HomeMy WebLinkAboutPackets - Council Packets (2032)Town Council Regular and Study Session
April 22, 2026
Upcoming Meeting
Announcements
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings are subject to change. Check the Town website for meeting status.
Board of Adjustment
April 28 at 3:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
May 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Town Council Budget Study Session
May 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Town Council Regular Session
May 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
4
Mayor and Council Reports
6
Spotlight on Youth
Taya Mitacek
Ironwood Ridge High School
Senior
7
Mayor and Council Reports
8
Mayor and Council Reports
9
Mayor and Council Reports
10
Mayor and Council Reports
11
Mayor and Council Reports
12
Mayor and Council Reports
Town Manager’s Report
14
OV Employee Earth Day
•23 Town employees participated
•More than 5,000 Sonoran Upland mix
seed balls were made
•The seed balls will be dispersed
throughout the Preserve to entice
growth
Upcoming Events
Celebrate OV Concert Series – FREE
Steam Pump Ranch
Friday, April 24
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Band: Ones All Band
Food Truck: Crazy Eye French Fries
Movies on the Lawn
Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center
Saturday, April 25
7 – 9:00 p.m.
Movie: The Bad Guys 2
Join the Community & Rec Center for a family-friendly movie
night. The movie will begin shortly after sundown and will be
hosted at the backside of the facility near the golf driving
range.
Oro Valley Shred Event
Oro Valley Marketplace
Saturday, May 2
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The shred event is back offering residents a convenient way
to dispose of sensitive documents. Bring your documents and
watch them get shredded on-site. For questions, comments,
or to volunteer for this event, please reach out to our
Constituent Services Coordinator, Jessica Hynd.
Movie Theme Nights at Steam Pump Ranch – FREE
Come dressed as your favorite character to enjoy movie-
themed activities, and a popcorn food truck with treats and
drinks. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs
Saturday, May 2
HARRY POTTER DAY
6 – 9:30 p.m.
Movie: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Monday, May 4
STAR WARS DAY
6 – 9:00 p.m.
Movie: Star Wars – The Last Jedi
Town Council Regular Session
April 22, 2026
Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Initiative Update
Presented by Scott Zufelt, IT Director
Town of Oro Valley,April 22, 2026
History
Rights -of-Way License agreement agenda item On June 18th, 2025
The Town CANNOT limit access or show preference
The Town CAN require permits and inspections
Currently the Town has 5 fiber providers (CenturyLink, Novos Fiber, Ripple Fiber,
Trico, and Wyyerd Fiber)
Fiber Optic Projects happening in Oro Valley
OV Projects
1
2
Questions & Discussion
Thank you.
Purpose of This Agenda Item
The Town has received two rights-of-way license agreement requests for broadband (fiber) installation in rights-of-way (ROW)
Wyyerd Fiber and Novos Fiber have requested agreements with OV
State and Federal laws have changed over the years to encourage broadband (fiber) access to public rights-of-way
All license agreements must be approved by the Council or their designee
Town’s obligation regarding public Right-of-Way access
Municipal ROW Authority
Arizona Constitution (Article XIII, Section 4), Federal Law (Telecommunications act of 1996) and ARS statutes (§ 9-583 & § 9-584)
Cities control their streets and public grounds
HOWEVER: That control must comply with state and federal law
By law, municipalities cannot use ROW authority to inhibit broadband deployment
Cannot show preference between fiber providers
Fees must be reasonable and cost-based
What Cities and Towns Can Still Do
Require permits and inspections
Enforce construction standards
Charge actual cost-based fees only
Protect public safety and infrastructure
Coordinate utilities and avoid ROW conflicts
What Cities and Towns Cannot Do
Impose franchise requirements on non-cable Ftt Hproviders
Charge above-cost or duplicative fees
Delay permits beyond legal timelines
Discriminate between providers
Use ROW control to restrict market entry
Licensee Communication with Residents
Requiring 30-day HOA notice and HOA meeting prior to construction for public
neighborhood roads
HOA agreement prior to construction for private roads
Video/pictorial record of the area before and after construction
Summary
Arizona law encourages municipalities to facilitate, not
block or restrict, broadband deployment
We must strike a balance:
Protecting public assets and safety
Complying with state and federal law
Enabling critical infrastructure expansion for residents
Town Council Regular Session
April 22, 2026
32
Presentation about the Final Resident Recommended Draft
Town Council
April 22, 2026
2026
33
OV’s Path Forward
A resident created plan that must be
approved by residents
Creates a roadmap guiding town
decisions over the next 10 years
If approved by the voters, it will replace the
Town’s current general plan
Final Resident Recommended Draft
Multiple reviews and discussions with
residents
No significant changes in direction from
60% or 90% draft
Scheduled for consideration on
May 6, 2026
“The plan far exceeds that of the state [requirements] and
is more appropriately focused on building a community
that is a neighborhood of caring neighbors. Good job!”
“I can see that my voice was
heard.”
---Oro Valley residents and
stakeholders
Development
•Transportation
•Housing
•Land Use
Economy
•Town Finances
•Employment and
Businesses
•Tourism
The Residents’ Plan - Topics
Reflects resident values and priorities for all major topics that influence Oro Valley’s quality of life.
Community
•Public Safety
•Character, Arts, and Culture
•Parks, Recreation, and Trails
Sustainability
•Environment
•Climate and Energy
•Water Resources and
Conservation
The Residents’ Plan – Key Themes
Values •Public safety
•Outdoor lifestyle
•Scenic views and natural environment
Aspirations •Business attraction and retention
•Gathering spaces
•Park and recreational amenities
Balance •Varying perspectives
•Needs of a diverse community (e.g., housing types)
The process starts and ends with residents.
Resident Driven-Process
Community Engagement Plan
(January – Sept. 2023)
•Residents helped create a
brand that resonated with
the community
•Residents helped plan the
methods and tools to
engage the community
Phase 1:
Let’s Talk
(Oct. 2023 – Dec. 2024)
•Residents shared their
values, priorities, and
expectations for Oro
Valley’s future
•Residents improved the
vision statement and
guiding principles
Phase 2:
Let’s Think
(Jan. 2025 – June 2026)
•Residents set a specific
course of action to fulfill
their vision for the future
•Residents reviewed
multiple drafts of the Plan
Phase 3:
Residents Decide
(July – Nov. 2026)
•Residents will vote on the
plan in November
37
Phase 1: Let’s Talk
Over 9,000 comments summarized into the Vision and Guiding Principles.
Reviewed by residents to establish the foundation of the plan
4 Resident Working Groups
38
Phase 2: Let’s Think
Multiple resident reviews and discussions to produce a Final Resident Recommended Draft
100+ Resident Participants
29 Meetings
12 Community Events
1000+ Comments
The Final Resident Recommended Draft
•Multiple resident reviews:
•Clarified actions, filled gaps, and improved accuracy
•Ensured the plan is cohesive
•Confirmation it reflects their values and priorities
•Resident Working Group discussions:
•Met twice in December to further discuss housing, gathering
spaces, performing arts center, and views
•Achieved consensus on all aspects of the Plan except the policies
related to views
•Town Department review:
•Help make sure changes still meet residents' intent
•State and local agencies review:
•Facilitated regional planning
•Updated data and maps
•Conversations with the Arizona State Land Dept.
Over 10,700 resident comments produce the draft plan. Meticulous effort to achieve resident consensus.
Final Resident Recommended Draft
•Refinement
•Proofreading edits and updated data
•Acknowledgement of residents’ work added
•Organization of the climate related goals
•Clarifications (included in the 90% draft)
•Actions were expanded or revised to ensure residents’ intent was clear
•Additional actions (all but one included in the 90% draft)
•Capacity of emergency service providers
•Intergenerational programs and senior task forces
•The Overlook Restaurant
•Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
•Trail access
•Swimming pools
•Participation in regional parks and recreation planning (new)
No significant changes in direction from the Town Council accepted 60% draft
41
Phase 3: Residents Decide
Raise awareness and educate residents
Roadway signs
Newsletters
Resident testimonials
Pop -up events
Articles
Ads
Podcasts
Videos
Social media and more
Spectrum of Resident Participation
Resident ownership is critical for the Plan to be successful.
Summary and Next Steps
1000s of residents shared their voices to
create and review the Plan
No significant changes in direction
between the 60%, 90%, and the Final
Resident Recommended Draft
Adoption process:
Town Council Public Hearing – May 6
Resident Vote – November 3
The process and product has centered on ensuring resident ownership of the Plan.
“Thank you again for listening and for all your
hard work on this comprehensive plan.”
“Excellent work. Good involvement
of the community.”
“Really appreciate the tremendous patience and
friendliness exhibited by the city planners to engage
with the public, plus absolute reliability and integrity in
eliciting and capturing comments and fulfilling any
promised follow-up during meetings!”
---Oro Valley residents and
stakeholders
“We appreciate how often the Town has
updated us about the plan. Oro Valley
sets the bar high for others.”
Views Guiding Principle and Goal
Guiding Principle
60% Draft Accepted by the Town Council 90% and Final Resident Recommended Draft
Protect mountain views.
•Honor the community's preference for 1-2 story buildings and acceptance
for 3-story buildings on appropriate sites.
•Limit building heights to no more than 3-stories for residential uses and
facilities, like senior care
•Create effective transitions between varying building heights
•Mitigate the appearance of building scale and bulk through design
Conserve highly valued community views.
•Honor the preferences for 1-2 story buildings and acceptance for 3-
story buildings on appropriate sites.
•Limit building heights to no more than 3 stories for residential uses and
facilities, like senior care.
•Create effective transitions between varying building heights.
•Mitigate the appearance of larger buildings (scale and mass) through
design.
Goal
Ensure mountain views are protected through the development process.Ensure views are conserved through the development process.
Views Policies and Actions
Policies
60% Draft Accepted by the Town Council, 90% Draft, and the Final Resident Recommended Draft
•Policy 1:Limit 2-3 story apartment communities to targeted sites along major roads that are near commercial
areas and significantly distant from single-family residential.
•Policy 2:Restrict rezoning requests for residential (e.g.,apartments)and common commercial service uses like
senior care or self-storage,to a maximum of 3 stories.
•Policy 3:Consider additional height requests for highly significant and unique non-residential employment,or revenue-
generating uses (like the hospital,primary employers,or hotels) in areas where topography mitigates view impacts.
•Policy 4:Create transitions between varying building heights by positioning taller buildings away from existing
homes and on lower areas of the site.
Actions
268:Identify appropriate locations for 2-3 story apartment communities that are:
•In proximity to Oracle Road with pedestrian access to shops,services, employment areas,and transportation options.
•Separated from existing single-family subdivisions by enhancing setbacks unless a physical barrier exists,such
as topography,washes,roadway.etc.
269:Maintaining existing building height requirements for:
•Commercial and tech-park zoning districts
•Oracle Road and Tangerine Road scenic corridors
Performing Arts Center Action
60% Draft Accepted by the Town Council 90% and Final Resident Recommended Draft
Provide informational support to a nonprofit or other
entity interested in establishing an art, performing,
humanities, and cultural center, to include:
•Regional, state, and federal funding opportunities.
•Suitable locations and the development process.
The Center will be completely be financially independent
from the Town in all aspects, including studies, land
acquisition, construction, operations, and maintenance.
Provide informational support to a nonprofit or other
entity interested in establishing an art, performing,
humanities, and cultural center, to include:
•Regional, state, and federal funding opportunities.
•Suitable locations and the development process.
A nonprofit is studying its feasibility and has undertaken
all aspects of establishing a center. The Center is
expected to be financially self-sustaining and
independent from the Town. Any additional Town
support is dependent on further community outreach
and capacity.
Gathering Space Actions
60% Draft Accepted by the Town Council 90% and Final Resident Recommended Draft
Work with the owners of the Oro Valley Marketplace, Steam Pump
Village, Rooney Ranch, Catalina State Park, San Dorado, and the
adjacent town-owned property to unify this corridor of community
spaces by:
•Encouraging the Oro Valley Marketplace property owners to fund
and create community gathering spaces within the remaining
development areas.
•Promoting and marketing the area as a destination or district, with
the Oro Valley Marketplace as a hub.
•Developing wayfinding and visitor information to raise awareness
about community gathering spaces, retail, restaurant, and service
options.
•Creating a unique atmosphere by incorporating public art,
accentuating views, implementing distinct architecture,
experiential commercial uses, and amenities that attract local and
regional visitors of all ages.
•Increasing walkability and connections to the loop, multi-use path,
trails, and other pedestrian/cyclist routes.
•Incorporating space for events, arts, cultural activities, day and
nighttime entertainment options.
• Identifying areas for gathering that are highly visible and integrated
with shopping, dining, the Loop, and multi-use paths.
•Encourage outdoor seating at restaurants and other applicable
businesses.
•Providing shade and other amenities to improve the outdoor
experience.
283: Unify the Oro Valley Marketplace, Steam Pump Village, Steam Pump Ranch, Rooney
Ranch, Catalina State Park, San Dorado, and the adjacent town-owned property by:
•Promoting and marketing the area as a district.
•Developing wayfinding and visitor information to raise awareness about community
gathering spaces, retail, restaurant, and service options
284: Create a central gathering area on a town-owned property, like Steam Pump Ranch or
the property adjacent to Push View Lane and Oracle Road by:
•Selecting a main gathering area
•Establishing a unique atmosphere by incorporating public art, accentuating views,
implementing distinct architecture, and amenities that attract local and regional
visitors of all ages.
•Increasing walkability and connections to the loop, multi-use path, trails, and other
pedestrian/cyclist routes
•Incorporating space for events, arts, cultural activities, day and nighttime
entertainment options.
•Providing shade and other amenities to improve the outdoor experience.
285 :Seek additional community gathering spaces with all new developments and
redevelopment efforts by:
•Increasing walkability and connections to the loop, multi-use path, trails, and other
pedestrian/cyclist routes.
•Incorporating space for events, arts, cultural activities, day and nighttime
entertainment options.
•Identifying areas for gathering that are highly visible and integrated with shopping,
dining, the Loop, and multi-use paths.
•Encourage outdoor seating at restaurants and other applicable businesses.
•Providing shade and other amenities to improve the outdoor experience.
Town Council Regular Session
April 22, 2026
OV Trails Connect:
Trails and Paths Master Plan
Kyle Packer, Senior Planner
Discussion and Possible Action
What is OV Trails Connect?
Why Plan?
Vision and Guiding Principles
The Plan’s “Big Ideas”
A.K.A., “What did we learn?”
Summary and Next Steps
May the earth and humanity heal from the harm our president seeks to commit in every moment.
Tonight’s Presentation
OV Trails Connect Areas of Focus
Unpaved Trails
Path at Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve MUPs along and separate from roadways
The Loop in Oro Valley
Unpaved natural trails, examples include:
Big Wash
Panorama Trails
(formerly West Lambert Lane Park)
Honey Bee Canyon Park
Paved multi-use paths, examples include:
The Loop
Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
Paved paths along and separate from
roadways, such as:
Tangerine Road
La Cañada Drive
Naranja Drive
FY2026 - FY2027
Focus Area 2 – Culture and Recreation
Develop a Comprehensive Trails Plan
Establish a long-range plan for multi-use paths,
natural surface trails, and paved routes with a
focus on access, connectivity, maintenance
standards, mapping, signage, and community
outreach to enhance user experience and
promote trails use.
Strategic Plan Item
Process
January – February 2025
Phase 2:
Listening to the Community Phase 3:
Bringing It All Together
Phase 4:
Community Review
•Reviewed existing
conditions and plans
•Inventoried trails and
multi-use paths, key
connections and
destinations
•Identified legal access
to trails
•Created the
Community
Engagement Plan
•Designed a website
and survey
•Campaign to encourage
all residents, users,
regional and local
stakeholders to
participate.
•Publications
•Events and meetings
•Roadway signs
•Online survey
•Interactive website
•Progress report to PRAB
•Discussions with Council
•Draft vision and guiding principles
•Maps of existing and potential
trails and multi-use paths.
•Implementation actions and
funding opportunities.
•60% draft of the plan.
•Progress reports to PRAB and
Town Council.
•Engagement with the community
and regional stakeholder groups.
•Review of the draft
plan by the
community, PRAB
and Town Council.
•Town Council
adoption of OV Trails
Connect.
Community Engagement
Phase 1:
Preparing for Launch
February – June 2025 July – November 2025 Current Step
We are
here
Community Engagement
Online Survey
735 Responses
5 Trailside Chats
Over 700 comments
Town Youth Advisory Council Meeting
136 comments
3 Trails Stakeholder Group Meeting
200+ comments
3 Regional Advisory Group Meetings
Directly led to the Vision, Guiding
Principles, Goals and Actions!
Why Plan?
Document priorities, trends,
demands, and concerns of
residents and users
Provide a clear path of
action on each issue raised
by the community
The ability to prioritize and
address issues and
opportunities through
strategic plans
Recognize and improve
tourism and economic
development opportunities
To incrementally create a
meaningfully interconnected
system
Oro Valley residents value a comprehensive and inviting trails and
paths network that brings users of all abilities into the beautiful desert
environment. Through thoughtful planning and design, the network is
increasingly safe, interconnected, maintained, and accessible for all
abilities. The trail and path routes provide transport to destinations,
outdoor recreation, social interaction, physical and mental well-being,
and a deeper connection to nature for generations.
Vision:
Guiding Principles
56
1.Provide amenities to support a broad spectrum of users
2.Maintain high-quality trails and paved paths
3.Ensure resources and funding are available to maintain and improve trails and paved paths
4.Provide increased opportunities for local and regional connectivity
5.Uphold the scenic beauty and natural environment as a top priority
6.Secure new trails for all users of all abilities
7.Ensure a safe trails and paved paths network and educate users on trail and path etiquette
8.Ensure accessible parking and access to trails and paved paths
9.Sign and clearly designate trailheads and paved path access
10.Provide a variety of map resources for all users
Big Ideas – Overall
1.Issue reporting, maintenance,
improvement of existing assets
2.Improving signage, wayfinding, and
map access
3.Expanding paths and trails and
connecting incrementally
4.Funding
•CIP, Grants, volunteers, staff work, and
more
•Incremental progress through annual
Strategic Plans
•The cost and progress on the Master Plan
is dependent on volunteers, staff time,
Federal and State grants, regional
partnerships and more
Big Ideas – Multi -Use Paths
1.Expanding the MUP network
along the Town’s arterial streets
and improving connectivity
2.Installing an MUP along the
entirety of Rancho Vistoso Blvd
3.Improving signage
•Wayfinding, maps, etc.
Big Ideas – The Loop
1.Work with regional agencies to secure
and install northern Loop expansion
2.Expand trailheads along the Loop
within Oro Valley
3.Increased connectivity
4.Improving signage
•Directional signage, maps, mile markers etc.
Big Ideas – VTNP
1.Identify and improve official
entrances and install etiquette
signage
2.Improve ADA accessibility and
create new trailheads with
restrooms and parking
3.Increased connectivity
4.Improving signage
•Directional signage, maps, etc.
Big Ideas – Unpaved Trails
1.Maintain and improve
existing unpaved trails
through volunteer programs
2.Formalize and expand the
unpaved trail network
leading north on State-
owned land
3.Increased connectivity
4.Improving Signage
•Directional, educational, maps, etc.
Summary and Next Steps
62
Park’s and Recreation Advisory Board
recommends approval
Discussion and possible action by Town
Council
Next: finalization and publication of
web-based version of OV Trails Connect
Trails and Paths Master Plan
Town Council Study Session
April 22, 2026
Study Session: Potential code amendments related to
Small Animal Husbandry and Food Access
Town Council
April 22, 2026
Purpose
FY26 Strategic Plan item
Gather feedback on potential code
amendment before conducting community
outreach and drafting code
Discussion only.
Farm and Ranch
Use
Small Agriculture
Animals
Background and Guidance
2024 Small Animal Husbandry and Livestock Code Amendment
State law compliance
Number and types of animals allowed in residential areas
Oro Valley’s Path Forward
Goal R: Increase access to fresh and healthy food options.
Policy R.1. Increase opportunities for small-scale animal farming, home or community gardens to produce and
distribute local and healthy food options to the community.
Action 156: Identify and addresses barriers for small-scale farming by updating the zoning code.
Action 157: Review and update town codes to ensure farmers markets and community gardens are permitted in
HOA common areas, commercial centers, schools, churches, or other areas as appropriate.
Strategic Plan Objective
FY26 Strategic Plan
Reevaluate residential animal husbandry zoning regulations,
incorporating public input to consider potential code changes for
personal use and local businesses, while aligning with Arizona
and USDA exempt producer guidelines.
Interviews with Councilmember Robb
Expand upon previous work to focus on food production and
food access
Number and types of animals permitted on small-scale farms
Distribution of local food through community gardens,
farmers markets and food banks
Process to Date
Evaluation of the Oro Valley Zoning Code
Review of code standards for other jurisdictions:
Pima County
Tucson
Sahuarita
Scottsdale
Sedona
Tempe
Flagstaff
Denver, Colorado
Brighten, Colorado
Golden, Colorado
Austin, Texas
Chicago, Illinois
Overview
A. Number of animals permitted on 3.3+ acres
B. Keeping of male fowl
C. Food processing in residential areas
D. Refining existing code
1. Small Animal Husbandry 2. Food Access
A. Community gardens
B. Farmers Markets
C. Food banks and mobile food pantries
1. Small Animal Husbandry
A. Number of Animals on 3.3+ acre lots
Type of Animal Existing Number
Permitted
Potential increase with
neighbor acceptance
Small Animal Husbandry
Chicken 24 36
Ducks, other fowl types,
rabbits, and other similar
small animals
6 9
Bees
Bee boxes 6 NA –CUP required
Livestock
Horses, cattle, goats,
miniature goats, pot-bellied
pigs, sheep, other similar large
livestock
6 NA – CUP required
Background: Farms are permitted on 3.3 acre lots.
Existing: Number of animals limited by lot size. This number may be increased with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for 3.3+ acre lots.
Research findings: Pima County allows up to a 50% increase to the number of small animals on 3.3+ acre lots with neighbor acceptance.
Discussion Point: Allow up to a 50% increase for small animals on 3.3+ acre lots with unanimous neighbor acceptance.
51%+ will still require a Conditional Use Permit.
Bee boxes and livestock will still require a Conditional Use Permit for any increase.
1. Small Animal Husbandry
B. Keeping of male fowl
Jurisdiction Male Fowl
Oro Valley Prohibited
Pima County Prohibited
Tucson Prohibited
Sahuarita Prohibited
Scottsdale Prohibited
Sedona Prohibited
Tempe Prohibited
Denver, Colorado Prohibited
Austin, Texas Prohibited
Chicago, Illinois Prohibited
Flagstaff Allows under 4 months old
Background: Male fowl are used as meat birds and for
reproduction purposes.
Existing: Male fowl, including roosters are prohibited.
Research findings: Most prohibit male fowl or noise-making
birds.
Flagstaff allows male fowl up to 4 months old (before crowing).
Unclear how requirement is enforced and number of complaints.
Discussion Point: Continue prohibiting male fowl or allow
male fowl up to 4 months old on 3.3+ acre lots only.
C. Food Processing
1. Small Animal Husbandry
Background: Processing animals and farms are closely linked.
Existing: Food processing, at any scale, is only permitted in
commercial or tech-park zones
Research findings: Pima County allows processing of small
animals raised on the premises and for the property owner’s
consumption on 3.3+ acre lots.
Discussion Point: Match Pima County standards and require a
Conditional Use Permit to process animals for commercial
purposes on 3.3+ acre lots.
D. Refinements to Existing Code
1. Small Animal Husbandry
Definitions: Clarify the terms for barns, pot-
bellied pigs, manure, and “running at large”
Table 23.6.1: Align lot sizes with zoning districts
Small animal categories: Further distinguish the
types of small animals. This would not increase
the number permitted.
A. Community Gardens
2. Food Access
Background: Established at religious facilities, schools, and community service organizations.
Existing: Allowed in HOA common areas as a recreational amenity.
Research findings: Allowed in all zoning districts.
Review parking, fencing, lighting, storage sheds, sales, and discontinuance of use.
Discussion Point: Allow as an ancillary use for religious facilities, schools, and nonprofits. Conditional use for individual residential lots (1+ acres)
Apply existing requirements for fencing, lighting, accessory structures (storage sheds)
Allow sales of product grown on the premises
Require revegetation or landscaping if abandoned
Parking:
Existing parking for ancillary uses will be adequate
Review parking as part of the Conditional Use Permit for individual residential lots
B. Farmers Markets
2. Food Access
Background: Temporary events that provide an
opportunity to sell locally raised, grown, or made
products.
Existing: Allowed in parking lots with a Special Use
Permit.
Research findings: Most jurisdictions allow with Special
or Temporary Use Permits.
Discussion Point: Clearly define and allow farmers
markets in parking lots and as ancillary uses in non-
resident zoning districts with a Special Use Permit.
Compatibility, parking, traffic and pedestrian flow are
reviewed with the Special Use Permit.
C. Food Banks and Mobile Food Pantries
2. Food Access
Background: Help distribute excess food. Affiliated with religious facilities, schools and community service organizations.
Existing: No specific code requirements.
Research findings: Generally, not specified in code. Likely permitted as a community service organization, donation center, or distribution center.
Discussion Point:
Food banks: Define and allow as a permitted use in all commercial zoning districts (R-S, C-N, C-1, and C-2).
Ancillary use for religious facilities, schools, and community service organizations located in residential zoning districts.
Mobile Food Pantries: Ancillary use in all commercial zoning districts and for religious facilities, schools, and community service organizations located in residential zoning districts.
Potential Timeline and Next Steps
SMALL ANIMAL AND FOOD ACCESS CODE AMENDMENT – TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
TASK APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG.
TC Study Session for direction 22nd
Conduct survey with large-lot property owners
Meet with key stakeholder groups
Draft code language
Planning and Zoning Commission Study Session 7th
Public notice deadline 20th
Planning and Zoning Commission Packet Out 28th
Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing 4th
Public Notice deadline 28th
Town Council Packet Out 5th
Town Council Public Hearing 12th
Community Engagement Process:
Survey large-lot residential owners
Reach out to key stakeholders:
Community Gardens of Tucson
Market on the Move
Heirloom Farmers Market
Summary and Discussion
Farm and Ranch
Use
Aims to address Strategic Plan and General Plan objectives:
1.Identifying opportunities to support small-scale farming for personal use and local businesses.
2.Reducing barriers to distributing local food to residents.
3.Engaging the community to gather additional ideas and perspectives before drafting the code.
A. Number of Animals on 3.3+ acre lots: Allow up to a 50% increase for small animals on 3.3+ acre lots with unanimous neighbor acceptance.
B. Male Fowl: Continue to prohibit male fowl OR allow male fowl up to 4 months old on 3.3+ acre lots
C. Food Processing: Allow food processing of small animals for a property owner’s consumption on 3.3+ acre lots and require a CUP when processing animals for commercial sales.
1. Small Animal Husbandry 2. Food Access
A. Community Gardens: Allow as an ancillary use for religious facilities, schools, and community service organizations and require a CUP for individual 1+ acre lots.
•Clarify existing requirements for fencing, parking, lighting, etc. apply.
B. Farmers Markets: Define and allow in all non-residential zoning districts with a Special Use Permit.
C. Food banks and mobile food pantries: Define and allow food banks in all commercial zoning districts and as ancillary use for religious facilities, schools, and community service organizations in residential areas.
• Allow mobile food pantries as ancillary in commercial zoning districts and to the uses mentioned above.
Refinements
Table 23.6.1.
Existing
Lot Size Category
Potential Lot Size Category Alignment
with Zoning Districts
≤ 21,780 sf ≤ 19,999 sf R1-7 to R1-10
21,781 – 35,999 sf 20,000 – 35,999 sf R1-20
36,000 sf – 41,999 sf 36,000 sf – 43,560 sf R1-36 to R1-43
42,000 sf – 143,999 sf 43,561 – 143,999 sf R1-72
144,000 sf – 299,999 sf 144,000 sf – 299,999 sf R1-144
≤ 300,000 sf ≤ 300,000 sf R1-300
Small Animal Categories
Existing
Small Animal Types
Existing amount
permitted (example)
Potential
Small Animal Types
No change to
amount permitted
Chickens 6 Small: quail, doves, pigeons,
rabbits, chickens
6
Ducks, other fowl
types, rabbits, and
other similar animals
2 Medium: ducks, pheasants,
guinea hens
2
Large: turkey, geese, peacocks
Town Council Regular and Study Session
April 22, 2026