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Pima County adopts updated building-code package; homebuilders warn on added costs
Summary
Pima County adopted a package of building-code updates (Ordinance 2025‑15) to align county rules with the city of Tucson after a 3–1 vote, despite objections from the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association over receptacle-placement provisions.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors adopted a building-code text amendment, Ordinance 2025‑15, after public and stakeholder comment and debate.
Staff recommended the county adopt the uniform code package to align county rules with the City of Tucson. Supervisor Cano moved to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance; the motion passed 3–1, with Supervisor Christie recording the lone dissent.
Industry pushback: The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) urged the board not to adopt two proposed changes relating to receptacle placement — countertop/work-surface receptacles and receptacles near bathtubs and showers — arguing the changes would add cost and inconvenience for homeowners and should remain optional. At the hearing, SAHBA government affairs director Gerald Lyons said delaying or omitting those items would save roughly $3,000 per home and asked the board to direct staff to continue stakeholder discussion.
Staff response: County staff and code committee members told the board the outlet-placement changes were recommended by the joint code committee and already adopted by the city; staff advised the county remain consistent with those standards. Staff also confirmed that the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was not being recommended for adoption at this time, accommodating part of SAHBA’s request.
Board discussion and vote: The board discussed the value of uniformity across jurisdictions and the code committee’s deliberations. Supervisor Christie said he could not support the adoption absent removal of the receptacle provisions; Supervisor Allen said SAHBA had a standing seat on the joint code committee and the recommended changes had been vetted there. The motion to adopt passed 3–1.
Outcome: Adopt Ordinance 2025‑15 (building and construction code updates) — approved 3–1; Supervisor Christie opposed.
Ending: Staff said they would continue stakeholder outreach on implementation details; the county will now have consistent code language with the city of Tucson for the adopted provisions.
