Nov. 7--Diamond Ventures, one of the area's leading developers, wants the Tucson City Council to consider waivers, delays and other changes in several high-profile city codes and regulations to make them more business-friendly.

New water harvesting requirements for commercial developers, the decade-old "big box" development law, the wash and native plant protection ordinances and the sign code are among ordinances targeted by the Oct. 27 letter by Diamond Ventures president David Goldstein.

He is not proposing repealing them for the most part. But he suggests that they be relaxed or delayed in many cases. These are among the most significant and controversial laws and regulations approved by the council over the years to protect the environment and neighborhoods.

The letter also seeks various incentives and expanded local financing for economic development, impact fee reimbursements in certain cases and creation of a business ombudsperson at City Hall to help businessmen "navigate city processes and expedite approvals." The company also proposes cost-benefit analysis for new regulations, streamlining of processing of zoning and development plans and delays of studies required of developers in cases where a delay won't harm their projects or the community. The list totaled 16 proposals.

Councilwoman Shirley Scott, a Democrat representing the Southeast Side, has asked the council to place these items on its Nov. 17 study session agenda.

Read more in tomorrow's Arizona Daily Star

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