NW Valley Times

The Planning and Development Services department of the City of Tucson is celebrating a successful year in 2023, thanks to the support and collaboration of the community, elected officials, and City staff. In a press release, the department highlighted key accomplishments and expressed gratitude for the partnerships that made these achievements possible.

One of the major highlights of the year was the hiring of Kristina Swallow as the new Planning and Development Services director. Swallow's extensive experience in engineering and management across various sectors, as well as her understanding of the public and private sectors, make her a valuable addition to the team. The department expressed excitement about the fresh perspective and invaluable expertise Swallow brings to the role.

In August 2023, the department introduced permit review lanes to streamline the permit review process and deliver faster review times. Target review times were adjusted based on the scale of the project, resulting in faster turnaround times for smaller projects. About 30% of submittals now qualify for fast or express lane reviews. This initiative has been well-received by the community and has significantly improved efficiency.

PDSD also launched a Permit Dashboard in November 2023, providing insight into the permitting process and allowing staff and customers to track review times. The dashboard has been successful in meeting target review times over 90% of the time since its launch.

The department actively sought community input through the Plan Tucson Update, which kicked off in January 2023. Over 2,000 Tucsonans attended Plan Tucson events, and more than 13,000 comments were received, shaping the development and adoption of the City's General Plan. The community's priorities and vision for the future of Tucson were taken into account during this process.

Mayor and Council approved eight amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) as part of the PDSD Code Update Package. These amendments aim to improve processes, remove barriers to small-scale infill, and simplify corridor development standards. The proposal was the result of nine months of community engagement, which generated over 130 suggested updates to the development code.

Water conservation measures were also a priority in 2023. Mayor and Council approved UDC amendments to prohibit ornamental turf in new commercial, industrial, institutional, and common areas within residential development. Additionally, amendments were made to require the use of EPA WaterSense Certified Fixtures in all developments to promote water efficiency.

The department received recognition for its efforts in promoting sustainable transportation. The City of Tucson Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap received an Environmental Excellence Award in the Climate Action Solutions Category. The roadmap includes initiatives such as a Green Fleet Policy, investment in EV charging facilities, and the establishment of codes requiring new residential and commercial developments to be EV-ready.

Looking ahead to 2024, PDSD plans to enhance the customer experience by introducing new services and tools. The department is also working on projects to promote housing and redevelopment along commercial corridors and to update building and zoning codes to further promote sustainability.

The Plan Tucson initiative will continue into 2024, with Phase II focusing on developing draft goals based on community feedback. The finalized plan will be presented to the Planning Commission and Mayor and City Council for approval in 2025.

Lastly, PDSD will launch the Casita Model Plan Library in January 2024, featuring plans selected from the Casita Model Plan Design Competition. The library aims to reduce barriers in developing accessory dwelling units and support more housing options for Tucson residents.

The achievements of the Planning and Development Services department in 2023 demonstrate their commitment to transparency, efficiency, and collaboration. With a focus on improving the customer experience and promoting sustainable development, PDSD looks forward to another year of success and partnership in 2024.