Scottsdale defies legislature with exemptions to state housing laws

YourValley
The Scottsdale City Council chose to butt heads with the Arizona Legislature over state law intended to create more affordable housing.
The council voted 7-0 Nov. 25 to pass text amendments to city ordinances that utilize what it deems are exemptions in House Bill 2297.
The bill was signed into law by the governor in April and requires the cities of 150,000 people or more to allow the reuse of financially unviable commercial property without a rezoning hearing.
That puts the council at loggerheads with Arizona House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci who sent it a letter Nov. 24 requesting the council not enforce those exemptions to the legislation.
“I am deeply disturbed by actions that appear to circumvent the bill’s clear statutory intent,” Biasiucci wrote.