The Arizona Legislature has approved a measure that will curtail some municipal zoning regulations in an attempt to increase housing development and affordability.
The bipartisan measure now awaits Gov. Katie Hobbs’ signature or veto.
Hobbs has not taken a stance on previous legislative attempts to reform zoning and design requirements at the state level and has, instead, pressed legislators to support programs for down payment and mortgage rate assistance. Her office declined to comment on Hobbs’ intended action on the legislation currently before her.
HB 2570, also known as the Arizona Starter Homes Act, would only apply to cities with populations of 70,000 or more. Among the new restrictions:
- Minimum lot sizes would be set at 1,500 feet;
- Setbacks from the street would be capped at not more than 10 feet;
- Minimum distance between homes would be reduced to five feet at the backs or sides;
- Cities could not impose specific architectural, design or aesthetic requirements; and
- Developers could not be required by cities to institute homeowners associations in new developments.
The bill’s language lays the blame for the state’s housing affordability crises squarely on cities and restrictive regulations placed on housing development and planning.
The legislation was led by Republican legislators Rep. Leo Biasiucci and Sen. Sonny Borrelli, both of whom represent Lake Havasu City.
While the bill does not guarantee any improvement to affordability or set specific targets, the legislators’ premise is that reducing regulation will spur increased development of so-called “starter homes” that would be smaller and less costly than traditionally sized homes and lots.
The measure is opposed by the Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phoenix, which claims the law would harm property values and resident quality of life and create “a mishmash” of construction.
Several municipalities and counties have come out against the legislation, calling it an overreach and claiming it undermines local sovereignty and control.
Also expressing opposition is the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, which has lobbied against previous attempts to reduce local governments’ zoning authority. An official with the group said the current legislation does nothing to address the state’s skilled labor shortage and rising labor costs. (Source)