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New Arizona Housing Law Sparks Conflict in Historic Districts

New Arizona Housing Law Sparks Frustration in Historic Districts

In a move aimed at tackling Arizona's escalating housing crisis, a new state law has ignited controversy among residents and preservationists in Phoenix's historic neighborhoods. The legislation, signed into effect earlier this year by Governor Katie Hobbs, seeks to boost affordable housing development by overriding certain local zoning restrictions. However, it has drawn sharp criticism from those who argue it threatens the cultural and architectural integrity of the state's cherished historic districts.

The law, formally known as House Bill 2720, mandates that cities and towns across Arizona must streamline permitting processes for multifamily housing projects, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and infill developments. It prohibits municipalities from imposing overly restrictive design guidelines or lengthy review processes that could delay construction. Proponents hail it as a necessary step to address the state's severe housing shortage, where skyrocketing rents and home prices have left many families struggling. According to state officials, Arizona needs to build hundreds of thousands of new units over the next decade to keep pace with population growth, driven largely by migration from high-cost states like California.

Yet, in Phoenix's historic districts—such as Roosevelt, Willo, and Encanto-Palmcroft—the law is being met with resistance. These neighborhoods, designated as historic under local and national registers, feature early 20th-century bungalows, Spanish Revival homes, and mid-century modern structures that embody the city's heritage. Residents fear that the relaxed regulations will allow developers to erect modern apartments or additions that clash with the established aesthetic, potentially eroding the unique character that draws tourists and fosters community pride.

One vocal critic is Sarah Jenkins, president of the Willo Neighborhood Association. In an interview, Jenkins expressed dismay over the law's implications: "We've spent decades preserving these homes as living pieces of history. Now, the state is essentially telling us that housing numbers trump heritage. What happens when a developer wants to slap a four-story apartment building next to a 1920s cottage? It could destroy the fabric of our community." Jenkins pointed to a recent proposal in her district where a landowner sought to convert a single-family lot into a triplex, bypassing the usual historic review board's oversight. Under the new law, such projects could proceed with minimal local input, as long as they meet basic safety and density standards.

The tension highlights a broader debate in Arizona about balancing growth with preservation. Historic districts often come with strict covenants that regulate everything from paint colors to roof materials, ensuring architectural consistency. But the housing law views these as barriers to affordability. State Representative John Kavanagh, a key sponsor of the bill, defended it by emphasizing economic necessities. "Arizona can't afford to let nostalgia stand in the way of progress," Kavanagh said. "We're not demolishing landmarks; we're encouraging smart infill that respects the past while building for the future. Historic districts aren't museums—they're living spaces that need to evolve."

Supporters of the law include housing advocates and developers who argue that Arizona's zoning laws have long favored sprawling suburbs over dense urban cores, exacerbating inequality. The Arizona Housing Coalition estimates that the state faces a shortfall of over 200,000 affordable units, with Phoenix alone needing 50,000 more by 2030. By allowing ADUs—often called "granny flats"—and duplexes in single-family zones, the law could unlock underutilized land without sprawling into undeveloped areas. In historic districts, this might mean converting garages or backyards into rental units, providing income for homeowners and options for renters.

However, preservationists counter that the law lacks sufficient safeguards. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has weighed in, warning that similar policies in other states have led to the loss of irreplaceable structures. In Phoenix, the city's Historic Preservation Office is scrambling to adapt. Director Elena Ramirez noted that while the office can still advise on projects, its enforcement powers have been curtailed. "We're encouraging voluntary compliance with historic guidelines, but without teeth, it's an uphill battle," Ramirez said. She cited examples from California, where relaxed zoning has sometimes resulted in mismatched developments that devalue surrounding properties.

The frustration has spilled into community meetings and online forums. In the Roosevelt Historic District, a petition with over 1,000 signatures calls for amendments to the law that would exempt registered historic areas or require mandatory design reviews. Residents like longtime homeowner Miguel Torres worry about property values and neighborhood cohesion. "I bought my home because of its history—it's not just a house, it's a story," Torres shared. "If we lose that, Phoenix loses part of its soul."

On the flip side, some younger residents and newcomers see the law as a welcome change. Tech worker Amanda Lee, who rents in Encanto, supports the reforms: "Historic charm is great, but I can't afford to live here otherwise. Allowing more units means more people can enjoy these neighborhoods, not just the wealthy."

The law's rollout has already prompted legal challenges. A coalition of historic neighborhood groups filed a lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court, arguing that it violates local control provisions in the state constitution. They claim the legislation oversteps by preempting city ordinances designed to protect cultural resources. State attorneys, however, maintain that housing is a statewide priority that justifies intervention.

As Arizona grapples with these changes, experts predict ripple effects beyond Phoenix. Smaller towns with historic cores, like Tucson and Flagstaff, are watching closely. Urban planning professor David King from Arizona State University believes compromise is possible: "We can have both—affordable housing and preserved history—through incentives like tax credits for developers who incorporate historic elements."

Ultimately, the new law underscores Arizona's growing pains as it transitions from a Sun Belt boomtown to a mature urban center. While it promises relief for the housing crunch, the pushback from historic districts reveals deep-seated concerns about identity and legacy. As debates continue, the outcome could reshape not just Phoenix's skyline, but the very essence of its neighborhoods. With implementation ongoing, residents and officials alike are bracing for a future where progress and preservation must find uneasy harmony. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full AZ Central Article at:
[ https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2025/08/14/new-arizona-housing-law-frustrates-historic-districts/85618656007/ ]