PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Kelly Schultz is still reeling from what her neighbor is building next door.

“I cried, and I cried, and I cried some more,” Schultz said. “It was devastation, I think is a good term.”

Schultz, a nurse practitioner and Phoenix mom, has spent the past week watching helplessly as a new guest house rises on the other side of her back wall, overlooking her swimming pool.

Unexpected Construction and Privacy Concerns

“We didn’t know the laws until this happened,” Schultz explained. “We didn’t realize someone could build so close to our property line. It feels really close, and it feels like people are infringing on our privacy a little bit.”

In September, the Phoenix City Council passed a new ordinance making it easier for homeowners to build guest houses or casitas in their backyards. This move was aimed at addressing the affordable housing crisis by increasing housing options.

Impact on the Schultz Family

Schultz never imagined her neighbor’s decision to build a casita would disrupt her family so significantly. The new structure not only alters the view from her backyard but also raises concerns about privacy and security.

“Not only do we have to look at the giant structure every day and worry about strangers looking into our yard, but now we have concerns about our property value going down,” Schultz said.

The Schultz family has lived in their house off 40th Street and Greenway Road since 2008. They chose this home for its privacy and peaceful environment, which they feel is now compromised.

Legal and Regulatory Context

Arizona’s Family has learned that the neighbor constructing the casita has obtained the necessary permits and appears to be adhering to all construction guidelines. These guidelines stipulate that the structure must be no more than 15 feet tall, less than 1,000 square feet, and at least 3 feet away from the block wall dividing the two properties.

Jim Waring, the only city council member who voted against the ordinance to expand the building of casitas, expressed his concerns.

“I am sorry we have a Phoenician living this experience, but now that it’s passed, I don’t know if there’s anything my office or city council can do about it,” Waring said.

Broader Implications and Community Impact

According to the Planning and Development Department, the city of Phoenix has issued 131 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits since last year. This suggests that there may be other neighbors like Schultz dealing with unwanted guest houses.

Schultz shared the advice she received from neighbors about mitigating the impact of the new construction.

“We got a lot of great advice from neighbors about increasing the wall, putting up hedges, new landscaping, things along those lines,” Schultz said. “But everything comes at a cost.”

Schultz is concerned that these additional expenses will further burden her family, who had not anticipated having to make such changes to maintain their privacy.

Legislative Changes and Future Concerns

In May, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed into law HB 2720, which requires cities with a population of more than 75,000 people to allow accessory dwelling units, or casitas, on properties zoned for single-family homes. This legislative change reflects a broader push to address housing shortages but also raises concerns about the impact on existing neighborhoods.

“At the end of the day, this is really pretty close for comfort, and I need other Arizonans to know, if it happens to me it can happen to them,” Schultz warned.

Moving Forward

For more information on the city of Phoenix rules and guidelines for Accessory Dwelling Units, residents can visit the city’s Planning and Development page. Understanding these regulations can help homeowners anticipate and prepare for similar situations.

While the Schultz family navigates this unexpected change, their experience highlights the need for awareness and potential adjustments to city planning policies to balance the need for additional housing with the rights and concerns of existing residents.

Community and Government Response

The city of Phoenix and local government officials are likely to continue evaluating the impacts of the new ADU regulations as more cases like Schultz's arise. Feedback from residents will be crucial in shaping future housing policies and ensuring they accommodate the needs of all community members.

By sharing her story, Schultz hopes to raise awareness and prompt a dialogue about the effects of these new regulations on neighborhood dynamics and individual property rights.