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Good morning,
This week’s newsletter highlights Pima County’s Development Services Department, the team responsible for ensuring that growth in our community is safe, orderly, and built to last.
Development Services oversees building permits for new homes, commercial projects, remodels, and additions, making sure all construction meets adopted building codes and safety standards and so much more. Their staff reviews plans, issues permits and conducts inspections from foundation to final approval.
The department also plays a critical coordinating role across county government. When a development proposal is submitted, Development Services works closely with Regional Flood Control, Transportation, Environmental Quality, Wastewater Reclamation, Natural Resources, and the Health Department to ensure compliance with county codes, floodplain regulations, roadway standards, public health protections, and the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. This collaborative process helps identify impacts early, streamline approvals, and ensure that growth in unincorporated Pima County aligns with long-term planning and infrastructure goals.
Pima County is nationally recognized for its dark-sky protections. With major astronomical observatories nearby, including the University of Arizona’s Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter and Kitt Peak National Observatory, our region maintains some of the strongest lighting standards in the country. Development Services reviews lighting plans and enforces ordinances that reduce glare and light pollution, helping preserve our treasured night skies.
The department is also highly customer focused. Its website serves as a comprehensive resource for residents, contractors, and business owners, offering permit applications, fee calculators, inspection scheduling, and code guidance. For those who prefer in-person assistance, the downtown office provides knowledgeable staff ready to answer questions and help applicants navigate the process efficiently.
While Development Services administers existing zoning codes, proposed changes, such as rezonings or comprehensive plan amendments, first go before the Planning and Zoning Commission. This ten-member appointed body reviews land-use proposals and makes recommendations before they are considered by the Board of Supervisors.
Another important board in the land development process is the Board of Adjustment. Each supervisor appoints five members to the Board of Adjustment for their district. They hear and decide requests for variances, temporary use permits and appeals of zoning code interpretations. This provides property owners a formal opportunity to present their case when unique circumstances arise under the Pima County Zoning Code. Decisions of the Board may be appealed to Superior Court pursuant to A.R.S. § 11-816(D) and P.C.C. § 18.93.070.
Hardly a day goes by that the District 1 team isn’t consulting with Development Services to help address constituent questions and concerns. Their expertise touches nearly every part of the county, and we are grateful for their professionalism and dedication to serving our community.
LINK: Development Services
Rex
Election Information
Ballots went out last week for the RTA Special Election. This election is an all vote-by-mail election. For more information regarding this election please visit: Pima Votes
UPDATED 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION DATE
The Arizona State Legislature has moved the 2026 Primary Election up two weeks. The new date is July 21, 2026. For a full list of election dates visit the Pima County Recorder's website at:
What are we talking about?
We’ve officially released the first block of five episodes of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, and the response has been incredibly encouraging. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which tells me there’s a real appetite for understanding how Pima County works and, more importantly, hearing directly from the people who do the work every day.
My goal with this podcast is simple: to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at county government and let our dedicated staff tell their own stories in their own words. Below are the four interviews we’ve released so far.
We’ll be dropping a new episode on the Friday following each newsletter, so be sure to stay tuned, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
EPISODE 1: PEEPs: Pima County Early Childhood Education
EPISODE 2: Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions
EPISODE 3: Department of Economic Development
EPISODE 4: Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department
EPISODE 5: RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega
Subscribe to or follow to us on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss our latest episodes!
Pima County is inviting the public to review and comment on the update to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan is a collaborative effort to reduce wildfire risk and help communities better prepare for and recover from wildfires.
The CWPP identifies wildfire hazards, prioritizes at-risk communities, and outlines strategies to protect lives, property, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Pima County faces many wildfire risks due to its mix of desert, grassland, and forested landscapes. Other challenges include invasive fire-prone species such as buffelgrass, communities with limited evacuation routes, and continued growth where development meets wildland. Reducing these risks requires coordinated planning and input from agencies and residents.
To make it easy for the public to take part, Pima County has launched an online CWPP hub. Residents, landowners, and stakeholders can review the draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan and submit comments to help shape the final version.
The public review period is open until March 2.
The update is being developed in coordination with local fire districts, emergency management, land management agencies, utilities, tribal partners, and other stakeholders. It also uses the most current data on wildfire risk, fuels, and community vulnerabilities.
Other great Pima County Newsletters!
Catch Rex talking about Pima County issues that impact you!
Find more information:
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