New state laws, effective in January, will require cities to allow casitas and the conversion of eligible commercial, office, or mixed-use buildings for multi-family homes.
Now Scottsdale is seeking public input to update its zoning code, which includes some state-allowed restrictions.
Scottsdale opposed the laws, arguing during the legislative process that local governments are better able to handle housing issues, while balancing community opinion and the “character” of the town.
But now it must comply by January.
Scottsdale seeks to add city-specific restrictions to limit which areas or buildings will be affected by those laws.
In two city-made videos, the city proposes to use the fullest extent of what the state will allow to limit the impact of incoming casitas and multi-family housing. One video also says that if the city does not comply by January, casitas will be allowed on all residential lots or parcels without limits.
According to a press release:
"Residents are invited to learn about these new laws and provide input on proposed changes to city ordinances at one of two meetings:
- 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Mountain View Community Center, 8625 E. Mountain View Road;
- 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.
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The company says the move will lower its operational costs and give it a more centralized location. -
The median household income here in 1970 was just north of $48,000. In 2023, it was more than $77,000 — a more than 60% increase. That was one of the biggest jumps in the country. -
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning residents about an increase of construction scams targeting small guest houses and casitas commonly built in backyards. -
Arizona is now one of the least affordable states in the U.S., according to a new report from the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning Arizona policy organization. -
There are indications that the Valley’s housing market is slowing down a bit. Zillow says the average Phoenix home price is down more than 2.5% over the past year.
