Oro Valley explains new state‑mandated community model homes program for faster, lower‑cost builds

Planner Michael Garcia told council the community model homes program implements a state law effective July 1, 2026 that requires municipalities to publish pre‑approved housing design plans. The town's initial library includes accessory dwelling unit (ADU) models designed by the Urban Infill Project (micro model to ~1,000 sq ft) and staff said full building plan sets (including plumbing and electrical) will be available for purchase directly from designers and then submitted to the town for expedited site review.

On questions about time and cost savings, Garcia said much of the savings come from reducing the back‑and‑forth of hiring and coordinating with an architect and compressing the permitting steps; he noted staff will follow design standards and that HOAs may impose stricter rules. "Residents then submit those purchase plans to the town for an expedited review," Garcia said, and staff expects to add single‑family, duplex and triplex models to meet the phased state requirement through 2027.