Planning committee approves rezoning for Sailing Hawks development in Lake Havasu City

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on April 30, 2025, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, focused on several key agenda items, primarily concerning land use and development plans.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the challenges of building on specific lots, particularly Lots 109 and 110, which are situated five feet lower than adjacent lots. This elevation difference has raised concerns about maintaining appropriate grading and drainage. The commission addressed the complexities involved in achieving a uniform elevation across the properties, noting that a 15-foot differential was being sought for Lots 2 and 3 in relation to Lots 109 and 110. The discussion highlighted the difficulties of implementing abrupt grade changes and the implications for street design and utility placement.

Following this, Mr. Gordon provided insights into the ongoing efforts to resolve these elevation issues while ensuring compliance with existing regulations. He emphasized the need for careful planning to avoid complications that could arise from manipulating the grading further.

As the public testimony portion of the meeting concluded, staff recommendations were presented. Mr. Schmeling outlined the findings of the review committee, which supported a proposed rezoning action. The recommendation involved amending the general development plan for the Sailing Hawks development, specifically reducing the density in Phase 3 from 63 lots to 22 lots. This adjustment aims to better align with the topographical challenges presented by the site.

The staff's recommendations included several conditions, such as the necessity for an amended subdivision plat to reflect the new lot configuration and ensuring that the elevations for proposed lots do not exceed those of existing lots. Additionally, specific public utility easements were mandated along various street frontages to facilitate infrastructure development.

The applicant acknowledged understanding and agreement with the recommendations, indicating a collaborative approach moving forward. The meeting concluded with a clear path for the proposed changes to be forwarded to the city council for further consideration. Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of addressing topographical challenges in urban planning while adhering to regulatory frameworks.