Pima County uses Airport Environs Zone overlays around Davis-Monthan AFB and Tucson International Airport. Sound attenuation required within 65 dB DNL contours.
Pima County regulates land use near military and civilian airfields through Airport Environs Zone (AEZ) overlay districts established in the Pima County Zoning Code. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base generates significant noise from A-10 and other military aircraft operations, with noise contours extending over southern and eastern unincorporated neighborhoods including Drexel Heights. Tucson International Airport (TUS) also produces noise contours affecting unincorporated areas to the south. Within the 65 dB DNL and higher contour zones, new residential construction must meet sound attenuation standards. The AEZ restricts residential density and prohibits noise-sensitive uses such as schools and hospitals in the highest noise exposure zones. Pima County participates in the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) with Davis-Monthan AFB to manage encroachment. Property disclosure requirements apply for sales within designated noise contour areas. The Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) study guides the overlay zones.
Building permit denial for non-compliant construction in AEZ. Zoning violations for prohibited uses in noise contour areas. No fines for aircraft noise itself -- federal preemption applies.
Pima County, AZ
Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.67 regulates fences and walls in unincorporated areas. Front-yard walls max 3 feet in residential zones. Side/rear walls m...
Pima County, AZ
ARS 36-1681 requires 5-ft pool barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates in Pima County. Applies to all pools 18+ inches deep. Door alarms or safety co...
Pima County, AZ
Pima County limits front yard fences to 3 ft (solid) or 4 ft (open). Side and rear fences up to 6 ft. Hillside development zones have stricter height and mat...
Pima County, AZ
Building permits required for retaining walls over 4 ft in Pima County. Licensed engineer must design walls exceeding 4 ft. Hillside zones require terracing ...
Pima County, AZ
Arizona state law preempts local beekeeping bans under ARS 3-363. Pima County allows beekeeping in all residential zones. Africanized bee management is a con...
Pima County, AZ
Pima County zoning permits horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock on rural parcels (GR-1 and larger). No animal-unit limit on parcels 4.13 acres o...
See how Pima County's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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