Commission approves exception to sidewalks and streetlights in Northpointe subdivision after debate
Loading...
Summary
The Mohave County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a petition of exception allowing the remainder of the Northpointe Subdivision to be built without sidewalks or streetlights to match older phases, despite resident safety concerns and a 6–4 vote.
The Mohave County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a petition of exception for the Northpointe Subdivision, allowing remaining infill phases to be developed without sidewalks or streetlights so the new phases will match older sections of the neighborhood.
Staff told the commission the petition seeks consistency with the subdivision’s earlier phases and recommended the request for consideration under standard conditions (staff presentation, SEG 112–129). Applicant Matt Hall, representing IRIS Development Services, said the developer wants the new streets to match the existing pattern and avoid “sidewalks to nowhere.” He told the commission: “We’re just trying to match the rest of the subdivision that’s out there” (Matt Hall, SEG 169–174).
Several commissioners and residents pushed back on safety grounds. Commissioner Hubbard said sidewalks are necessary near the highway and lake, describing people who walk there in the mornings and noting risks from drivers: “People … have to walk in the middle of the street if there’s no sidewalk” (Commissioner Hubbard, SEG 152–164). Another commissioner cited the subdivision ordinance that requires sidewalks and streetlights in certain subdivisions and said streetlights are needed for safety (Commissioner Kirkham, SEG 230–241). Staff and other commissioners responded that much of the subdivision predates the newer requirements and that exceptions are considered case by case to maintain consistency (staff response, SEG 260–277). Vice Chair Gillette and other commissioners also noted some neighborhoods prefer no streetlights to preserve dark skies (Vice Chair Gillette, SEG 300–307).
After discussion the commission moved to approve the item under staff conditions. The motion passed 6–4; the clerk recorded the action as approved (vote tally announced, SEG 358–360). The approval allows site-plan review and any required engineering to proceed; developers will still need to meet other site-plan requirements for drainage, parking and fencing as part of later reviews.
What happens next: The commission’s recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors as part of the normal process; any site-plan or subdivision permits must still be approved by county staff and public works.
