Tucson Standard

The City of Tucson is updating its Development Impact Fees program, which requires new developments to contribute to infrastructure costs necessary for supporting growth. These fees are allocated specifically for improvements in streets, parks, and police and fire facilities. According to A.R.S. § 9-463.05(D)(3), cities must update their Land Use Assumptions (LUAs) and Infrastructure Improvements Plans (IIPs) every five years. The last update was on June 9, 2020.

This year, the city has engaged TischlerBise as consultants to assist with preparing updates for Mayor and Council consideration. The LUAs will provide essential information such as growth projections for population and housing unit construction over a ten-year period. State statute defines LUAs as “projections of changes in land uses, densities, intensities, and population for a specified service area over a period of at least ten years.” Demographic data from January 1, 2024, is being used to calculate levels of service provided to existing development in Tucson.

In addition to LUAs, the city must adopt an Infrastructure Improvements Plan (IIP). This plan includes a comprehensive list of projects developed in collaboration with city staff from departments such as Fire, Police, Parks and Recreation, and Transportation and Mobility. Once refined by TischlerBise into a final report, this list will be considered for adoption by Mayor and Council.

Upon adoption, IIPs remain fixed until amended on a five-year cycle. The draft project list identifies initiatives eligible for impact fee funds due to growth needs across the city.

For further inquiries or suggestions regarding the Development Impact Fees program updates scheduled for 2025 or other issues related to city services in Tucson, residents can contact the City through its hotline or visit Tucson's online portal.