The Lake Havasu City Council voted 6‑0 Tuesday to approve ordinance number 25‑1373, a planned development rezone and amended general development plan for property at 5601 Highway 95 (the Shops at Lake Havasu), allowing a proposed 102‑unit multifamily residential project on about 4.54 acres.

Staff presentation described the location just south of Walmart and noted the applicant proposes six modular three‑story buildings with a mix of one‑ and two‑bedroom units, exterior access, balconies, and shared parking with adjacent commercial uses. The request includes exceptions to covered parking requirements and a building height measured at 32 feet above the approved pad in limited portions of the site. Staff said the development would remain subject to design review and building permits and must comply with cross‑access and shared parking easements.

Applicant Chad Nelson told the council the city has a housing shortfall and aging rental stock, citing a low vacancy rate (about 1.2%) and a housing study that previously estimated a need for roughly 1,500 units. Nelson said factory‑built modular construction and shared parking will lower costs; the team expects targeted rents approximately 10% below market, about $1,200 for a one‑bedroom and $1,500 for a two‑bedroom unit. The developer emphasized there are no public subsidies for the project.

Public comment included support from local real estate professionals and developers who argued the project would catalyze mall activity, and concerns from residents about loss of dedicated residential parking and management/enforcement of shared mall parking. Staff and the applicant said CC&Rs, CAM fees and mall security would address many parking concerns and that the project must meet ADA and city code requirements.

Vice Mayor Michelle Lynn moved to adopt the ordinance and Council member Nancy Campbell seconded; the motion carried 6‑0.