CHANDLER, Ariz. – A recent City Council work session offered insight about the steps being taken in Chandler to encourage housing development and address new housing-related state laws.
Since January 2020, there have been 2,287 single family homes and 3,082 multi-family units added in Chandler. Another 121 single family homes and 1,138 multi-family units have been permitted and are presently under construction.
There are 16 residential projects approved by the City Council, some dating back to 2016, that have yet to be built. Those projects would bring another 129 single family homes and 2,149 multi-family units to Chandler. Developers involved have indicated that financing, material costs and rental market demand are factors influencing project completion.
Chandler’s Planned Area Development zoning process, which has been in place since the 1980s, allows for density bonuses, mixed-use integration, increased height and other factors that can support housing developments.
A series of policy changes by the City Council in recent years also were discussed.
Chandler’s Infill Incentive Program, updated in November 2023, provides financial tools and flexibility for infill and redevelopment of underutilized retail and Class C office space to support housing and mixed-use projects for areas of the community north of the Loop 202 freeway.
Chandler zoning code amendments, adopted in March 2024, offer greater flexibility for housing options on infill and redevelopment projects. These changes include allowing accessory dwelling units on single family lots, single-family homes within multi-family zoned properties and home occupied businesses.
Chandler is a high-performing public housing authority and is working to modernize its public housing units. To expand the number of affordable housing units, the city has partnered with Gorman & Company to build a 157-unit multi-family development that is now under construction.
Two additional public housing sites east of Downtown Chandler are planned for redevelopment. A development agreement for one site will be brought to the City Council for approval this fall, while a request for proposals will be issued at the end of this year to select a developer for the second site.
These new developments will add to the 363 public housing rentals and 563 housing choice vouchers administered by the city’s public housing authority. Nonprofit organizations offer another 102 affordable housing properties in Chandler.
During this past legislative session, a series of housing-related laws were approved, which take effect in 2025. Chandler City Council will consider a series of ordinances in November to comply with these state laws. These include permitting accessible dwelling units by right, establishing criteria for multi-family uses of commercial buildings and processing timelines for zoning applications.
A homeowners’ association covenants, conditions and restrictions will still govern residential properties in those neighborhoods under the state laws and city ordinances that are adopted.
A year-long assessment of affordable, workforce and market-rate housing needs and strategies in Chandler also is beginning this fall. This multi-faceted approach will create a comprehensive housing plan for Chandler. This information also could be incorporated into the General Plan Update that will be considered by Chandler voters in 2026.
The City Council closed the work session by discussing new ideas to consider for potential housing options in Chandler. Vacant city-owned properties near Downtown Chandler offer potential sites to consider with affordable housing partners and private developers on a case-by-case basis. Religious institutions interested in developing vacant or excess land that they own was another idea mentioned for possible residential sites.
Link to Housing Update Presentation.