urban infill project provides pre-permitted attached dwelling unit designs ( ADU).

Co-founders Valerie Land and Lisa Bowers were introduced by mutual friends.

“We both had an unspeakable passion for how we help grow our community,” says Bowers, who has worked as a developer for 20 years.

She brings expertise in how to move between cities and counties with plans and permits, and is familiar with the bureaucracy.

“I’ve been in relationships for 20 years and I know the most efficient way to accomplish this,” Bowers said. “And how do I stand in front of the right people?”

An architect and teacher of construction and building technology at the University of Arizona, Rand is the perfect complement.

“Valerie brings creativity and design to it,” says Bowers. “Many people will use her ADU for intergenerational living. She understands how people move around their homes.”

Whether it’s a large garden or an open lot, property owners can use Duo’s services to install an ADU.

They have seven pre-approved blueprints and negotiated arrangements for expedited approval from the City of Tucson or Pima County.

Currently, Tucson County and unincorporated Pima County participate. Urban Infill is working with Marana, Oro Valley, the town of Sahuarita, and Santa Cruz County to implement this model in these jurisdictions.

Homes range in size from 605 square foot studios to 1,000 square foot two bedroom models.

“If you hire an architect to create a custom design, it can take three to six months to get the permits,” Rand says. “Using our process, you can get your permit in less than a month.”

Construction of the first two ADUs in the Urban Infill project is set to begin at homes in the Broadmoor-Broadway neighborhood near Broadway and Country Club Roads.

Pre-approved drawings cost between $3,500 and $4,800, about half the cost of hiring an architect for a custom design.

ADU’s construction cost in the Tucson market is estimated at $200 to $250 per square foot, and the addition could increase property values ​​by up to 30%.

The Urban Infill Project sells permitting processes and referrals and is not a builder per se, but Lane and Bowers wanted to make a name for themselves within the community and recently Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.

“Tucson simply does not have the housing supply it needs to support its current and future population. Chairman David Godolsky said. “To meet these challenges and maintain a healthy housing market, we need all types of housing, from ADUs to luxury homes.”

He said urban infill projects are key to helping homeowners and contractors comply with ADU construction rules.

“SAHBA recognizes that there is no single solution to building sufficient inventory,” Godolwski said. “We are determined to support various businesses and promote various policies that are needed.”

In 2021, the City of Tucson voted to allow casitas to be built on residential land, and since then has allowed utility bills to be shared with the main residence, solar power, gray water, and electricity. Adjustments have been made, such as eliminating the need to meet vehicle charging requirements. The same is true for new construction.

The city recently launched a ‘casita model plan design’ competition, which will select up to 10 designs to be featured at the exhibition. Tucson Casinos Permit fees for review and approval are waived when you access the online gallery.

The Tucson area, and nationwide housing shortages, are putting renewed focus on ADUs, whether in garages, basements, or new construction.

“A fed-up public is now realizing that regional constraints on housing construction and the resulting high prices and rents have plagued America’s most productive regions for decades.” says Emily Hamilton, senior researcher and director of the Urbanity Project. Mercatas Center at George Mason University. “From an affordability standpoint, ADUs are an attractive remodeling option because they can be rented for hundreds of dollars less than apartments in the same neighborhood.”

States with the highest percentage of elderly residents have seen the largest increases in ADUs.

“Is ADU the right approach to legalizing more housing everywhere? They have a lot to offer,” Hamilton said. “It can be assumed that many homeowners will at some point want the right to generate income on their land or to add relatively favorable ADUs, thus increasing housing within existing residential neighborhoods. It may be the least controversial way to create opportunities.”

In addition to adding more homes to the Tucson area, the Urban Infill Project is committed to constructing buildings in areas already developed.

“I’m dedicated to housing issues and urban reclamation,” Rand said. “I feel very strongly that it would be irresponsible to build in the suburbs when there is so much to do in the city.”