Demolition Requests

Demolition of any residential or commercial structure requires a permit prior to any work taking place. This is true for demolition whether activities are interior or exterior.

• Properties that are designated or pending designation as a Historic Landmark (HL) or within an Historic Preservation Zone (HPZ) are subject to specific submittal requirements and a separate review process conducted by the Historic Preservation Office. This process includes review by Historic Zone Advisory Boards (HZABs) and the Plans Review Subcommittee (PRS) of the Tucson Pima County Historical Commission. Final decisions are made by the Planning & Development Services (PDSD) Director or by Mayor & Council.

• Some buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places that are proposed for demolition also require review by the Historic Preservation Office. These include contributing historic buildings within the Rio Nuevo District (RND). Additionally, developers wishing to use the expanded options of the Infill Incentive District (IID) may not demolish or adversely impact a National Register listed or eligible property.

• Properties with Conservation Easements are subject to a separate review process through the Historic Preservation Office.
• All buildings and structures 50+ years of age are subject to City of Tucson Ordinance 10776, which requires photographic and architectural documentation prior to demolition.

Interior Demolition 

A permit is required to ensure integrity of building systems. When significant structural demolition is proposed that may impact the physical integrity of a contributing historic building within an HPZ or an HL, review by the Historic Preservation Office will be required.

Exterior Demolitions 

Proposed demolition of any building over 50 years old is subject to Historic Review before any exterior demolition permitting can take place.

Demolition Application Review Process

The Historic review process for demolitions of historic structures is outlined in the Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 5.8.10..

Demolition of Historic Contributing Properties and Historic Landmarks

Mayor & Council approval is required prior to the demolition ofHistoric Landmarks (HLs), contributing historic properties in HPZs, and contributing historic properties within the Rio Nuevo District (RND). The procedure for approval is outlined in UDC Section 5.8.10.E. The application for demolition must include a replacement plan and proof that reasonable economic use of the existing historic property is not possible. Please email PDSDHistoric@TucsonAZ.Gov prior to applying for demolition of any structure within an HL or HPZ.

Architectural Documentation Required for All Structures Over 50 years

All buildings and structures 50+ years of age are subject to City of Tucson Ordinance 10776, which requires photographic and architectural documentation prior to demolition. Contributing historic buildings require Full documentation. All other buildings require Minor documentation. Please see the Historic Property Demolition Architectural Documentation form for additional information and submittal instructions.  

Demolition Application Review Summary

Links

• Historic Property Demolition Architectural Documentation form
• Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 5.8.10., “Demolition Review Required”
• Apply for a demolition permit via Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online