The proposed bill amends Arizona's planning and zoning statutes to mandate that municipalities and counties allow the development of "middle housing" in all areas zoned for residential use. Middle housing is defined to include duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses. Cottage clusters are specified as groupings of at least four detached housing units per acre, each with a footprint of less than 900 square feet, and featuring a common courtyard.

While the bill requires the allowance of middle housing, it also permits municipalities and counties to regulate the design of such housing to comply with existing land use planning goals, provided that these regulations do not prohibit or discourage the development of middle housing. This ensures that while middle housing is promoted, local governments retain some control over design to maintain compliance with protective measures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-462.10, 11-820.04