SAHBA Weekly TOP 5: September 26

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September 26, 2018

#1 City of Tucson to Update Building Codes

Click Here for 2018 Proposed Building Code Amendments

Every three years, the International Code Council updates the residential building codes that impact new home construction. Locally, SAHBA has participated in the update process through the Tucson/Pima County Joint Code Committee which is tasked with reviewing and approving the updated codes. Brad Yant, PeperViner Homes, represented SAHBA on the Committee. Our participation resulted in mitigating or defeating various proposed code changes that would have unnecessarily increased construction costs. Upon adoption by local jurisdictions, SAHBA will continue its engagement with local building officials to identify areas of improvement in the updated 2018 code.

The Tucson City Council will hold a public hearing on scheduled for Oct. 9 to approve the 2018 building codes. Any active permits, plans under review, and model plans that have been issued will not be affected. Once a plan is submitted, the review is based on the regulations that were in effect the day it was received.

When the new codes take effect on Jan. 1, 2019, any new submittal must be designed according to the new regulations. There will be a grace period between the time that Mayor and Council adopts the ordinance and Jan. 1, where either the 2012 or 2018 editions of the codes may be used.

#2 An Opportunity to Find Your Next "Rockstar" Employee

Last week, SAHBA leadership met with Old Pueblo Community Services. OPCS focuses on finding housing for at-risk individuals who are struggling with homelessness.

OPCS is also seeking to find employment for their clients and have developed a hands-on approach to work with employers to ensure success of that employee. Many of these individuals have experience working in the construction industry. They are eager to get their lives back on track and make a positive contribution to their employer.

If you are hiring, please consider OPCS. Contact Art Flagg at art@sahba.org for more information.

#3 And the Award Goes To...

Last Thursday the Remodelers Council celebrated at their Dinner and Awards night, hosted at Arizona Grill and Hearth. During the event, three SAHBA members were honored for the following awards:

Trailblazer Award: A & E Recycled Granite- Julie Olausen

Given to those that show dedication to creating a new industry, product or practice that benefits our community.

Sky Award: Arizona Grill & Hearth- Val Romero

Given to those that exemplify a spirit of charity, benevolence or camaraderie to fellow members and our community.

Patron Award: West Coast Roofing- Cindy McDaniel

Given to those that are a champion for education, advocacy and/or mentoring to fellow members, the SAHBA organization and/or the community.

Congratulations to these well-deserving winners!

#4 SACCD - Creating Career Paths for High School Students

Construction Career Days - Nov 7th & 8th

Southern Arizona Construction Career Days is coming soon!

Consider signing up to volunteer. Your involvement helps students gain understanding of the jobs available in the construction industry and gives you an inside track on that next rock star employee.

Contact Art Flagg at art@sahba.org

Check out the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days Commercial!

#5 SAHBA Takes Legal Action on Impact Fees

SAHBA has recently filed a declaratory judgement action against the Town of Marana. This action was taken because we believe the Town failed to comply with Arizona Revised Statute in completing the Town’s water and wastewater impact fees thus harming SAHBA builder members and ultimately Marana homeowners. In short, we allege in calculating impact fees the Town unlawfully allocated costs to future home buyers that exceeded the proportional share.

SAHBA sought to avoid this course of action and did so only after efforts to work with the down did not prove to be successful and after careful deliberation. This action is necessary to ensure the legislation the industry works tirelessly to be passed into law is complied with. We have communicated with Town officials that we seek to maintain a positive working relationship with staff and Council Members on other issues of importance to Town, home building industry and the broader community.

Questions may be directed to David Godlewski at david@sahba.org.