapter 8 citation
Summary
Tucson's Unified Development Code caps lot coverage at 70% of the lot for single-family development in the R-1, R-2, R-3, MH-1 and MH-2 zones, rising to 75% for multi-family and mobile home park uses under Table 6.3-2.A. UDC § 6.4.3 sets the calculation method and the exceptions that keep certain features off the ledger.
6.4.3. LOT COVERAGE AND SITE COVERAGE ... D. Lot Coverage and Site Coverage Calculation 1. The amount of lot coverage per site is not to exceed the maximum lot coverage percentage permitted by the project's underlying zone. 2. The lot coverage percentage is determined by dividing the total area of improvements in accordance with Section 6.4.3.B, Application, and 6.4.3.C, Exceptions, by the total land area of the site. ... C.1.e. Solar Collectors. Solar collectors, whether part of the principal structure or an accessory structure, are not included in lot coverage calculations. [Table 6.3-2.A, Dimensional Standards for the R-1, R-2, R-3, MH-1, & MH-2 Zones] Lot Coverage (maximum): R-1 70%; R-2 SF: 70% MF: 75%; R-3 SF: 70% MF: 75%; MH-1 70%; MH-2 SF, MH, Res. Care Services: 70% MF & MH Park: 75%.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-150: Current through June 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
2). A, Dimensional Standards for the R-1, R-2, R-3, MH-1, & MH-2 Zones, sets the actual ceiling: 70% in R-1 (single-family), 70% SF/75% MF in R-2, 70% SF/75% MF in R-3, 70% in MH-1, and 70% for SF/MH/residential care services with 75% for multi-family and mobile home parks in MH-2. B: building footprint measured to the outside edges of exterior walls at ground level, vehicular use areas (paved or unimproved, sized by required parking/access-lane dimensions), and storage or display areas measured edge to edge. C carves out design-flexibility exceptions on the ground floor only, open-sided roofed shelters like balconies and entrances (if not used for parking, storage or utilities), tenant recreation space that is walled off and not open to the public, landscaped roofs over underground buildings capped at 3 feet above grade, and roofed interior space that connects to the outdoors under specific width and ceiling-height tests. e. D rather than measuring coverage lot by lot.
Violations & Fines
Lot coverage is enforced through UDC Article 10. Under § 10.4.1 the Zoning Administrator can inspect the site with owner consent, serve written notice to cease or correct the violation, or issue a citation under Chapter 8 of the Tucson Code. Under § 10.4.2 the City Attorney may sue to restrain or abate the violation or bar occupancy of the offending structure. Under § 10.4.3 the PDSD Director can order utilities disconnected after ten days' written notice of intent, unless the owner requests review, which stays the disconnection pending a Board of Adjustment hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum lot coverage for a single-family home in Tucson?
Does a rooftop solar array count against my lot coverage limit?
What areas of my property count toward lot coverage?
What happens if a Tucson property exceeds its lot coverage limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tucson
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Lot Coverage Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pima County handle lot coverage limits.