Lake Havasu City Council Poised to Shake Up Housing Regulations

Lake Havasu City staff recommend code amendments to boost the density and height limits for certain residential zones. These changes target the current workforce housing shortage.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the amendments last month. Now, the City Council will give the final decision.

Two specific changes are under discussion. One addresses density in multiple-family zones; the other, height in the Southgate residential district.

Currently, R-3 Limited Multiple Family Residential zones allow four to 10 units per acre. The proposed amendment aims to increase this range to four to 16 units per acre.

Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert said that although the change seems minor, it could lower construction costs due to high land prices. “Higher density means lower rent costs, potentially aiding workforce housing,” Gilbert noted.

An additional amendment targets the R-SGD Southgate District zone, where 30% of lots remain undeveloped. This proposal would raise the maximum building height from 18 to 30 feet. The exception would be lots adjacent to single-family homes.

The R-SGD zoning is situated on the town’s south side, near State Route 95, Bashas, and the Maverik gas station.

Tuesday’s City Council meeting will commence at 5:30 p.m. at 92 Acoma Blvd and is open to the public.