Commission upholds lot-line adjustment near Lake Havasu Golf Course; neighbor appeal denied 5-1

The Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 2 upheld the zoning administrator’s approval of a lot-line adjustment that added 4,893 square feet of golf-course property to a residential lot on Leonard Lane, denying a neighboring property owner’s appeal by a 5–1 vote.

City staff told the commission that five nearby properties had recently been the subject of lot-line adjustments around the Lake Havasu Golf Course; three were approved, one was withdrawn and the Leonard Lane parcel remained the subject of the current appeal. Staff said the request was reviewed under the subdivision code (chapter 13) and met all six criteria required for approval: no new roads or streets were needed; the change complied with applicable zoning and general plan standards; utilities and drainage would remain adequate; adjoining land would retain developability and access; created lots fit the development pattern and densities of the immediate area; and any accessory structures would be required to match the main residence’s exterior materials.

Staff explained the adjustment did not change the underlying zoning: the residential parcel remains partially in RE (Residential Estate) zoning and the added area remains zoned GC (Golf Course). Building setbacks for future residential structures would be governed by the RE portion of the lot (staff cited typical setbacks of 25 feet front, 20 feet rear and 10 feet side) and golf-course-zoned portions commonly carry a 50-foot building setback from property lines. Staff emphasized that a lot-line adjustment alone does not rezone property; any future rezoning would require separate notice and hearings.

Jerry Symansky, the appellant and a neighboring property owner, told the commission he bought his house several years earlier and raised concerns that extending the adjacent lot farther into the golf course would block his view, reduce property value and likely lead to fences or screens to protect against errant golf balls. Lee Johnson of APL Surveying, who submitted the lot-line adjustment application, said the proposed lot line included a 45-degree cut intended to preserve the neighbor’s sightline toward the green rather than extending the line straight back.

Commission discussion noted that the appeal process for subdivision decisions is prescribed by chapter 13 and that the commission’s review should focus on whether the six subdivision review criteria were met. Commissioner Nelson moved to uphold the zoning administrator’s approval of Item ID 19-1873 with staff recommendations; Commissioner McGowan seconded. The motion carried 5–1, with two commissioners excused for this item. The outcome maintains the original administrative approval of the lot-line adjustment.

The decision does not change zoning on the properties; any future rezoning applications would require separate review and public notice.