Lake Havasu City Council approves minor general plan amendment and rezoning on Anita Avenue over council objections

The Lake Havasu City Council voted 6–1 on July 8 to adopt a minor amendment to the city’s general plan future land use map to change five parcels on Anita Avenue from low‑density residential to high‑density residential and, in a companion action, approved rezoning those same parcels from limited commercial (C‑1) to residential limited multifamily (R‑3) to allow a 10‑unit multifamily project.

City planner Trevor Kearns told the council the subject property is about 0.7 acres, currently undeveloped, and that the planning commission recommended approval by a 7–0 vote. Kearns said the applicant intends to combine the five lots into one parcel and build a multifamily project with a central courtyard and parking in the interior.

Council debate focused on the loss of a small commercial node adjacent to the site, driveway width and parking access, and neighborhood impacts. Council member Nancy Campbell said she wanted to “protect the integrity of that corner” and objected to replacing a commercial parcel with a narrow driveway that, she said, left little practical parking for any commercial building that might occupy the neighboring lot. Campbell said she was concerned a 26‑foot driveway “is just an oversized driveway” and argued the city should preserve remaining small commercial nodes in that area.

Tammy Ross, the applicant’s representative, answered questions about the site plan and confirmed the project’s parking would include covered parking and that the buildings would meet R‑3 standards. A nearby resident who spoke during the public hearing said neighbors preferred residential use rather than additional commercial uses because of worries about late‑night activity, trash and traffic.

Council member Jim Dolan moved the general plan amendment and the rezoning; both motions passed with six votes in favor and one opposed. The record shows no amendments to the proposed ordinance or resolution at the council meeting.

The actions change the land‑use designation and zoning of 2441, 2443, 2445, 2447 and 2449 Anita Avenue (Tract 2242 Block 1 Lots 6–10) and allow the applicant to pursue development under the R‑3 standards. The planning file and project plans remain the governing documents for building setbacks, parking calculations and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements.

Councilmembers who voted in favor were: Coke, Dolan, Diaz, Moses, Lynn and Kelshehe; Campbell voted against the measures.

The council’s vote advances the rezone to the procedural next steps for permits and building review by staff; no final building permits were issued at the meeting.