House Bill 2674, the bipartisan-sponsored measure to establish “zoning by right” in Arizona and derail bureaucratic red tape and Not In My Back Yard opposition to new developments, has been put on hold by one of its initial submitters.
Republican Representative Steve Kaiser introduced the bill along with Democratic Rep. César Chávez. Chávez put the bill on hold “indefinitely,” saying he wants to revert the discussion back to the various stakeholders involved in the issue to ensure all voices are heard.
The legislation, which would also have included $89M for the state’s housing trust fund, had been scheduled to go before the House Commerce Committee this week before Chávez withdrew it.
The proposal had gained support from housing development associations and trade groups but was vigorously opposed by municipal-level officials because it impeded local zoning processes.
The Arizona League of Cities and Towns called the bill, “The most aggressive and restrictive zoning preemptions in the country,” according to an article in the Arizona Republic.
On the other side of the debate, Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association, was quoted as saying, “This bill doesn’t simply highlight the crisis – it would allow the free market to solve the housing shortfall while giving property owners the freedom to control their private property and get out from under false NIMBY attacks and massive overregulation.” (Source)