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



• Builders & Blooms: Celebrating Industry Excellence
• Tips for Members: Utilize Your Customized Member Information Center
• SAHBA v. Marana Comes to Resolution
• Tucson Impact Fee Update
• Infill Development Tool Approved
• Building Code Update
• Tech Committee Recap
• Builder Roundtable Recap
• Upcoming Meetings
• Member News
• Industry News & Information

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Builders & Blooms

Join us on Thursday, April 24th at Tohono Chul Park for a night to recognize industry excellence. This special Awards Reception will honor outstanding SAHBA members and feature food, drinks, music and more on the grounds of one of Tucson's hidden gems. Members will have access to the beautiful Sonoran Desert garden and exhibit galleries.

ARE YOU UTILIZING SAHBA'S MEMBERS-ONLY INFORMATION CENTER?

As a member you can join the online Members-only Information Center (MIC) via our website. Click the Members tab, then Member Center Login type in your email and password or if you’ve don’t have one or can’t remember, then click “Forgot My Username/Password.” Enter your email and new instructions will be sent to you.

Here are some tutorials you can use to take advantage of the MIC:

• Update Your Company Information (click here)
• Check Out and Register for Upcoming Events (click here)
• Add Employees and Designate Primary or Billing Representatives (click here)
• Join Groups to Get Tailored Notifications and Information (click here)

Please reach out to SAHBA if you need assistance setting up representatives or help with using your MIC, we are here to help!! Contact Holly Torres at holly@sahba.org or call 520-918-2366.

ADVOCACY

SETTLED: SAHBA v. MARANA

The Marana Town Council has approved a Settlement Agreement that ended nearly six years of litigation between SAHBA and the Town. Members may recall the suit was filed by SAHBA over certain water and wastewater impact fees enacted by the Town. In January of 2023, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in favor of SAHBA beginning the settlement process which reached conclusion earlier this month.

Key provisions of the Settlement Agreement include:

• The Town will adjust downward its current Water Resources and Wastewater Facilities development impact fees.

• The revised fees will not be increased for 3 years or until the Town approves new impact fees pursuant to state law, whichever is later.

• The Agreement will be prospective only; the Town will not be required to refund any previously-collected fees.

• Future Town fees will not include any costs attributable to certain elements of the WRF, namely the secondary treatment system, the secondary clarifiers, the solids handling facility and tertiary treatment, all components of a previous Town CIP project at the WRF.

• The Town will pay SAHBA a portion of attorneys' fees.

SAHBA is pleased this matter has been resolved in a favorable way for our builders and future home buyers. This is important precedent for determining the appropriate calculation of impact fees. SAHBA looks forward to continuing a meaningful and collaborative relationship with the Town. 

TUCSON IMPACT FEE UPDATE

SAHBA continues to advocate for transparency and fairness in the City’s proposed Development Impact Fee increases, including challenging inflated figures—like a $30M traffic signal cost that was corrected to $4.83M after our input. We are still awaiting a full breakdown of costs requested during our last meeting, especially regarding questionable facility expenses. With a 40% fee hike anticipated, SAHBA remains actively engaged in stakeholder meetings and will continue pushing for accountability on behalf of our members.

COMMUNITY CORRIDORS TOOL ADOPTED BY TUCSON

In a 6-0 vote, Mayor and Council adopted the Community Corridors Tool (CCT) on Tuesday following a public hearing with 17 speakers—15 in support. Through formal letters, SAHBA reiterated strong support for the CCT as a meaningful first step toward addressing zoning barriers and increasing Tucson’s housing supply. SAHBA continues to advocate for thoughtful reforms and collaboration with stakeholders to expand housing opportunities for our community.

TUCSON-PIMA COUNTY JOINT CODE COMMITTEE UPDATE

We continue to actively represent our members on the Tucson-Pima County Joint Code Committee (TPCJCC), reviewing and advocating on proposed changes to building codes. Upcoming discussions include significant energy-related code sections such as C406.1 (energy credit thresholds), C405.12 (automatic controls), and C405.15 (mandatory renewables), with SAHBA ensuring NAHB’s comments and member interests are part of the conversation. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. at 201 N. Stone, 3rd Floor or streamed online.

TECH COMMITTEE RECAP

At our recent Tech Committee meeting, updates were shared on regional planning efforts including Plan Tucson and Pima Prospers. Cesar Acosta from the City of Tucson outlined proposed policy changes to land use and transportation, with Mayor and Council Study Session and Public hearing scheduled for April and May. Jackson Jenkins from RWRD presented a proposed 3% annual sewer rate increase through FY 2029, citing rising infrastructure costs tied to meter size and service demands.

BUILDER ROUNDTABLE RECAP

We had a terrific turnout for our Builder Roundtable, featuring Pima County’s Chief Building Official Dan Ice and Carla Blackwell as she prepares for retirement from her role as Development Services Director. Updates were provided on the 2024 I-Code adoption, permit review timeframes, system enhancements, staffing vacancies, and the Pima Prospers planning effort. A department leadership transition is on the horizon, with an announcement on Blackwell’s successor expected soon.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Business Referral Exchange - Tuesday, April 1, 7:30a at SAHBA

Remodeler's Council - Wednesday, April 2, Noon at SAHBA

Tech Committee - Tuesday, April 15, 3:30p at SAHBA

MEMBER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

GROUND BREAKING IN RACHO SAHUARITA

Rancho Sahuarita recently welcomed Century Complete, which has officially closed on its first position in the community’s newest neighborhood, Entrada Del Toro. This exciting milestone follows months of collaboration between teams to bring new housing opportunities to Southern Arizona.

• February Starts Up But Rising Costs Remain: Limited existing inventory helped single-family starts to post a solid gain in February, but builders are still grappling with elevated construction costs stemming from tariff issues and persistent shortages related to buildable lots and labor. Read more.

• Next Generation of Builders Honored at Builder Show: Over the span of two days, aspiring project managers, land developers and designers were recognized by the National Association of Home Builders at the 2025 International Builder Show as part of the NAHB Student Chapter Competition. Read more.

• Nearly 60% of U.S. Households Unable to Afford a $300k Home: NAHB has updated its housing affordability graph for 2025, and the latest data show that 76.4 million households — 57% out of a total of 134.3 million — are unable to afford a $300,000 home. Read more.