By Tom Blodgett | YourValley
A housing bill signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs last week drew bipartisan support in the Arizona Legislature, but Gilbert is among the municipalities blanching at how it will affect the landscape.
House Bill 2720 greatly reduces the means of cities and towns to regulate “accessory dwelling units,” such as casitas, on residential properties. Proponents championed it as a win for both private property rights and providing affordable housing options.
“I’m glad the Legislature heard my calls to come to the table to pass commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will expand housing options and help mitigate the effects of rising costs to make life more affordable for everyday Arizonans,” Hobbs said in a statement released after the signing May 21.
That was the same day Gilbert’s Planning Department was set to present proposals at a town council study session to streamline the town’s approval process on accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.
