Mohave County adopts ordinance requiring dust‑mitigation plans for new subdivisions after Fort Mojave complaints

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors on May 4 adopted Ordinance 2026‑03, amending the county’s Land Division Regulations to require developers to file a dust control and mitigation plan with preliminary plat applications and to implement and maintain that plan if the subdivision is approved.

Director of Development Services Director Holtry told the board the measure responds to repeated community complaints about large, un‑mitigated grading operations in areas such as Fort Mojave and is intended to give the county enforcement authority to pursue violations and seek remedies, including possible court action. "This is an amendment to the land division regulations… it would require that any new subdivision… provide a dust mitigation plan," Holtry said during his overview.

Dozens of Fort Mojave residents and public‑safety officials described years of property damage, reduced visibility on local roads and health concerns tied to fugitive dust from recent large‑scale grading. "We are here to express our strong support for this ordinance," said Sandra Thomas, a Fort Mojave resident, who showed photos and video she said documented three years of dust problems after grading for the Sun Valley Air Park development. Fire officials and first responders also urged strict enforcement, saying dust had impaired equipment operation and station access. "Dust has impacted equipment operations… This is a public facility serving all residents," said Fort Mojave Mesa Fire representative Chris Partardi.

Speakers emphasized that the ordinance’s value depends on follow‑through. "An ordinance only works if it is applied and followed through," Thomas told the board; several speakers asked the county to ensure the mitigation plans are actually carried out, inspected and enforced over time.

Supervisor Martin moved to approve the ordinance. The motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote.

The ordinance requires that developers present a site‑specific mitigation plan for approval during the preliminary plat stage; the board and the planning commission will review the plans and development services will have the authority to pursue enforcement for violations. The county did not, in the meeting, adopt a prescriptive list of required measures; Holtry said plans will be tailored to local soils and conditions and that standards will be reviewed during permitting.

Next steps: the ordinance is now adopted and will be applied to new subdivisions. Residents and county staff said they expect to monitor initial applications closely and to seek concrete enforcement when plans are not implemented.