Casita Bonita: A Heartfelt Legacy for Grandma in Maricopa’s Tomorrow

Maricopa is poised to transform its housing landscape with the implementation of a new Arizona law set to take effect on September 13. This legislation allows the construction of “casitas,” or accessory dwelling units, either as detached structures or attached to single-family homes.

In June, state lawmakers and Governor Katie Hobbs approved this initiative, aimed at cities with populations exceeding 75,000. Currently, Maricopa reports a population of 75,078, albeit it won’t officially meet the threshold until the 2030 U.S. Census.

Mayor Nancy Smith expressed concern regarding potential restrictions on casitas in light of the new law. Many homeowners associations (HOAs) in Maricopa already enforce rules limiting or outright prohibiting the construction of casitas due to small lot sizes.

For example, the Glennwilde community manager, Diane Zavala, noted that their community is strictly single-family, which restricts residency to one family per address. Conversely, communities like Province, catering to residents aged 55 and older, permit the presence of casitas, provided homes have spacious lots.

Marcelle Mietus, manager of the Santa Rosa Crossing HOA, explained that while casitas are allowed, they must remain under the same ownership and cannot be sold separately.

As the market for casitas in Maricopa develops, a conversation will emerge regarding HOA regulations, especially concerning parking needs and the renting of these secondary living spaces. Currently, there is no dominant contractor specializing in such units in Maricopa.

Local home designer Robert Klob, who has created several accessory dwelling units, noted the growing demand in Phoenix, although he believes local laws still need refinement regarding cooking facilities. Klob anticipates an uptick in casita construction once the population threshold is officially recorded. Meanwhile, Pinal County is revising its regulations for guest houses.

Klob participated in a recent survey where 76% of respondents expressed interest in building a casita on their property if permitted. This statistic reflects a burgeoning interest in alternative housing solutions within the community.

Interest in Maricopa’s housing market has drawn attention from businesses based in Phoenix. Mike Gee, CEO of Maricopa Design, announced plans to enhance their capabilities in ADU construction following a merger with Maricopa Casitas. The company is currently preparing a bid for constructing casitas in the area.

Gee highlighted Maricopa’s appeal, describing it as an “up-and-coming community” that offers a small-town ambiance not found in Phoenix. He predicted substantial demand for casitas, particularly 500-square-foot units featuring essential amenities like bedrooms and bathrooms.

With the recent legislative changes and a clear demand for accessory dwelling units, Maricopa is on the cusp of a significant housing evolution.