Tucson Advances Proposed Rate and Fee Changes Across Four Departments: Water, Waste, Permits, and Right-of-Way Fees

TUCSON, AZ (March 19, 2026) — The City of Tucson has issued a formal notice of intent for rate and fee changes to four departments after a March 17, 2026, Mayor and Council vote: Environmental Services, Planning and Development Services, Transportation and Mobility, and Tucson Water. The city will hold eight public meetings — six in person and two virtual — between March 25 and April 20 so residents can learn more and comment before a public hearing scheduled for May 19, 2026.

Environmental Services is proposing higher residential, commercial, and landfill rates, along with a new $3 monthly Clean City Fee. The city says the fee would help fund services such as graffiti removal, homeless encampment cleanup, response to illegal dumping, neighborhood cleanups, and the Homeless Work Program.

Planning and Development Services wants to raise many development review and permit fees to better match the actual cost of service. Proposed changes include a 5% increase for most non-valuation permits, bigger increases for some specialized reviews, higher rezoning and sign permit fees, a new development package permit fee, and reinstating the code enforcement reinspection fee at $200. Building permit valuation tables will also increase again on July 1, 2026, by an average of 11.5%.

Transportation and Mobility is proposing a new right-of-way fee structure that would replace many flat fees with an application fee plus hourly staff charges. It also wants to add new Loss-of-Use fees for temporary lane or roadway restrictions and Loss-of-Value fees tied to pavement cuts and road damage. These would mainly apply to private and utility users, with phased implementation over three years.

Tucson Water is proposing a 3.5% annual revenue increase from fiscal years 2027 through 2030, along with updates to miscellaneous service fees and its CAP Water Resource Fee for new water connections. The city says the changes are meant to support safe, reliable water service, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term system needs.

Overall, the proposals are framed as cost-recovery and service-maintenance measures, and the public will have opportunities to weigh in before the council takes final action in May.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85430784722

Wednesday, April 1, 5:30-7 p.m.
Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way

Thursday, April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
Donna R. Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.

Saturday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Fred Archer Center, 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd.

Tuesday, April 14, 5:30-7 p.m.
El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road

Thursday, April 16, 5:30-7 p.m.
Morris K. Udall Recreation Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road

Saturday, April 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.

Monday, April 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89925574155