Commission backs plan development rezone allowing Havasu Turf Pros larger outdoor storage

The Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 July 16 to recommend that the City Council approve a plan development rezone for 2415 and 2425 Kiowa Boulevard North to accommodate expanded outdoor storage for Havasu Turf Pros. City planner Mister Kearns told commissioners the two lots total about 0.76 acres and that Lot 2 currently contains Havasu Turf Pros’ existing operation. The request would change the zoning from Limited Commercial North Kiowa Overlay (C‑1/NK‑O) to a Limited Commercial North Kiowa Overlay Plan Development district (C‑1/NK‑O/PD) so the business could store materials up to 10 feet high (the current overlay allows 6 feet) and permit the outdoor storage area to exceed the area of the primary building. Mike Morris, general manager of Havasu Turf Pros, explained why the exception is needed: "Artificial turf rolls are 15 feet in length. So as far as storage... the storage of those rolls is gonna exceed the size of the 1,500 square foot building," he said. Morris confirmed the rolls would be stored outdoors. Staff described the overlay’s intent: early 2000s North Kiowa overlay regulations allowed accessory outdoor storage but limited it to an area smaller than the primary building so storage remains accessory to the business. The applicant asked for an exception because the business’s storage needs now exceed the existing building footprint. The commission’s recommendation includes five staff conditions: the development must substantially match the general development plan; the two lots must be combined prior to design review; a perimeter fence shall be an 8‑foot concrete masonry unit wall; the existing driveway on Lot 2 shall be shared future access for properties to the east; and building permits and design review are required prior to development. No members of the public spoke on the item. The motion to recommend approval was made by Commissioner Lair and passed 7 to 0. Why it matters: The change would allow a local landscaping supply business to expand outdoor storage legally under a site‑specific plan development zone while imposing design and access conditions intended to address neighborhood impacts.