Lake Havasu City Council Greenlights Code Revamp for Taller, Denser Developments

The Lake Havasu City Council made a significant decision on Tuesday, approving two code changes that will impact residential zones in the city. These adjustments will permit an increase in density limits in multifamily residential areas and raise height limits in the Southgate District.

Currently, the R-3 Limited Multiple Family Residential zones allow for a density of four to ten units per acre. The new regulations will expand this range to four to sixteen units per acre. However, the height limit will remain unchanged at a single story, or 15 feet.

Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert highlighted that these changes offer more flexibility for developers while maintaining a buffer of density across different residential zones. This shift aims to enhance development opportunities in the city.

Concerns regarding the potential impact on sewer infrastructure were raised by Councilmember Nancy Campbell, with support from several community members. She emphasized the necessity of a careful approach, citing the upcoming general plan amendment. “I think we just need to slow down to speed up,” she noted.

In contrast, Councilmember David Lane expressed support for the amendments, suggesting they could facilitate the construction of workforce housing in the city. Mayor Cal Sheehy also addressed the rationale behind the changes, explaining that they aim to create overlapping density ranges. He suggested that the likelihood of a 16-unit project being developed in an R-3 zone remains low, given lot sizes and relevant calculations.

The council ultimately approved the change with a vote of 5-2.

Another approved amendment pertains to the R-SGD Southgate District zone, where Gilbert noted that 20% of lots remain undeveloped. This change will allow an increase in maximum building height from 18 feet to 30 feet, permitting two-story housing in proximity to one-story residences, except along lots adjacent to single-family homes.

The R-SGD zoning area is situated on the southern side of Lake Havasu City, flanking both sides of State Route 95 in the vicinity of commercial establishments like Bashas and the Maverik gas station. The council’s decision on this change also passed with a 5-2 majority.