Arizona has recently passed a new law that permits the construction of casitas on properties located in cities with a population of over 75,000. This law aims to assist families in accommodating their relatives in close proximity or even creating rental units. Lindsey Ragas from FOX 10 brings us the details of this story.
The new housing law in Arizona opens up opportunities for increased housing options in the state.
Cities with a population of over 75,000 can now construct Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or casitas on single-family home lots, thanks to this new law.
The law became effective on January 1st.
According to a casitas specialist and local business owner interviewed by FOX 10 Phoenix, there is already a pool of potential customers eagerly waiting to move into these unique dwellings.
What they are saying
Diane Bain expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “It has meant a tremendous amount to my family.”
The latest ordinance in Phoenix allows Bain, a widow, to remain close to her son and daughter-in-law by building casitas in backyards.
“As I age, at 83 years old, it would bring me great comfort to have my loved ones nearby, knowing that I am safe and well,” she expressed.
The city initially rejected the idea of constructing a casita in her backyard in Phoenix.
“We considered constructing a casita, but we discovered that it had to be limited to 900 square feet. This measurement encompassed both the garage and the porches. The size was so small that it wouldn’t accommodate a separate bedroom and bathroom for a caregiver, which was an essential requirement,” she explained.
She can now build the casita she desired without having to relocate, thanks to the new ordinance that has fewer limitations.
Bain expressed her desire to have a spacious casita where she can keep her mineral collection, plants, including cactus and succulents. Additionally, she mentioned the possibility of hosting her book club in the casita.
The new casitas law in the state of Arizona has relaxed restrictions for all cities with a population exceeding 75,000.
“It’s absolutely amazing, and you can’t help but wonder, ‘Why wasn’t this done sooner?’ I honestly have no clue. But now that it’s finally happening, it’s going to have such a positive impact on people’s lives,” she expressed enthusiastically.
According to a recent study conducted by ASU, it has been revealed that Arizona is currently facing a shortage of 270,000 homes. In an effort to address this issue, a new law has been introduced; however, there are some who remain skeptical about its potential effectiveness.
Jeff Felt is the proud owner of Arizona Casita Builders.
Felt explained that the setbacks have been reduced, allowing for a 3-to-5 foot wall. This change has made a significant impact.
According to him, the previous law restricted the areas where he could construct, but the new ADU law provides greater flexibility in terms of lot coverage.
“We’ve had a significant number of people in our queue who have been eagerly waiting for the law to change, and as a result, we’ve actually seen a boost in sales this week,” Felt enthusiastically mentioned.
According to him, there is a growing demand for casitas.
“The rising cost of homes in Arizona has led to an alternative solution. By constructing on existing properties, developers can save on land costs and ultimately provide more affordable housing options,” Felt explained.
We inquired with Jeff about his customers’ intentions for building casitas. Are they primarily interested in creating additional living space for their families, or do they intend to rent out the casitas for additional income?
According to him, the distribution is roughly 60% for those who intend to have their family reside in the casita, while the remaining 40% plan to rent it out.