SB 1161 Summary

• Requires municipalities with populations over 525,000 to allow low-income multifamily rental housing by right in commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily zones within one-half mile of light rail or streetcar stops, with minimum 80-foot height limits and density matching the greatest previously approved density.

• Prohibits municipalities from requiring general plan amendments, use permits, or board/commission reviews for housing construction under this section.

• Exempts land near municipal airports, military airports or facilities, and areas where existing mobile home parks would be displaced from these requirements.

• Requires municipalities to publish a housing needs assessment by January 1, 2024 and every five years thereafter, including population and job growth projections and residential housing unit needs across all income levels.

• Mandates annual reports from municipalities starting January 1, 2025 to the Arizona Department of Housing documenting housing development applications, approvals, and progress toward meeting identified housing needs.