Tell Your State Representative:
OPPOSE SB1229

The bill will undermine local governance and weaken community standards with no guarantee of affordable housing

This bill strips Arizona municipalities of the ability to regulate large, new housing developments including requirements for lot sizes, setbacks, screening, fences or walls.

The bill strips municipalities of their authority to address unique community needs and to create a growth plan to meet those needs. 

More zoning deregulation = more stifling of citizens

SB1229 was passed by the Senate without substantial debate. The bill squeaked out of the House Commerce Committee with 5 ayes, 4 nays, 1 abstention.

Bill sponsors publicly refer to ongoing "stakeholder" meetings, but no one representing neighbors or neighborhood associations has been invited.
 
The bill prevents municipalities from imposing standards that maintain quality, safety and livability, all while truncating the public's voice and providing a one-size-fits-all rubber stamp for developers.

Taking from neighborhoods. What are developers giving back?

This bill gives everything to developers--significantly reduced lot sizes, 10' front and rear setbacks, 5' side yard setbacks. No requirement to provide amenities or green space. That means it deregulates community. And importantly, the bill has no guarantee that  developers must actually provide affordable housing.

Knowing all that, what are the developers giving up or compromising on? We can't identify a single thing.

This fundamentally flawed bill infringes on Arizona citizens who support local planning and zoning authority and who vote on their city's general plan.

It also hampers public safety budgets and the ability of cities to govern effectively.

No guarantee of affordable housing. No mention of limiting short term rentals. No provision for home ownership by individuals. No limiting of Wall Street corporate investors who outbid individuals trying to buy homes.
 
Very soon, SB1229 will be ready for a House floor vote. Please tell your two state representatives (and those reps with whom you have a relationship)to vote no to OPPOSE SB1229.

Email and call. In your calls and emails, be brief and be polite. We want to educate our elected officials on how simplistic ideas like SB1229 can wreak havoc and have harmful consequences.

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORKS.
Please email or phone your two representatives, identify yourself as a constituent and urge them to OPPOSE SB1229. If you have time, please also send an email to all House members.

HB2191 (Yes in God's Backyard) Failed in the House

HB2191 (Yes In God's Back Yard) failed to pass the State House of Representatives' floor vote.  That means that the bill is essentially dead for this session.

In the past two months, this bill has taken a lot of dramatic turns.  The first version of the bill would have allowed properties owned by religious institutions to contain, by right, apartments as tall as any building within a quarter mile with no limits on density. 

The second version would have kept housing height to 38 feet with a density bonus limited to an increase of 20%. And the final version was amended once, and would have enabled houses of worship to lease land for single family homes using a community land trust model.

Every version of the bill would have been a one-size fits all solution and would have over-ridden the zoning process. Every version of the bill was complicated with complex and unclear provisions. Several versions did not address the price of the housing that would be created; none clearly prohibited the use of created housing as short-term rentals.

Neighbors were never included as stakeholders in any of the formulations of the bill or its amendments, but whenever we had the opportunity, we analyzed the bills, we gave our feedback, and we even protested to have our voices heard.
 
This is what the Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phoenix had to say today about the House's rejection of HB2191:

House Bill 2191 was a misguided attempt to address the state’s housing crisis by undercutting local control of land use and by circumventing important processes that inform and involve the public.

While HB2191’s supporters made numerous changes to the bill as they tried to gain support, the bill’s one-size-fits-all core provision to exempt religious institutions from having to comply with local land-use requirements remained, putting neighborhoods at risk of disruptive development projects.

The House’s consideration of HB2191 was marred by severe restrictions on committee hearing testimony and, later, virtually no public airing of the changes made to the bill amid the sponsors’ last-minute maneuvering. Despite that lack of transparency, it was clear the bill stood on wobbly legs at the start of Thursday’s House vote and deservedly so.

It is frustrating that the bill’s supporters considered putting established neighborhoods at risk while ignoring more effective and less harmful ways to address the housing shortage, starting with allowing cities and towns to limit short-term rentals that take thousands of  homes off the permanent housing market.

Thank you for your efforts to make every version of HB2191 better for Arizona and its neighborhoods.  We appreciate you taking time to write or call in your concerns to all legislators. While HB2191 is unlikely to be revived this session, we are still following SB1229, the Starter Homes Act, which passed the State Senate and is currently in the amendment process awaiting committee assignment in the House. 

More to come!



Tell Your State Legislators to Vote No on HB2191

The Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phoenix has been told that the full Arizona House is expected early in the coming week to consider HB2191, a bill to allow residential development on property owned by religious institutions in ways that could put neighborhoods at risk and silence neighbors concerned about potentially disruptive projects.

Why Should North Central OPPOSE HB2191? We have 12 religious institutions between Missouri and Northern, 7th Ave. to 7th St. totaling 100 acres. A one-size fits all state wide bill, without local zoning oversight or public input would be devastating to our neighborhood. We have never opposed affordable housing, but this  is another way for developers to circumventing local zoning oversight.

When HB2191 was first introduced, it was promoted as a way for religious institutions to offer affordable housing on their grounds of 3 acres or more. Then, an amendment was written that removed any affordable housing requirements and the 3 acre restriction.  

Now we’re told that the affordability feature is coming back.  But we don’t know because the amendment that we’re told is coming has not been shared with the public.  

Here are key reasons why we oppose the bill. It would:

  • Provide “by right” development to religious institutions, allowing them to build residential properties on their land without requiring public hearings or public input 

  • Preempt local government oversight and control 

  • Allow density up to at 17 units per acre, considerably more dense than our R1-10 zoned neighborhood (which is 3.5 units per acre) 

  • Provide a ‘density bonus’ that is unclear in scope, possibly increasing the density beyond 17 units per acre 

Bill is unclear, lacks consistent vision 
Due to the last-minute rewriting of the bill and the lack of transparency from the bill's sponsors and advocates, it remains unclear whether the bill has or could have any real value in addressing the shortage of permanent housing, particularly affordable housing. Here are key points of continuing and troubling uncertainty: 

  • Is there a requirement in the bill to build affordable housing? At the moment, we have no idea. Affordability was said to be the core reason the bill was introduced. If added, will it remain after the Senate amends the bill?

  • Are short term rentals (STRs) prohibited? Will they stay prohibited? STRs effectively remove housing from the stock of permanent housing, preventing those dwellings from purchase for people who want to buy (or even long-term rent) a home. What about corporate investors?

  • Lack of clarity in the bill about allowable building height or height restrictions. 

  • What are the requirements of a ‘land lease?’ The bill sponsors presented a new concept last week hours before debate and a potential vote. Many questions remain. 

What is very disappointing that our LD5 House Representative and Co-sponsor of the bill has yet to reach out to the NCPHA. Tell Ms. Liguori and Mr. Marquez to OPPOSE HB2191 and work with neighborhoods for a better solution. This bill lacks a consistent vision. Too many amendments. Last-minute consideration. It sat for weeks without transparency and opportunity for public involvement

Here is what you can do 

Please email or phone your two House Representatives, identify yourself as a constituent and urge them to OPPOSE HB2191.

Aaron Marquez Amarquez@azleg.gov
Sarah Liguori    Sliguori@azleg.gov

Also, consider sending to other House Representatives.

AAbeytia@azleg.gov, CAguilar@azleg.gov, 
LAustin@azleg.gov, LBiasiucci@azleg.gov,WBlackman@azleg.gov, 
SBlattman@azleg.gov, SBliss@azleg.gov, MCarbone@azleg.gov, 
NCarter@azleg.gov, PCarter@azleg.gov, JCavero@azleg.gov, 
JChaplik@azleg.gov, JConnolly@azleg.gov, LContreras@azleg.gov, 
PContreras@azleg.gov, QCrews@azleg.gov,  ODeLosSantos@azleg.gov, LDiaz@azleg.gov, LFink@azleg.gov,
 BGarcia@azleg.gov, JGillette@azleg.gov, MGress@azleg.gov, 
GGriffin@azleg.gov, NGutierrez@azleg.gov, RHeap@azleg.gov, 
LHendrix@azleg.gov, AHernandez@azleg.gov, CHernandez@azleg.gov, 
LHernandez@azleg.gov, RKeshel@azleg.gov, AKolodin@azleg.gov, 
NKupper@azleg.gov, SLiguori@azleg.gov, DLivingston@azleg.gov, 
CLopez@azleg.gov, ELuna-Najera@azleg.gov, AMarquez@azleg.gov, DMarshall@azleg.gov, TMartinez@azleg.gov, CMathis@azleg.gov, SMontenegro@azleg.gov, QNguyen@azleg.gov, JOlson@azleg.gov, MPena@azleg.gov, MPeshlakai@azleg.gov, BPingerelli@azleg.gov, KPowell@azleg.gov, TRivero@azleg.gov, MSandoval@azleg.gov, SSimacek@azleg.gov, SStahlhamilton@azleg.gov, JTaylor@azleg.gov, STravers@azleg.gov, MTsosie@azleg.gov, BVillegas@azleg.gov, KVolk@azleg.gov, MWay@azleg.gov, JWeninger@azleg.gov, JWilloughby@azleg.gov, JWilmeth@azleg.gov

How Things Can Change in a Matter of Hours

Yesterday, we sent you a long and detailed list of issues and concerns about HB2191, known as Yes in God's Backyard bill. As a last minute maneuver, this bill is on the COW (Committee of the Whole) agenda today and it is now a VERY different bill that what has been presented in the past. There is NO time to review, analyze and determine if the amendments are positive or negative. Voting on this bill without a full understanding of it, is irresponsible in our opinion.

Below is an email we are sending to all House legislators. If you have time to do the same, we would appreciate it.


Dear Representatives,

We learned early this morning that HB2191 has changed directions and the new engrossed amendment is  entirely different than the bill that was considered in committee which was different than what was being circulated as an amendment just 24 hours ago.

It was with alarm that we saw that HB2191 was put on the COW calendar for today before constituents have had a chance to even see the bill.

We need thoughtful legislation to address our housing crisis that you and your constituents have had time to consider and you have had the chance to amend if necessary to get it right the first time.  A vote today would not allow that kind of analysis.

Please delay the vote today so that this very important issue can be properly considered. Thank you.

For your convenience, here are all the representatives' email addresses:

AAbeytia@azleg.gov, CAguilar@azleg.gov, LAustin@azleg.gov, LBiasiucci@azleg.gov, WBlackman@azleg.gov, SBlattman@azleg.gov, SBliss@azleg.gov, MCarbone@azleg.gov, NCarter@azleg.gov, PCarter@azleg.gov, JCavero@azleg.gov, JChaplik@azleg.gov, JConnolly@azleg.gov, LContreras@azleg.gov, PContreras@azleg.gov, QCrews@azleg.gov,  ODeLosSantos@azleg.gov, LDiaz@azleg.gov, LFink@azleg.gov, BGarcia@azleg.gov, JGillette@azleg.gov, MGress@azleg.gov, GGriffin@azleg.gov, NGutierrez@azleg.gov, RHeap@azleg.gov, LHendrix@azleg.gov, AHernandez@azleg.gov, CHernandez@azleg.gov, LHernandez@azleg.gov, RKeshel@azleg.gov, AKolodin@azleg.gov, NKupper@azleg.gov, SLiguori@azleg.gov, DLivingston@azleg.gov, CLopez@azleg.gov, ELuna-Najera@azleg.gov, AMarquez@azleg.gov, DMarshall@azleg.gov, TMartinez@azleg.gov, CMathis@azleg.gov, SMontenegro@azleg.gov, QNguyen@azleg.gov, JOlson@azleg.gov, MPena@azleg.gov, MPeshlakai@azleg.gov, BPingerelli@azleg.gov,KPowell@azleg.gov, TRivero@azleg.gov, MSandoval@azleg.gov, SSimacek@azleg.gov, SStahlhamilton@azleg.gov, JTaylor@azleg.gov, STravers@azleg.gov, MTsosie@azleg.gov, BVillegas@azleg.gov, KVolk@azleg.gov, MWay@azleg.gov, JWeninger@azleg.gov, JWilloughby@azleg.gov, JWilmeth@azleg.gov  


Concerns about HB2191 and Its Impact on our North Central Neighborhood

For those of you who sent in emails of opposition to HB2191, you may have received a response from LD5 House Representative Sarah Liguori. The NCPHA wants you to have the information to make an informed decision on HB2191.

 

First of all, we believe what was sent out by Rep. Liguori is not the final version of what this bill would look like when and if it comes to a vote by the legislature. We understand that this amendment is being amended further but we are not privy to more information than that.   We really don’t know what will be voted on.  We do know that no one is asking us for amendments or suggestions to make HB2191 better.

 

What Rep. Liguori sent out is a complex bill which we have attempted to describe in layman’s terms below.

 

This proposed bill, if approved, would allow single-family and multifamily residential housing development (defined as detached single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments that are intended for use as permanent housing, and including a density bonus of 20% above the maximum allowed under the existing zoning or 17 units per acre, whichever is less) on any site with 3 acres or more on one or more contiguous parcels  if the development meets the following criteria:

 

1.        Is not within 75 feet of a neighboring site (which is defined as a parcel that directly abuts an eligible site along an existing road)

2.        Has at least 1 parking space per unit or less as long as it meets the municipal zoning ordinance requirements for parking

3.        Meets local regulations for water and sewer

4.        Has been used continuously and primarily for worship, is tax exempt as religious property and will continue to be used and maintained by the religious institution

5.        Will be subject to a recorded deed restriction that requires at least 40% to be used exclusively for low-income households (defined as  households with an income that is 80% of the area’s median income and for which the occupant pays not more than 30% of their income for rent or mortgage as determined by the AZ Dept. of Housing and US HUD).

6.        Doesn’t include land in the vicinity of federal aviation administration public, military, or commercially licensed airports or any historic zones or is zoned for industrial use or is within half a mile of an industrial use, an airport, or a military base.

7.        Has been owned and maintained by a religious institution prior to Jan. 1, 2025 and has been used continuously and primarily for religious worship and is tax exempt under state law.

 

There are also design provisions that should be followed for development under this bill:

·      Height requirements (not more than 38 feet, not more than 30 feet or 2 stories if within 150 feet of a single-family zoning district)

·      Minimum setbacks:

o   20 feet for front setback

o   15 feet for side yard setback

o   20 feet for a rear yard setback.  

·      Maximum Lot Coverage is 80%.

 

Municipalities cannot impose any additional restrictions but can require:

·      permits and other requirements that are typically required of other developments without a public hearing.

·      onsite and offsite improvements, impact fees, plans, and compliance with other requirements, the same as for a comparable project not subject to the bill.

 

Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the religious institution must record a deed restriction that requires at least 40% of the housing be used for low income households for 55 years.

 

Religious institutions acting under this bill shall notify the county assessor that the property is no longer used for purposes that would qualify for tax exemption.

 

In addition to the definitions that are worked into the above description of the bill, there are definitions of “allowed use development,” and “religious institution.”  I don’t believe either of them materially changes the description of the bill above.

 

Since our LD 5 House Representative Sarah Liguori is co-sponsor of this bill, she obviously supports it. However, it is very disappointing to learn that she has been working on this over the last 18 months and has not reached out once to any resident living next to a church property, nor any neighborhood leader or organization in a church-dense location, like North Central where we have 100 acres of church property. No one on the NCPHA board was included in drafting the bill or the amendments.

 

Sending in your emails of opposition is the ONLY voice we have. As a result, we are seeing some movement on changing the original bill. The current version of this bill is more reasonable than the previous version, so we are making a difference.  However, there are many questions that we will continue to ask to make sure any State housing bill will be reasonable and effective and will not hurt our area.

 

Here is an example of how this proposed legislation could negatively impact No. Central.

 

Back in 2018, Church for the Nations sold off 2.5 acres on the east side of their 12+acre parcel to Blue Sky Homes. Complying with local zoning, the developer, without variances or a re-zoning was able to legally build 8 homes. To the developer’s credit, the homes are low profile and blend nicely into the surrounding neighborhood. The perimeters of the development are heavily landscaped, which is a North Central characteristic.

 

If this property were eligible under this version of HB2191, they could have built 9 or perhaps 10 homes, some of them duplexes or triplexes, and (if 10 units of housing), 4 would provide homes for low-income families. The Church would need to continue to own the property and maintain the homes. The buildings could be two-story or 30 feet because they are adjacent to residential homes and they would be built according to the setbacks described above.

 

This is more reasonable than what would have been developed under the previous version of the bill, which could have allowed the construction of a building as tall as the nearest building in .25 miles (the church steeple?) with an unknown high-density impact.  The original version might or might not have included any affordable housing depending upon the available financing.  But it still raises questions about property management and how this would work in practice.

 

Unanswered questions and concerns we have about HB2191:

 

1.        Parking: Many of our religious institutions are on Central Avenue and/or other arterial streets that have NO parking. Most border narrow local streets like Montebello, Rose Lane. Since this bill does not require the developer to meet or exceed local parking requirements, where will people park? The proposed bill requires 1 parking space per unit or possibly less.

2.        Removing public input.  HB2191 undermines existing State law requiring voter-approved city growth plans (General Plans). How can this bill be legal? Reference: The Arizona Constitution, Article 2, Section 4.

3.        This bill prevents informing the public of radical zoning changes in their neighborhoods by eliminating rezoning requirements.

4.        North Central is known for its shade canopy. It appears that local oversight regarding heat islands and shade may not be a requirement for these new developments. Will the historic olive and oak trees be protected, or will they be removed to make roads and driveways into additional homes/duplexes/triplexes/4-plexes/apartments?

5.        It isn’t clear what would happen if the church closes or decides to move.  Who would take over the maintenance of the housing? Does the land use exception stay with the property? Does the parcel revert to the original underlying zoning?

6.        With 40% of the dwelling units to be used exclusively for low-income housing, who will qualify the residents and manage that? The State? The City? The church? The developer? The bill states that the requirement for 40% use for low-income housing is for a period of 55 years. Again, who will ensure that?

7.        If 40% of the units built will be dedicated to low-income housing, what about the other 60%? Will these units be for profit? Will churches, who already benefit from tax exempt status now be running profitable apartments complexes or home rentals?

8.        There is NO provision in the bill that states corporations or investors are prohibited from purchasing multiple units.

9.        There is NO provision in the bill that ensures these units will not become Short-Term vacation rentals.

10.   There is no provision for the size and scope of these developments. For example, if a religious institution has 20 acres, does this mean 18 of it can be housing development with 2 acres church-related? For a 6-acre parcel, can 50% or more become housing? The impact would be substantial on parcels with large acreage and we have many houses of worship on acreages of more than 10 acres in our neighborhood, with North Phoenix Baptist Church at more than 30 acres. See list below.

11.  Will this proposed housing bill override the North Central Avenue Special Planning District, which is a neighborhood initiative voted into City Ordinance in July 2004? This conservation overlay is essential to the charm and character of North Central Avenue and should not be eradicated.

 

 

We fully understand the intent of the bill, however, there are still several potential negative consequences and questions about the bill as written. Unfortunately, we are in the dark because we have been left out of this process. We have no idea what this bill will look like tomorrow and whether we will have to send out another email breaking down the new bill.  Part of the concern we have had about this process is that neither constituents nor legislators are given time to thoughtfully consider bills and amendments before they are brought to a vote.

 

Naturally, we remain interested in having a dialogue about HB2191 with Rep. Liguori.

 

If you want to voice your opinion about this, please email our LD5 senator Lela Alston (lalston@azleg.gov) and representatives, Sarah Liguori (sliguori@azleg.gov) and Aaron Marquez (amarquez@azleg.gov ).

 

Below is a list of religious institutions in our NCPHA area.  Eight out of 13 would be eligible to build higher density with HB2191.

 

Crossroads

7901 N. Central Ave.

4.63 acres

                                                                                         
Living Streams

7002 N. Central Ave.

5.94 acres

 

Beatitudes

555 W. Glendale Ave

4.85 acres


Phoenix Calvary Temple

6630 N. Central Ave.

2.75 acres

 

All Saints

6300 N. Central Ave.

14.21 acres

 

Self-Realization Church

6111 N. Central Ave.

2.96 acres

 

Church For Nations

6225 N. Central Ave.

10.84 acres

 

Shearim Torah

6530 N. 7th St.

1.66 acres


North Phoenix Baptist

5757 N. Central Ave.

37.16 acres


Phoenix Hebrew Academy

337 E. Bethany Home Road

3.78 acres.

 

The Gathering Place Church

5536 N. 6th Street

2.53 acres

 

First United Methodist

5516 N. Central Ave.

5.52 acres

 

 Jesus 1st Church

498 W. Missouri

1.88 acres

 

Total Acreage: 98.71 acres

 

Act Now: Please Oppose HB 2191

Happy March and we apologize for interrupting your weekend. We have been told that the full Arizona House is expected early in the coming week to consider HB2191, a bill to allow residential development on property owned by religious institutions in ways that could put neighborhoods at risk and silence neighbor input.

This proposed bill will allow churches to build multi-family units with no local oversight and NO public rezoning process.

Why is this so critical to our North Central neighborhood? We have nearly 100 acres of church property in our neighborhood that is zoned single-family residential. Imagine most of that acreage being high-rise, high density development.  This would decimate North Central! Think of the devastation this density would have on our streets, infrastructure, public services (police and fire response).

The bill does NOT prevent major corporations from buying units; nor does it restrict its use for short-term vacation rentals,

Unfortunately, our own LD5 House representative, Sarah Liguori is sponsoring this bill and turning a deaf ear to her constituents. We are hoping, LD5 Aaron Marquez will not follow suit. 

This is a very bad bill and when recently voted on by another committee, many voted yes but with grave concerns and stated the bill needed significant amendments. This bill silences neighbors and gives developers all the control. There is a small allowance for low-income housing, but who will manage that? Who will ensure the low-income housing provision is honored? How does building profitable multi-family units fall into the realm of a church-related activity?

Please send your emails of opposition to:

Sarah Liguori     sliguori@azleg.gov
Aaron Marquez  amarquez@azleg.gov

If you are able, please email all the other House members. Here is the list:

https://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster/?body=H

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

NCPHA featured on Arizona Horizon and Update on HB2191

Yesterday, the NCPHA was interviewed on Arizona Horizon on the proposed housing legislation bills. See it here:

https://youtu.be/49LSrnUs9P8

Thank you for all your emails to the Appropriations Committee this week to oppose HB2191, known as "Yes in God's Backyard". Unfortunately, it passed 11-5, with two voting present. Several yes votes were conditional on major amendments. We will keep you posted on where the bill will go from here.

Call to Action: Oppose HB2191

Call to Action: Please oppose HB2191 by Monday a.m.

On Monday morning, the Appropriations Committee will be voting on HB2191.

HB2191 (named YIGBY or Yes in God’s Back Yard) would allow religious institutions to build single- family and multi-family housing on their properties, largely regardless of where they are located, without having to comply with current zoning or apply for a rezoning.

This bill provides a blanket exemption for religious institutions’ housing projects without case-by-case consideration of whether the development is suitable for neighborhoods where properties are located. 

In short, the bill would not allow a public process to inform and involve neighbors and it would allow multi-story apartment buildings in zones for single-family homes.

HB2191 is up against a deadline to be approved by a committee or die. As you know, HB2191 was scheduled to be heard by a different committee last week but it did not have the votes. 

What Can You Do?

1.If you have an account on the Legislature’s Request to Speak system, please enter your position on HB2191 on RTS. And include a short comment if you wish.

2.Please email (and/or call) the offices of the committee members to urge the representatives to oppose HB2191. 

Here are email addresses for House Appropriations Committee members: 

laustin@azleg.gov, wblackman@azleg.gov, sblattman@azleg.gov, ldiaz@azleg.gov, mgress@azleg.gov, ngutierrez@azleg.gov, dlivingston@azleg.gov, clopez@azleg.gov, Qnguyen@azleg.gov, jolson@azleg.gov, trivero@azleg.gov, msandoval@azleg.gov, sstahlhamilton@azleg.gov, stravers@azleg.gov, kvolk@azleg.gov, mway@azleg.gov, jweninger@azleg.gov, jwilloughby@azleg.gov

Their Phone numbers are:

Representative Austin (602) 926-3968
Representative Blackman (602) 926-3244
Representative Blattman (602) 926-3996
Representative Diaz (602) 926-4852
Representative Gress (602) 926-4105
Representative Gutierrez (602) 926-4134
Representative Livingstone (602) 926-4178 (Note: Rep. Livingstone is both the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the bill sponsor)
Representative Lopez (602) 926-3445
Representative Nguyen (602) 926-3258
Representative Olson (602) 926-3376
Representative Rivero (602) 926-3528
Representative Sandoval (602) 926-3740
Representative Stahl Hamilton (602) 926-3279
Representative Travers (602) 926-3917
Representative Volk (602) 926-3498
Representative Way (602) 926-3433
Representative Weninger (602) 926-3392
Representative Willoughby (602) 926-4153

It doesn't take long to call and leave a message.  You don't need to be eloquent and can just state your opposition.  

Thank you! Your voice CAN make a difference.



 

 

Beware of Proposed Housing Bills from our AZ Legislature

Again in this 2025 legislative session, we are already seeing proposed housing bills that claim to increase housing affordability, but have NO provision for affordable housing. What some of the bills do propose is to remove local zoning oversight, remove your voice in how your community develops, and provides a detrimental one-size fits all approach to communities around the State.

Here is a list of Bills we are closely watching. How can you help? Often with only a short response time, we need to collectively voice our opposition (or support) to our legislators. Please make sure you sign up to receive email notifications from us. Our most powerful tool is to have our constituent voices heard. This is the most updated list, and we expect changes to occur.

The NCPHA is opposing the following proposed legislation:


SB1229 and HB2371 – “Arizona Starter Homes Act.” Would prevent all Arizona municipalities from affecting design or building materials for homes and prevent the city from requiring anything in a development that would necessitate the formation of an HOA. For municipalities over 70,000 population, would prevent cities from requiring larger than 1500 square foot lots on all acreages of 5 acres or more. Aggregations of lots to comprise 5 acres that contained homes would be exempt from this restriction.  No provisions requiring homes to be affordably priced for lower income buyers, restricting them to be purchased by owner occupants, or preventing their use as long-term or short-term rentals. See: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/bills/HB2371P.pdf,  https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/bills/SB1229P.pdf

 

HB2191 -- “Yes in God’s Backyard.” Churches and other religious organizations would be allowed to build single-family and multifamily housing on their properties with no rezoning required or public hearing allowed. Buildings could be as tall as any structure within a quarter mile or a building previously on the site or 3 full floors or the maximum height any zoning for retail, office, residential or mixed use would allow.  There are also multiple choice provisions for maximum lot coverage, minimum setbacks. Cities aren’t allowed to impose additional restrictions on the development. 40% of the units in the development must be allocated to low income households for 55 years. See: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/bills/HB2191P.pdf

Update: Please send in your email/calls of opposition as this bill will be heard by the House Government Committee on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

House Government Committee members and their email addresses:

Chairman Blackman: wblackman@azleg.gov
Vice Chairman Fink:  lfink@azleg.gov
Rep. Gillette:              jgillette@azleg.gov
Rep. Keshel:               rkeshel@azleg.gov
Rep. Marquez:            amarquez@azleg.gov
Rep. Stahl:                  sstahlhamilton@azleg.gov
Rep. Villegas:             bvillegas@azleg.gov

Questions and Concerns: It is unclear how largely unregulated development allowed by this so-called “Yes in God’s Backyard” legislation would turn out. Without any local zoning oversight, there is no guarantee the planned development would fit into the fabric of a neighborhood of single-family homes. Or would an apartment building have multiple stories with tall walls that tower over neighbors’ back yards?

In No. Central we have over 100 acres of church land and creating unmanaged higher density would tax our road system, our public services (fire and police) and our mature infrastructure.

There is also questions about ownership. If a church sells its property to a non-church buyer who manages the remaining apartment complex? There is the questionable effectiveness of the bill’s supposed requirement that the project provide affordable housing.

Churches are already exempt from the high property taxes we pay in No. Central. They are in the business of religion, not being apartment managers or landlords. Local zoning oversight understands the importance of appropriate development and its impact on the surrounding community.

We reached out to House Rep. Sarah Ligouri (LD5) who is the co-sponsor of this bill. She continues to support it in spite of opposition from her constituents. Please email your opposition to sliguori@azleg.gov.

  

SB1352 and HB2925 -- Prohibits the filing of a referendum petition to challenge a rezoning approval by a municipality or county. The prohibition is tied to the bill’s declaration that a rezoning approval is an administrative act. This would take away the current constitutional right of citizens to challenge zoning decisions through the use of referendum. Amended to be retroactive to June 30, 2024. See: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/adopted/S.1352RAGE.PDF

Update: House Commerce Committee chairman confirms that he has struck HB2925, the bill to ban referendums on rezoning approvals, from the committee agenda.

 

SB1353 - If an application for a single-family residential building permit is not approved, conditionally approved, or deemed to be needing changes within 15 working days, the applicant may have a qualified third party conduct any required review. Many detailed provisions that also cover inspections.  See: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/adopted/S.1353RAGE.PDF

 

SB1298 – Property Exemption; Religious Activities. Would provide property tax exemption to nonprofits to conduct “religious-related activities” that are defined to include housing and education. In current law, tax exemption is only for property or buildings used for religious worship. See: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/bills/SB1298P.pdf

Wishing You and Yours a Happy Holiday Season!

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to share our heartfelt gratitude for this wonderful North Central community we all call home. The festive spirit is truly alive here, and it’s a joy to see neighbors coming together to celebrate and support one another throughout the year.

This time of year reminds us of the importance of connection and kindness. We’re so fortunate to have such a caring and welcoming neighborhood. Whether it's donating to the annual Turkey drive or spreading holiday cheer on the Bridle path, every little act of kindness makes our community shine even brighter.

We hope this holiday season brings warmth, laughter, and countless cherished moments to you and your loved ones.

Our Fall/Winter newsletter will be arriving in your mailbox any day now with informative articles that affect our community. Please know that we continue to work behind the scenes to protect what makes our neighborhood so special.

Warm holiday wishes,

The Board of the North Central Phoenix Homeowners Association

Thank you for a Successful Turkey Drive

We are so happy to announce that, thanks to your generosity, we raised $1000 for turkeys for the annual Desert Horizon Police Precinct Turkey Drive. 

Last Saturday, we purchased 65 turkeys and delivered them to two very surprised and grateful Phoenix Police officers, Doug Ewing and Derek Pulliam.

This is the 5th year our neighborhood has participated in this important event. All turkeys will be transported to St. Mary's Food Bank for the holiday season.

If you still want to make a donation, Desert Horizon Police Precinct will be collecting turkeys through November 25th. So buy one (or 2 or 3) and deliver them to the address below. 

Thank you again for being such a generous community.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving.

SUPPORT THE ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE

It’s that time of year again to show our generosity in supporting the Desert Horizon Police Turkey Drive to conjunction with St. Mary’s Food Bank. Each year, North Central residents donate funds to buy turkeys. Our Board members purchase the turkeys and deliver them to the Desert Horizon Police station where refrigerated trucks are awaiting.

Please send your donations to the NCPHA. You can use PayPal by clicking on the Donations tab on our Home page. Make sure you add “turkey donation” in the memo line. Or mail a check made payable to the NCPHA to 24 West Camelback Road A560, Phoenix, 85013.

Donations need to arrive before November 10th so we have time to shop and deliver. Thank you for being a very generous and caring neighborhood!

Important Election 2022 Information

Hello Neighbors,
For the first time in 12 years, we will have the opportunity to elect a new representative for City Council District 6. Here is your opportunity to make an informed decision about the candidates!!!

1. Attend the District 6 Candidates’ Forum
Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6:00 PM
Veritas Preparatory Academy Auditorium
3102 N. 56th Street
Phoenix
Moderated by KJZZ City Hall Reporter Cristina Estes

2. Read the District 6 Candidates’ Questionnaires
If you can’t make it or just want to learn more about the candidates at home, read their responses to a questionnaire about issues of interest to neighborhoods.

To read responses to Candidate Questionnaires and find links to their websites, use this link: https://bit.ly/PhxD6questionnaires

3. Ask your own Questions for the Forum (Submit by Monday, 9.19.22)
If you have additional questions you would like addressed in the forum, send them by Monday to: aonainfo@gmail.com They will be passed on to the Forum moderator for her consideration.

The NCPHA has joined 10 other neighborhood associations in this voter education effort so our neighbors have the opportunity to make an informed decision about who to vote for in this important election. Our co-sponsoring neighborhood associations are:

Arcadia Camelback Mountain N.A.
Arcadia Osborn N.A.
Brentwood Estates N.A.
Coalition of East Phoenix
Madison United N.A.
Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phx.
North Central Phx. Homeowners Association
Phx Mid Century Modern N.A.
Pierce Park United Neighbors
The Peak N.A.

The city council election will be held on Tuesday November 8 as part of the regularly scheduled General Election.

To check on your voter registration status in Maricopa County, go to: https://recorder.maricopa.gov/Elections/EarlyVotingBallot/voterregistrationlookup.aspx

To request to vote by mail go to: https://recorder.maricopa.gov/Elections/EarlyVotingBallot/earlyvotingballotrequest.aspx

Thanks and we hope to see you there on Sept. 29th! Feel free to share this with other District 6 voters.

Last 3 days to vote for City Council District 6

Please OPPOSE House Bill 2674~by right housing

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.

Happy November and Turkey Drive

The NCPHA is excited to participate in the Turkey Drive with the Phoenix Police Department. St. Mary's Food Bank is short on turkeys again this year. To help boost morale in the community the Desert Horizon Precinct will be giving back! The North Central community is a generous one and there are two ways for you to participate:

1. Donate a turkey(s) directly to the Phoenix PD. Details are below. 

                                                  Or

2. Make a donation to the NCPHA and we will purchase and delivery the turkeys for you.  Go to our website here  and make a donation on PayPal. 
Underneath the donation amount, you will see a line that says 'Special instructions to seller" - please write Turkey Drive in that line.




Please donate turkeys to:

Phoenix Police Department 

Desert Horizon Precinct  

16030 N. 56th St.

Scottsdale, AZ 85259

 

Turkey donations can be dropped off starting 

Friday, November 12th. through Monday, November 22nd

from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

There will be a refrigerated truck for the turkeys to be stored in.

If you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Jon Scott at jonathan.scott@phoenix.gov or 

Sgt. Kale Roberts at kale.roberts@phoenix.gov 

 

Thank you for your generosity!

The Board of the North Central Phoenix Homeowners Association

Proposed Changes to No. Central Ave. from Bethany Home to the Canal

Update: The City of Phoenix will not be making any changes to the travel lanes on No. Central Avenue.

The City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is seeking your input on proposed changes to the travel lane striping on Central Avenue from Bethany Home Road to the Arizona Canal (between Northern Avenue and Dunlap​ Avenue).

There are three ways you can participate:

  1. Call in to listen to the live meeting: Dial 602-666-0783, ​enter the meeting number: 187 025 4860 then press #. Press # again if prompted for an attendee ID. This option allows participants to ONLY listen to the meeting's audio (not view the speakers or presentation).

  2. View and listen ONLY to the live meeting using a web-enabled device by clicking here to register and join​ the meeting. If you are asked for a password, enter streets. To request to speak at the meeting, you must also follow the steps in Option 3 below.

  3. Request to speak and/or submit a comment or ask a question during the live meeting by contacting Albert Granillo (agranillo@gciaz.com) no later than 5 p.m. (one hour prior to the meeting) on the day of the meeting, Thursday, May 20.

    About the Project

    What: Where there is enough space on the roadway, buffered bike lanes will be added. The travel lanes will be reconfigured from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane.

    When: ​Any proposed changes to the street would be made after pavement maintenance planned for fall 2021. 

    ​​Why: Center turn lanes help to reduce conflict by allowing people turning left to wait for a gap. The bike lanes and buffers will provide space for people bicycling while also separating the Murphy Bridle Trail from motor vehicle traffic. This project would also provide connectivity to the Arizona Canal for people riding bicycles. This project also aligns with citywide policy including voter-approved Transportation 2050 and the City's Complete Streets policy.

Thank you for your interest in this. Please review Transportation 2050 and the City’s Complete Streets policy before the call on May 20th. For more information and to link directly to the City of Phoeix’s website on this proposed project, please click here.

Some interesting facts about No. Central Avenue:

  1. North Central Avenue has national historic designation from Bethany Home to the Arizona Canal.

  2. The Murphy Bridle Path is the only linear City of Phoenix Public Park and also has national historic designation.

  3. This section of No. Central Avenue was platted in the late 1800s.

  4. North Central Avenue was not designed to be a major commuter freeway.

  5. The ash and olive trees lining North Central Avenue from Missouri to the Arizona Canal also have local, state and national historic status.



Contact Us

If you have a question, concern, idea or comment, please feel free to email us.