Code Amendments

As specified in the Oro Valley Zoning Code, all fees must be paid in full prior to processing your application.  The following is a list of fees for code amendments: 

The actual processing time is dependent upon timely applicant submittals and if public outreach is required.Typically, the process takes between 12-16 weeks.

• A narrative that provides details about the proposed code amendment. 
• Any supporting documentation such as maps, site plans, etc. 

The more information you are able to provide the more feedback staff will be able to give.

As part of the Public Outreach process (Section 22.15.E of the Zoning Code), the Public Outreach Plan and subsequent report are required.

• Public Outreach Plan (POP) – required following the first neighborhood meeting as part of the formal submittal. The Plan must include the following:
  • A description of the project
  • Identification of interested stakeholders, including homeowners’ associations that are affected by the proposal
  • A proposed neighborhood meeting process
  • The POP must incorporate the neighborhood meeting requirements noted in 22.15.F. The applicant may propose an alternative process if it is designed to include key stakeholders in a meaningful way, and is consistent with 22.15.A: Purpose, public participation, and notification policy. Any alternative proposal will be subject to Planning and Zoning Administrator approval. At a minimum, the POP must contain educational and issue identification and resolution elements, as defined in the public participation and notification policy.
• Public Outreach Report – required at the conclusion of the public outreach process. The report must include:

• A list of neighborhood meetings, noting when and where they were held; the number of people that attended; and copies of sign-in sheets.
• A list of meeting notification methods used.
• Copies of comment letters, petitions, and other pertinent information received from residents and other interested parties.
• A summary of the issues and concerns that were raised.
• A list of solutions that were agreed upon.
• A list of issues that were not resolved, with an explanation of why solutions were not achieved.

Please note, the Public Outreach Report must be updated and resubmitted throughout the process accordingly.

• The video is required prior to the 1st neighborhood meeting to provide an introduction and brief overview of the proposal.
• The video must be posted at least 15-days prior to the neighborhood meeting. To achieve this, the recording must be done at least 1 week prior to the 15-day posting deadline.
• Videos are recorded online via Zoom. The recording must be coordinated with Town staff. 
• A PowerPoint (or PDF) presentation is required in widescreen format. The presentation should include details about your proposed code amendment. 

A 1–2-page project fact sheet is required, prior to the neighborhood meetings. The fact sheet should provide details about the proposed code amendment, including, but not limited to:

• Existing and proposed code changes
• Areas affected 
• Additional information you want residents to know about the project 

The project fact sheet will be posted online and distributed during the neighborhood meeting(s).

• Purpose: Identify questions, comments, or concerns from the community. Goals for the first neighborhood meeting include:

• Everyone understands the proposal and review process. 
• A list of questions, comments, or concerns from the community is identified.

• Schedule: The 1st neighborhood meeting is scheduled roughly 4 weeks after the pre-application meeting to allow time to record the informational video and send out the required 15-day notice.

• Meeting format:
  
  • Staff Presentation: Provides a brief overview about the proposal.
  • Applicant Presentation: A description about the proposed code amendment.
  • Audience questions and comments: Applicants should be prepared to answer questions and/or respond to comments. 

• Location: Neighborhood meetings are typically held at Town Hall (11000 N. La Canada Drive) from 6-7:30 PM.
• Presentations:
  
  • The presentation for the first neighborhood meeting is often similar to the one provided for the informational video. The presentation for the 2nd neighborhood meeting should incorporate any changes made to the proposal based on the 1st neighborhood meeting comments and/or staff review.
  • All presentations must be provided in "Widescreen" format in both PPT and PDF. 

Staff Presentation 

• Staff will provide a brief presentation to give an overview of the proposed zoning code. 
• Staff presentations typically include the following:
  • Quick overview of the request 
  • Background or history
  • Summary and recommendation

Applicant Presentation 

• The applicant and/or property owner will be expected to provide a PowerPoint presentation about their proposal and answer questions or comments during the public hearings.
• Ultimately, it is the applicant’s responsibility to promote their proposal and show how it meets Town standards. At a minimum, presentations should include the following:
  • Details about the request
  • How the proposal addresses concerns from neighbors
• All presentations must be provided in “Widescreen” format in PPT and PDF.