T.A.R. Advocacy Scores Major Victory: Middle Housing Ordinance Passed

Last week, the City of Tucson took a decisive and long-overdue step to address its housing shortage by approving a citywide Middle Housing ordinance. This critical code amendment expands housing production opportunities by allowing conforming residential lots above a certain size to develop duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes where only single-family homes were previously permitted. 

Citywide implementation of the Middle Housing ordinance was a top advocacy priority for the Tucson Association of REALTORS®, and the City Council’s 6–1 vote represents a significant policy victory for both our association and the broader Tucson community. The Council deserves recognition for having the courage to approve meaningful change and move beyond the status quo in the face of a well-documented housing shortage.  

 By legalizing modest, neighborhood-compatible housing types across the city, the ordinance creates much-needed diversity in housing options while preserving neighborhood character. It also brings Tucson into compliance with Arizona state law (HB 2721), ensuring local policies align with statewide housing goals. Middle housing is a proven strategy to improve affordability and availability while advancing responsible growth. 

Thank you to T.A.R. members for your strong advocacy on this issue!   

Click here to read T.A.R.’s letter to Mayor and Council 

Click here to access the City of Tucson’s Middle Housing Hub