INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS:  Mon., July 6, 2009

Oro Valley goes greener

 

The Oro Valley Town Council has passed two amendments to ordinances furthering the goal for building greener homes.

“Green homes sell better,” said Councilwoman Salette Latas. “Building green is a market advantage in tough economic times and environmentally-friendly construction continues to grow even in the current economy. We hope that our efforts will help direct a regional approach that will ensure uniform codes that establish environmentally sound building practices.”

One of the ordinances requires installation of solar-ready measures in residential construction. It takes effect July 17.  The other ordinance requires installation of gray water plumbing in residential construction. It takes effect June 1, 2010, but doesn’t apply to building plans approved prior to June 1, 2009.

An official with the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) said he understands environmentally friendly codes and ordinances are the wave of the future, but he questioned the timing of these ordinances.

“During a recession, this is the wrong time to be adding costs to new homes,” said Roger Yohem, vice president of SAHBA.