Planning Commission reviews 2025 Mohave County General Plan amid community concerns

The Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission convened on June 11, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the county's General Plan, which is set to replace the 2015 version. The meeting included public testimony, with residents voicing their concerns and recommendations regarding future development in the area.

A key focus of the meeting was the evaluation of the proposed 2025 Mohave County General Plan. The commission emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the plan, which is required by Arizona law to be updated every ten years. The new plan aims to address various issues, including water resource management, zoning regulations, and community development.

Danielle Olykek, representing over 400 residents from Golden Valley, presented a petition outlining ten key priorities for the community. These priorities include preserving agricultural zoning, maintaining larger lot sizes, and ensuring responsible water usage in development projects. Olykek highlighted concerns about high water consumption from existing developments and the need for transparency regarding wastewater management, particularly in light of issues with the Ship Estates treatment plant.

The residents also expressed a desire to keep commercial zones along highways rather than in residential neighborhoods, revert certain properties back to suburban rural zoning, and prevent high-density housing in unincorporated areas. They emphasized the importance of preserving the region's dark skies and supporting local businesses over large corporations.

The commission acknowledged the residents' concerns and noted that the updated General Plan would incorporate feedback from community meetings held throughout the county. The staff indicated that the plan would not serve as a regulatory document but would guide future zoning decisions and development policies.

The commission plans to forward its recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which will hold a hearing on the General Plan on July 7, 2025. The outcome of this meeting will significantly impact the future development landscape of Mohave County, as it seeks to balance growth with the preservation of community values and resources.