Residents are invited to share feedback on Tempe’s proposed code change regulating the repurposing of commercial buildings for multi-family development to align with HB 2297, which aims to increase housing in Arizona cities with populations of 150,000 or more. HB 2297, signed into law in April, mandates all Arizona cities with populations of 150,000 or more to allow multi-family adaptive reuse on no more than 10% of existing commercial, office or mixed-use buildings. The bill is designed to address housing shortages and vacant commercial buildings. A portion of buildings repurposed under the law must be affordably priced.

Tempe is currently drafting a code text amendment to comply with the state requirements. Certain buildings in Tempe, such as historical sites, will be exempt. Cities must have new standards in place by Jan. 1, 2025. More information available here.