The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce supports the recommendation by Town staff to designate the Heritage District as our municipality's Central Business District (CBD) in response to recent legislation (HB2721) that mandates municipalities to authorize by ordinance the development of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes on lots zoned for single-family residences within one mile of the CBD.
For this legislation, a “Central Business District” is an area or series of areas designated by a municipality that is primarily nonindustrial and that attract community activity, including the entire geographic area that the municipality has officially designated as its downtown or equivalent on the effective date of the section.
In addition to the authorization of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes on lots zoned for single-family residences within one mile of the CBD, the legislation also allows for these developments on 20% of any new development of more than ten contiguous acres. If a Municipality does not adopt the regulations, middle housing shall be allowed on lots in the municipality zoned for Singly Family residential use without limitations.
We acknowledge and appreciate the diligent work of town staff in evaluating various scenarios while also responsibly addressing the requirements of this mandate. It remains a local priority of the Gilbert Chamber to champion policies that encourage attainable workforce housing while protecting local control and private property rights.
Approved July 2024.