Update: Senate Passes AZ Casitas Bill

Through this legislative session, we have been taking our cues from our friends and partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. Since LSS-SW works directly with folks experiencing housing insecurity, their advocacy team is best able to identify which pieces of legislation will make the biggest impact.

One bill LSS-SW identified was HB2720, called the “AZ Casita Act.” This bill requires all cities over 75,000 people to allow Accessory Dwelling Units on properties where a single-family home is zoned. This means that there can now be more housing can be constructed in high-density areas without completely restructuring zoning laws.

A few cities in Arizona already allow for casitas to be constructed and rented in single-family areas. As housing scarcity is the biggest driver of homelessness, cities like Phoenix and Tempe have seen some success in addressing the crisis through allowing Accessory Dwelling Units.

HB2720 held wide, bi-partisan support after being introduced by Michael Carbone (R-LD25). It passed the House in April and passed the Senate this week! The Senate now waits for the House to approve an amendment, and then the bill will go to the governor’s desk.

This is an exciting development and an important step in developing a more just housing system in our state! We look forward to the upcoming House vote, and hope the governor will sign this bill into law!