Back in May, Arizona’s politicians united to improve the dire lack of housing in our state. At the time, several cities opposed the legislation, an effort that proved futile.Now, Scottsdale wants to hamstring the bipartisan law by changing its zoning rules. When it comes to less expensive housing, Scottsdale says, “Not in my backyard.” New laws offer more affordable housing optionsGov. Katie Hobbs worked with the GOP-led statehouse to pass two innovative bills. House Bill 2720 legalized casitas or accessory dwelling units, and House Bill 2721 encouraged a diversity of housing instead of just single-family homes. Once signed, the bills allowed people to occupy smaller dwellings on the property of current homes. This is a perfect solution for families supporting their older parents, adult children saving to afford a place of their own, and anyone else who seeks more modest accommodations. In an era of high prices and high interest rates, these “middle housing” options help those citizens who don’t have the money or desire for a single-family unit. Better still, casitas, duplexes and townhouses increase the housing supply within established areas. All these structures were common in U.S. cities before zoning changes in the 1940s. They’re a great way to check urban sprawl while maintaining the character of older neighborhoods. What’s not to like? Leave it to Scottsdale to complain. Zoning change would outlaw them in many areasThis week, the city asked for public input on possible new restrictions for Scottsdale’s already-strict zoning code. In two videos posted to its website, Scottsdale wants to leverage language in the new state law to invalidate its positive effects for much of the city. Scottsdale’s proposal would not allow these new casitas “in the vicinity of an airport.” That rules out everything south of Chaparral and Camelback roads, thanks to Sky Harbor. And the city set out a 10-mile by 10-mile diamond around Scottsdale Airport, blocking casitas in most of the city from McDonald Drive in the south up to Happy Valley Road. What remains is a small section of central Scottdale, another area to the far east, and a much larger region in the far north.But there’s a catch.Much of the open territory features homeowners associations, and HOAs don’t have to follow the new casita law. The goal is clear: Keep out the less affluentDespite the legalese and carefully plotted maps, Scottsdale’s goal is clear.The rest of the state can offer more affordable housing, but not in our backyard. They just like it better when they can keep the proles out. Scottsdale fiercely opposed the casita law as it made its way through the statehouse. At the time, the city claimed the smaller dwellings would be used as short-term rentals and party pads.Don’t demonize city zoning:In the name of ‘affordable housing’“What were once serene neighborhoods have become party house enclaves,” the Scottsdale City Council wrote to Gov. Katie Hobbs.“Long-term residents of our beautiful city are now plagued by noise, trash, and unseemly behavior on a regular basis,” the letter read, warning the law would add to “this catastrophic scene.” I’ve seen plenty of “unseemly behavior” in Scottsdale, and it wasn’t by the underclass.Scottsdale wins when more workers live thereWhether in Scottsdale or elsewhere, NIMBY types want to capture their neighborhoods in amber and prevent anything that might help young adults, retirees or struggling families. After all, it might increase pedestrian traffic. This locks out many Arizonans and can ultimately price-out current residents.It’s better for all of us if a new college grad can live in a casita close to his job at the Scottsdale Airpark instead of commuting 30 miles each way.Yes, it’s even better for Scottsdale since the young adult would spend more money in the community. Instead of keeping people out, Scottsdale’s leaders should welcome them in. All of them. Jon Gabriel, a Mesa resident, is editor-in-chief of Ricochet.com and a contributor to The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. On X, formerly Twitter: @exjon.
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