Phoenix Approves ADUs

The city hopes backyard ‘casitas’ can help alleviate the housing crisis.

1 minute read

September 11, 2023, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Suburban Phoenix single-family homes in a cul-de-sac, one with large saguaro cactus in front yard

EuToch / Adobe Stock

The Phoenix City Council voted to approve accessory dwelling units (ADUs), known in Arizona as casitas, reports Cameron Arcand in The Center Square.

The action is meant to support more affordable housing production, although there are concerns that casitas will mainly be used for short-term rentals rather than contribute to long-term rental stock.

In response to concerns that ADUs won’t be affordable enough to the lowest-income renters, State Rep. Analise Ortiz, who supports the council’s decision, says she would like to see a state law that bans local rent control overturned.

Elsewhere in Arizona, Tucson legalized ADUs in early 2022.

Friday, September 8, 2023 in The Center Square

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