The Phoenix City Council is upset about recently passed legislation that will shake up municipal zoning regulations.
The Arizona Legislature’s actions may force Council to apply less strict controls to Accessory Dwelling Units, or casitas, may create denser housing in parts of the city, and accelerate conversions of aging commercial buildings into housing while bypassing hearings.
The focus is HB2720, HB2297 and SB1162, all Republican-driven measures that received some support from Democrats and were signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
The legislation is intended to address portions of the housing crisis, particularly supply and affordability. The measures require municipalities to adjust planning & zoning regulations by the turn of the year.
Another relevant measure, HB2721, will require cities to approve duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes within a mile of the central business district. This measure must be in place by Jan. 12.
Councilmembers were concerned about so-called “neighborhood character” and the potential demolition of single-family homes to make way for more dense development.
HB2720 will allow construction of both an attached and unattached casita on single-family residential lots, excluding those in HOAs. A third casita will be allowed if the lot is at least an acre.
Phoenix has a ban on using ADUs for short-term rentals, which is counteracted by this measure.
Other Council members were concerned over the limited time given to incorporate the changes.
Cities will be unable to require more restrictive height/setback requirements than those of the main house. Anything more than a five-foot setback from the rear/side property line will not be permitted.
Phoenix’s Planning Director, Josh Bednarik, recently said he hoped the Planning Commission would review the zoning changes on Nov. 7 to allow Council to accept the changes by Nov. 13. (Source)