Gilbert staff propose raising HVC height limit to 75 feet with bonus incentives to support mixed-use development

Gilbert planning staff presented a study-session briefing Nov. 18 on a proposed Land Development Code (LDC) text amendment, Z25-10, that would raise the maximum building height in the Heritage Village Center (HVC) zoning district from 55 feet to 75 feet and create a bonus structure enabling some parcels to reach 90 feet.

Kristen Devine, the presenting planning staff member, said the amendment is intended to streamline approvals for developments that are already four stories and typically exceed the 55-foot limit, citing local examples such as the CoLab (64 feet) and the University Building (68 feet, 8 inches). "The project that I'd like to discuss with you tonight for study session is for a possible text amendment to the LDC for the Heritage Village Center, for some development standards within that zoning district," Devine said.

The proposal would remove the 'stories' metric, set a uniform 75-foot maximum across the HVC zoning district, and retain stepback requirements adjacent to single-family residential. It would add stepback requirements along Gilbert Road beginning at 55 feet and maintain the existing 1:1 stepback ratio adjacent to single-family properties. For parcels that do not touch Gilbert Road, staff proposed a bonus incentive allowing up to 90 feet when projects include certain qualifying items, such as underground parking, providing…