Goodyear raises concerns over Arizona ‘starter home’ bill

By James Goldmeer
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Officials in Goodyear are raising concerns about a proposed state law they say could limit the city’s ability to maintain neighborhood quality and long-term property values.

The measure, Senate Bill 1431, would prohibit municipalities from adopting or enforcing certain design and development standards for single-family homes and accessory dwelling units. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, is advancing through the Legislature and is one vote away from reaching the governor’s desk.

In a recent government affairs newsletter, Goodyear officials Edwin Hernández-Vargas and Anthony Casselman said the proposal, referred to as the “Starter Home Lite” bill, could prevent cities from requiring features related to building materials, architectural design, lighting, fencing and other elements commonly regulated in residential development.

Hernández-Vargas and Casselman argued that removing those standards could allow developers to prioritize lower-cost construction with fewer design considerations, potentially affecting both new and existing neighborhoods that are still under development.

“While affordability is a shared goal, local minimum standards exist to ensure neighborhoods maintain their quality, character and long-term property value,” Hernández-Vargas and Casselman stated in the city newsletter.

The bill would also bar municipalities from denying or delaying building permits based on prohibited design requirements and restrict requirements for shared community amenities, such as those maintained by homeowners associations, with some exceptions for health, safety and federal mandates.

Goodyear officials said some design elements targeted by the bill, such as exterior lighting, serve practical purposes beyond aesthetics, including improving safety and deterring crime. They also argued that eliminating such requirements could shift costs to homeowners, who may face higher expenses adding features after construction.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure is intended to reduce housing costs and expand access to homeownership.

“I know that some of these things typically drive up housing costs,” Bolick said. “We can figure out a way to reduce the cost of housing and make sure more people can afford to buy a home.”

Goodyear officials stated they support housing affordability efforts but contend the bill would not significantly lower costs and instead reduce housing quality.

The city also noted community and employee feedback has played a role in shaping its position, with residents expressing concerns about preserving neighborhood standards.

The proposed law would not override building codes, fire codes or public health and safety regulations, and includes exemptions for historic districts and certain other areas.

Visit azleg.gov for more information.