Golden Valley Dorado plan draws widespread opposition over water, roads and services

Mohave County's Planning and Zoning Commission heard hours of public comment on a proposed change to the county general plan for the Dorado area of Golden Valley that residents contend would allow far more homes than local infrastructure and water supplies can support. The discussion, which began during the commission's review of the countywide general-plan update, drew dozens of speakers on both sides and no formal vote.

Residents, a community organizer and multiple speakers identified development impacts as their primary concern, saying the land'use shift under the proposal would allow thousands of homes and a dramatic population increase over current zoning. "Growth really should be thoughtful, not explosive or exploitive," Golden Valley resident and organizer Danielle Oliket told the commission.

County staff said the session was for presentation and discussion, not final actions, and explained the regulatory steps that would be required before any housing is built. "Any subdivision with property sizes that are less than 1 acre in size are required to provide a centralized sewer system," a Development Services staff member told the commission, adding that utility providers must sign letters of capacity and required improvements must be completed before construction can begin.

What was proposed and why it matters

The area in question is currently zoned predominantly for large agricultural residential parcels under the county's 2015 general…