Havasu Planners Endorse New Code Changes to Increase Housing Density and Height Limits

The Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission has proposed significant changes to residential zoning codes. These changes aim to tackle the pressing need for more workforce housing in the city.

On Wednesday, the commission reviewed and unanimously approved two key amendments. The first focuses on modifying the maximum unit density for R-3 Limited Multiple Family Residential zones. Currently, these zones permit a density of four to 10 units per acre. The proposed change would increase this range to four to 16 units per acre.

Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert emphasized the potential impact of this adjustment. “When expensive land in Havasu forces higher rent costs, increasing unit density could make housing more affordable,” Gilbert explained. “This change could significantly benefit workforce housing compared to the four to 10 units per acre range.”

The second proposed amendment concerns the R-SGD Southgate District zone. This change would increase the allowable maximum building height from 18 feet to 30 feet, enabling the construction of two-story housing next to one-story homes. The Southgate District is intended for high-density residential development adjacent to the prominent commercial corridor along Highway 95 at the city’s southern entrance.

Approximately 30% of lots in the Southgate District remain undeveloped, according to Gilbert. “This adjustment could encourage more mixed-use housing developments,” he stated. Both code amendments will now proceed to the City Council for final approval.