By Sam Kmack | Arizona Daily Star
Casitas will now be allowed on residential lots in Tucson following the City Council’s approval of a new ordinance this week.
The change will go into effect in mid-November and will allow residents to build the small houses — also called accessory dwelling units or ADUs — on lots across the city. Supporters said the decision is one step toward increasing the number of housing options in Tucson.
Casitas have been lauded as a better alternative to nursing homes for senior citizens. The units are built alongside existing houses and have full kitchens, so they can allow elderly people to live independently while still being close to caretakers.