In an effort to increase housing supply and improve affordability, the City of Phoenix plans new changes to its #zoning code.
The first involves #ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Phoenix recently announced its plan for legalizing backyard casitas, duplexes and triplexes in an effort to combat Arizona’s affordable housing shortage. The new policy would allow smaller ADUs in residential areas where there is an existing single-family home. The law also adds definitions for duplexes and triplexes to distinguish them from ADUs.
Additionally, Phoenix plans to reduce the minimum number of parking spaces it requires apartment developers to build. Currently, city code requires a minimum number of parking spaces for new apartment communities. The new Phoenix proposal would sharply reduce that number across the city, with greater reductions allowed for affordable housing complexes and developments near light rail.
For example, a 100-unit apartment complex near light rail could see the requirement lower from 113 required spaces to 50 spaces. If it’s an affordable complex in one of those communities, the parking quota would, in most cases, fall to zero. A 100-unit complex elsewhere in the city would go from 150 spaces to 125 spaces. If it’s an affordable complex but not near light rail, it would go from 150 required spaces to 63.
Phoenix City Council is scheduled to vote on the parking law change and ADU policy in September.