build or Remodel in jefferson park
what to know
FIRST: know jefferson park is an historic district!
(1940, Lester home looking due north, Catalina Mountains on horizon)
In 2012 the Jefferson Park neighborhood became a National Historic District. Neighborhood volunteers worked for several years doing research and raising the money for the nomination--$38,000! Jefferson Park was granted historic status based upon the way it was originally founded and on its structures which represented a mixture of pre-WWII and Post WWII architecture. The nomination and the list of contributing properties can be found at: www.tucsonaz.gov/preservation/national-register-historic-districts.
There are advantages of historic designation: 1) It allows for a neighborhood to apply for a Neighborhood Preservation Zone, which Jefferson Park has. That NPZ has building parameters that maintain the historic streetscape. 2) Contributing properties will receive up to a 40% tax break on their property taxes. 3) There is evidence that properties in neighborhoods with historic designation increase in value (William Collins, 2007, State Preservation Office, Phoenix AZ).
The neighborhood should maintain at least 51% contributing properties to retain its historic status. Jefferson Park has a neighborhood plan (2008) which outlines the vision for the neighborhood. Find it at: www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pdsd/plans/jefferson_park.pdf
There are advantages of historic designation: 1) It allows for a neighborhood to apply for a Neighborhood Preservation Zone, which Jefferson Park has. That NPZ has building parameters that maintain the historic streetscape. 2) Contributing properties will receive up to a 40% tax break on their property taxes. 3) There is evidence that properties in neighborhoods with historic designation increase in value (William Collins, 2007, State Preservation Office, Phoenix AZ).
The neighborhood should maintain at least 51% contributing properties to retain its historic status. Jefferson Park has a neighborhood plan (2008) which outlines the vision for the neighborhood. Find it at: www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pdsd/plans/jefferson_park.pdf
Tucson resources for information on historic properties....
The City's new Historic Preservation Officer, has been directing people to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) web page on the Reduction Tax Program, which can be found at https://azstateparks.com/state-historic-property-tax-reclassification-spt-for-owneroccupied-homes.
Additionally, information about historic property designations can be found on the City of Tucson Historic Preservation section's web page at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/preservation/frequently-asked-questions.
If you have further questions about contributing properties, don't hesitate to contact Jodie Brown directly at Jodie.Brown@tucsonaz.gov or (520) 837-6968.
Additionally, information about historic property designations can be found on the City of Tucson Historic Preservation section's web page at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/preservation/frequently-asked-questions.
If you have further questions about contributing properties, don't hesitate to contact Jodie Brown directly at Jodie.Brown@tucsonaz.gov or (520) 837-6968.
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The Jefferson Park historic district registration (2012) can be found at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/preservation/national-register-historic-districts. The list of contributing properties can be found at: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/preservation/inventory_of_jeffersonpark_properties_nrform_final1-4.pdf
To apply for the tax break, owners must apply with the Pima County Recorder. The owner of the home may learn how to apply at www.tucsonaz.gov/hcd/owners-historic-properties |
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May I make changes to a building in an Historic District?
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(post WWII ranch style and pre WWII territorial architecture - both contributing properties)
Yes, but...owners of homes in National Historic Districts need to be mindful of the "status" of their home. To maintain their status (and continue to receive the tax break) they must abide by certain rules when undertaking construction. These regulations are primarily concerned with retaining the historic facade which faces the street. If the owner does not care about the status of the home they still must abide by an additional zoning overlay, The Neighborhood Preservation Zone.
second: Know Jefferson Park has a NPZ, NR-1 designation
The NPZ (Neighborhood Preservation Zone) for Jefferson Park was approved by Mayor and Council in 2011. This special overlay can be sought by neighborhoods which already have, or are pursuing, an Historic Designation. Jefferson Park Neighborhood and Feldman Neighborhood are the only two neighborhoods in the city which have this designation. Changes to homes in these neighborhoods must abide by a manual which describes special setbacks, lot coverage, privacy rules, etc. The design manual is used by the city to approve any construction plans submitted. Jefferson Park's manual is available at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pdsd/codes/Jefferson_Park_Design_Manual_final.pdf
third: know it is a city process to get permits
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The first step in construction is to go to the city to apply for a permit www.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/development-permits
If the address appears in a Neighborhood Preservation Zone (NR-1), it will be flagged and then the process will have more oversight than one would in a traditional R-1 zones. The builder/homeowner will begin to work with city |
staff particularly trained in the specifics of that zoning. The city of Tucson and the Neighborhood Association work closely together to monitor building in this very special part of Tucson. The Neighborhood Association and its appointed Land Use Committee will receive the notice of the application.
FOURTH: CONSIDERING AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (Mother-in-Law cottage)?
The amendment adopted by Mayor and Council on December 7 for ADU's would allow:
- One ADU to be built on any residential lot in the city (any lot with one or two homes)
- The maximum size of the ADU is up to 10% of the lot size, up to a maximum of 1,000 square feet. All lots are allowed an ADU of at least 650 square feet.
- The maximum height for ADUs is 12' or the height of the primary structure on lots with two-story homes
- All other dimensional standards regarding lot coverage and setbacks apply
- One parking space would be required per ADU, which could be waived for sites that are a quarter-mile from transit or a bike boulevard; on-street parking can also be used
- Each newly constructed ADU would be required to have a cool roof
fifth: know that jefferson park is advisory in the process
At the first application for a permit with the city the neighborhood is alerted. In Jefferson Park the "Land Use Committee" will then monitor the progress of the application. In Jefferson Park the process for neighborhood support is as follows:
1) The City notifies the neighborhood that an application has been initiated
2) The Land Use Committee comprised of neighborhood volunteers uses the city information to access the plans. Then the members use a CHECK LIST to compare the plans with the requirements for the NPZ and the contributing status of the residence. Changes to homes in Jefferson Park must abide by a manual which describes special setbacks, lot coverage, privacy rules, etc. The design manual is used by the city to approve any construction plans submitted. Jefferson Park's manual is available at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pdsd/codes/Jefferson_Park_Design_Manual_final.pdf
3) The Land Use Committee members wish to help residents complete the process and can, if asked, speak with applicants about the process. However, note that neighbors are volunteers and they act as advisory and speak from their own experiences--with no legal standing. You may send a question to
presidentjpna@gmail.com
Let us know how you wish to be contacted (e-mail or phone) and give the address of the construction, the project number (if you know it), and a short description of the project. One of the committee members will contact you.
1) The City notifies the neighborhood that an application has been initiated
2) The Land Use Committee comprised of neighborhood volunteers uses the city information to access the plans. Then the members use a CHECK LIST to compare the plans with the requirements for the NPZ and the contributing status of the residence. Changes to homes in Jefferson Park must abide by a manual which describes special setbacks, lot coverage, privacy rules, etc. The design manual is used by the city to approve any construction plans submitted. Jefferson Park's manual is available at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pdsd/codes/Jefferson_Park_Design_Manual_final.pdf
3) The Land Use Committee members wish to help residents complete the process and can, if asked, speak with applicants about the process. However, note that neighbors are volunteers and they act as advisory and speak from their own experiences--with no legal standing. You may send a question to
presidentjpna@gmail.com
Let us know how you wish to be contacted (e-mail or phone) and give the address of the construction, the project number (if you know it), and a short description of the project. One of the committee members will contact you.
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4) Criteria: If the project
a) endangers the historic status of the property, b) misjudges the parameters set forth in the Design Manual, c) or presents some concerns to the Land Use Committee members, the committee will notify the city, by letter, that Jefferson Park can not support the project. The letter will indicate the support/non support of the neighborhood. The owner of the project will receive a copy of the Jefferson Park letter that is sent to the city. |
This process is an effort to give neighborhoods the ability to be true stakeholders in the fabric of Tucson. The historic properties are tangible treasures which will hopefully provide our grandchildren with the "story" of place. Respected and preserved neighborhoods are strong communities that contribute to the well being of cities. Jefferson Park takes its responsibility in the process very seriously and will work cooperatively with the city and all neighbors to preserve this unique example of Tucson's history.