Phoenix Approves ADUs

The city hopes backyard ‘casitas’ can help alleviate the housing crisis.

1 minute read

September 11, 2023, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Suburban Phoenix single-family homes in a cul-de-sac, one with large saguaro cactus in front yard

EuToch / Adobe Stock

The Phoenix City Council voted to approve accessory dwelling units (ADUs), known in Arizona as casitas, reports Cameron Arcand in The Center Square.

The action is meant to support more affordable housing production, although there are concerns that casitas will mainly be used for short-term rentals rather than contribute to long-term rental stock.

In response to concerns that ADUs won’t be affordable enough to the lowest-income renters, State Rep. Analise Ortiz, who supports the council’s decision, says she would like to see a state law that bans local rent control overturned.

Elsewhere in Arizona, Tucson legalized ADUs in early 2022.

Friday, September 8, 2023 in The Center Square

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

4 hours ago - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

5 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

6 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive