HB2096, known as the Cottage Homes Act, aims to simplify the process for constructing single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and detached garages on residential rural land in Arizona counties with populations under 400,000. The bill exempts certain small structures from building permit requirements if they meet size, location, and construction criteria, including being on a foundation and having utility connections. It sets a 15-day approval deadline for permit applications and allows for appeals against denials. The bill also limits counties' ability to require building inspections and allows property owners to file affidavits of compliance, with provisions for civil action and reimbursement if counties enforce without evidence of noncompliance.

The bill also seeks to ensure that county land use requirements, zoning rules, building codes, and housing policies support the construction of residences on residential rural land. It exempts compliant structures from county building codes and prohibits additional zoning or construction requirements. The bill includes definitions for relevant terms and amends existing statutes, such as changing certain language for clarity and consistency. It also amends the classification of certain agricultural properties, maintaining the requirement that changes in use must not endanger public health or safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-269.29, 11-811, 11-812, 11-815, 11-861, 11-865, 49-204, 32-1121, 49-201, 11-813, 13-3401, 36-2801, 3-111, 36-136, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303, 11-804, 48-805, 37-1383, 36-1681
House Engrossed Version: 11-269.29, 11-811, 11-812, 11-815, 11-861, 11-865, 49-204, 32-1121, 49-201, 11-813, 13-3401, 36-2801, 3-111, 36-136, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303, 11-804, 48-805, 37-1383, 36-1681