JULY 15, 2025

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



  • Summer Mixer
  • Job Corps Update
  • ADU Code Amendment
  • County Adopts Building Codes
  • Updated Impact Fees
  • Permit Gateway Tool Training Sessions
  • Marana PIA Update
  • Tucson Middle Housing Initiative
  • Ag To Urban Law
  • Upcoming Events
  • Member News
  • Community Building
  • Industry News & Information
  • New Members

FEATURE EVENT

Summer Mixer at

Brick Box Brewery

 

Join us for our FREE summer mixer, sponsored by T & T Cleaning, with cold drinks, good food, great company and the debut of our signature cocktail - the SAHBA Summer Slammer!


Bring a prospective member and be entered into a raffle prize drawing!


Thursday, July 24 @ 4:30pm



Brick Box Brewery

2020 E Broadway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85701

ADVOCACY

ADU’s Coming to Pima County: SAHBA to Host Stakeholder Meeting


Following the passage of House Bill 2928, the Pima County Planning and Zoning Commission has initiated a zoning code amendment to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on qualifying properties. Staff will begin drafting revisions immediately and work with stakeholders, including home builders and neighborhood groups, to meet the state deadline of January 1, 2026. SAHBA will host a stakeholder meeting on Monday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. at our office (2840 N. Country Club Rd) to discuss the County’s approach and gather member feedback. For more information or to RSVP, contact Brendan@sahba.org.

Pima County Adopts 2024 Building Codes with Local Amendments


The Board of Supervisors has approved a major building code update, adopting multiple 2024 International Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code, with local amendments. SAHBA submitted formal comments supporting delayed IECC adoption and recommending removal of two IRC amendments related to receptacle placement. While not all suggestions were incorporated, we appreciate staff's collaboration and continue advocating for regulations that support housing affordability in Southern Arizona.

Development Impact Fees: Ordinance Approved with SAHBA Engagement


The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to adopt changes to the Development Impact Fee Ordinance for transporation impact fees. SAHBA testified at the hearing, raising affordability concerns and advocating for a five-year phase-in to help stabilize the housing market. We remain committed to working with County leaders to ensure infrastructure investment and housing affordability go hand-in-hand.

Permit Gateway Launch: Preview the County’s New Online Tool


Pima County is set to launch its new Permit Gateway on July 21, streamlining the permitting experience through an interactive decision tree that connects directly with Accela. Members are invited to preview the tool during one of two virtual walkthroughs: Tuesday, July 15 at 11:30 a.m. or Thursday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m. Your feedback is valuable ahead of the official rollout. Please reach out to Brendan@sahba.org for more information.

Feedback Requested: Marana’s Revised Private Improvement Agreement


The Town of Marana has released a draft revision of its Private Improvement Agreement (PIA) to clarify roles, improve communication, and address liability concerns. SAHBA has been asked to compile member feedback and submit comments by September 1, 2025. Please review the Draft PIA Form here (PDF) and send any input to Brendan@sahba.org by August 1.

Tucson’s Middle Housing Code Changes: Next Steps Ahead


Tucson is preparing to meet HB 2721 requirements by allowing middle housing—such as duplexes and fourplexes—within one mile of its Central Business District and in new large developments by January 2026. Staff now proposes a phased approach, beginning with the Norte Sur Country Club zone and later expanding citywide. Key upcoming phases include public outreach, code revisions this summer, and Council action this fall. SAHBA will remain actively engaged as this policy evolves.

AG to Urban Bill Signed Into Law


As noted in previous editions of News You Can Use, SAHBA was engaged in stakeholder discussions to develop legislation to allow conversion of agriculture land to residential developments and define associated water rules. One of the key sticking points was a disagreement whether the Tucson Active Management Area would be included in the bill. SAHBA/HBACA and legislative republicans wanted it included. The Governor, ADWR and legislative democrats wanted it removed. In the end, while not included, the bill does have a provision where it would be included, if necessary, in the future. Fortunately, the Tucson AMA does not have the same challenges as the Phoenix and Pinal AMA's with unmet demand. Click here and here for recent articles.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Tech Committee - Canceled


Golf Committee - Wednesday, July 16, 3:30pm at SAHBA


Coffee With - Wednesday, August 13, 8:30am at SAHBA

MEMBER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Salyer Recognized by BizTucson


Mattamy Tucson Division President, and SAHBA 1st Vice Chair, Anjela Salyer has been recognized as one of the "Women Leading our Region" by Biz Tucson. Salyer, who is well known throughout our membership and industry, epitomizes this distinction. She's always one to step up and lead on key homebuilding and community issues. On behalf of SAHBA, "Congratulations"!

COMMUNITY BUILDING

SAHBA CARES: Building Community Together!


We’re excited to launch a new section in News You Can Use: SAHBA CARES. As we always say, we are “The Community Builder,” and that extends beyond our membership. We want to celebrate and share the great work our members are doing to build vibrant communities where we live, work, and play.


We’re kicking off this series by spotlighting Courtney’s Courage—a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit that supports families in Southern Arizona navigating the unimaginable journey of childhood cancer. This is an organization near and dear to Steve Crooks our Director of Member & Community Engagement


On Sunday, August 22nd, the Courtney’s Courage Annual Golf Tournament returns to Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club, and we’re inviting YOU to get involved.


Sponsorships and foursomes are still available. Your support funds pediatric cancer research and provides direct financial and emotional aid to families—right here in our community.


Learn more about Courtney’s story, SAHBA’s longtime connection, and how you can participate. READ MORE


Let’s show what being The Community Builder is all about!

Each month, the SAHBA News You Can Use will highlight the ongoing commitment to live up to our reputation as the "Community Builder" in one of three ways, 1) honorary members in the field of housing, 2) member companies who activley give-back to the community, and 3) showcasing the community organizations our employees support.

JOB CORPS UPDATE


Following the current temporary stay issued by Federal Court, the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps is calling students to return and moving back to normal. They are excited to have the closure behind them but there is still work to be done conveying to our Members of Congress and other key federal decision makers the importance of long-term funding for the program. The initial priority is having Job Corps removed from the "Discretionary Funding Cut List." SAHBA continues to monitor the situation and provide support. For more information or to find out how you can help, contact david@sahba.org.

INDUSTRY NEWS & INFORMATION

  • Remodeling Market Sentiment Dips - NAHB released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Index for the second quarter, posting a reading of 59, down four points compared to the previous quarter. Read more.


  • NAHB Statement on 1B3's Impact on Economic Growth - In a statement issued by Chairman Buddy Hughes, NAHB touted the anticipated economic growth that will result from the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Read more.



  • Harvard Housing Study Flags Worrying Trends - According to a new report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, the current housing affordability challenges are unlikely to ease up any time soon. Read more.

NEW MEMBERS

  • FundIFy Loans           
  • Frei Remodeling & Construction     
  • Onsight Carpentry LLC          
  • Eros Environmental LLC dba Argus Construction Services           
  • Clayco Electric Inc. Solar Services
  • Valley Slope Protection Design LLC.             
  • WillScot          
  • CCMC
  • Spray Foam Genie of Tucson             
  • California Closets    


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