Eastside Sanctuary Subdivision Set to Outshine with 4 Homes per Acre

After extensive planning, the Sanctuary subdivision on Maricopa’s East Side is set to commence development, increasing its housing density from initial expectations.

The Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to approve the preliminary plat for phase one of The Sanctuary, located at Hartman Road and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. This phase will introduce 339 single-family homes across 83 acres, approximately one mile south of Sorrento.

This plan translates to a density of 4.1 homes per acre, a revision from the 3.5 homes per acre initially proposed in 2021. The city approved an amendment last year, allowing the total to increase to 1,191 homes.

The first phase will feature three lot sizes—40, 45, and 50 by 120 feet. Access to these homes will be provided solely via Hartman Road, with emergency access along MCG. Developers plan to maintain over 21 acres of open space, including parks and trails. A central feature, the “Farm Park,” will include shaded play structures, picnic tables, and recreational areas.

The Sanctuary has been a component of the city’s long-term vision for the East Side, gaining approval through a master plan in 2021. Construction can commence following final plat and improvement plan approvals.

While no builder has been publicly named, all designs must adhere to Maricopa’s single-family home guidelines.

Infrastructure enhancements are underway, with the developer responsible for road widening, sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting along Hartman Road. The roads within the subdivision will be publicly owned and maintained.

City staff have recommended approval of the plat, reflecting growing support for the project.

The Sanctuary is among several projects driving growth in Maricopa’s East Side.

Earlier this year, the City Council approved final designs for Red Valley Ranch, a 164-acre neighborhood, and another 1,037-lot neighborhood, Hartman Trails, at Steen and Anderson Roads.

Additionally, plans for Maricopa’s first significant eastside grocery store have emerged at the intersection of Hartman and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, next to The Sanctuary. This project features a proposed 50,000-square-foot supermarket, potentially a Fry’s, along with various retail spaces.

The Maricopa Unified School District also intends to adjust its boundaries to accommodate more students living east of town, potentially aligning future school sites with developments such as The Sanctuary.

However, increased development has raised safety concerns. An analysis revealed that nearly half of the 10 shootings reported from late February to mid-May occurred in the East Side, marking it as a significant area of gun violence.