Accessory dwelling units, commonly called ‘casitas’ or guesthouses, are common on large properties. “Casita,” Spanish for cottage or ‘small house,’ is a popular name throughout the southwest for a smaller house on the same property as the main house.  Many are used for those with an elderly parent, grown children, or family members seeking asylum. 

Councilmember Jim Waring was the only ‘no’ in the 8-1 vote. Waring, a sitting councilmember since 2011, expressed concerns during the formal session that his father had lived with him and his wife for several years before he passed away. 

“I’ve been down this road,” Waring explained that his elderly father had lived with his family after becoming ill. 

He also shared his concern for the excessive amount of short-term rentals. There are currently over 6,000 people who are unhoused in the city of Phoenix. 

Though the Phoenix City Council is categorized as nonpartisan it still is mainly democratic with two Republican and two independent sitting members. 

With many issues, the issue of affordable housing has begun a partisan discourse across the country. 

Councilmember Debra Stark, a Democrat, was in favor of the ordinance, saying that the  project needs to “get out the door.” 

Stark made the motion to approve the ordinance. 

“We, as a city, need to keep promoting the need to help pay for affordable housing,” Stark said. 

When asked about Councilmember Waring’s vote of ‘no’, she referred to him as a “true Republican.” 

“He stands by his principles and I admire him for that,” she said. The two noted that they have nothing but respect for one another.

“I hope they’re right and I’m wrong,” Waring said about his vote.  

The two also agree on the potential cost. Affordable housing is classified as costing 30% of a household income, according to the representatives at Section 8 Office Phoenix Housing Department. 

For a project under $50,000, the base fee for a permit in Phoenix is $231 with an additional fee for an extra $1000 of work. Additionally, Lowes lists a Douglas Fir 2x4 for $3.67, not including tax. Forbes reports that it would cost a typical builder $150 per square foot not including labor costs. 

Betsy Graber, a Phoenix homeowner with a preexisting guesthouse, called her extra space a “waste” since she was using it as storage and not a housing unit. 

If she were to connect the unit to the main house, she was quoted that it cost around $1000, not including an increase to the water and electric bill for the entire property. Comments about long-term costs were also brought up at the meeting. 

Waring said that he wanted to focus more on “core city functions,” such as policing and over-taxation.