Lake Havasu City seeks public input on general plan update and proposed switch to 2024 building code

City officials said the general plan update is underway and statutorily required every 10 years; staff described a multi‑track public engagement process with a technical advisory committee of city subject‑matter experts, a citizens’ steering committee and public workshops. “If you want to have an impact on what Havasu wants to look like over the next 10 years… now is the time to do it,” Mayor Cal Sheehy said, adding the plan will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission and then the City Council before voter ratification in November 2026. On building codes, City Manager Jessica Knudson and staff said the city currently operates under the 2018 International Building Code and is considering adopting the 2024 building and fire codes. Knudson said staff will engage the building community and residents via the Chamber Building Alliance, surveys and meetings to explain changes and collect feedback before any council decision. “We want feedback from our residents. We want feedback from the building community to ensure… safety and without inconveniencing the building community,” Knudson said. Officials said the general plan process narrowed 17 statutory factors into five themes to focus public discussion and that youth engagement and zoning code follow‑up will be part of the work. Sheehy noted that if voters reject the updated general plan, the current plan would remain in effect and the city would revisit the process.