NW Valley Times

In response to Arizona's housing shortage, State Sen. Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) expressed her commitment to address the issue, highlighting recent legislative efforts aimed at easing the crisis. 

Shamp emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in passing bills that will significantly impact housing availability in the state.

“Republican lawmakers, including myself, have worked very hard this session to offset the crippling inflation that Arizonans are struggling with under the Biden administration. We're committed to solving Arizona's housing shortage, and by working together on this important issue, we've successfully had several bills signed into law that will truly make a difference,” Shamp said in a video posted to X. 

“My bills, Senate Bill 1162, will cut the unnecessary government red tape responsible for prolonging approvals on the zoning applications that are needed for home construction to begin, and will require housing need studies to proactively assess the current and anticipated demand for homes. That way, we can swiftly respond to housing shortages.” 

“House Bill 2720, which I co-sponsored, was also signed into law and will allow homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, such as casitas, on their property, to increase affordable housing options. This will especially benefit our elderly population, as well as our young adults that are just entering the workforce. As a former travel nurse, I know exactly how this will help impact and make a difference for our medical communities here in the state of Arizona.” 

“HB 2721 is another measure I co-sponsored and was signed into law this week. This new law tackles zoning measures to allow for more middle housing options such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes. Arizona's housing shortage is a complex issue that needs to be addressed in several different areas. And by working together, we've accomplished just that.” 

Arizona lawmakers passed SB 1162 to expedite local zoning decisions through the introduction of "shot clocks," which mandate specific timeframes for processing zoning applications. 

Bill sponsors emphasize that the legislation maintains local government control while providing developers with certainty in the zoning process, aiming to prevent bureaucratic delays in housing construction. 

Despite previous setbacks in housing legislation, SB 1162 faces further scrutiny in the Senate after undergoing significant changes through a "strike-everything amendment" in the House.

HB 2720 and HB 2721 were signed into law on May 21. 

HB 2720 aims to facilitate the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Arizona. 

The legislation prohibits municipalities from imposing certain restrictions on ADUs, such as prohibiting their use as long-term rental housing or requiring a pre-existing relationship between occupants. Additionally, the bill allows ADUs on all residentially zoned lots without limitations if municipalities fail to adopt development regulations by January 1, 2025. 

While intended to bolster Arizona's housing stock, the bill has faced criticism from some municipalities, fearing an increase in ADUs used for short-term rentals.

HB  2721 aims to encourage the development of "middle housing" in Arizona by prohibiting municipalities from imposing stricter restrictions on duplexes, triplexes and townhouses compared to single-family homes. 

The legislation specifically prevents cities from limiting middle housing to fewer than two floors or a floor area ratio of less than 50% and prohibits setting regulations more stringent than those for single-family homes in the same zone. 

Supported by the Arizona League of Towns and Cities, HB 2721 seeks to offer alternatives to traditional single-family dwellings in the state.

AZ Senate Republicans re-posted Shamp's video to X. "’Arizona's housing shortage is a complex issue that needs to be addressed in several different areas. By working together, we've accomplished that,’” the post read. “@AZSenatorShamp breaks down several Republican housing bills signed into law this session that will truly make a difference in solving Arizona's housing crisis.”