Huachuca City opts for online preapproved housing-plan program to comply with SB1529

Huachuca City Council voted Jan. 22 to begin code changes to implement an online preapproved housing design plan program to comply with Senate Bill 1529 (2025). The program will accept proposed permit-ready plans for single-family, duplex, triplex, and accessory dwelling units so property owners can use preapproved designs.

The minutes summarize staff’s two options under SB1529: (A) hire architects to create plan sets the municipality owns, or (B) create an online library that accepts plan submissions from architects and lists plans preapproved by other municipalities or state agencies. Staff recommended option B as a less costly route. Dr. Jim Johnson presented the options, and Town Attorney Thomas Benavidez explained the state requirement. Councilmember Johann R. Wallace moved to begin code changes to implement option B and Cynthia Butterworth seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Under the program approach, the town will host an online list of preapproved housing designs. Architects may submit plans for municipal pre-review and pay typical plan-review fees; property owners would still be responsible for site planning, permitting fees, and any site-specific approvals. The minutes do not specify a timeline, staffing levels, or a review fee schedule; Council directed staff to draft code changes to implement the program.

The decision directs staff to prepare the ordinance and administrative process needed to make the online library operational; additional Council or administrative approvals will be required to set fees and finalize technical standards.