 COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR SHELTER CARE ZONING CODE UPDATES
The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD), in collaboration with the Drachman Institute at the University of Arizona, is seeking community input on updates to the City's zoning regulations for shelter care. Three feedback opportunities are scheduled between September 13 and October 4, 2026.
On February 3, 2026, the City of Tucson declared a Housing and Homelessness Emergency to remove zoning and permitting barriers and expedite the creation of shelter beds.
Shelter is one part of a broader response that also includes affordable and supportive housing, homelessness prevention, outreach, and connections to services.
Under the City's current Unified Development Code (UDC), shelter care uses are permitted in a limited number of locations and are subject to requirements that can make it difficult to add shelter capacity. PDSD is reviewing those regulations to identify changes that would make it easier to establish shelter facilities in appropriate locations while maintaining standards for surrounding neighborhoods.
As part of this effort, PDSD is currently evaluating zoning changes related to:
- Allowing shelter care in additional areas
- Reducing parking requirements and other on-site restrictions
- Simplifying approval processes
- Allowing safe outdoor sleeping areas in specific circumstances
No decisions have been made. Community members are encouraged to attend any or all of the sessions below to learn more, ask questions, and share their perspectives.
Feedback Session 1
Feedback Session 2
Feedback Session 3
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Where: Park Place Mall Central Exhibit Space, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd
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When:
- Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
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RSVP Optional: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/wFU8z4z2hH
Community members unable to attend in person are encouraged to join the virtual session or submit written comments to Amanda.Smith@tucsonaz.gov. Feedback gathered during these sessions will inform a draft code amendment, which will be available for public review in the fall. The draft will then go to the Planning Commission for a study session and public hearing, after which the Commission will forward a recommendation to the Mayor and Council for consideration.
Visit the Housing and Homelessness Emergency Shelter Care Code Amendment website for more information.
Project Contact
Amanda Smith, Lead Planner
Amanda.Smith@tucsonaz.gov
Drachman Institute Contact
Bill Mackey, Assistant Research Professor
mackeyiv@arizona.edu
Media Contact
Ina Ronquillo, Public Information Officer
Ina.Ronquillo@tucsonaz.gov
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