Gilbert is considering letting builders go taller and denser near one of the East Valley's biggest shopping centers.
A proposed amendment to the Northside PAD, near SanTan Village, would raise the maximum residential building height from 36 feet to 60 feet, ABC15 reported. It would also allow up to 34 homes per acre, up from the current limit of 22.
Gilbert's Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Oct. 8 to recommend approval. The Town Council is scheduled to make a final decision on Nov. 17, according to ABC15.
What the numbers mean
A PAD, or planned area development, is a zoning tool that sets custom rules for a specific area. Changing the Northside PAD's limits would open the door to a different kind of housing than what's allowed now.
Going from 36 feet to 60 feet is roughly the difference between a three-story building and one that could reach five or more stories, depending on design. Going from 22 to 34 homes per acre is an increase of more than 50% in allowed density.
In practice, that points toward mid-rise apartment or condo buildings rather than garden-style complexes or townhomes. The ABC15 report didn't name a specific project or developer tied to the change.
Shop owners like the idea
ABC15 talked to small business owners at SanTan Village who said more neighbors would mean more customers.
"I love that people can just, you know what? I feel like spending some money today. I'm going to walk down to Santana. I'm going to get some boba. I'm going to hit Lunch Money," said Erin Dragoo, owner of Lunch Money.
Tiffany Kerr, founder of the boutique Elle & Benn, opened in March. She told ABC15 she once had mixed feelings about Gilbert's growth, especially traffic, but changed her mind after becoming a business owner.
"I think that more people living here and more people working here bring more opportunities for small businesses, and I think that's exciting," Kerr said.
Part of Gilbert's economic plan
The proposal lines up with Gilbert's new economic development strategy, which focuses on keeping more retail and dining spending inside town limits, according to ABC15. Putting more homes within walking distance of shops is one way to do that.
A shift for a suburban town
Gilbert has long been known for single-family subdivisions. As open land runs out in the southeast Valley, more towns are looking at taller, denser housing near existing retail and job centers. Projects near big shopping districts can use roads, utilities and services that are already in place.
That shift changes the kind of construction work available. Wood-frame tract homes give way to podium buildings, structured parking and more complex fire, life-safety and MEP systems.
What's next
The Planning Commission's 7-0 vote is a recommendation. The Town Council has the final say on Nov. 17. If the amendment passes, developers would still need to bring forward specific projects, with their own site plans and approvals, before any construction starts.
Why it matters for contractors
If Gilbert's council approves the change, it would allow mid-rise housing in an area where buildings now top out at 36 feet. That's work for commercial and multifamily contractors who handle podium construction, concrete, steel, elevators and the heavier MEP systems that come with taller buildings.
It's also a signal of where the East Valley is headed. As towns like Gilbert run short of land for new subdivisions, more of the housing work will be infill and vertical, near existing shopping and job centers. Builders who mostly do single-family homes may find more opportunity in multifamily over the next few years.
Watch the Nov. 17 council vote. After that, watch for the first project proposals under the new rules.