HOME | Casita One/Two

BACKGROUND

Casita One/Two is a pre-approved plan available through the City of Tucson's Casita Model Plan Library. The Model Plan Library was created to respond to the need for a larger, more varied, and more flexible housing supply by making it easier to add a casita (ADU/accessory dwelling unit). Most Tucson residential lots that have one or two existing homes can add one or two casitas.

Selecting a pre-approved design from the Casita Model Plan Library is intended to make the design and permitting process for a casita less expensive, quicker, and more predictable. Building permit review fees are waived, and the cost of the plans from the designer or architect can be significantly less than for a custom design.

DESIGN

Casita One/Two was designed with the owner/builder or DIY in mind. Construction is economical wood frame. Almost all the materials required for the casita are available at Home Depot or Lowe's.

It features a simple, elegant form that blends harmoniously with many of Tucson's architectural styles. The stucco exterior and metal roofing echo traditional building materials. An energy-efficient building envelope and mechanical systems, along with provisions for optional photovoltaics and rainwater harvesting, make it a good fit for the Sonoran Desert.

The compact plan balances a simple form with a richness of space and material. The light-filled interior has high ceilings and windows on four sides, and the living/dining/kitchen area opens to a covered porch. The generous bedroom has a nook for a desk, and the bathroom has a 5' walk-in shower and space for a washer and dryer.

Casita One/Two features:

Thoughtful, contextual design by award-winning architect
560 SF floor plan + covered porch
Suitable for many stages of life: young adult to old age
Stucco exterior and corrugated metal porch roof
Open living/dining area with 9' ceilings
Generous kitchen storage
Windows on all sides for a light-filled interior
No-step, covered front entry
Economical stick-frame (wood) walls and roof
Efficient mini-split heat pumps
"Cool Roof"
Space for optional roof-top photovoltaic array
Roof designed for optional rainwater harvesting

PLANS

IMAGES

RENDERINGS

DRAWINGS

CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN OPTIONS

PROCESS

The owner selects a pre-approved design from the Casita Model Plan Library, purchases the plans from the designer or architect, prepares a plot plan, and submits a building permit application. The plot plan shows conformance with site-specific standards such as zoning setbacks and utility locations that vary from lot to lot. A plot plan is not included with the plans from Plan Library. It will need to be prepared by the property owner or builder.

Fees are waived for the building permit review; the owner pays other applicable permit fees.

Casita One/Two is designed to be appropriate for a broad range of lots. However, all pre-approved Model Plans must meet the development regulations that apply to a location, so you’ll want to make sure that Casita One/Two meets the requirements for your own lot. Utility locations and access points, topography, easements, and other potential encumbrances can affect feasibility.

Because the design of the heating-cooling system depends on the precise location and orientation of the Casita One/Two, the pre-approved plans stipulate a deferred submittal for the heating-cooling system. The deferred submittal will need to be prepared by the builder or heating-cooling subcontractor and submitted within 90 days of issuance of the building permit.

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PURCHASE

Rights for one-time use of Casita One/Two: $3,800.

Please review the Purchase Agreement carefully before purchasing the plans.

Purchase Agreement

The plans include a full set of construction documents comprised of seven (7) 24x36 drawings with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, details, schedules, and notes. The plans are in PDF format.

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LINKS

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