Chandler City Council Approves Desert Palms Development

The city council voted unanimously to move forward with the redevelopment of the Sun Village Fair shopping center site.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in City Hall

Isometric editorial illustration of a suburban commercial site plan with simple building blocks and geometric landscaping. — The Chandler City Council voted 7-0 to approve the Desert Palms development, which will renovate a section of the Sun Village Fair shopping center. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chandler City Council members voted 7-0 to approve the Desert Palms development plan. The project will redevelop a portion of the existing Sun Village Fair shopping center.

Why it matters

The approval allows for the transformation of an established commercial space at a key intersection. This decision clears the way for the site at Alma School and Warner roads to undergo planned renovations.

The Chandler City Council formalized the project via a 7-0 vote. This decision follows a September 2026 hearing by the Planning and Zoning commission.

The players

Chandler City Council

The legislative body for the city of Chandler responsible for passing ordinances and approving local development projects.

The details

The Desert Palms plan focuses on redeveloping land within the Sun Village Fair shopping center area. Located at the intersection of Alma School and Warner roads, the project represents a significant shift in land use for the established retail hub.

The Planning and Zoning commission held a hearing in September 2026.
The City Council approved the Desert Palms plan on October 15, 2026.

Political Context

The approval of the Desert Palms development follows the standard procedural framework established by the Chandler Zoning Ordinance for commercial site updates. Opponents often challenge such projects by citing concerns regarding increased local traffic density or the potential loss of legacy retail space.

Residents and shoppers in the vicinity of Alma School and Warner roads should anticipate future changes to site access and retail availability as redevelopment begins. The project marks a transition in local infrastructure that may impact daily commutes and nearby property use.

The takeaway

The approval marks a final step for the developer to begin repurposing the Sun Village Fair shopping center property. Residents should monitor city updates to stay informed on construction schedules and potential road impact at the intersection of Alma School and Warner roads.