PHOENIX — A sharply divided House committee on Wednesday advanced a measure allowing large cities and towns to exempt designated historic neighborhoods from a 2024 law requiring them to allow “middle housing” like duplexes and townhomes within a mile of their city centers.
The bipartisan measure passed the House Government Committee on a 4-3 vote. That came after one of Democratic co-sponsors amended it to require that even if cities continue allowing duplexes and other higher density housing they may require the new buildings to be built only if they are designed to be “compatible with the historic character, scale and setting” of the neighborhood’s existing homes.
Rep. Aaron Marquez, D-Phoenix, also tacked an emergency tag onto House Bill 2375, allowing it to take effect immediately upon the governor’s signature if it passes with a two-thirds vote.
