New language to ‘Yes In God’s Backyard’ bill in Paradise Valley

By Philip Haldiman | Scottsdale Independent 

Faith leaders, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, speaking in favor of HB2815 at the state Capitol

A proposed bill that would allow active churches and other religious institutions to build affordable housing on their land has received new language that could benefit Paradise Valley, which prides itself on its single-family, 1-acre lot standards.

House Bill 2191, also known as the “Yes In God’s Backyard” bill is on the precipice of moving to the Senate for consideration. Although Paradise Valley councilors oppose the bill, they say the language addition is not a bad thing.

There are 13 houses of worship in the town of Paradise Valley.

HighGround COO Doug Cole said the bill was recently broadly amended to apply to religious institutions in an area that are zoned as of Jan. 1, 2025, for single-family residential use.

More amendments to the bill are expected, and it will have at least another read in the House of Representatives before it can move to the Senate.

Rep. David Livingston, R-Peoria, who co-authored the bill, said during an appropriations meeting he is fighting to help those priced out of the housing market right now.

The initial version of the bill would have allowed for multistory, multifamily apartment complexes in areas now zoned for single-family homes. Under a new version, only single-family homes may be built.

The proposed bill states the height requirements for an allowed use development on an eligible site must be not more than 30 feet and two full floors if the allowed use development is located within 150 feet of the boundary of an area zoned for single-family residential use.

It also sets limits on setbacks and lawn coverage for these developments

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