Bill > SB1601

This bill amends existing Arizona law to require municipalities with a population of 75,000 or more to allow "middle housing"—defined as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes—as a permitted use in certain areas, specifically on lots zoned for single-family homes within one mile of the central business district and on at least 20% of new developments over ten contiguous acres. The bill also prohibits municipalities from imposing overly restrictive regulations on middle housing, such as requiring it to be less than two floors, limiting its floor area ratio to less than 50%, or subjecting it to more stringent permitting processes than single-family homes. Importantly, this bill adds exceptions to these requirements, exempting areas designated as historic districts, historic by the municipality, or listed on the national register of historic places, thereby preserving historic neighborhoods from these new housing mandates. If a municipality fails to adopt these regulations by January 1, 2026, middle housing will be allowed on all single-family zoned lots without limitations.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85233