Apache Junction to offer free design plans for affordable housing

The city of Apache Junction is preparing to offer free home design plans of affordable housing options through the city’s development services department.

The resource, which was originally developed in Yavapai County in 2020, encourages the construction of affordable houses through the offering of pre-approved design and construction plans of various sizes, which are provided to homeowners free of charge, according to a release.

The plans are anticipated to be made available for Apache Junction residents in the next four to six weeks.

The available house plans are modest in size, ranging from 900 to 1,800 square feet, which helps ensure their affordability, and because they contain pre-approved design and construction elements, minimize necessary review time as well as permit fees and design costs, it states.

It is estimated that the plans will save homeowners an estimated $2,000 in permit fees, in addition to the cost of an architect which can average $10,000 to $20,000 per project.

“I am thrilled to see the launch of these free affordable housing plans come to fruition for Apache Junction residents,” Mayor Chip Wilson said in the release. “This program is a reflection of our commitment to providing efficient and diverse housing options for our community, and will help ensure homeownership is accessible for all.”

The city of Apache Junction paid $10,100 for the resource, Kayla Fulmer, the city of Apache Junction’s marketing and communications director, said in an email.

“In terms of cost, the total amount was $10,100, which was paid to the architect who developed the original plans,” she said. “The collaboration with Yavapai County allowed city staff to easily replicate the framework that they had established for original program implementation. So because we are able to utilize these existing documents and processes, it enables us to easily expedite the launch of this valuable resource for our residents.

The initial offerings will include three options for floor and elevation plans, and will be shared during a future presentation to the City Council closer to the project launch. Once available, details regarding home options and the process for utilizing the plans will be made available on the city website. Anyone seeking to utilize the program will be required to be residents of Apache Junction and build the home within city limits.

To follow the latest updates regarding this initiative, go to www.apachejunctionaz.gov/freehomedesigns , or subscribe to the City of Apache Junction’s email newsletter at https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/list.aspx .