PDSD 2024 Year In Review

Casita Model Plan Library Offers Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Plans

The Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) launched the Casita Model Plan Library in January 2024, featuring designs selected through a Casita Model Plan Design Competition. The competition was made possible through an AARP Community Challenge grant and was held in collaboration with AIA Southern Arizona.

The library currently includes seven pre-approved models. The model plans simplify the process and reduce time and cost for homeowners looking to build a casita, making this housing option more accessible to our community. More models continue to be added as they are approved.

Learn more about the Casita Model Plan Library and Accessory Dwelling Units at the Casitas in Tucson website.

Permit Review Lanes Cut Down Review Times

To streamline the permitting process, PDSD introduced Permit Review Lanes in 2023, adjusting review times based on project scale. In early 2024, Limited Scope Commercial Tenant Improvements were added to the Fast Lane, covering projects of 3,000 square feet or less, in specific occupancies. These improvements aim to provide faster, more efficient service while supporting timely project completion.

The Express Lane offers same-day service for solar applications, residential electrical and plumbing projects, and electrical reconnections. The Fast Lane includes residential model homes, commercial trades, special inspections, and pools. The Standard Lane has a 30-day review goal for larger residential and commercial projects, while the Complex Lane handles zoning changes and large development plans, often with a dedicated project manager.

Plan Tucson 2025 Completes Phase 2

The Plan Tucson Phase 2 took place from Summer 2023 to Spring 2024. During that time, Tucson residents were invited to build upon the ideas introduced in Phase 1. The community input gathered during this phase shaped the development of goals, policies, and a Future Growth Scenario Map. These tools are designed to guide the implementation of the General Plan's vision.

To support this effort, working groups were formed to draft goals in five key areas: Economic Vitality, Community Resources, Water, Climate Action, and Green Space; Land Use, Housing, Neighborhoods, and Design; Transportation, Mobility, and Access.

In Winter 2024, the project moved into Phase 3, which included the release of the 2025 Preliminary Draft and continued opportunities for community engagement. These efforts ensure that Plan Tucson remains a collaborative and forward-thinking guide for the City's future.

Code Updates Promote Diverse Housing Options

Accessory Dwelling Units

The Mayor and Council adopted amendments to the City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations on October 22, 2024.

The amendments, which were required by State of Arizona House Bill 2720, increased the number of ADUs allowed per lot, adjusted height limits on ADUs, removed minimum parking requirements, and amended minimum setbacks.

Learn more about the code amendments adopted by Mayor and Council by exploring the ADU code amendment website.

Adaptive Reuse and Multifamily Development

Changes to the City’s regulations for adaptive reuse and multifamily development were approved by Mayor and Council during their December 10, 2024 meeting. These amendments were prompted by the passage of House Bill (HB) 2297 by the State of Arizona, which mandates that multifamily residential development or adaptive reuse be allowed, by right, in at least 10% of all existing commercial, office, or mixed-use buildings, provided the buildings are deemed economically or functionally obsolete and include 10% affordable housing.

More information on the proposed code amendments for adaptive reuse and multifamily development can be found here.

May Proclaimed Building Safety Month by Mayor

City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero proclaimed May 2024 as Building Safety Month during the council meeting on May 7, 2024. PDSD staff and partners in the development community proudly accepted the proclamation.

Throughout the month, PDSD, in coordination with the International Code Council (ICC), participated in the 44th Annual Building Safety Month, a yearly campaign that focuses on educating the public about the importance of building codes in ensuring the safety of their living and working environments. Building Safety Month also celebrated the professionals who ensure these standards are met year-round.

City of Tucson SolarApp Provides Same Day Residential Solar Permitting

PDSD rolled out an important update regarding SolarApp services. In June 2024, the department transitioned from the Pima County SolarApp to the City of Tucson’s own SolarApp.

Staff worked with Pima County to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. SolarApp is now linked to customers’ Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online account instead of the Pima County permitting system for greater convenience.

Ongoing Commitment to Customer Satisfaction and Service Improvements

In 2024, PDSD placed a strong focus on enhancing customer satisfaction by implementing key improvements across various services. Central to the effort was the launch of our Customer Satisfaction Survey in January 2024, which provided insights into customer needs and concerns.

Permit Dashboard

In 2024, the Permit Dashboard helped identify key areas for improvement in the permitting process. It highlighted issues that required attention by providing insights into review times and application-to-permit issuance data. The dashboard flagged delays and guided efforts to resolve bottlenecks, improve on-time reviews, and ensure a more effective and transparent permitting system moving forward.

TDC Online Navigator

PDSD launched an innovative decision tree designed to direct customers to the correct permit type before they apply. Integrated into Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online, TDC Online Navigator aims to simplifying the permit application process. It also features a user-friendly interface, accurate permit selection, and resource connections.

TDC Online Single Sign-On

Spurred by customer request, single sign-on (SSO) was added to TDC Online. SSO offers multiple sign-on options and more support for password resets. Customers who have an account with other municipalities that use other software options provided by Tyler Technologies can also use SSO for their log-in portals.

Geo Rules

When applying for a new permit or plan, Geo rules provide zoning information based on the property address, such as historic zones, special districts, overlays, and flood zones. The geo rules notification will also provide resources to research the identified zone(s).

Electrical Reconnect Permit Re-Design

The Electrical Reconnect Permit process was updated to simplify and accelerate review and inspection scheduling. Document and material uploads are no longer required.

Property Records Requests

Significant improvements were made in records request processing with current turnaround times averaging 7-10 days. Enhancements include the application of geo rules to exclude addresses outside Tucson city limits, allowing requests to be handled with greater accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, automated emails now feature links to relevant resources, simplifying access to necessary information.

Planning and Development Services Receives Common Grounds Award of Distinction

PDSD was honored with the Award of Distinction at the Metropolitan Pima Alliance (MPA) Common Ground Award Ceremony. This accolade highlights PDSD's efforts to improve the customer experience, promote transparency, and foster sustainable growth through initiatives such as the Casita Model Plan Design Competition, Permit Review Lanes, and the Permit Dashboard.

Thank you to the MPA for the recognition and to the many stakeholders and partners who helped implement these and other process improvements and community engagement efforts.

Planning the Future of Tucson

As Plan Tucson 2025 progresses, community feedback remains a cornerstone of its development. Throughout this process, Tucson residents have actively shaped the direction of the plan, offering valuable insights that guide the plan’s evolution.

Following the release of the 2025 Preliminary Draft plan, there will continue to be numerous opportunities for public input, allowing residents to voice their thoughts on the draft's goals, policies, and proposed future growth scenarios. Public forums, surveys, and online platforms will provide a variety of ways for the community to engage.

Feedback will be incorporated into the final draft plan to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Planning Commission will hold public hearings and provide a recommendation on the plan in March. Following the Planning Commission recommendation, the draft plan will be reviewed by Mayor and Council who will also hold a public hearing on the plan before considering adoption.

Plan Tucson 2025 will head to voters for approval on the November 2025 ballot, marking the culmination of a multi-year process driven by community participation and shared vision. Plan Tucson 2025 is poised to become a guiding document for sustainable growth, economic vitality, and a better Tucson for all residents.

Development of Community Corridors Tool

Over the past year and a half, PDSD has been working on a proposed code amendment to encourage the redevelopment of underutilized sites on our commercial corridors with the intent to develop the tools to help transform vacant lots, deserted strip malls, or large empty parking lots along major streets into livable and vibrant mixed-use destinations. The Community Corridors Tool (CCT) seeks to align our zoning code with adopted Mayor and Council policies to achieve the following goals:

• Make infill development, especially affordable housing, simpler to build along corridors
• Remove barriers to affordable housing
• Promote transit-oriented infill development that supports climate action goal
• Update zoning to make it easier to permit a full spectrum of housing types
• Simplify redevelopment of underutilized and vacant sites

The CCT is currently under review by the City of Tucson Planning Commission prior to review and adoption by the Mayor and Council in the Spring of 2025.

Learn more about the Community Corridors Tool.

Planning for Middle Housing: Preparing for Arizona’s New Housing Law

On May 21, 2024, the Arizona State Legislature passed House Bill 2721 which requires municipalities with a population of more than 75,000 to adopt regulations to allow residential development of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, 2-4 units in certain specific situations by January 1, 2026. The intent of the legislation is to help ease housing affordability issues and to provide a more diverse mix of housing types for residents.

Over the past year, PDSD has conducted research and analysis on implementing middle housing regulations, building on their research on mini-home and multi-family development that will contribute to the development of a proposal in 2025. Community engagement will provide feedback for the code development proposal in the spring / summer 2025. The formal adoption process by Mayor and Council will take place in the fall prior to the January 1, 2026 deadline

Modernizing Construction Standards with Adoption of Updated Building Code

This past year, the Tucson-Pima County Joint Consolidated Code Committee (TPCJCC) completed a review of the complete suite of the 2024 International Codes (I-codes) which include more than 1,000 building code updates across 20 publications. The extensive review process represents a collaboration between city and county staff to create consistent building regulations across jurisdictions.

In 2025, the Tucson-Pima County Joint Consolidated Code Committee (TPCJCC) will be in the final phase of the review. The committee plans to present the complete suite of updated International Codes (I-codes) to the Tucson Mayor and Council in early spring 2025. Following Tucson's adoption by Mayor and Council, Pima County will begin its adoption process, with both jurisdictions targeting implementation on July 1, 2025.

For more information about the committee's review process and draft amendments, visit the TPCJCC website.

Fast-Tracking Affordable Housing: Tucson's Commitment to Addressing Housing Needs

The City of Tucson recently introduced the Affordable Housing Fast Track Program that streamlines the review and approval process for affordable housing projects, reducing target plan review timelines to 15 days from the standard 30 day review. Developers work with a dedicated Project Manager and participate in pre-application conferences, plan review working sessions, and pre-construction meetings to ensure efficiency and address potential challenges early. Eligible projects are vetted by the Housing and Community Development Department and must conform to legally binding affordability terms and conditions. This initiative supports the policy goals of the Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson, enabling faster development of affordable housing to address the city’s critical housing needs.

Commitment to Progress: Customer Focus & Experience

PDSD is committed to continuously improving its services and tools to provide our community with a seamless, efficient, and transparent permitting process. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to explore a range of improvements that will enhance the customer experience.

• Ongoing enhancements to the permit review lanes by identifying opportunities to cut down on review times for certain permit types.
• A more efficient approach to records requests, ensuring quicker access to information.
• Continual review and discovery within the permit dashboard will allow for more comprehensive tracking and management of permits.
• Providing additional educational materials and one-sheets to ensure customers have access to clear, concise, and easily digestible information. By addressing common questions and offering step-by-step guidance, we aim to enhance customer understanding and foster a more efficient and transparent experience for all.
• Improved website navigation will allow customers to quickly and easily find the information they need. By creating a user-friendly layout, simplifying menus, and enhancing search functionality, we aim to reduce frustration and make online interactions more intuitive.

These updates reflect PDSD's commitment to a positive customer experience by enhancing transparency, improving efficiency, and promoting collaboration. Through these ongoing improvements, we strive to ensure accountability and continue strengthening our service to the community.

Shaping Resilient Futures: Advancing the Regional Resilience Code

In 2024, the Resilient Southwest Building Code Collaborative established two advisory committees – one technical and one equity-based. The committees began meeting in late 2024. Emerging themes from the committees include alternative building methods, non-potable water use, safer materials, faster post-disaster permitting, passive cooling for grid outages, and reducing building and recovery costs.

For more information about the developments and process, visit the Resilient Southwest Building Code Collaborative website.