Housing & Homelessness Emergency and Shelter Care Code Amendment
In response to the City's Housing and Homelessness Emergency, the City is exploring updates to how and where shelter care facilities can operate through potential changes to the zoning code.
Zoning is a tool local governments use to guide how land can be used and developed. It sets rules for where different uses, such as homes, businesses, and industrial uses, can be located and what can be built. The current zoning code limits where shelter care facilities can be located, making it difficult to provide these services in many areas of the community.
Zoning codes need to be updated over time to reflect the community’s changing needs. The City is using this code amendment process to explore potential changes that could make it easier to provide shelter while maintaining appropriate health, safety, and neighborhood standards.
Are there currently proposals to build shelters?
There is one proposal to build shelters located in Ward 3. There are no proposals elsewhere in the City.
Are there currently proposals to update the zoning code?
No permanent changes to zoning regulations have been made at this time. Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) is using research and community input to draft potential changes to the Unified Development Code (UDC).
Temporary options for shelter and safe sleeping areas are currently available under the Mayor and Council’s Housing and Homelessness Emergency Declaration. See the Emergency Declaration Section below for more information.
September/October 2026
In September and October 2026, the City of Tucson, in partnership with the University of Arizona Drachman Institute, held community feedback sessions to gather input on shelter care zoning standards.
The sessions offered an opportunity to learn about current regulations, hear about potential changes, ask questions, share preferences, and help shape Tucson's response to the housing and homelessness emergency
- Sunday, September 13, 2026 - 4th Avenue Coalition Space
- Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Virtual Information Session
- Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Park Place Information Sessions
The City is also collecting feedback through the online Shelter Zoning Standards Survey through October 15th, 2026
Shelter Zoning Standards Survey (Closes October 15)
Shelter Care Virtual Meeting Recording
Shelter Care Virtual Presentation Slides
Shelter Care Exhibit Boards
Housing and Homelessness Emergency Declaration
In February 2026, the City of Tucson declared a Housing and Homelessness Emergency. The declaration provides temporary tools to help remove zoning and permitting barriers and expedite the creation of shelter and safe sleeping opportunities.
These temporary options are separate from the permanent Shelter Care Code Amendment described above. The code amendment process will consider longer-term changes to the City’s zoning regulations based on research and community input.
There are currently two primary permitting options available during the Emergency Declaration Period:
Option 1: Permanent or Semi-Permanent Shelters
This path is for structures fixed to the ground, regardless of how long the site intends to operate.
Examples: Motel conversions and tiny home villages or "microcabins" which may have electricity but typically lack plumbing
Permit Type: Commercial Building Permit with a Special Exception.
Key Process Steps:
- Determine Review Path: Sites with 30 or fewer residents are approved by the PDSD Director; sites with more than 30 require a Zoning Examiner.
- Identify Relief: Determine which zoning standards (like setbacks or parking) require flexibility.
- Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting: Must be requested via TDC Online to confirm submittal requirements and fee reductions.
- Submit Development Package (DP): These are materials about the layout and modifications to the site. Include a commercial site plan and a letter of intent.
- Submit Commercial Building Permit: These are details about the buildings. Include a letter of intent to use the Housing Emergency. This application can be submitted at the same time as the DP, but the DP must approved first.
- Once Issued, Build and Complete Inspections
Longevity: Once permitted, these structures remain permitted even after the housing emergency is lifted.
Option 2: Temporary Safe Outdoor Sleeping Areas
This option is for managed areas where people sleep in private vehicles, tents or other structures that are not permanently fixed to the ground.
Example: Star Village
Permit Type: Temporary Use Permit (TUP).
Capacity Limits: Maximum of 30 units (tents or vehicles) and 50 total individuals per site.
Key Process Steps:
- Inquiries: For initial information and assistance with getting started, contact a staff member at Planning and Development Services Department.
- Mandatory Pre-application Meeting: Must be requested via TDC Online to confirm submittal requirements and fee reductions.
- Permit Application Type: Request a Temporary Use Permit via TDC Online
- Documents Required: An application requires four documents that address the content listed in the Safe Outdoor Sleeping Area Site Conditions Policy:
- Site Plan – An illustration showing the entire property and the location of all buildings, parking areas, access points, and other site features.
- Egress Plan – An illustration showing how people can safely exit the buildings, tents, vehicles and property in an emergency, including exit routes, doors, and emergency exists.
- Electrical Plan – A plan showing the location and layout of electrical equipment, outlets, lighting, and other electrical systems.
- Management and Safety Plan - A written plan describing how the facility will be operated and how safety, security, staffing, emergencies, and day-to-day management will be handled.
Longevity: These permits are valid for one year and may be renewed if there are no major site plan changes or unresolved community complaints.
How to Apply
Contact the Planning and Development Services Department at PDSD_Project@tucsaonaz.gov for additional guidance. When ready, submit all applications and pre-application meeting requests through the TDC Online portal.