Carbone's Accessory Dwelling Unit Bill Signed into Law

State Representative Michael Carbone's (R-25) House Bill 2928, which addresses property rights surrounding accessory dwelling units (ADUs), has been signed into law, a move he praised as "a practical solution."

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are defined as secondary housing units located on a single-family property, such as guest houses and similar structures. State Rep. Carbone's bill reduces the number of regulations that hinder the construction and development of ADUs, including parking, design, and construction standards, as well as preexisting relationship rules.

Additionally, counties would be required to adopt a single standard for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with exemptions for federal land, tribal areas, high-noise zones, and utility easements. Moreover, counties would require septic system evaluations for ADUs that are not connected to existing sewer systems.

"Arizona homeowners should be able to use their property without being buried in red tape," said State Rep. Carbone in his press release, adding, "Whether it's a unit for an aging parent, a young adult, or a source of income, ADUs are a practical solution—and it's time the law recognized that. We spent months working with counties and stakeholders to get this right, and we delivered."

The eastern Buckeye Representative's bill is the latest effort by Arizona Republicans to address the Grand Canyon State's housing issues, as State Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-2) teamed up with Americans for Prosperity's Arizona chapter at the end of April to pass the Starter Homes Act.

State Sen. Bolick's bill authorizes the construction of 1,200 to 1,500-square-foot homes on 3,000-square-foot lots, which are $100,000 cheaper than the current housing price average of $450,000.

To demonstrate the necessity of the bill, AFP-AZ Director Stephen Shadegg sent a letter to Arizona Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R-29) with a LEGO set for a family home, modified to include the average price, average homebuyer age of 38, and the bill number, saying, "Thanks to your leadership, this LEGO Home is the only home future generations can afford."