What do I Need a Permit for?

Many common household upgrades and repairs require a permit where the average homeowner or property owner is not aware of the need for a permit. As a general rule when in doubt, ask!! Who answers these questions? And where does a property owner go to get these answers? Best place to start is with the […]
Keep Your Health Resolutions Alive This Year

A new year is a popular time to make goals… but it’s far from the only time to try to achieve new things. One of the most popular resolutions made every year (and at varying times of the year) is to create healthier habits. Whether you’re just starting out in your hopes of becoming more […]
3 Tiny Houses that will Make You Rethink Your Home

For years, the American dream included, seemingly by default, having a big house with a white picket fence, two children, and maybe a few household pets. In reality, whether big or small, millions of Americans worked to build or buy their own first homes for their families. Even today, home ownership remains an important rite […]
Part 3: Riparian Habitat Disturbance and Violations: What You Need to Know…

A Little History In 1994 the first language was adopted in the Pima County Regional Flood Control District’s Floodplain Management Ordinance (Ordinance) to promote riparian habitat protection. As part of identifying the protected areas Riparian Classification Maps were developed. In 2005 the map was updated based on improved data to include more riparian habitat to […]
6 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Tucson

From November to December, every city decks out for the holiday season, and Tucson is no exception. In fact, Tucson might even celebrate the holiday season better. Holiday traditions are carried out with a twist in this warmer climate and charms everyone for miles around. To help spread the holiday cheer, we’ve come up with […]
Part 2: How to Permit Construction When a Parcel is Impacted by Regulated Riparian Habitat

When a property or project site is impacted by regulated riparian habitat (RRH), a permit application for construction is reviewed for avoidance of this habitat. Avoidance of disturbance to riparian habitat can be accomplished through applicant’s flexibility on the location of improvements on a project site. While the Riparian Ordinance prioritizes avoidance and minimization of […]
Part 1: What is Riparian Habitat?

In Pima County, there are areas that are designated as Regulated Riparian Habitat (RRH). RRH has development limitations in an effort to preserve, protect, and enhance these areas. Why is this important? And what exactly is riparian habitat? Riparian habitat is the community of plants found along washes and floodplains. Riparian habitat can range from […]
A Wash Is a Wash Is a Wash; Not So Quick

I was recently working with a young couple looking for a property in the Tanque Verde Valley on which to build their first home. After exploring many neighborhoods and walking lots of land, we came across a 5-acre parcel in the Horse Head Road area. It was a richly vegetated property with all varieties of […]
6 Cool Upgrades to Include In Your Home Build Project

Building a home is an exciting process that allows you complete customization from start to finish. Once you have the basics figured out, it’s time to start thinking about what fun additions you can incorporate into your new place. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 6 cool upgrades that will make your home build […]
Heating and Cooling Your New Home: What Are Your Options?

As you make plans to build your new home, you may not spend much time considering how you’ll manage the temperature. After all, it’s pretty straightforward, right? Maybe. But maybe not. These days, there are a number of systems you can choose from to manage your home’s temperature and each has its own benefits. Take […]