Tucson Considers Permanent Zoning Changes for Homeless Shelters Amid Temporary Emergency Declaration (Tucson, Arizona)

The city of Tucson is considering changes to its zoning codes that could allow for more homeless shelters to be established, with a decision expected by March. This potential shift comes as the city navigates a year-long housing and homelessness emergency, declared in February. The emergency declaration aims to streamline the process for churches and nonprofits to set up shelters, offering greater flexibility in how they operate.

To gather public input, Tucson’s Planning and Development Services Department is holding a series of meetings in September and October. These meetings are part of an effort to assess the community’s perspective on the proposed changes. The first meeting, held at The Coalition Space near 4th Avenue, allowed residents to attend and provide feedback throughout the day.

Amanda Smith, a lead planner with Tucson Planning and Development Services, noted that while several churches and nonprofits have shown interest in starting their own shelters, progress has been slow. She explained that the emergency declaration’s temporary changes to zoning rules only last until next February, and the city council could choose to extend them. However, the availability of suitable sites remains a challenge.

Smith emphasized that viable locations for shelters are limited, often due to competition from buyers and the need for proximity to public transit and essential services. Zoning regulations also impose restrictions on the number of people that can be housed in certain spaces, complicating efforts for nonprofits to justify the costs of running shelters.

Nonprofits are working under tight timelines and limited funding, making it difficult to secure and prepare suitable spaces. The combination of zoning rules and market dynamics has created a complex landscape for those seeking to provide shelter. As the city moves forward, the challenge remains to balance the urgent need for housing solutions with the practical constraints of urban development.

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