Rancho Vistoso HOA votes on controversial street parking rules amid safety concerns

The Oro Valley Town Council meeting on March 5, 2025, focused on several pressing community issues, including a significant vote regarding on-street parking regulations and concerns about the maintenance of local nature preserves.

Matt Wood, a resident of Oro Valley, addressed the council about the upcoming vote for the Rancho Vistoso Homeowners Association (HOA) concerning on-street parking. He highlighted that a new Arizona law prohibits HOAs from enforcing no-parking rules on public streets unless a membership vote is held. The vote, which began on February 27 and will conclude on March 27, will determine whether on-street parking will be allowed. Wood expressed concerns that allowing parking could lead to safety issues due to narrow streets and limited sight lines, potentially impacting property values in the neighborhood.

The meeting also featured discussions about the Vistoso Nature Preserve, with residents voicing frustrations over the lack of maintenance and the condition of the area. Bill Sugars, a board member of Preserve Vistoso, urged the council to create a document outlining responsibilities for homeowners bordering the preserve to maintain property values and prevent issues such as overgrown vegetation and pests. He emphasized the need for a meeting with town staff and stakeholders to address these concerns, noting that previous attempts to convene such a meeting had not been successful.

Lynette Mock and Pat Thibault, both residents, echoed Sugars' sentiments, criticizing the current state of the nature preserve and calling for immediate action to improve its appearance. They described the area as an embarrassment and urged the council to prioritize its maintenance, likening the town's neglect to that of a "slumlord."

The council also heard from Tricia Tozier, who opposed a proposed height variance for a local church, citing concerns about noise and traffic disruptions in the neighborhood. She urged the council to uphold a previous decision against the height increase, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the character of the residential area.

In conclusion, the Oro Valley Town Council meeting highlighted significant community concerns regarding parking regulations and the maintenance of local natural spaces. The outcomes of the upcoming HOA vote and the council's response to the preservation issues will be closely watched by residents as they seek to maintain the quality of life in Oro Valley.