[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6453991,"mediaKeyId","5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56","parentId",5873572,"title","Oro Valley updates local construction-hour rules to comply with state law","audioSeconds",827,"startMs",963000,"endMs",1790000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56&start=963&end=1790","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56/thumbnail_963000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6453991/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Oro-Valley-updates-local-construction-hour-rules-to-comply-with-state-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6453991-f34d45696f458d5830708494335a5038/orig.mp4?Expires=1775011486&Signature=Bg~RPzXudIiGBjXcVggNwbwR97dkToaZ7PmBxpD-Q58VEzFN3eCwU-avhzvpt3VLtum9XtFm91zv4dUiu4LTRCQFBlLqHDE~3X2H8j6tpzHt~DpOrH~55WbQH29p910ysfxM1cYnlkRXcsW64khvXyGwNKFWmpezTs327zfnD7Eel4wsPjnKUUPsdyc3p4HDF5iq0PTp6YXFgRIlJQw-xFURpw5z1aid5D48mcVU7y67EOyl5wM0q0G9kg4ouZQzNtQtpdJvBC89nc2bC0x~Mf68E2B1YtZW2ldFGDvAg1ihG7v43oGnAPmRPwkDiWrmy0IaborwiHwxf3Z2sFOnFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oro Valley","date","2025-10-01T00:00:00Z","article","The Oro Valley Town Council on Oct. 1 adopted ordinance O25-07 to amend town code and zoning rules governing permitted construction hours to match recent state legislation, which the speaker identified as emergency legislation already in effect.

Mike Spathe, the town’s principal planner, told council the state law requires jurisdictions to permit construction activities between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays during the summer period (May 1–Oct. 15) and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, while concrete activities may begin one hour earlier. \"This legislation was adopted by the governor as emergency legislation. So it's already in effect today,\" Spathe said.

Staff said the amendments remove local nuances — notably a previous 500-foot proximity allowance that permitted earlier starts when work was farther from residences — and instead apply a uniform standard. The code will retain an option for applicants to request an extended construction work-hour permit in specific cases such as critical sewer or manhole work.

Councilmember Green moved to approve ordinance O25-07; Vice Mayor Barrett seconded. The measure passed 7-0.

Why it matters: the change brings town rules into compliance with state law and standardizes hours for construction and concrete work. Staff emphasized the town will still allow case-by-case permits for extended hours when public-safety or critical infrastructure needs warrant overnight work. Councilmembers asked staff about communication options to notify nearby residents when early-start concrete pours or other noisy activity is planned; staff said they will explore announcements and post updates on the town’s OV Projects page.

Reaction from residents and businesses during the meeting included support for public notification: Councilmember Winfield asked whether gated communities would be compelled to allow early hours; Spathe replied local homeowner associations (HOAs) can impose stricter rules for private property, but town standards set the minimum allowed by law.

Staff recommended the ordinance amendments to both town code and zoning code to eliminate conflicts and place construction work-hour rules in a single section of town code. Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oro Valley - Town Council Regular Session","oneSentenceSummary","Council unanimously adopted ordinance O25-07 to amend town code and zoning provisions so local construction-hour limits match emergency state legislation; changes allow earlier concrete work and remove proximity-based exceptions.","taxTitle","Oro Valley, Pima County, Arizona","taxId",55016,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6453995,"Oro Valley council adopts minor corrections to building and property-maintenance codes",218,758000,976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56&start=758&end=976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56/thumbnail_758000.jpg","/articles/6453995/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Oro-Valley-council-adopts-minor-corrections-to-building-and-property-maintenance-codes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6453995-69491ae71d21763699835e99780e4438/orig.mp4?Expires=1775011486&Signature=FYi2SDmJtYE9CCd3vTtvbMVUar65MFERTGhrY5tB8-4JBv2lMwi7zcSJKaTTk8uo8xFM5LldSmrLFolsZRI56z5gVcZsHxhxoi9fvqQvU5CwmcVexfThBuRG5mC1cIwriEVkuE8a7TkJPmxJ8zh8I0pl6psPyEYqC-109Xe13aCSMEvZFb9wy-8-AfvWqVxDb1~gNMMHORYbzX1W690cbY6QCGc3PDVXJp7QnUQycj2MVtgsiMbjeiHk3k2Jf9hVPq64RjF~DEa6uD3V3Wi9vNIpSc7B1pGnYbnDBHFrpAnJVSm9C4Oevv-tq41aOM4XrUziMlEnI-RwqNoK50VOGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oro Valley Town Council on Oct. 1 unanimously approved ordinance O25-06 to amend town code sections referencing the residential code and property-maintenance code, correcting two inconsistencies discovered after earlier code changes.

The ordinance clarifies that the permit threshold for small accessory structures remains 200 square feet and confirms an 18-inch standing-water depth standard in the property and maintenance code. Paul Melcher, the town’s community and economic development director, told council the building official flagged the conflicts after adoption of the new codes and recommended the corrections \"because going down to 120 square feet ... then means the small 10 by 12 sheds then start requiring permits.\" Melcher said the other fix adjusts the threshold for standing water from 24 inches to the town standard of 18 inches.

Councilmember Green moved to adopt ordinance O25-06; Councilmember Murphy seconded. The measure passed 7-0.

Why it matters: the two edits are technical but affect how and when routine small structures and minor public-safety hazards are regulated. Melcher told the council the changes were intended to avoid creating an unintended permit burden for small sheds and to keep the town’s enforcement and safety thresholds consistent.

Council reaction and next steps: council members treated the changes as minor corrections and moved promptly to adopt the ordinance so staff could implement the clarified rules. No additional public testimony was recorded on the item.

The ordinance text, as adopted, amends town code section 6-1-7 (residential code references) and 6-1-10 (property and maintenance code references) to add two exceptions aligned with the 2024 International Residential Code Sections 105 and 106 and the revised 2024 International Property Maintenance Code section 303.2 on enclosures. The amended provisions take effect following the town’s adoption process.","The Town Council unanimously approved ordinance O25-06 to correct two inconsistencies in recently updated building and property-maintenance codes, keeping the permit threshold at 200 square feet and retaining an 18-inch standing-water depth standard.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6453981,"Oro Valley staff outline proposed use, commercial rental and telecom taxes plus parks and stormwater fee increases",3090,3383000,6473000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56&start=3383&end=6473","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56/thumbnail_3383000.jpg","/articles/6453981/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Oro-Valley-staff-outline-proposed-use-commercial-rental-and-telecom-taxes-plus-parks-and-stormwater-fee-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6453981-a279c032f8aa764f947c8af1884af57b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775011486&Signature=a6Mml~e5tGHStus74DVYfDiJs8nw6LtKYaTGIGkJbfPO8UN59MMZ0hwJugd7onKS5iib35p70kZclMJ758mZrkxinCZP18bIjfHtOzrkUZDdPuIzNZf3-xJFcD3~8JNbJROJShIdhgOSfT1V0MwxlebodCtENkiuIjoV1nTK7tQ90cpxSi1hN7zJkoNerhza2e-yNmHi7Z1B1XW66FjtCTB3o2bQp1IEhprohnjkFmsis9Wx6kuzetpwjvIqgoCknvRVKRpR5j16-UDR2ZU~qFCxFWN7hnY-dajUdZ0H~sMLC3bxwn4bF5axBy4-hX0CpY084yIctYaH10-X8ggmUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff presented a suite of revenue and fee proposals at a study session Oct. 1, asking the Town Council to consider three new local tax categories and increases to parks-and-recreation and stormwater fees to address structural budget pressures and rising pavement-preservation and public-safety costs.

Paul Gephardt, the town’s chief financial officer, framed the proposals around the council’s strategic-plan goal to safeguard town finances. He told council the town faces a structural gap in which operating expenditures — driven largely by rising police costs and road-maintenance inflation — are outpacing revenue growth. \"Without these proposals ... the maintenance is going to be a challenge,\" Gephardt said. He summarized the town’s financial position with several figures supplied during the presentation: general fund revenues about $56.6 million in FY25 and projected $61 million in FY26 after migration of a half-cent community-center sales tax to the general fund; recent reduction of the general fund reserve policy from 30% to 25%; and a baseline five-year fund-balance forecast that would decline substantially without new revenues.

Key staff proposals and figures
- New tax categories: staff proposed adopting local use tax, commercial rental tax and telecommunications tax categories (rates proposed to mirror Oro Valley’s general sales tax rate of 2.5%). Staff said these categories exist in the code but currently have a zero rate. Gephardt showed that neighboring jurisdictions (Marana, Sahuarita, Tucson) levy similar taxes and that 69% of Arizona cities and towns charge a use tax. He described the use tax as primarily affecting businesses that purchase goods out-of-state and do not pay sales tax, the commercial rental tax as affecting landlords (who could pass costs to tenants) but not residential rentals (apartments), and the telecom tax as primarily assessed on wireless providers and likely passed to consumers.
- Financial scale: staff cited a consultant estimate of $1.18 billion in retail \"leakage\" (resident purchases made outside Oro Valley), which at Oro Valley’s 2.5% sales-tax rate equates to about $29.5 million in potential sales-tax-equivalent revenue. Gephardt said a $1–1.5 million annual revenue stream from new taxes would materially improve the town’s five-year fund forecast and provide greater stability.
- Pavement preservation: Gephardt reported pavement-preservation costs have increased roughly 107% since 2021 (from about $1.5 million to over $3 million annually), forcing transfers from the general fund to sustain road work and contributing to the structural imbalance.
- Parks and recreation fees: staff proposed modest increases to memberships and rentals, with an emphasis on differentiating resident and nonresident rates. Matt Wood, vice chair of the Parks & Rec Advisory Board, said the board unanimously supported the proposal, noting a nonresident pickleball rate increase from $5 to $10 in the proposal. Wood said staff benchmarked fees to market.
- Stormwater utility fee: staff proposed increasing the monthly stormwater fee from about $4.50 to $6.50 per month (a $2 monthly increase) assigned to capital projects for stormwater improvements. Staff offered a phased implementation option over three years to soften the immediate impact on customers; during the meeting staff described a three-year phase with roughly two payments of about $0.67 and a third year of about $0.66 to reach the $2 per month total.

Public and business feedback during the meeting
Small-business owners and residents spoke during the study-session public comment segment. Jeffrey Laird, owner of Wow Wow Lemonade, said consumer spending is down and added costs from inflation, tariffs and new taxes would squeeze small businesses operating on narrow margins. \"Small businesses are fighting for every consumer dollar we can get right now,\" Laird said and reported his 1,400-square-foot lease, including CAM, at roughly $4,500 per month.

Commercial real-estate agent David Blanchat and long-time resident Mike Smeckel urged caution in adopting a commercial rental tax, warning it could deter new business growth; Smeckel said he has observed a relative stagnation of business growth and urged council to consider long-term impacts on leakage and business attraction.

Council discussion and staff responses
Councilmembers asked multiple questions about alternative options — further budget reductions, use of reserves, phased tax implementation, and the effect of near-term new development such as the Marketplace apartments on sales taxes. Staff responded that the five-year forecast did not include speculative future annexations or full build-out of developments (the forecast was a conservative baseline) and that the half-cent community-center sales tax migration increased the general fund but did not address the structural gap. Gephardt said staff’s belt-tightening measures have produced roughly $3.7 million in savings but \"they simply are not enough.\" Councilmembers signaled varying comfort levels: several expressed openness to a phased approach and to assigning new revenues to capital (public safety, roads and stormwater), while others asked for more time, more detailed job-and-cost analyses and clearer modeling of how newly approved housing (units already rezoned) would affect future revenue.

Next steps
Staff said they will return with refined recommendations and clearer phasing and implementation plans, including a written three-year phase for the stormwater fee and further discussions of timing and rate structure for new tax categories. The town scheduled a follow-up for Oct. 15 for final consideration.

Why it matters: staff presented the package as a set of measures intended to diversify revenue, stabilize the general fund and preserve core services — notably pavement preservation and police staffing — that officials said residents value highly.","In a study-session discussion, town staff presented proposals for three new local tax categories (use tax, commercial rental tax, telecommunications tax), parks and recreation fee increases, and a stormwater utility fee increase; council heard financial forecasts, a leakage estimate and public comment from businesses and residents.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6453986,"Council votes to appoint town attorney to report to council, directs staff to return with hiring process",1581,1793000,3374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56&start=1793&end=3374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5873572-da5d4bc1a8076d449f4724f364996e56/thumbnail_1793000.jpg","/articles/6453986/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Council-votes-to-appoint-town-attorney-to-report-to-council-directs-staff-to-return-with-hiring-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6453986-4998564112042881f57ba0e5a56768b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775011486&Signature=FloZu5tO8rtuAGOrNwHe9SPLZbqzHmVu30HppyCFlUsBYU37RzreRk6ZZAwVpPp5TdPDEQR~-9-hGilYHFXwORPZZLCHd-se8R8kHAWZfZrS4Qq5h3qj4Xwsmxwdu2xBCc4aoc932OSjWRNiyQeF9z~4V2BXk0ntjJirPUlq0gKWyCEecG7zP1FFr60wf22wW5eU6KCokqcq6~OOF~CdDyRo4noT9s4CYSyzCrCqolYpHNshHA7In5LtIwStJVAsLEnO10iHx94KCuRWlOfi4WDtNGMbgRFDsMG3Lq6XXECOjkWdXrZkdz58pdnO4YbUX4awlgGFqtTyGm6Af3swFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oro Valley Town Council on Oct. 1 voted unanimously to change the town’s organizational structure so the town attorney (legal services director) will be appointed by and report to the Town Council rather than to the town manager.

Vice Mayor Barrett moved to approve ordinance O25-08 to effect the code change; Councilmember Murphy seconded. The motion, which passed 7-0, directs the human resources director and town manager to return at the council’s next regular meeting with a proposed hiring process \"similar to that used for the town magistrate\" that allows council members to review all applicants and a proposed job description to prepare for posting the town attorney position. Barrett said the change reflects common practice in comparable Arizona jurisdictions and offers council direct accountability and access to in-house counsel. \"It's typical the structure of a town our size and larger towns as well to have the town attorney report to the town council,\" Barrett said.

Council discussion centered on scope of duties, continuity of legal services and potential cost savings. Councilmember Jones Ivy and others asked for clear job descriptions and a hiring process before finalizing how much work will be assigned internally versus retained by the town’s outside legal firm. Town manager and town attorney staff said the next agenda will include job descriptions and process details; the ordinance changes the appointing authority now and the council will act on hiring steps at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters: the change alters the internal reporting relationship for in-house legal counsel, shifting appointment authority to elected officials. Supporters said it aligns Oro Valley with the majority of comparable Arizona cities and towns; opponents and some council members asked for a careful definition of roles and contingency planning to preserve institutional knowledge and to retain outside counsel for specialized work during any transition.

Votes and immediate directive: the ordinance was adopted 7-0. The motion also directed HR and the town manager to present a hiring process and job description at the next regular meeting, with council access to applicants consistent with the magistrate-model process described in the meeting.","Ordinance O25-08 passed 7-0 to change the town code so the town attorney (legal services director) will be appointed by and report to the Town Council; council asked HR and the manager to return with a magistrate-style hiring process and job description at the next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oro Valley updates local construction-hour rules to comply with state law

Oro Valley council adopts minor corrections to building and property-maintenance codes

Oro Valley staff outline proposed use, commercial rental and telecom taxes plus parks and stormwater fee increases

Council votes to appoint town attorney to report to council, directs staff to return with hiring process