(The Center Square) – The Arizona Senate passed a bill last week to help Arizonans achieve homeownership.
Senate Bill 1229, also known as the Arizona Starter Homes Act, passed on a 16-13 vote. State Sen. Rosanna Gabaldon, D-Sierra Vista, did not vote.
Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Deer Valley, introduced the legislation.
SB 1229 gives homeowners more options by allowing home buyers to choose “features, amenities, structure, floor plan and interior and exterior design” for their homes without a municipality interfering.
Furthermore, SB 1229 prevents municipalities from mandating homeowners or condominium associations for a shared feature or amenity unless required by federal law.
Also, SB 1229 forbids municipalities from making a law or regulation for new developments over five acres zoned for single-family home use that prevents minimum lot sizes over 3,000 feet.
SB 1229 stops municipalities from having specific designs for single-family homes.
Minimum size lots refer to “the smallest amount of land that is allowed by the local zoning law,” according to Law School Dictionary. Rocket Mortgage defines single-family homes as “a free-standing residential structure intended for use by one owner as a single-dwelling unit.”
However, in areas deemed historic, the bill says municipalities can mandate design elements.
The bill does not supersede building codes, fire codes or public health and safety regulations.
SB 1229 acknowledges the challenges Arizonans face in buying a home.
“Citizens of this state continue to experience the significant detrimental effects of a severe crisis due to the shortage of available housing,” the bill says.
“It has become virtually impossible for many citizens of this state to achieve the American dream of owning their own home,” it adds.
Bolick said both parties agree the legislation is a “commonsense solution” to help Arizonans buy homes. She added that SB 1229 prevents big government overreach and protects private property rights.
A poll last week showed housing affordability as the top issue for Arizona voters.
Housing costs in Arizona skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Zillow, the average home price in the state was $276,158 in January 2020. Five years later, the average home cost is $424,842.
Arizona’s average home cost has gone up 54% during this period.
