Remember last year when we had the "Yes in God's Back Yard" bill that would allow multifamily housing on any land owned by religious institutions? You may recall that bill was ultimately defeated. A version of YIGBY is back this legislative session in SB 1096. It would allow religious institutions' by-right use of any property they own for a "senior living community." The bill DOES NOT limit height, density, setbacks, or address parking; it provides no tie to any specific zoning or zoning requirements, no tie to the general plan, and no process for community input. It would basically let the developers design whatever structure they want and build it wherever an agreeable religious institution owns land. I am attaching the bill for your reference.
Please write to the bill's author, Senator John Kavanagh, and express your thoughts about this bill. In the past, Senator Kavanagh has largely been supportive of our concerns-- opposed to preemptive bills and against poorly thought out housing bills. Make sure that he is aware of your perspective on this bill and how it would impact you and your neighborhood. It has not yet been heard in committee and we want to make sure that Senator Kavanagh has feedback on the bill before it is scheduled for a hearing.
Below is a flyer about SB 1096 that has helpful points for writing your email (which should only be 2 paragraphs at most and should include SB 1096 in the subject line) and includes Senator Kavanagh's email address.
Problems with the proposed bill:
1. .No Height or Size Restrictions / One-Size-Fits-All
2. Traffic / Emergency Services / Infrastructure Overload
3. Noise, Light, 24/7 Operations / Neighborhood Livability
4. Removing Zoning Principles and Oversight
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At last, a bill we can support!!! HB 2375 would exempt historic districts from Arizona's Middle Housing law. 2024's Middle Housing law restricts middle housing primarily to a city's downtown area which happens to be where most historic residential areas are. This bill would assure that Arizona's historic neighborhoods are not torn down to build multi-plexes.
HB2375 is set for a hearing next week—and momentum is building! HB2375 supports Middle Housing while preserving AZ's historic districts for future generations of Arizonans. This is what smart, balanced housing policy looks like.
Your help is urgently needed!
Call or email Rep. Sarah Liguori and ask her to SUPPORT HB2375 at the AZ Legislature. (sliguori@azleg.gov). We are still waiting for her support)
Email Chair Walt Blackman and thank him for giving HB2375 a hearing in the House Government Committee. (wblackman@azleg.gov)
Sign up for the Request to Speak (RTS) program at the AZ Legislature and register your support ("Thumbs Up") for HB2375. Learn how here.
We are grateful for the bipartisan support of the bill. Our thanks to #RepMattGress, #RepAaronMarquez and #SenLelaAlston for introducing this legislation. Thanks to Phoenix #MayorKateGallego, #CouncilwomanLauraPastor, #CouncilwomanBettyGuardardo and #CouncilwomanDebraStark for supporting this effort.