The Scottsdale City Council has updated its Zoning Ordinance in response to a new state requirement, bringing notable changes to local housing regulations. Under HB2721, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes may now be constructed on lots that were previously limited to single-family homes. Previously, Scottsdale permitted only Accessory Dwelling Units alongside single-family residences, with larger multi-unit developments confined to designated residential districts.
Under the new state law, which the council acted on Monday to implement, “Middle Housing” will be required within a one-mile radius of the Old Town area, according to the city's release. In addition, at least 20% of any residential development larger than ten contiguous net acres must include Middle Housing. Previously, areas lacking basic urban services, such as water and waste systems were excluded because providing those services would have been difficult. The amendment to Scottsdale’s Zoning Ordinance was made in advance of the state deadline; without compliance by Jan. 1, 2026, Middle Housing would automatically be permitted in all zoning districts.
The new law also specifies limits on what the city may regulate. Scottsdale may not restrict Middle Housing to a single story, require these units to meet the more rigorous commercial building code, mandate fire sprinkler systems, or impose additional off-street parking requirements. In addition, projects that meet the established criteria do not need public hearings or community input. As a result, qualifying Middle Housing developments can proceed through an expedited approval process as long as they satisfy the state’s requirements.
Homeowners associations are not subject to these limitations; the state law does not restrict them from enforcing stricter rules within their neighborhoods. For additional information about these changes to local housing policy, the city has provided resources on its official website. Residents and developers can find more details by visiting the City of Scottsdale website and searching for “Middle Housing.”
