Phoenix City Council Delays Vote on ‘missing Middle’ Housing Ordinance
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council on Wednesday postponed a vote on a controversial zoning ordinance aimed at increasing housing density, citing concerns from residents and a need for further review. The decision to table the vote until November 19 comes after hours of public comment and debate surrounding the proposed ”overlay district,” designed to comply with recent state legislation.
The ordinance, often referred to as a “missing middle” housing proposal, would allow for increased density in certain areas of the city, perhaps permitting duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and other housing types between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. Proponents argue it’s a necessary step to address Phoenix’s housing shortage and affordability crisis.
Councilmember Ann O’Brien highlighted the urgency, stating the city is facing a “housing crisis that affects thousands of our neighbors.” She also emphasized the financial implications of non-compliance with state law,noting Phoenix could lose nearly $700 million in state-shared revenue.”Phoenix is required to follow the state law no matter how poorly it is written,” O’Brien said, adding she would support the ordinance to protect essential city services.
However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the character of established neighborhoods.Several councilmembers, including Debra Stark, Kesha Hodge Washington, and Betty Guardado, expressed a desire to find solutions that address both the need for more housing and the preservation of neighborhood identity.
State Representative Mariana Ortiz, a proponent of the overlay zone, shared her personal experience with the city’s housing challenges during the meeting. she noted the median age of first-time homeowners is 40 and described her recent difficulty finding affordable housing in Maryvale, leading to her move from a 1,700-square-foot rental home due to rising rent. “The few that were on the market were very old and not in great condition as it has become so hard to build missing middle housing,” Ortiz said. She also acknowledged the ordinance’s initial scope was broader and credited the League of Arizona Cities and Towns with advocating for a more narrowly tailored approach focused on downtowns and city centers.
Councilmember Pastor, representing District 4, requested the delay to allow for further review with legal counsel and city staff. “I want to work on some of the issues that have been brought to my attention, to work with lawyers and city staff on some of the concerns that have popped up,” Pastor stated.
The council is scheduled to revisit the ordinance at its November 19 meeting.
