The bill HB2721 amends Arizona Revised Statutes by adding section 9-462.10, which mandates that municipalities with a population of 75,000 or more must allow the development of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes as a permitted use on all lots zoned for single-family residential use within one mile of the municipality's central business district and on at least 20% of any new development of more than 10 contiguous acres by January 1, 2026. The bill prohibits municipalities from creating requirements or actions that would make the development of such middle housing impracticable, restrict middle housing to less than two floors or a floor area ratio of less than 50%, or set more restrictive conditions for middle housing than for single-family dwellings. Additionally, municipalities cannot require owner occupancy, compliance with commercial building codes, fire sprinklers, or more than one off-street parking space per unit.

The bill also outlines what is not affected by these requirements, such as areas not incorporated, lacking urban services, not served by water and sewer services, not zoned for residential use, or in the vicinity of public or military airports. If a municipality fails to adopt the required regulations by the deadline, middle housing will be allowed on all lots zoned for single-family residential use without limitations. The bill defines terms such as "building code," "central business district," "duplex," "fourplex," "household," "middle housing," "permitted use," "townhouses," and "triplex," and clarifies that existing development agreements are not impaired by these requirements. Utility providers impacted by developments must have the opportunity to review and approve the site plan.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-462.10
House Engrossed Version: 9-462.10
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-462.10
Chaptered Version: 9-462.10