Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission convened on January 21, 2026 (referred to as January 22, 2026 in this summary context), to review the first public hearing update for the Chandler 2026 General Plan. The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation by Staff and the Resident Advisory Committee chair, detailing the update process, specific policy revisions, and public engagement efforts. The Commission unanimously approved the draft General Plan, which is scheduled to be forwarded to City Council for a vote on February 5, 2026, with a potential placement on the August primary ballot for voter ratification.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved the minutes from the December 7th, December 17th, and January 7th meetings.
• The Commission approved the notice of cancellation for the February 4th meeting.
• All actions on the Consent Agenda were taken via unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chair Dunn (Resident Advisory Committee Chair): Expressed strong support for the General Plan update process, commending the diverse membership of the Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) and the high level of public participation. Speaker stated that the plan "works" and requires only "tweaking" rather than a redesign. Speaker argued that the process successfully captured the concept of "build-out" and encouraged unique development and redevelopment opportunities.
• Commissioner Gala: Expressed full support for the comprehensive nature of the plan, particularly noting the effectiveness of using AI and interactive displays during public engagement. Speaker praised the inclusion of infrastructure capacity checks (water and sewer) and specific language regarding "quality jobs." Speaker also expressed support for the affordability initiatives, noting that high job growth in the city creates a natural demand for local housing.
• Commissioner Billstein: Asked clarifying questions regarding the amendment process for General Plan changes (noting no amendments occurred in the prior 10 years). Speaker inquired about transportation infrastructure capacity and affordable housing focus areas. Speaker expressed a position that the city has successfully balanced job growth with infrastructure planning and supports future diversity in housing types.

Discussion Items

Review of the Chandler 2026 General Plan Update

• Staff Presentation (Lauren): Outlined the update process, which involved nearly 4,500 public interactions, including "Chandler Talks," 54 one-on-one interviews, and a mobile immersion lab. Staff noted that 88 public comments were received during the 60-day review period (October 1 to December 1), resulting in 50 revisions.

  • Land Use Changes: Staff explained that four land use categories were retained. Specific changes included reclassifying a downtown property from employment to residential to align with the Downtown Regional Area Plan and correcting single-family subdivisions along the Price Corridor.
  • Growth Areas: Two growth areas were removed due to existing specific area plans (Downtown and Air Park). "Growth Area One" was renamed from "Uptown Chandler" to "North Arizona Avenue" to align with economic development boundaries and historical naming.
  • Density Updates: Urban residential density in the "Neighborhood" category was increased from a minimum of 18 to 26 dwelling units per acre. Staff expressed a position that a cap was not necessary.
  • Housing in Commercial Zones: Language was added to allow urban residential density in "Regional Commercial" zones, contingent on infrastructure capacity (water, sewer, streets) and compatibility with surrounding uses.
  • Employment Zone: Updated language now explicitly welcomes high-tech manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation software engineering. Added a provision allowing residential uses within employment zones only through "true vertical mixed-use" in designated growth areas like South Price Corridor.
  • Implementation Plan: A new 10-year implementation action plan was added to track departmental goals.
  • Light Rail: Removed language regarding future light rail, citing insufficient ridership data and lack of public discussion on the topic.

• Commissioner Billstein Questions: Inquired about the process for amending the General Plan. Staff responded that amendments can only be filed once a year (in November) and must meet specific size triggers (e.g., five acres). Commissioner Billstein also asked about traffic infrastructure. Staff stated that a transportation master plan is reviewed every 5-10 years, with most arterials already at full build-out capacity. The focus for future road widening is currently on North Chandler (e.g., Warner Road) due to space constraints and expense, with plans extending into the 2030s.

• Affordable Housing Discussion: Commissioner Billstein asked where affordable housing is prioritized. Staff detailed that within a mile of downtown, single-family zones are now eligible for up to a four-plex. Staff is developing pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes. Additionally, the city is planning to redevelop older housing complexes (like "Villas on the Queen") to increase unit density.

Resident Advisory Committee Input

• Chair Dunn: Reported that the RAC, consisting of 21 members, recommended approval of the draft. The committee addressed concerns regarding "Uptown Chandler" naming and the removal of light rail references. Chair Dunn commended the public participation rate as the highest ever seen.

Key Outcomes

• Motion: A motion was made to approve the draft PLH 25010 Chandler General Plan Update, titled "Chandler 2026 General Plan: Evolving the Chandler Way."
• Vote: The motion carried unanimously (all Aye, no opposed, no abstentions).
• Next Steps: The Commission's recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the draft on February 5, 2026. Following Council approval, the General Plan will be placed on the ballot for the August primary election for resident ratification.
• Referral: If approved by Council and voters, the plan becomes the guiding document for future development.
• Public Notice: The Commission announced "Airport Days" to be held on the upcoming Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Chandler Airport.