The Oro Valley Town Council on Oct. 1 adopted ordinance O25-07 to amend town code and zoning rules governing permitted construction hours to match recent state legislation, which the speaker identified as emergency legislation already in effect.

Mike Spathe, the town’s principal planner, told council the state law requires jurisdictions to permit construction activities between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays during the summer period (May 1–Oct. 15) and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, while concrete activities may begin one hour earlier. "This legislation was adopted by the governor as emergency legislation. So it's already in effect today," Spathe said.

Staff said the amendments remove local nuances — notably a previous 500-foot proximity allowance that permitted earlier starts when work was farther from residences — and instead apply a uniform standard. The code will retain an option for applicants to request an extended construction work-hour permit in specific cases such as critical sewer or manhole work.

Councilmember Green moved to approve ordinance O25-07; Vice Mayor Barrett seconded. The measure passed 7-0.

Why it matters: the change brings town rules into compliance with state law and standardizes hours for construction and concrete work. Staff emphasized the town will still allow case-by-case permits for extended hours when public-safety or critical infrastructure needs warrant overnight work. Councilmembers asked staff about communication options to notify nearby residents when early-start concrete pours or other noisy activity is planned; staff said they will explore announcements and post updates on the town’s OV Projects page.

Reaction from residents and businesses during the meeting included support for public notification: Councilmember Winfield asked whether gated communities would be compelled to allow early hours; Spathe replied local homeowner associations (HOAs) can impose stricter rules for private property, but town standards set the minimum allowed by law.

Staff recommended the ordinance amendments to both town code and zoning code to eliminate conflicts and place construction work-hour rules in a single section of town code. Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval.