Our Process

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Understanding the City of Tucson Real Estate Process

The Real Estate Division manages a wide range of transactions involving City-owned property, including acquisitions, dispositions (sales), leases, and utility access agreements. While the process may vary based on project type or department, most real estate actions follow a consistent structure involving multiple Real Estate sections.

This guide outlines the typical steps involved in City real estate projects, along with the subdivision responsible at each stage.

1. Request Initiated

Who’s Involved: Requesting Department & Real Estate Administration

The process begins when a City department, outside agency, or the public submits a request related to the use, purchase, or lease of City-owned property.

Common Triggers:
  • Internal need for additional land or facility access
  • Sale of surplus property
  • Lease request from outside agencies or telecom providers
  • Request for Right-of-Entry or Temporary Revocable Easement (TRE)
What Happens:
  • Real Estate Division logs and tracks the request
  • Initial feasibility and scope review is conducted
  • Historical or archaeological assessments may be scheduled

For new requests, contact Melody Lawson at (520) 837-6842

2. Property Appraisal

Who’s Involved: Appraisal Section

If the request involves the sale or acquisition of property, the Appraisal team determines the fair market value through in-house evaluation or external contracted services.

What Happens:
  • Market data is reviewed
  • Property condition and comparable sales are analyzed
  • Final appraisal is shared with the Negotiations and RES teams for planning

Picture1.pngGeneral appraisal inquiries: (520) 791-4181

3. Negotiations

Who’s Involved: Negotiations Section

Once the property’s value is established, the Negotiations team engages with interested parties—whether that’s an external buyer, seller, agency, or utility provider. This stage often includes technical reviews and legal coordination.

What Happens:
  • Terms and conditions are negotiated
  • Historical/archeological assessments are coordinated
  • Telecommunications or consultant reviews (if applicable)
  • Condemnation procedures initiated (if necessary)

Picture1.pngFor negotiation matters, contact the Real Estate Division at (520) 791-4181

4. Transaction Processing

Who’s Involved: Real Estate Services (RES) Section

Once terms are finalized, the RES team steps in to formalize the transaction. This includes title verification, legal documentation, and recording any changes with the Pima County Recorder’s Office.

What Happens:

  • Escrow is opened (when needed)
  • Title search and verification
  • Preparation of legal documents (e.g., deeds, easements)
  • Recording and final transfer of rights

Picture2.pngDownload RES Application Form (PDF, 17KB) [example.com]

Picture1.pngContact Jim Stoyanoff at (520) 837-6837 for RES assistance

5. Special Coordination (As Needed)

Who’s Involved: Special Projects Section

Some transactions require interagency coordination or higher-level review due to their complexity, visibility, or urgency. These are assigned to the Special Projects Manager.

Examples:
  • Land acquisitions for parks, transit, or economic development
  • High-priority sales involving multiple stakeholders
  • Joint ventures or state/federal coordination

Picture1.pngContact Ryan Tripp at (520) 837-6715 for Special Projects support

6. Lease or Access Agreement Setup

Who’s Involved: Property Management & GIS Section

For agreements that do not involve a change in ownership (e.g., leases, utility rights-of-entry, wireless towers), the Property Management and GIS team oversees setup, recordkeeping, and payment tracking.

What Happens:
  • Utility Service Agreements or TREs are processed
  • GIS maps are updated with relevant property data
  • Payments and obligations are logged into the Real Property Database

Form.pngDownload the Application for Temporary Revocable Easement (TRE) Form(PDF, 20KB)

Picture1.pngContact Tiana Clark at (520) 837-6815

7. Administrative Closeout

Who’s Involved: Administration & All Sections

The final stage includes records filing, payment tracking, and post-transfer monitoring. If the transaction involves lease-back agreements or demolition, coordination with the relevant departments continues through Property Management.

What Happens:
  • Payment or revenue collection tracking begins
  • Final documents uploaded into internal systems
  • Ongoing management or renewals tracked

Picture1.pngAdministrative questions: Contact Melody Lawson at (520) 837-6842

Resources

Need help?

Email: Real.Estate@tucsonaz.gov | Phone: (520) 791-4181 |

Mailing Address: City of Tucson - Real Estate Division | PO Box 27210 | Tucson, Arizona 85726-7210

 

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