Planning and Development Services May newsletter: Learn about a proposal to allow casitas in Tucson

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Learn about a proposed zoning change to allow Accessory Dwelling Units

Attend a virtual public meeting to learn about a proposed code change to allow backyard casitas (also known as Accessory Dwelling Units) in Tucson. Hear how this housing option can provide affordable housing, help seniors age in place, and promote sustainable infill development. 

PDSD staff will present a draft proposal for new zoning regulations to permit this housing type. This proposal was developed based on what we heard at public meetings held earlier this year, and input from a stakeholder group representing a range of viewpoints and expertise. Share your feedback and hear from other community members.

Meetings will be held at the following times:

You can find more background about the project here.

Alley ADU

Housing Study finds gaps in market for low-income households

The third and final phase of the Housing Market Study, the Gap Analysis, is now available. The analysis focuses on understanding gaps in the housing market by looking at existing demographics, household income levels, development trends, emerging household preferences, and economic indicators to understand unmet housing needs.  

The Housing Market Study shows a lack of affordable housing opportunities for lower-income individuals and families in Tucson. It is estimated that over 45,000 low-income households are currently renting units that are not affordable to them and therefore stretch the family financially. 

The City of Tucson’s Commission on Equitable Housing and Development (CEHD) will work with the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop recommendations on policy and actions that may be taken to help address the gaps in the housing market.


Changes to impact and development review fees

This week the Mayor and Council voted to sunset the “Emergency Relief” impact fee rates on June 30, 2021. The “Full Adopted” fee schedule will now go into effect July 1. This may mean an increase in impact fees for some projects. All building permits that are submitted by May 14, 2021, and deemed complete by Planning and Development Services, will have the benefit of the “Emergency Relief” fee schedule regardless of when the permit is paid or issued. For additional information, view the May 4 Mayor and Council Regular Meeting materials and the online Impact Fee Calculator (based on “Emergency Relief” fees). Questions on your individual permit may be directed to PDSDInquiries@tucsonaz.gov.

Additionally, the development review fees charged by Planning and Development Services, Fire, and Transportation are proposed to be restructured into a new fee table, which is available online for public review and comment. The goal of this restructure is not an increase in fees but a streamlined table that is more transparent and predictable for customers. Mayor and Council are expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed development review fees on June 8, 2021.

Board, Committee and Commission Meetings

Mark your calendar for these upcoming meetings. Follow the links below to review what's on the agenda (agendas are typically posted a week prior to the meeting).

Zoning Examiner
Thursday, May 6, 6pm
Monday, May 17, 6pm
Thursday, May 20, 6pm
Tuesday, May 25, 6pm
Thursday, May 27, 6pm

Design Review Board
Friday, May 7, 7:30am
Friday, May 21, 7:30am

Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission Plans Review Subcommittee
Thursday, May 13, 1pm Thursday, May 27, 1pm

Planning Commission
Wednesday, May 19, 6pm

Board of Adjustment
No meetings scheduled

Tucson-Pima County Joint Consolidated Code Committee
No meetings scheduled

All public meetings are held virtually using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Check the meeting agenda for instructions on how to connect.


Development Activity in Tucson

Check out development activity for the month of April.

PDSD issued 926 building permits and saw construction valuation of over $49 million last month.

As business activity rebounds from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing new restaurants and food businesses popping up across the city - permits were issued last month for a new Cheba Hut at Sam Hughes Place, a Salad and Go at Speedway and Craycroft, and a McDonalds at S Campbell and E Benson Hwy.