In this edition of News You Can Use you will find:

• Court Sides with SAHBA on Fee Dispute
• Input Needed: Water Master Plan
• Training Opportunity: Tucson Development Center Online
• SAHBA Advocates for Industry with the ACC
• Builders Learn About New County Inspection System
• Tech Committee Re-Cap
• SAHBA Weighs In on Water Issues
• SAHBA Comments on Proposed Text Code Amendment
• Contractors Needed: Helping People in Need
• SAHBA Board Installation & Awards Reception
• "Coffee With"... Sharon Bronson
• Mixer Re-Cap, Thank You Sunbelt Holdings!
• Upcoming Council & Committees
• Industry News
• New & Renewing Members

Supreme Court Rules in SAHBA's Favor

In a decision that benefits future homebuyers in Marana, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled impact fees being charged by the Town of Marana were illegal. The fees were the subject of a lawsuit filed by SAHBA in 2018. The ruling provides clarity for the appropriate use of impact fees to finance public infrastructure and what is and isn't the financial burden of new home buyers. Click here for a copy of the ruling and here for a related news story.

Tucson Water Seeks Your Input on Master Plan

Tucson Water is preparing a new comprehensive long-range water plan to guide our water resources for the next 80 years. The master plan is based on a nationally recognized, integrated approach to water resource management known as “One Water.” The goal of the One Water 2100 Master Plan is to foster a shared vision for providing a reliable source of the highest-quality potable and non-potable water for our community in the decades to come.

In order to have the most informed plan, Tucson Water is seeking responses to a comprehensive survey. This is an opportunity for SAHBA members to convey what's most important for them when considering the future of Tucson Water.

Having Challenges with Tucson's New Permitting System??

If you are a customer of Tucson's Planning & Development Services Department, we encourage you to attend the training session SAHBA is hosting on Wednesday, January 25th from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the SAHBA Office. PDSD team members will be on hand to answer your questions and troubleshoot issues. Please RSVP on or before January 24th.

SAHBA Efforts Help Preserve Key Utility Policy

During it's recent rate case, Southwest Gas was facing the threat of a proposal that would eliminate line extension allowances for new subdivisions. The proposal, being pushed by an out of state interest group, would cost builders thousands of dollars per lot and unnecessarily raise the price of new homes. SAHBA partnered with the HBACA to submit a letter to the ACC opposing the proposal and then spoke at a public meeting conveying the importantce of the issue. The ACC's action was consistent with the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation and they did not accept the proposals. Click here for a copy of the letter.

SAHBA Hosts Training on New County Inspection System

Last week, SAHBA held a training opportunity with the Pima County Building and Site Development Department. Dan Ice, Rick Wilburg, and Stacey Reeves provided a great training session where members were oriented on the new VuSpex feature that the County is using for conducting inspections virtually. Members were also able to ask questions and voice any concerns they had about the new feature. 

Tech Committee Recap

January's tech committee meeting had a great turnout, with over 50 participants coming together to discuss several topics ranging from Arizona State Land to TEP Transformers Supply Chain Management. Karen Dada, Planning & Engineering Section Manager at Arizona State Land Department, provided attendees with an overview of the State Trust beneficiary and auctioning process. Jeremy Erlacher, T&D Manager in Asset Management at TEP, discussed the TEP supply chain risk mitigation and process. Development Services Director for the Town of Marana, Jason Angell, also attended and gave an update on staffing, assurances, and floodplain permits in Marana. Members were also able to hear about a new Waters of the United States rule from Brian Lindenlaub with Westland Resources, which has been announced by the EPA but not yet published in the federal register. 

SAHBA Weighs in on Critical Water Issue

Last week, the Arizona Department of Water Resources released modeling that showed the potential for unmet water demand in the Buckeye area. The implication is that at some point in the future, a subdivision may not be approved because of insufficient groundwater. The news prompted calls for reforms to the Groundwater Management Act and Assured Water Supply Rules by anti-growth interests. Such changes could result in curtailment of homebuilding and great economic loss for the state.

SAHBA President David Godlewski was interviewed by the Daily Star for an article on this topic. “We need housing of all types and all price points for all kinds of consumers,” he said. “Infill development and building in an urban environment are important, but not everyone wants to live in the same kind of community" ... "We have to figure out water planning and water management to be able to accommodate both.” Click here for the article.

SAHBA Comments on Proposed Text Code Amendment

Pima County Development Services is proposing an update to the Pima County Zoning Code to incentivize and promote residential development adjacent to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, or any county-identified Loop spur segment. This code amendment will supplement the Trail-Oriented Development code amendment (18.07.030.V. of the Pima County Zoning Code) adopted in 2020 that promotes small-scale commercial and mixed-use development to foster a greater variety of destinations along the Loop.

SAHBA is working with Pima County on the proposed code change. The County has been proactive in reaching out to SAHBA for comments on changes like these. Click here to read the letter with comments sent to the County on the proposed code change.

Contractors Needed: Helping People in Need

The Direct Advocacy & Resource Center of Arizona is a non-profit operated by, and for, people with disabilities. They have a thriving home access program but are in need of licensed contractors and repair/maintenance workers experienced in single-family and mobile home repairs and modifications. SAHBA members have a special opportunity to partner with the Center to help people with disabilities improve the access to and safety of their homes allowing them to continue to enjoy living independently. Projects may include building/installing ramps, installing grab bars, and kitchen and bath remodeling/repairs.

For more information, please call (520) 844-2069.

Are you taking advantage of all your SAHBA Member Benefits? As a member, you can access many discounts through National Purchasing Partners. To learn how to register your business please contact Yvette Pederson.

SAHBA Board Installation & Awards Reception

Thank you to Southwest Gas for being this year's Board Installation & Awards Reception Presenting Sponsor!

Event Details:

Friday, February 10, 2023

Site 17 Event Center

4:00pm - Registration

4:30pm - Program

6:00pm - Reception

Sponsorship Packages are available! Sponsorships can be secured by contacting Yvette Pederson at yvette@sahba.org or calling 520.429.4734.

Single tickets can be purchased for $40 here! This event is limited to 250 people - reserve your spot today!

"Coffee with"... Sharon Bronson

Join us for coffee with Sharon Bronson, Pima County Supervisor

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Tucson Association of Realtors (TAR)

2445 N Tucson Blvd.

8:30am - 9:30am

Register to shawnc@tucsonrealtors.org

Mixer Re-Cap, Thank You Sunbelt Holdings!

Last night, members kicked off the year at The Still for SAHBA's first 2023 member mixer. It was amazing to see so many after the holidays out, making connections. A huge shoutout to Sunbelt Holdings for making last night possible and we're looking forward to all getting together again soon!

Upcoming Councils & Committees - Mark Your Calendars!

Remodelers Council - Wednesday, February 1st at 12pm (SAHBA)

Business Referral Exchange (BRE) - Tuesday, February 7th at 7:30am (SAHBA)

Purchasing Round Table - Thursday, February 9th at 9am (SAHBA)

Sales & Marketing Council - Tuesday, February 14th at 12pm (Hybrid)

Technical Committee - Tuesday, February 21st at 3:30pm (Hybrid)

Industry News

• Arizona's minimum wage increased by $1.05 on January 1, 2023, rising from $12.80 to $13.85 per hour. For more information visit the Industrial Commission of Arizona website.

• In the latest episode of NAHB's podcast The Daily Drill, Chief Economist, Rob Dietz analyzes the December jobs report and what the data means for the overall economy. Click here to listen to the full podcast.

• NAHB released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the fourth quarter, posting a reading of 66, declining 17 points compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. "Despite a downward trend, it is encouraging that it remains in positive territory. NAHB expects remodeling activity will pick up by the end of 2023" according to Chief Economist Robert Dietz. View the complete reports and sentiments here.

Welcome, New Members

Guild Mortgage Company

(Referred by Kimberly York, KB Home)

Signature Window Coverings

Southwest Concrete

(Referred by Todd Glick, A.F. Sterling Home Builders)

The Patch Boys of Greater Tucson

(Referred by Joe McMahon, Action Imaging Group)

Thank you, Renewing Members

AF Sterling Home Builders

Arizona Designs Kitchens & Baths

Arizona Tile

B&J Refrigeration Inc.

Baker & Associates Engineering

BBSI Tucson

Borderland Construction

Brewer Enterprises Inc.

Cantera Real Estate, LLC

Construction Specialties & Maintenance 

Copper State Consulting Group

Cottonwood Properties

Crown West Land Group

Desert Wind Shutters & Shades

Diamond Ventures

DR Horton Homes

E-Konomy Pool Service

Environments For Living (TopBuild)

EPS Group, Inc.

Fennemore Craig

Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group, Inc.

Gale Contractor Services

Hayes Construction, Inc.

Kinetico Quality Water

L & L Manufactured Components

LeCocq Construction Company

Life Director - Chris Sheafe

Life Director - Michael Leung

Long Realty Company

Miramonte Homes

Northwest Exterminating

Open Enclose

Optum Home Solutions AZ LLC

Pepper Viner Homes

ProTeX

Psomas

Reproductions

Residential & Renovation Engineering

Snell & Wilmer, LLP

Southwest Gas Corporation

Sunbelt Holdings

SW Sun Control Retractable Shades

Terramar Properties

Territorial Sign Company

The Garage Center, LLC

TJ Bednar & Company

Tofel Dent Construction

Trico Electric Cooperative

TRS Custom Builders

US Carpentry (MNI)

Water Tec of Tucson

Westerner Products, Inc.

WestLand Resources

WLB Group

WVR Realty and Consulting LLC