By Bob Christie | Pinal Central
PHOENIX — Pinal County cities and towns are uniting in opposition to a bill that is advancing through the Arizona Legislature that would severely limit their ability to make their own zoning decisions.
Arizona cities and towns would be required to allow new homes, duplexes and triplexes on very small lots in residential areas and allow homeowners to add backyard casitas, known as auxiliary dwelling units, to their properties under a wide-ranging proposal that would eliminate many local zoning laws across the state.
SB 1117, approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on a 5-2 vote on Wednesday, also would:
- Ban cities from enforcing design standards;
- Eliminate requirements for off-street parking;
- Override some height restrictions;
- Require cities with light rail to allow apartments to be built on any commercially zoned property within 2 miles of the rail line;
- Bypass current requirements that local planning boards review new proposals and fast-track city approvals.
