Tucson Expands Housing Options with Middle Housing Code Amendment

Published on December 17, 2025

Starting in the new year, property owners across most of Tucson will have new flexibility to develop middle housing types on residential lots. This includes duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and cottage courts. This creates more diverse housing options while maintaining neighborhood character through established design standards.

Following a public hearing on December 16, Mayor and Council voted 6-1 to approve middle housing citywide, except in rural residential areas. Changes to the unified development code take effect on January 1, 2026.

Background

In May 2024, the Arizona State Legislature passed House Bill 2721, requiring cities with populations over 75,000 to allow middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and cottage courts) in more areas by January 1, 2026. Rather than allowing state regulations to apply automatically, Tucson chose to develop tailored policies that reflect community needs.

PDSD held public meetings beginning in May 2025, with initial feedback presented to Mayor and Council in April. At a July study session, staff were directed to develop code amendments allowing middle housing across the broadest geographic area and to establish design criteria, including landscaping and dimensional standards.

The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Unified Development Code amendment at a September study session and, in November, voted to recommend citywide adoption with three modifications to Mayor and Council: matching minimum lot sizes to density requirements, applying the changes across all eligible areas, and reviewing the amendments in two years.