UPDATE: This bill did not go forward due to so much opposition. But we will keep our eyes on this in case it presents itself again next year.
This past week, a House bill HB 2674-by right housing was co-authored by Rep. Steve Kaiser (R-district 15) and César Chávez (D-district 29) to remove local zoning regulations from the cities and towns and have zoning be controlled by the State of Arizona. This 25 page bill, if passed, will allow the State to override current local zoning and eliminate single family residential zoning in Phoenix and across the state. The City of Phoenix and other cities throughout the State are adamantly OPPOSED to this bill.
Some scary highlights of this bill: Existing single family zoning will be allowed to have up to 8 homes per acre. Currently, in North Central and across the City, the limit is 3 to 3.5 homes per acre. The proposed bill also wants to dictate height and setbacks and the use of the land. It would also allow changing the zoning designation of the land without going through a public zoning process. The proposed bill would increase the residential building height to the highest building within a one mile radius of the property. Imagine what that would do to our neighborhood.
Our community has spent nearly 50 years protecting the charm, character and residential zoning in No. Central. Why the co-authors want to control zoning and strip away private property rights and local zoning is ludicrous and irresponsible. Look how they handled short-term vacation rentals, which has caused significant heartache and ruined many neighborhoods in our State. We cannot let this bill proceed forward.
Think about how this will impact our mature infrastructure in No. Central and the incredible stresses it will put on our water, sewer, parks, fire and police and traffic. AND the proposed bill wants to put $89 million dollars to fund homeless shelters~which doesn't do anything to SOLVE the homeless crisis.
What we find very disturbing is apparently this will be heard in the House Commerce committee on Tuesday, February 8th at 2:00 p.m. And to make matters worse, the Rep. Steve Kaiser and Rep. Chavez are a members of this House Committee.
We cannot let this bill proceed any further. Arizona has always been a private property right state and this legislation goes against that principle and threatens every neighborhood in our State.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Send an email immediately to the House Commerce committee members and your legislative representatives. Below is a sample email. Since this is being heard in 3 days, timing is critical. We know it's the weekend but it will only take a few minutes to send in one email.
SAMPLE EMAIL (though using your own words are always better)
Dear House Commerce Committee member:
It is my understanding that you will be hearing House Bill 2674 this week. This bill will destroy residential neighborhoods and significantly decrease property values. The local current zoning process works extremely well here in Phoenix. This bill would eliminate the City's ability to ultimately deny a building permit for a residential project regardless of how non-compliant the proposed construction might be; eliminates the City's ability to review projects for safety, affordability and other concerns; eliminates all ability to incentivize affordable housing efforts. The City of Phoenix works closely with the developers and the community to build necessary public infrastructure (police, fire, parks, transportation, water, libraries) to serve ALL residents. With this bill, higher density of homes may be built in areas with inadequate police, fire or water coverage. There will be a decrease in building safety and gives building safety standards to unelected, out-of-state IBC Council. There will be a loss of land for truly affordable housing, as it eliminates the chance to provide housing opportunities in proximity to public transit and jobs. These are just a few of the long term problems this bill will create.
Please withdraw it from consideration and strongly denounce and OPPOSE it. This is a terrifying bill with unintended consequences.
Republicans
jweninger@azleg.gov (Chair)
jchaplik@azleg.gov (Vice Chair)
ncarter@azleg.gov
dcook@azleg.gov
skaiser@azleg.gov (R co-sponsor)
jwilmeth@azleg.gov
Democrats
cchavez@azleg.gov (D co-sponsor)
despinoza@azleg.gov
sliguouri@azleg.gov
rmeza@azleg.gov
kbutler@azleg.gov
sliguori@azleg.gov
Or if it easier to place a phone call, here are the pertinent numbers:
Neal Carter 602-926-5761
Joseph Chaplik, Vice-Chair 602-926-3436
Cesar Chavez 602-926-4862
David L. Cook 602-926-5162
Diego Espinoza 602-926-3134
Steve Kaiser 602-926-3314
Sarah Liguori 602-926-3300
Robert Meza 602-926-3425
Jeff Weninger, Chair 602-926-3092
Justin Wilmeth 602-926-5044
Here is a link to HB2674
Thank you so much for your continued support in ensuring that the City of Phoenix has healthy residential neighborhoods.
