Bill to re-ban middle housing is back

Take action to help protect middle housing

1) Testify in committee

In 2024, the State Legislature passed HB 2721, a bill requiring Arizona cities (above a population threshold) to allow up to fourplexes on all single-family lots near their downtown. Cities recently finished the process of updating their local codes to comply with the state law. Flagstaff and Tucson chose to allow up to fourplexes (sometimes called “middle housing”) citywide - above and beyond what the state law requires! In contrast, in Phoenix there was significant pushback from historic neighborhoods. 

SB 1118 would create a historic preservation exemption to the state middle housing law, exempting historic neighborhoods from the requirement that cities allow middle housing near downtowns.

We recommend that you OPPOSE SB1118. Because city centers are usually built first, many historic neighborhoods are located near downtowns - precisely the places most in need of incremental growth as cities change. Moreover, neighborhoods built before the enactment of restrictive modern-day codes often have older middle housing integrated throughout. We should re-legalize this type of housing in part because it helps bring back features that many find charming in historic neighborhoods, but are illegal to build today.

2) Email your legislator

Ask them to protect incremental growth and housing choices, including homes that people can afford - in the neighborhoods we love. Oppose SB1118.

Use the hyperlinked list of committee members to send a quick email prior to Tuesday. Use this link to identify which district you fall in. 

ANP staff will be inside the House of Representatives by 9:30AM. Community voices are very important in these hearings because they help to counter the narrative of opposing voices, who sometimes show up in large groups. Generally speaking, include testimony that is positive, non-confrontational, and solution-oriented.

Parking is available at Wesley Bolin Plaza, immediately next to the Capitol. There is a short wait to get through security and often many seats in the hearing room are taken, so showing up about 20 minutes earlier than the start time is a good idea.  

Text Elaine at (661) 433-2838 for any questions or to run through testimony if you’d like! 

Thank you for advocating to keep increasing our housing supply in the neighborhoods where it’s most needed!