Staff briefs Scottsdale council on state housing bills that would limit local zoning authority

City staff on March 18 briefed Scottsdale City Council on a package of state legislative proposals that, if enacted, would reduce local control over residential development standards.

Dale Wybusch, Scottsdale’s government affairs officer, presented seven measures or related proposals that city staff is tracking. Staff singled out the so‑called Starter Homes Act (bills including HB2371 and SB1229) which, in earlier versions, would limit municipal authority over unit features, setbacks and lot sizes for qualifying developments and would allow higher densities on certain small parcel groupings. Wybusch described companion measures that would require jurisdictions to post pre‑approved housing plans, and other bills that amend accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. He also summarized legislation that would make zoning changes administrative acts not subject to referendum (often called the “Axon”‑related proposals in local discussion) and a separate, contested proposal related to tax exemptions for religious properties used for housing.

Wybusch told the council that Scottsdale’s annual legislative agenda emphasizes local control of zoning and planning and recommended opposing bills that undermine municipal regulatory authority. He said several Scottsdale legislators voted against specific starter‑home measures in committee. Council members asked for more frequent updates and suggested staff prepare talking points and sample letters for council members and the public. Wybusch said staff (and the city’s league representatives) were preparing those materials and that he would send periodic briefings while the session was active.

Ending Council members instructed staff to keep the council informed, asked for draft letters and talking points to use with legislators, and suggested regular agendaized briefings while the legislative session remains active.