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Avondale adopts middle-housing code changes to comply with state law
Summary
To meet a state deadline, Avondale designated three Boulevard subdistricts as a Central Business District for middle-housing rules and adopted zoning and general-plan text amendments that allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes under specified conditions and require 20% middle housing in large new developments.
Avondale City Council voted Nov. 17 to adopt general-plan and zoning-code text amendments to implement the state’s middle-housing requirements (referenced by staff as House Bill 2721). Senior Planner Monica Smirky explained the three-step approach: designate a Central Business District (CBD) for middle housing from existing Boulevard subdistricts (Gateway, Village and Park Avenue), amend the general plan to incorporate the CBD definition, and adopt zoning-code middle-housing regulations that align with the state law.
Smirky said the city must adopt middle-housing regulations by Jan. 1, 2026, to retain some local control; without local adoption, middle housing would automatically be allowed across single-family lots. Under the proposed text, middle housing (duplex, triplex, fourplex, townhome) would be permitted within the CBD and new developments of more than 10 contiguous acres would be required to include at least 20% middle-housing units. Staff said single-family development standards would largely still apply with limited exceptions for floor-area ratio and parking.
Council members questioned appearance, height and parking. Staff explained that height limits in single-family zones (for example, a typical 30-foot maximum) would remain and that parking requirements and covered-space minimums apply; staff also noted that private covenants, conditions and restrictions (HOA CC&Rs) remain a private matter and could affect whether a particular lot could be redeveloped for middle housing. After discussion, council adopted the resolution and ordinance to implement the middle-housing changes.
