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Tucson Development Center now open to the public

The newly renovated Tucson Development Center is now open to the public. This center, on the first floor of the Public Works Building at 201 N Stone, is staffed by multiple City departments to serve the development industry and property owners that need information about their construction projects. Planning and Development Services, Tucson Water, Tucson Fire, and Transportation and Mobility are available to assist customers from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday.

Staff are not conducting over-the-counter plan review but are available to answer questions from the public and assist customers with their online applications. 

New app allows same-day rooftop solar permitting

Pima County and the City of Tucson recently relaunched the Solar One Stop as a portal to the new Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus Platform (SolarAPP+) that automates the approval of residential solar permits. 

Pima County and the City of Tucson are some of the first and the largest jurisdictions in the United States to help DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) pilot the permitting software, created with help from the International Code Council, UL, solar industry, the Solar Foundation and others. 

Using SolarAPP+, registered solar contractors can submit their system designs for immediate code compliance review and subsequent permits. The app launched for widespread use in Pima County and Tucson on May 12 ahead of the national launch in June 2021. Solar installers can access the new app via the Solar One Stop website found here.

Take a quick survey to help us chart the path forward on virtual meetings

For the past year, PDSD, along with other City departments, has held Board, Commission and Committee meetings and other public meetings virtually. These meetings have had strong attendance by members of the public and have made it easier for many people to attend. At the same time, participation in virtual meetings works best when attendees have access to a computer and the internet and we are aware that many in our community are not digitally connected. We want your thoughts on how to make our public meetings accessible!

Please share your input on virtual meetings using this survey. Feedback from the survey will help us develop an approach to virtual and in-person meetings moving forward.

Learn about a proposed zoning change to allow Accessory Dwelling Units

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department recently held a series of virtual public meetings to share a proposed code change to allow backyard casitas (also known as Accessory Dwelling Units) in Tucson. Attendees heard how this housing option can provide affordable housing, help seniors age in place, and promote sustainable infill development. 

Staff presented 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. It would allow one ADU per residential lot; ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet. One parking space per ADU is required. Additionally, every newly built ADU must include a cool roof.

Watch a recording of one of the meetings, review the presentation with the draft proposal, a meeting summary, and share your thoughts using a survey on the project website. The proposal is tentatively planned to be presented to the Planning Commission at a Study Session on June 30.

Update on launch of new permit system

The City of Tucson is developing a new permit system to manage all City permits, including building permits, zoning approvals, fire permits, water service, right-of-way permits, business licenses and more. Staff from multiple departments have spent the past two years designing and building the system which is in the testing phase now.

The new permit system is now scheduled to go live in December. 

The new system offers many improvements for our customers:

• Online application submittal, payment and tracking
• Portal walks customers through simple application steps
• Online portal provides real-time tracking of application status

Watch out for additional information on our website and in this newsletter over the coming months about what to expect from this new system.

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).

Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission Plans Review Subcommittee
Thursday, June 10, 1pm Thursday, June 24, 1pm

Planning Commission
Wednesday, June 16, 6pm
Wednesday, June 30, 6pm

Zoning Examiner
Thursday, June 24, 6pm

Board of Adjustment
Wednesday, June 30,
12:30pm Study Session, 1:00pm Public Hearing

Design Review Board
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 May.

PDSD issued 741 building permits and saw construction valuation of over $58 million last month.

The highest value permit issued, at $7.6M in construction valuation, was for the renovation of an existing building to house the new El Rio Health Grant Road Clinic.