Go Back

Environment and Climate

Share Environment and Climate on Facebook Share Environment and Climate on Twitter Share Environment and Climate on Linkedin Email Environment and Climate link

Residents, help craft OV's goals, policies and actions by completing the steps below:

  1. RSVP to the meeting HERE.
  2. Read and be ready to discuss the draft goals, policies and actions HERE.
  3. If you missed the meeting on April 8, 2025, please review the meeting notes and listen to the recording linked to the right.
  4. Attend and participate in the online meeting below.
Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:30 PM

Meeting ID: 889 1811 2885 Passcode: 716520

Phone option: +1 669 900 6833

Questions? Contact OVPathForward@orovalleyaz.gov



The OV's Path Forward Background Report, available HERE, provides key trends and conditions that should be considered when planning for OV's future.

  • Oro Valley is almost built out. Future and anticipated annexation areas must be mapped for environmental resources to ensure connectivity and habitat preservation. Maintaining existing conservation areas is an ongoing need.
  • According to federal, state and local scientific experts, habitat conservation is the primary tool for wildlife protection. Maintaining and exploring best practices to conserve existing habitats and wildlife corridors is important to OV’s future. Approximately 30% of Oro Valley land is open space. Oracle and Tangerine roads are both scenic corridors. Building heights are restricted and additional landscaping is required to maintain views of the mountains. Examining the balance between open space, views and development is an important aspect of the 10-year plan.
  • OV’s average high temperature is 84.6 degrees. However, June is the hottest month with triple digit temperatures.
  • Heat islands are areas with a lot of impervious surfaces that increase OV’s temperature, especially at night. Reduce the heat island effect through landscaping, minimizing paved areas, and encouraging energy efficient building designs, such as white roofs.

During Phase 1 (October 2023 - October 2024), residents shared their ideas, priorities and expectations for OV's future through the BIG Community Survey, 93 events, and online discussions. The phone survey method is statistically projectable to all OV adults. This means 50% represents 20,593 residents.

The percentages represent responses to various question types. Higher percentages relate to questions where residents rated specific options. Low percentages relate to open-ended questions that allowed a wide variety of responses.

A summary of resident responses is available HERE with key points shown below:

Statistically projectable survey responses
Common phrases from
events and online
Describing OV80% think OV should be known for its desert and mountain viewsScenic, natural beauty, view
Concern or challenges54% are concerned about protecting the environmentLosing natural habitats, protecting wildlife, balancing open space with development
Priorities82% prioritized maintaining views

Mountain views
77% prioritized protecting native plantsProtect plants to reduce heat
69% prioritized maintaining wildlife corridorsConnected pathways for wildlife
65% prioritized expanding OV conservation areasUsing grants or other funding mechanism to expand areas
62% of event and online comments related to climate were about recycling/waste programs, cleanups, composting, etc.
67% prioritized exploring incentives to increase use of solar.Encourage people to use solar, get more solar
61% prioritized exploring incentives to increase use of energy efficient appliances
65% prioritized reducing the heat island effect with different building materials.
66% prioritized reducing heat island effect through landscape and designMore shade trees, xeriscaping
50% prioritized reducing carbon emissions by supporting electric vehiclesMore EV stations, support EV


The draft guiding principle is based on the community guidance provided during Phase 1. Underlined words were derived directly from resident responses.

Uphold the scenic beauty and natural environment as a top priority:

  • Conserve the natural desert and mountain views
  • Protect significant, native vegetation
  • Maintain wildlife corridors
  • Expand open space conservation areas
  • Prioritize environmental resource conservation when considering development

Incorporate strategies for sustainability:

  • Promote waste reduction and recycling programs and participation
  • Encourage use of solar and energy efficiency technology
  • Reduce heat through landscaping, building materials, and design
  • Reduce carbon emissions by supporting electric vehicles, public transit, & other transportation options


Residents, help craft OV's goals, policies and actions by completing the steps below:

  1. RSVP to the meeting HERE.
  2. Read and be ready to discuss the draft goals, policies and actions HERE.
  3. If you missed the meeting on April 8, 2025, please review the meeting notes and listen to the recording linked to the right.
  4. Attend and participate in the online meeting below.
Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:30 PM

Meeting ID: 889 1811 2885 Passcode: 716520

Phone option: +1 669 900 6833

Questions? Contact OVPathForward@orovalleyaz.gov



The OV's Path Forward Background Report, available HERE, provides key trends and conditions that should be considered when planning for OV's future.

  • Oro Valley is almost built out. Future and anticipated annexation areas must be mapped for environmental resources to ensure connectivity and habitat preservation. Maintaining existing conservation areas is an ongoing need.
  • According to federal, state and local scientific experts, habitat conservation is the primary tool for wildlife protection. Maintaining and exploring best practices to conserve existing habitats and wildlife corridors is important to OV’s future. Approximately 30% of Oro Valley land is open space. Oracle and Tangerine roads are both scenic corridors. Building heights are restricted and additional landscaping is required to maintain views of the mountains. Examining the balance between open space, views and development is an important aspect of the 10-year plan.
  • OV’s average high temperature is 84.6 degrees. However, June is the hottest month with triple digit temperatures.
  • Heat islands are areas with a lot of impervious surfaces that increase OV’s temperature, especially at night. Reduce the heat island effect through landscaping, minimizing paved areas, and encouraging energy efficient building designs, such as white roofs.

During Phase 1 (October 2023 - October 2024), residents shared their ideas, priorities and expectations for OV's future through the BIG Community Survey, 93 events, and online discussions. The phone survey method is statistically projectable to all OV adults. This means 50% represents 20,593 residents.

The percentages represent responses to various question types. Higher percentages relate to questions where residents rated specific options. Low percentages relate to open-ended questions that allowed a wide variety of responses.

A summary of resident responses is available HERE with key points shown below:

Statistically projectable survey responses
Common phrases from
events and online
Describing OV80% think OV should be known for its desert and mountain viewsScenic, natural beauty, view
Concern or challenges54% are concerned about protecting the environmentLosing natural habitats, protecting wildlife, balancing open space with development
Priorities82% prioritized maintaining views

Mountain views
77% prioritized protecting native plantsProtect plants to reduce heat
69% prioritized maintaining wildlife corridorsConnected pathways for wildlife
65% prioritized expanding OV conservation areasUsing grants or other funding mechanism to expand areas
62% of event and online comments related to climate were about recycling/waste programs, cleanups, composting, etc.
67% prioritized exploring incentives to increase use of solar.Encourage people to use solar, get more solar
61% prioritized exploring incentives to increase use of energy efficient appliances
65% prioritized reducing the heat island effect with different building materials.
66% prioritized reducing heat island effect through landscape and designMore shade trees, xeriscaping
50% prioritized reducing carbon emissions by supporting electric vehiclesMore EV stations, support EV


The draft guiding principle is based on the community guidance provided during Phase 1. Underlined words were derived directly from resident responses.

Uphold the scenic beauty and natural environment as a top priority:

  • Conserve the natural desert and mountain views
  • Protect significant, native vegetation
  • Maintain wildlife corridors
  • Expand open space conservation areas
  • Prioritize environmental resource conservation when considering development

Incorporate strategies for sustainability:

  • Promote waste reduction and recycling programs and participation
  • Encourage use of solar and energy efficiency technology
  • Reduce heat through landscaping, building materials, and design
  • Reduce carbon emissions by supporting electric vehicles, public transit, & other transportation options


Discussions: All (9) Open (0)

  • 1. What factors should be considered when identifying open space conservation areas? For example, wildlife connectivity, number of native plants, other?

    17 days ago
    Share 1. What factors should be considered when identifying open space conservation areas? For example, wildlife connectivity, number of native plants, other? on Facebook Share 1. What factors should be considered when identifying open space conservation areas? For example, wildlife connectivity, number of native plants, other? on Twitter Share 1. What factors should be considered when identifying open space conservation areas? For example, wildlife connectivity, number of native plants, other? on Linkedin Email 1. What factors should be considered when identifying open space conservation areas? For example, wildlife connectivity, number of native plants, other? link
    12 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, 80% of OV residents think OV should be known for its dessert and mountain views.  
    • Existing Conditions: Thirty percent of Oro Valley’s land is open space, which includes both natural and landscaped areas.
      • Future and anticipated annexation areas must be mapped for environmental resources to ensure connectivity and habitat preservation. Maintaining existing conservation areas is an ongoing need.
      • According to federal, state and local scientific experts, habitat conservation is the primary tool for wildlife protection. Maintaining and exploring best practices to conserve existing habitats and wildlife corridors is important to OV’s future.
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 2. What environmental resources (e.g., riparian wash areas, large saguaros or ironwood trees) should not be disturbed by any development?

    17 days ago
    Share 2. What environmental resources (e.g., riparian wash areas, large saguaros or ironwood trees) should not be disturbed by any development? on Facebook Share 2. What environmental resources (e.g., riparian wash areas, large saguaros or ironwood trees) should not be disturbed by any development? on Twitter Share 2. What environmental resources (e.g., riparian wash areas, large saguaros or ironwood trees) should not be disturbed by any development? on Linkedin Email 2. What environmental resources (e.g., riparian wash areas, large saguaros or ironwood trees) should not be disturbed by any development? link
    10 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, 80% of OV residents think OV should be known for its dessert and mountain views.  
    • Existing Conditions: Thirty percent of Oro Valley’s land is open space, which includes both natural and landscaped areas.
      • Future and anticipated annexation areas must be mapped for environmental resources to ensure connectivity and habitat preservation. Maintaining existing conservation areas is an ongoing need.
      • According to federal, state and local scientific experts, habitat conservation is the primary tool for wildlife protection. Maintaining and exploring best practices to conserve existing habitats and wildlife corridors is important to OV’s future.
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 3. Should development be concentrated on a site in a manner that maximizes open space conservation and connectivity? Please explain your response.

    17 days ago
    Share 3. Should development be concentrated on a site in a manner that maximizes open space conservation and connectivity? Please explain your response. on Facebook Share 3. Should development be concentrated on a site in a manner that maximizes open space conservation and connectivity? Please explain your response. on Twitter Share 3. Should development be concentrated on a site in a manner that maximizes open space conservation and connectivity? Please explain your response. on Linkedin Email 3. Should development be concentrated on a site in a manner that maximizes open space conservation and connectivity? Please explain your response. link
    9 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, 80% of OV residents think OV should be known for its dessert and mountain views.  
    • Existing Conditions: Thirty percent of Oro Valley’s land is open space, which includes both natural and landscaped areas.
      • Future and anticipated annexation areas must be mapped for environmental resources to ensure connectivity and habitat preservation. Maintaining existing conservation areas is an ongoing need.
      • According to federal, state and local scientific experts, habitat conservation is the primary tool for wildlife protection. Maintaining and exploring best practices to conserve existing habitats and wildlife corridors is important to OV’s future.
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 4. How could OV’s built environment blend with the natural environment and maintain views? Possible considerations include building height, light pollution, roof color, other.

    17 days ago
    Share 4. How could OV’s built environment blend with the natural environment and maintain views? Possible considerations include building height, light pollution, roof color, other. on Facebook Share 4. How could OV’s built environment blend with the natural environment and maintain views? Possible considerations include building height, light pollution, roof color, other. on Twitter Share 4. How could OV’s built environment blend with the natural environment and maintain views? Possible considerations include building height, light pollution, roof color, other. on Linkedin Email 4. How could OV’s built environment blend with the natural environment and maintain views? Possible considerations include building height, light pollution, roof color, other. link
    9 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, 82% prioritized maintaining views of the mountains.  Additionally, 3% of residents participating online and at events valued OV’s cohesive design that blends with the natural environment.

    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 5. What types of waste reduction/ recycling events or opportunities could OV host?

    17 days ago
    Share 5. What types of waste reduction/ recycling events or opportunities could OV host? on Facebook Share 5. What types of waste reduction/ recycling events or opportunities could OV host? on Twitter Share 5. What types of waste reduction/ recycling events or opportunities could OV host? on Linkedin Email 5. What types of waste reduction/ recycling events or opportunities could OV host? link
    11 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: 62% of event and online comments related to climate were about recycling/waste programs, cleanups, composting, etc. 
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 6. How could OV encourage residents to use solar or energy efficient appliances?

    17 days ago
    Share 6. How could OV encourage residents to use solar or energy efficient appliances? on Facebook Share 6. How could OV encourage residents to use solar or energy efficient appliances? on Twitter Share 6. How could OV encourage residents to use solar or energy efficient appliances? on Linkedin Email 6. How could OV encourage residents to use solar or energy efficient appliances? link
    7 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, residents prioritized:
      • 67% prioritized exploring incentives to increase use of solar.   
      • 61% prioritized exploring incentives to increase use of energy efficient appliances
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 7. In what ways should OV reduce heat island effects with new development? For example, limit the amount of paved surfaces, increase landscaping, other?

    17 days ago
    Share 7. In what ways should OV reduce heat island effects with new development? For example, limit the amount of paved surfaces, increase landscaping, other? on Facebook Share 7. In what ways should OV reduce heat island effects with new development? For example, limit the amount of paved surfaces, increase landscaping, other? on Twitter Share 7. In what ways should OV reduce heat island effects with new development? For example, limit the amount of paved surfaces, increase landscaping, other? on Linkedin Email 7. In what ways should OV reduce heat island effects with new development? For example, limit the amount of paved surfaces, increase landscaping, other? link
    7 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, residents prioritized:
      • 65% prioritized reducing the heat island effect with different building materials.          
      • 66% prioritized reducing heat island effect through landscape and design      
    • Existing Conditions: Heat islands are areas with a lot of impervious surfaces that increase OV’s temperature, especially at night. Reduce the heat island effect through landscaping, minimizing paved areas, and encouraging energy efficient building designs, such as white roofs.
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 8. How can OV enable flexibility for private property owners who wish to install vehicle charging stations? Ex., permit private charging stations in residential common areas, commercial/employment areas. Codes for new homes to ease installation. Other?

    17 days ago
    Share 8. How can OV enable flexibility for private property owners who wish to install vehicle charging stations? Ex., permit private charging stations in residential common areas, commercial/employment areas. Codes for new homes to ease installation. Other? on Facebook Share 8. How can OV enable flexibility for private property owners who wish to install vehicle charging stations? Ex., permit private charging stations in residential common areas, commercial/employment areas. Codes for new homes to ease installation. Other? on Twitter Share 8. How can OV enable flexibility for private property owners who wish to install vehicle charging stations? Ex., permit private charging stations in residential common areas, commercial/employment areas. Codes for new homes to ease installation. Other? on Linkedin Email 8. How can OV enable flexibility for private property owners who wish to install vehicle charging stations? Ex., permit private charging stations in residential common areas, commercial/employment areas. Codes for new homes to ease installation. Other? link
    5 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    • Resident Guidance: According to a statistically projectable survey, 50% of residents prioritized reducing carbon emissions by supporting electric vehicles.
    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed

  • 9. Are there other programs, certifications, or opportunities that Oro Valley should explore to be more climate-friendly?

    17 days ago
    Share 9. Are there other programs, certifications, or opportunities that Oro Valley should explore to be more climate-friendly? on Facebook Share 9. Are there other programs, certifications, or opportunities that Oro Valley should explore to be more climate-friendly? on Twitter Share 9. Are there other programs, certifications, or opportunities that Oro Valley should explore to be more climate-friendly? on Linkedin Email 9. Are there other programs, certifications, or opportunities that Oro Valley should explore to be more climate-friendly? link
    7 Responses
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    Go to discussion
    Replies Closed
Page last updated: 18 Apr 2025, 03:46 PM