Tucson, AZ, Bike Parking Regulations and Standards
The City of Tucson has established specific regulations and design standards for bicycle parking to promote a bicycle-friendly community. These guidelines encourage the use of bicycles by providing convenient and secure parking options for both short-term and long-term users. Bicycle parking is required across various land use types, with distinct requirements for short-term and long-term spaces to accommodate different users, such as visitors and employees.
Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking Requirements
Long-term bicycle parking is primarily aimed at employees, residents, and others who need secure, weather-protected parking for several hours. In contrast, short-term bicycle parking is designed for visitors, customers, and other short-stay users, typically located near entrances for easy access.
Long-Term Parking Requirements
- Long-term bicycle parking spaces must be located either on-site or within 300 feet of the building.
- Long-term parking must offer controlled access (e.g., locked rooms or enclosures with key, smart card, or secure lockers).
- Weather protection is required for long-term parking, such as placing spaces under awnings or providing enclosed lockers.
- The spaces must be well-lit and maintained in good condition.
Short-Term Parking Requirements
- Short-term bicycle parking must be provided within 50 feet of a public entrance, easily accessible from adjacent sidewalks and drives.
- These spaces are typically located outside and must be clearly visible for security reasons.
- Parking spaces should be no smaller than 2 feet by 6 feet and must allow the bicycle frame and at least one wheel to be locked.
Design Standards for Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking
Design Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Long-term parking must provide secure, controlled access, such as through lockers or rooms accessible only to authorized users.
- Weather protection is required, such as lockers or sheltered areas.
- The parking area must be well-lit and properly maintained.
- When not in an enclosed building, long-term parking must have overhead lighting for security.
- Signage must be provided if access requires a key or secure method.
Design Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- Short-term bicycle racks must be anchored to the ground and support the bicycle frame securely.
- Each rack must accommodate at least two bicycles.
- Racks must not have sharp edges to avoid hazards, particularly for individuals with visual disabilities.
- A minimum clearance of 2.5 feet must be maintained between the rack and any walls or other obstructions
Bicycle Parking Space Minimums and Design Standards
| Land Use Group/Class | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Required | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Required |
|---|---|---|
| Education: Grades K – 12 | 1 space per 20 students of planned capacity. Minimum requirement is 2 spaces. | Grades 1-12: 1 space per 10 employees plus 1 space per 20 students of planned capacity. Minimum requirement is 2 spaces. |
| Postsecondary Institutions/Instructional Schools | 1 space per 10 students, min. 2 spaces | 1 space per 10 employees + 1 per 10 students |
| Administrative and Professional Office | 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces | 1 space per 6,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces |
| Food Service | 1 space per 10 students, min. 2 spaces | 1 space per 10 employees + 1 per 10 students |
| Retail Trade Less Than 50,000 sq. ft. GFA | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces |
| Multifamily Dwellings and Group Dwelling | 0.10 spaces per bedroom, min. 2 spaces | 0.5 spaces per bedroom, min. 2 spaces |
| Hospital | 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. GFA. Minimum requirement is 2 spaces | 1 space per 50,000 sq. ft. GFA. Minimum requirement is 2 spaces. |
| Industrial | None | 1 space per 15,000 sq. ft. GFA. Minimum requirement is 2 spaces. Maximum required is 10 spaces. |
| Lodging | 2 spaces plus 1 space per 6,000 sq. ft. GFA of conference, restaurant, bar, and/or banquet space. Maximum requirement is 50 spaces. | 1 space per 20 guest rooms. Minimum requirement is 2 spaces. |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Tucson, AZ. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Lockers
Showers and personal lockers are not explicitly required under Tucson’s bike parking regulations. However, providing these facilities may be encouraged in certain developments, particularly in buildings or land uses where employees are expected to commute by bike and need secure long-term parking options.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
There are no detailed regional or neighborhood-specific requirements mentioned for Tucson in the bicycle parking regulations. However, the code allows for some flexibility, with modifications permissible depending on the site’s characteristics, and approval can be granted by the Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) Director.
Where to Find Official Regulations
The official bike parking regulations for Tucson can be found in the Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 7.4.8 and Section 7.4.9. For more details, you can visit the City of Tucson Unified Development Code.
