municipal zoning; middle housing

This Arizona bill requires cities with at least 75,000 residents to allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in specific areas by January 1, 2026. Local governments must permit these middle housing types on all single-family lots near downtown areas and on at least 20% of new developments covering more than 10 contiguous acres. The law also prevents cities from imposing stricter rules on these housing types than those applied to single-family homes, such as requiring owner occupancy or excessive parking. Municipalities that fail to update their zoning regulations by the deadline must automatically allow middle housing on all single-family lots without limitations. Several exceptions exist for unincorporated areas, regions lacking water and sewer services, and lands near airports.