Town will review casita-related code
Gilbert Planning Manager Eva Cutro told the Planning Commission last week that the code contains multiple terms for what are commonly called backyard casitas and that staff plans to update it to eliminate the confusion. (YouTube)
Following in the footsteps of Phoenix and Chandler, Gilbert is the latest Valley city to reconsider codes regarding accessory dwelling units, also called casitas or in-law units. Gilbert allows secondary dwelling units now, but there’s been a recent increase in demand for them and the code can be confusing for staff as well as applicants. Cleaning up the language covering these units, whether they’re used for housing, carpentry, sports or other purposes, will help clarify what can or cannot be built. On a related note, two residents are suing the city after a neighbor built a three-level, 5,000-square-foot house in front of their existing home. The litigants claim it’s a multifamily dwelling unit and violates code.
