Phoenix just legalized guesthouses citywide to combat affordable housing crisis
In a move that could subtly boost Phoenix’s housing supply, the City Council voted 8-1 to allow homeowners to build livable accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also called casitas, with plumbing and electricity. Previously, they were only allowed on large lots. There are height and size restrictions as well as a ban on using them for short-term rentals, which may or may not violate state law. Also, homeowners associations can nix them in their codes, covenants and restrictions, or CC&Rs. Although ADUs haven’t proliferated in other cities where they’re legal, the move could be a good first step in tearing down some of the other zoning restrictions that stymie development.
