Oro Valley board approves variance allowing one-car garage on front-yard ADU at 1055 West Tortolita Mountain Circle

Oro Valley — On April 28, 2026, the Oro Valley Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance to allow a one-car garage as part of a front-yard accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 1055 West Tortolita Mountain Circle.

Senior planning technician Patty Hayes of the Town of Oro Valley Planning and Zoning and Building Permitting Division recommended approval after reviewing the five statutory variance findings required under state law. Hayes told the board the lot is irregular, constrained by a floodplain, grading limits and protected natural features, and that the proposed ADU would share the existing driveway and not create a separate driveway or the large, disproportionate garage structures the ADU rules seek to prevent. "This lot has an irregular shape along with natural elements that limits the placement of additions," Hayes said, and staff found the five findings were met.

Architect Rachel Sarah, representing the property owners, described moving the addition’s location after discovering utilities in the originally approved site and said design choices — stepped massing, stone accents and a lower roofline — were intended to keep the ADU subordinate to the main house. She said two small saguaros on the property will be transplanted to avoid disturbance. "Our intention was to keep as much of the natural landscape as possible," Sarah said.

Philip (Phil) Calcutt, vice president of the Stone Canyon Homeowners Association and chair of its design review committee, spoke during public comment to confirm HOA support. "We've worked with the owner and the architect, made some adjustments to this, added stone to help it blend in," Calcutt said, and added that the home’s limited existing garage space contributed to the HOA’s support for the proposal.

Board members asked staff to confirm whether HOA approval had been secured; Hayes confirmed the HOA had approved the project since the application materials were prepared. A member also asked how the town measures ADU size relative to the main house; Hayes said state ADU standards require accessory dwelling units not exceed the main house in size.

A board member moved to approve the variance "to allow the proposed accessory dwelling unit to include a garage based on the finding that the five criteria have been met," a motion that received a second and passed by unanimous voice vote.

The Board of Adjustment took no further action on the item. With the variance approved, the applicant may proceed with permits consistent with the Town’s conditions and applicable codes.