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Residents of Buckeye should be aware of a threat to our community, as the Arizona legislature, under the protection of homebuilders with deep pockets, pushes forward a bill that will drastically change our city - and not for the better. The bill, Senate Bill 1229, will strip Arizona cities, meaning the voters, of the right to determine what their communities will become in the future. Buckeye is particularly vulnerable due to our abundance of open land.
In the name of providing “starter homes," this sleight of hand trick will take away local control, our method of protecting our investment, and expressing our voice on how we want our city to grow.
It is quite simply the big hand of government taking over our city, putting developers in complete control.
SB1229 is being forced upon us despite overwhelming public opposition from cities, towns, police, and fire departments, as well as voters. It epitomizes government overreach. The Buckeye general plan, approved by voters, serves as our roadmap for growth and development; however, it becomes irrelevant under SB 1229. This plan is crucial for maintaining the balance between residential, commercial, and open spaces in our city. Without it, Buckeye faces unplanned, chaotic development that disregards the needs and desires of its residents.
This bill will:
- Require cities to allow high-density housing, with lot sizes as small as 3,000 square feet, in all new developments zoned as single-family residential,
- Prohibit cities from requiring community parks, amenities or open space that is vital for quality of life,
- Require cities allow remove any regulations stating a minimum square footage for a single-family home,
- Forbid any maximum or minimum coverage requirements for a single-family home with no limit on the number or size of other structures on the lot,
- Forbid regulations requiring the distance between property lines be more than 5 feet from the side lot lines and 10 feet from the front and rear lot lines,
- Prohibit any design, architectural, or aesthetic requirements for a single-family home.
Essentially, build whatever the developer wants, as close as they want, out of whatever materials they want. This bill is designed to strip local cities and their citizens of the right to control the size and quality of growth in their communities, leading to second-class neighborhoods that are visually and structurally inferior.
Say hello to a future where the minimum standards for lot sizes and home dimensions can lead to overcrowded, blighted neighborhoods. Subdivisions could have as many as 12 to14 homes per acre built from any materials, such as cargo boxes.
Picture it – 3,000-square-foot lots, no fencing, five feet between each house, and free-for-all approach to architectural design. With no requirement that these “starter homes” be sold to working families or be owner-occupied, they will be little more than corporate, short-term housing money machines for developers that can be built anywhere, without regard for community input. Meanwhile, the property values in surrounding neighborhoods plummet, our streets become congested, police and fire are pushed to the limit, and schools are more crowded.
To protect Buckeye, residents must speak out against SB1229. So far, this bill has the votes to pass – it is time for us to make out voices heard! Here’s what you can do:
- Voice your concerns to our State Representatives by email – tell them to VOTE NO ON SB1299:
- Michael Carbone [email protected]
- Nick Kupper [email protected]
- Michelle Pena [email protected]
- Marianna Sandoval [email protected]
- Spread the Word: share this info with your neighbors, ask them to send an email
- Utilize Social Media: Provide information to wider networks – this affects every city in the state.
The threat posed by SB1229 to Buckeye is substantial and should not be overlooked. It compromises our ability to govern our community’s growth, protect our investment, and preserve our unique character. By mobilizing and taking action, we can safeguard our city’s future and ensure that development reflects the wishes and needs of its residents. It is essential to stand together and make our voices heard to prevent the irreversible changes that SB1229 threatens to impose.
Kim Owens is a resident of Buckeye, Arizona.
We invite our readers to submit their civil comments or opinions on this or any issue. Email [email protected].
