City of Tucson (AZ)

Codes

NEC Code Version

2017

Fire Code Version

2018 Building Code

Code List

2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2018 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE

2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ASCE Code Specification

ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status

Adopted

Date SolarAPP+ Accepted

44340

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions

1

SolarAPP+ Restriction Notes

• Cannot have two attachment types
• NOT located in a County Flood Hazard or floodplain area.
• NOT in an environmentally sensitive area or hillside development zone.
• NOT in a special district or a historic neighborhood.
• No Ballasted Systems.
• Main Dwelling Rooftop, Permitted, Residential structures only.

SolarAPP+ Restrictions

Existing Systems,Trenching,Historic District,Flood Zone,Other

How Many Plansets Required

2

Revision Required

1

Rough Inspection

None

New Planset Required For Module Swap

0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD

Yes

Wet Stamps Required

Digital Electrical,Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required

Yes

Ee Stamp Notes

Residential systems, including ESS, With OCPD protection of 100A or greater, require a design and calculations provided by an Arizona registered Electrical Engineer, R106.1.

Stamp Location On Plans

Unspecified

Date On Stamps

Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced

1

Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed

115

Wind Notes

Exposure Category C

3 sec gust

Table R301.2(1)

See 'City of Tucson Amendments to 2018 IRC' in files section

Snow Load

0

Snow Load Notes

N/A

Reducible Snow Load Allowed

1

Max Attachment Spacing

96

Structural Notes

• SEPERATE PLAN SET FROM SPEC SHEETS INTO SEPARATE PDFs WHEN UPLOADING.
• PE CALCS MUST LABEL ROOF PLANES TO MATCH PLANS LABELING.
• Provide an engineer’s calculation, and sealed design.
• Provide a lag-bolt connection up-lift calculation demonstrating the wind load supporting capability, IRC R301.1, R324.4. An IRC PV roof uplift calculator (XLS) is available on Pima County’s website. https://www.pima.gov/1069/Solar-Wind-Systems
• For wind uplift use 115 mph in 3sec gust, IRC Table R301.2(1). Show this wind value on the plans:

For revisions:

• The EOR’s seal must be placed back on the updated plans for the structural sheets.

Minimum Ground On Roof

#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required

Derates

Allowed POI

Meter Adapter,PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps

Panel Schedule Required

Partial Home Backup

Temperature Rating

90

De Rating Ampacity

0.91

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed

0

ESS Notes

• PM required. Use Eaton
• If DC Disco required, use SQUARE D HU361RB.
• Inv > PM > Utility DG Disconnect > POI
• No published information about battery placement.

Separate ESS Disconnect Required

ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required

No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Properties in Historical Districts

• Elevation Drawings
• Provide an aerial photo showing the property and labeled building footprints as contributing or non-contributing.
• Shade Study

Ground Mounts

• See Design - Ground Mount section

Batteries

• See Design - Battery Storage section

Site

Site Notes

Roof Plan

Must identify mounting planes on roof top diagram matching roof detail tables and calculations.

Attachment Detail

For ballasted sections, show the block placement and numbers required in each rack, R301.1, R324.4.1.

Electrical Diagram

Centerfed Panels: 120% rule is allowed.

Existing Systems

• Include backfeed breaker sizing calculations.
• Show backfeed of existing system to ensure the combined systems do not exceed the bus bar rating.

Line Side Taps

• Always use Milbank U4518-XL-W for LST.
• 200A Milbank Meter Sockets: Install Milbank KA77-INT tap connectors for line-side interconnection inside the meter base enclosure.
• 400A and Less: Use K4977-INT tap connectors for the Tap Box.

Single Line Diagrams

• NOT Required: Systems under 20 kW without batteries.
• Required: All other systems.

Custom Placards Required

0

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required

No

Ground Mount Notes

Setback Requirements Guide

Step 1: Determine the Zone

1. Visit Tucson Zoning Website.
2. Enter the property address into the search bar.
3. Look for the Zone in the "Parcel Attributes" section.

Step 2: Review Side Yard Setback Requirements

1. Download the Dimensional Standards Summary.
2. Match the zone from Step 1 with the side yard setback requirements listed in the document.

Step 3: Understand Front and Back Yard Setbacks

• These requirements are case-by-case and depend on the property’s zone and surrounding area.
• Contact the Zoning Department at for specific details.

Plot Plan Requirements

To submit a compliant Residential Plot Plan, ensure the following are included:

1. Zoning Information: Include the zoning of adjacent parcels.
2. Utility Lines: Show all utility lines on the plot plan.
3. Property Lines: Clearly mark all property line distances.
4. Setbacks: Indicate the setback distances for the proposed structure.
5. Lot Coverage Calculation: Calculate lot coverage per UDC Article 6.4.3 and the example in the Residential Plot Plan Requirements. Include vehicular use area (improved or unimproved).
6. Structure Information: Provide footage of the main dwelling and the proposed structure. Draw, dimension, and label the height of the new structure, measured from the midpoint of its design.
7. Easements: Show easements using the Plat Map Tool.
8. Restriction: Ground-mounted solar structures are not allowed between the front street and the main house unless they meet specific exceptions. If this placement is necessary, apply for a Board of Adjustment variance.
9. Restriction: Accessory structures cannot exceed 50% of the main house’s gross floor area (GFA) unless under 200 sq. ft. If exceeded, apply for a variance.