This bill proposes updates to Arizona Revised Statutes by adding provisions that facilitate the development of senior living communities on eligible sites, specifically those owned by religious institutions. Under the new law, any senior living community development on an eligible site would be classified as an allowed use development, exempting it from the need for rezoning application approval or hearings. Additionally, municipalities and counties would be prohibited from imposing extra zoning restrictions on these developments, although they could still require comparable permits, site improvements, and impact fees that are applicable to similar projects.

The bill defines "eligible site" as existing buildings on contiguous parcels owned by religious institutions and clarifies that a "senior living community" is for adults aged fifty-five and older, including independent and assisted living facilities. The language of the bill aims to streamline the process for developing senior living communities while ensuring that local governments retain some regulatory authority through permit and fee requirements, as long as they are consistent with those for comparable developments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-462.15, 11-820.05, 9-462.01, 36-401