Pima County Revises Land Use Policies to Address Skyrocketing Housing Costs and Development Pressures
Tucson, Arizona – The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to enact a sweeping revision of the county’s land use and zoning regulations, a move officials say is aimed at curbing unaffordable housing costs and managing rapid urban expansion.
According to the newly adopted framework, the county will prioritize higher-density residential construction near public transit corridors and existing infrastructure, while imposing stricter limits on new subdivisions that encroach upon undeveloped desert land. County Administrator Jan Lesher stated that the changes are projected to facilitate the construction of an additional 10,000 housing units over the next five years.
Why was this change introduced? Officials cited a 45 percent increase in median home prices in Pima County since 2020, a trend that has priced out essential workers such as teachers and medical staff. "We are facing a housing crisis that threatens our economic stability," Supervisor Rex Scott said during the public hearing.
Where will the new construction be concentrated? The revised plan designates specific growth zones around downtown Tucson and the Interstate 10 corridor, while preserving approximately 200,000 acres of sensitive habitat in the Sonoran Desert.
When does this take effect? The new regulations will become active on July 1, with expedited permit reviews for qualifying projects launching this month.
Who is most impacted? Local developers will be required to meet new affordability benchmarks, reserving at least 15 percent of units in major projects for households earning below the area median income. Critics, including the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, argued the policy could increase construction costs and slow permitting.
How will enforcement work? Pima County’s Planning and Development Department will conduct quarterly compliance audits and may impose fines for violations of open space preservation rules. The board has reserved the authority to levy fines up to $10,000 per day for non-compliance.
This decision marks the most significant shift in Pima