Arizona House Bill HB2719

Arizona 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25

Caption

Housing; zoning; historic neighborhoods

Impact

If enacted, HB 2719 will impact local zoning laws by preventing municipalities from imposing restrictive regulations that inhibit the construction of middle housing. It limits the conditions under which such developments can be discouraged, ensuring they cannot be subjected to more stringent requirements than those for single-family homes. This could lead to a marked increase in the availability of medium-density housing across urban areas, thus promoting a more varied housing stock to meet diverse community needs.

Summary

House Bill 2719 proposes significant changes to housing and zoning laws in Arizona, specifically targeting the development of middle housing, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes. Under this bill, municipalities with populations of seventy-five thousand or more are mandated to incorporate the development of such housing into their zoning regulations by January 1, 2026. This initiative aims to address housing shortages and foster more inclusive communities by allowing for greater density in traditionally single-family residential zones within close proximity to central business districts.

Contention

The bill may face pushback from certain stakeholders, particularly in regions that prioritize maintaining the character and density of their neighborhoods. Critics may argue that mandating middle housing development could lead to overdevelopment and disrupt the existing community fabric. Furthermore, exceptions outlined in the bill for areas lacking urban services or designated as historic could lead to debates on what qualifies as adequate infrastructure or historical significance, potentially complicating implementation efforts and local governance.