Mohave Today

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler City Council met for a Work Study Session on Tuesday, Jan. 22 to discuss multiple proposed code amendments that will be brought to a final vote next month.

The proposed amendments work towards achieving goals from the Council’s Strategic Framework, which are: a targeted use of adaptive reuse, infill, mixed-use and redevelopment tools and plans to support the vitality of commercial centers and neighborhoods; high development standards incorporating innovative aesthetics and amenities in our built environment; a predictable development process based on exceptional customer service to be business friendly.

A few of the proposed amendments that reflect these goals, while addressing neighborhood concerns, include:

• Reduce setbacks for infill or redevelopment;
• Establish queuing requirements for online order pick-up windows;
• Allow single-family dwellings (12,000 square feet or less) within certain multi-family zoned properties; this amendment also would help preserve historic neighborhoods;
• Allow the use of buildings constructed of shipping containers, if capable with the character of the surrounding area while adhering to building safety codes
• Established Permitted uses for home-based businesses, including hours of operation; these businesses cannot permanently displace required garage spaces, or generate vehicular/pedestrian traffic that would alter the character of the neighborhood, while encouraging on-site parking as much as possible
• Maintain/provide a minimum six-foot-high perimeter wall for new developments abutting residential areas
• Remove setbacks for pools and maximum square footage limits for open air ramadas

For an additional overview of the 20+ proposed amendments, visit Proposed Code Amendments.

For the past few years, city staff had received feedback from the business community and active residents related to the City Code. These concerns were initially presented to the Council in April 2023 as draft code amendments. During the past year, staff has taken these proposed amendments to various resident subcommittees and with updates to the Council. The city also requested stakeholder feedback during the month of October 2023, with final recommendations now being considered for Council approval.

The next steps in the code amendment approval process include introducing the ordinance to Council on Feb. 8, followed by a final vote on Feb. 22. If approved, they would take effect on March 22.

Residents or businesses with additional questions related to the proposed amendments may contact Chandler’s Principal Planner Lauren Schumann at 480-782-3156.

Original source can be found here.