Community Model Homes: FAQ

Building Plans for a Community Model Home are purchased directly from the designer, using the contact information provided in the Model Plan Library. Please note, the Town does not handle or assist with the purchase of any plans.

Model Plan Library

• Site Planning: After purchasing Building Plans from the designer, the applicant (either the property owner or a representative of the property owner) must submit a Site Plan to the Town for review. Please see Section 5, Step 2, of our Program Handbook for more detail and instructions.
• Permitting for Construction: Prior to construction, the following must be submitted to the Town:
  1. Proof of sewer connections fees paid to Pima County, if applicable
  2. Valuation of project cost breakdown
  3. Payment of all permit fees (Staff will contact you when the fees have been determined) 
  Please see Section 5, Step 3, of our Program Handbook for more detail and instructions.

Site Placement

Fees required for the site placement of a Community Model Home include the residential building permit fee, electrical building permit fee, mechanical building permit fee, plumbing building permit fee, and impact fees.  A potential fee for site grading may also apply, if applicable.

Please see Section 6 of our Program Handbook for more detail and estimated fee ranges for each housing type, based on estimates for preset unit sizes and constructions.

Impact Fees

Impact fees are one-time charges on new development projects to fund the public infrastructure and services needed to support it. Impact fees for a Community Model Home vary based on housing type:

• Accessory Dwelling Units = $2,997.00
• Single-Family Units = $$2,997.00
• Duplex Units = $5,994.00
• Triplex Units = $8,991.00

Please confirm with your HOA if Community Model Homes are permitted in your community before purchasing plans. HOA's may have their own standards for Community Model Homes, distinct from the Town's.

The Town does not review or confirm compliance with HOA requirements and regulations, and will not contact an HOA on behalf of an interested resident.

Building Plans purchased from a designer are licensed to the property owner, meaning the same plans can be purchased from the designer and used by another property owner. Please note, any discussion relating to the sharing, reselling, distribution of purchased plans must be between the designer and property owner. The Town of Oro Valley does not retain copies of plans, facilitate the purchase of plans, or contact the designer on behalf of a property owner.

Modifications made to pre-approved plans will require a resubmittal to the Town for review and approval. Modified plans are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require the consent of the original designer to be accepted.

The following submittals must be reviewed and approved to participate in the Community Model Homes program:

1. Design Proposal: All Community Model Homes begin as a Design Proposal. A complete Design Proposal will include a descriptive narrative, colored imagery or 3-D renderings of the model, and the color and materials palette.
2.  Building Plans: After your Design Proposal is approved, you will need to submit Building Plans to the Town for review. Completed Building Plans must include plans for construction (floor plan, foundation, framing, etc.), architecture, and a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Town.

Please see Section 3 of our Program Handbook for more detail and instructions for Design Proposals and Building Plans.

Design Proposals

Design Proposals are free to submit for review and approval by the Town. Please see Section 3 of our Program Handbook for Design Proposal requirements and instructions.

Building Plan Fees

Required fees include the residential building plan check fee, electrical building plan check fee, mechanical building plan check fee, and plumbing building plan check fee. Fees for Building Plans are calculated based on the estimated construction valuation of the model, the materials used to build it, and any additional features such as porches, fireplaces, etc.

Please see Section 4 of our Program Handbook for more detail and estimated fee ranges for each housing type, based on estimates for preset unit and porch sizes.

Building Plan submittals must be compliant with all applicable Building Codes and Local Amendments, including current International Building Codes and National Electric Code.

Building Codes and Local Amendments

Building Plans with multiple footprints (options) should be submitted as one plan set. For example, Building Plans for a model that includes a studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom option will be reviewed together.

Outdoor lighting provided on Building Plans must comply with the Town's Outdoor Lighting Code.

Outdoor Lighting Code

Revisions made to approved Building Plans must be resubmitted by the designer for review and approval. A “Pending Revisions” notice will be shown on the model's webpage until the revision is approved.