Gilbert Commission Backs SanTan Village Zoning Plan

A proposed amendment would allow for taller, denser residential buildings near the SanTan Village area.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall

Isometric editorial illustration of modern residential building blocks of varying heights representing urban zoning and density changes.
The Gilbert Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend a zoning amendment allowing for higher density residential construction near SanTan Village. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Gilbert Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of a zoning amendment for the SanTan Village area. This proposal aims to increase the permitted height and density for residential buildings.

Why it matters

The development plan aligns with the town's broader economic strategy to retain local dining and retail spending. Increasing housing density is seen as a way to support commerce within Gilbert town limits.

The zoning amendment proposes increasing the maximum residential building height from 36 feet to 60 feet. It also raises the residential density limit from 22 homes per acre to 34 homes per acre.

The players

Gilbert Planning Commission

This local government body reviews land use proposals and provides recommendations to the Town Council.

Tiffany Kerr

She is a local business owner who opened a boutique in Gilbert earlier this year.

The details

The proposed changes allow for significantly denser construction near SanTan Village to accommodate more residents. This shift in zoning regulations is currently moving through the town's legislative process after receiving initial support from local officials.

Timeline

  1. March 2026: Tiffany Kerr opened her boutique in Gilbert.

  2. October 8, 2026: Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend amendment approval.

  3. November 17, 2026: Town Council scheduled to make final zoning decision.

Political Context

Opposition to increased urban density often centers on concerns regarding neighborhood character and existing infrastructure capacity. Dissenting voices may push back against vertical expansion, arguing it deviates from the town's established suburban layout.

The changes will likely alter the local skyline and density around the SanTan Village corridor once completed. Residents should prepare for potential shifts in the local housing landscape as the town implements its economic development goals.

The takeaway

Zoning amendments often balance the need for increased housing density with existing infrastructure plans. Residents can track these developments to understand how building height changes might affect their local community growth.

What happens next

The Gilbert Town Council is scheduled to hold a final vote on the proposed zoning amendment on November 17, 2026.

Further reading

Learn more about local land-use policies by visiting the City Hall section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.

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