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The Long Range Planning Division prepares various development policies that are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the City Council.  These policies are tools that are used to implement the goals and objectives of the Chandler General Plan.

Mid-Rise Development Policy

As the City continues towards its various stages of build-out and developable land becomes more limited, there will be greater pressure to build upward in key areas of the city. Hence on March 23, 2006, the city adopted a mid-rise policy that replaced an older 1985 mid-rise ordinance.  The new policy more clearly defines eligible locations and the considerations to be made for mid-rise development, and to continue requiring that such building heights can only be approved through the PAD zoning process.  Click on the following link to view the policy:

 

Build-Out Strategy

In anticipation of reaching 90% of residential build-out by 2007, the City of Chandler began the process of developing a strategic plan and a fiscal impact model that can be used to analyze the City's ability to effectively provide services through build out and beyond.  Through the process, a number of important issues were identified that needed to be addressed in more detail in order to fully realize the City's potential at build out.  Additionally, the City's work illustrates the critical interaction between development decisions, the City's quality of life and the sustainability of the community.

 

In August 2004, the City contracted Mary Jo Waits to continue the work and develop a strategy-based implementation plan.  Mary Jo Waits has conducted a number of studies on public policy issues in Arizona and has authored several key policy documents including Five Shoes Waiting to Drop and Which Way Scottsdale? Her past work gives her an understanding of the issues surrounding urban growth and community development that will provide the perspective necessary to continue the work that has been done on the City's build out strategy. 

 

The study, which is expected to be completed by December 2005, will help address critical concerns by developing information through quantitative and qualitative analysis and through community input.  The intent is for the resulting strategy-based implementation plan to be used as a guide for decision making so the City's remaining development opportunities can be maximized.

 

The following Build-Out Strategy presentation is a culmination of the work put together by the City of Chandler.

 

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Residential In-fill Program

State statutes require that cities identify, in preparation of its General Plan, specific programs and policies to promote in-fill development, and locations where such development should be encouraged.  To that end, the In-fill Development Policy as adopted by the City Council in December 2004, enables an applicant to receive up to $5,000 per dwelling unit upon completion of single-family ownership dwellings.  An additional amount not to exceed $5,000 per dwelling unit, may be awarded for the demolition of existing substandard dwellings subject to terms and conditions as provided in the Residential In-fill Program. Click on the following links to view the In-fill Development Program and application:

 

Residential In-fill Program (.pdf)

Residential In-fill Development Application (.pdf)

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Residential Development Standards

During the early and mid-90’s the City became acutely aware of a residential development trend that was resulting in monotonous residential areas.  New subdivisions citywide were being constructed with small lots, narrow side yards, and rigid street patterns.  In addition, the new homes contained a limited range of exterior building materials (stucco walls, tile roofs), colors, building orientations, and architecture (prominent garages). 

 

As a result, the City Council adopted Residential Development Standards to promote diversity both within the subdivision layout and the architecture of the homes.  The standards were originally adopted by the City Council on April 13, 1995 and was updated by the City Council on May 23, 2002.  Click on the following link to view the updated Residential Development Standards:

 

Residential Development Standards (.pdf)

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Residential Conversion Policy

Obsolete subdivision laws administered prior to 1976 allowed single family homes to be built with direct frontage and access to arterial roads, a situation which has been compounded by increasing traffic volumes and road widening.  Resulting problems associated with noise and safety have created pressure to convert affected homes to commercial/office land uses.  Since 1983, the City has approved several warranted and successful residential conversions.  This Residential Conversion Policy was adopted in 1989 to establish criteria and standards needed to properly accommodate the conversion of the single family homes to professional offices or like business uses.

 

Residential Conversion Policy (.pdf)

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Late Hour Business Compatibility Policy

The City of Chandler recognizes the need for certain commercial businesses to operate during late hours, even 24 hours a day, in response to customer needs, business competition, and other considerations.  However, the City also recognizes the substantial right of residents whose properties immediately adjoin such commercial uses to be assured the safe, quiet enjoyment of their residences.  Hence the purpose of this policy is to set forth some guidelines and considerations for determining, and ultimately achieving land use compatibility when late hour businesses seek occupancy in close proximity to residential development.

 

Late Hour Business Compatibility Policy (.pdf)

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Multifamily Housing Development Policy

The purpose of this policy, which was approved by City Council in 1997, is to identify design features of multifamily developments that can be included in proposed development plans.  These features may be used individually and in combination to identify the level of a project's quality while measuring the project's responsiveness to the needs of the property's setting and adjacency.  This is not envisioned to be an all-inclusive list but to identify some design items that can be used to compare and contrast solutions to environmental design.

 

Multifamily Housing Development Policy (.pdf)

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