Goodyear updates zoning to comply with state middle‑housing law; council adopts ordinance 7–0
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Summary
To comply with recent state legislation, Goodyear adopted zoning text amendments creating a middle‑housing overlay and permitting accessory dwelling units outside airport noise contours; council approved ordinance 2025‑1642 unanimously.
The Goodyear City Council on Dec. 15 unanimously adopted ordinance number 2025‑1642 to amend the city’s zoning code to conform with recently passed state middle‑housing laws. Planning Manager Christian Williams told the council the changes create a middle‑housing overlay district to permit townhouses, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes on certain single‑family lots near downtown and update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules consistent with state law.
Williams said the amendment also allows ADUs within the vicinity of a public airport provided they are outside the 65‑decibel noise contour, and adds objective design guidelines required by the new law. "If it's not passed tonight, we will be in violation of state law by 01/01/2026," Williams told the council.
The planning and zoning commission considered the amendment at its Dec. 3 meeting and staff recommended adoption. Council opened the public hearing, saw no speakers, and voted 7–0 to adopt the ordinance. Staff said the amendments go into effect immediately to maintain compliance with state requirements.
The action implements state law locally (identified in presentation as House Bill 2721 and related updates) and primarily updates definitions, permissible housing types under the overlay and the zoning code’s administration provisions. The council record shows staff presented the item as a compliance action rather than a policy initiative originating at the city.