housing; zoning; historic neighborhoods

HB 2719 requires Arizona municipalities with over 75,000 residents to permit duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes (collectively "middle housing") by January 1, 2026. Specifically, it mandates these housing types be allowed on all single-family zoned lots within one mile of downtown and on at least 20% of new developments over 10 acres. The bill prohibits municipalities from discouraging middle housing through excessive regulations, restricting building height, imposing stricter rules than single-family homes, or requiring more parking per unit. This aims to increase housing options in urban areas while exempting historic districts, airport zones, and areas lacking basic services.