PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council voted to give the green light to allow Phoenix homeowners to build additional housing units on their property.
The approval came from an 8-1 vote on Sept. 6, with council member Jim Waring being the lone no vote.
With the approval, homeowners are now allowed to build a guest home or additional suite on their property.
MORE INFORMATION: Are backyard guest houses one solution to Phoenix’s housing shortage? City council thinks so
The additional property cannot be built beyond 75% of the size of the main home on the property.
City leaders believe the properties would provide another option to tackle the Valley's shortage of affordable housing.
Critics, however, believe the move would allow for even more short-term structures, which they say has contributed to the problem.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
As part of the ordinance, the city said additional homes could not be used as short-term rentals.
Homeowners are required to apply for a permit in order to build the additional structure on a property.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Viviendas en patios traseros aprobadas por el Ayuntamiento de Phoenix con voto 8-1
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Get to know 12News
At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.