STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission Members
FROM: Planning Division Staff
REQUEST:Title
A Request to Rezone a Portion of 2400 Wood Lane, Tract 135G, Block 2, Lot 3A, Approximately 2,810 Square Feet, from Golf Course (GC) to Residential Estates (R-E) District (Trevor Kearns)
Body
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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Application No.: |
25-5002 (PZ2025-00205) |
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Property Legal: |
Tract 135G, Block 2, Lot 3A |
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Property Address |
2400 Wood Lane |
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Lot Size: |
.35 Acres |
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Applicant: |
Stuart Schmelling |
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Owner: |
Daniel & Heather Shevitski |
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Staff Project Manager: |
Trevor Kearns |
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Current/Proposed Zoning: |
GC (Golf Course)/R-E (Residential Estates) |
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Existing/Proposed Use: |
Golf Course/Residential |
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Proposed Number of Lots/Units: |
N/A |
SITE ANALYSIS:
The subject property measures .35 acres and is developed with a single-family home. It is located on Wood Lane south of Hogan Lane. The residential properties in the area are zoned R-E and developed with single-family homes. The Lake Havasu City Golf Club abuts the property and is zoned GC. The property currently has two zoning districts, Residential Estates (R-E) and Golf Course (GC). Area and Zoning maps are attached.
PROPERTY AND APPLICATION BACKGROUND:
The subject property abuts the Lake Havasu Golf Course. The property owner purchased an abutting portion of property from the golf course and tied it to their residential property in 2025, resulting in the property having both R-E and GC zoning. This request is to rezone the old golf course portion of the property from GC to R-E, so it will match the balance of the residential lot. This will permit the property owner to use the added golf course land for residential uses and accessory structures that would not be permitted in the current zoning.
In 2016, the City adopted the current Development Code. Prior to that adoption, the golf course was zoned R-E just like all the adjacent residential lots. Concern was expressed at that time regarding the impending sale and possible redevelopment of the course. As a result, the Golf Course District was created.
The new golf course owners embarked on a plan to upgrade the golf course, which resulted in unused portions being sold to many of the adjacent residential owners. The Zoning Administrator determined these small pieces needed to be rezoned in order for the residential owners to develop the property as one lot. The rezone will allow the property owner to apply the R-E building setbacks and uses to the entire combined property. Without the rezone, the GC portion of the property is limited to landscaping, grading, and retaining walls and has a very large setback requirement.
A Citizens’ Meeting was held on August 18, 2025. The applicant attended the meeting, there were no other attendees or responses. The Citizen s’ Meeting Summary is provided as an attachment.
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION/CONFORMITY:
It is determined that the General Plan Future Land Use map designates the properties as Low Density Residential. The primary use of this designation is Single-Family housing with a secondary use of schools, parks, recreation, and religious uses in a neighborhood setting; accessory structures. The proposed development is in conformance with the goals and policies of the Lake Havasu City General Plan.
The following General Plan Goals and Policies support the request:
GM.1.1.c - Service levels: Allow development in areas that can be reasonably serviced by police, fire, and emergency response services without negatively impacting service levels or increasing costs for current users.
LU.1.1.c - Infill and redevelopment: Support infill development and the assemblage of small lots, redevelopment of underutilized properties or obsolete uses, and the adaptive reuse of vacant structures for new uses as means to maintain a compact urban form and leverage the availability of existing services, utilities, transportation, and schools.
HN.1.1.a - Existing Housing Stock: Support the retention of existing housing stock throughout the City. Encourage ongoing maintenance and promote reinvestment and improvements in declining areas.
PF.2.1.a - Infill Development: Maximize the existing investment in infrastructure by encouraging infill development within the existing platted area of the City.
FINDINGS REQUIRED FOR ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS:
Section 14.05.04(K)(6) of the Lake Havasu City Development Code requires findings be met before a Zoning Map Amendment is approved. Those findings and Staff’s analysis of each finding is as follows:
(6)(a)(1). The proposed amendment is consistent with the maps and policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.
The proposed amendment is consistent with the maps and policies of the currently adopted General Plan and is not subject to a specific plan.
(6)(a)(2). The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or general welfare of the City.
This proposed rezoning request would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or general welfare of the city. The proposed amendment is a minimal change to the surrounding area.
(6)(c)(1). The area under consideration is an appropriate area for treatment as a unit in zoning;
The subject piece of land is currently zoned Golf Course (GC) and is adjacent to the proposed Residential Estates (R-E) zoning.
(6)(c)(2). A current public need has been demonstrated for the range of uses allowed by the requested zoning district;
The requested zoning district will allow the owner to develop the property as one Residential Estates District property.
(6)(c)(3). The public need is best met by the proposed zoning map change on the proposed land as compared with other viable property zoned for the proposed uses or susceptible to rezoning for the proposed uses;
The requested zoning district will enhance development of the adjacent residential use. The property will have a single zoning classification and will be allowed to develop per the Residential Estates (R-E) District standards.
(6)(c)(4). The surrounding property would not be adversely affected by approval of the request, or the adverse effects are properly addressed by conditions that may be placed on the approval;
The surrounding property would not be adversely affected by approval of the request. The rezone request will be consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
(6)(c)(5). All public safety facilities and all public facilities and services to the uses allowed by the proposed zoning are available, or may be made available in conjunction with development, and the construction of any required improvements needed to meet City standards is guaranteed by binding agreement between the developer and the City and/or are programmed for installation in the City’s capital improvements budget for the current year. Public facilities and services shall include drainage, sewer, transportation, and water services that conform to adopted master service plans and are installed in compliance with adopted city construction standards;
All public safety facilities and all public facilities and services to the uses allowed by the proposed zoning are available.
(6)(c)(6). Areas requested to be rezoned for multi-family, commercial, or industrial uses shall, as a prerequisite to approval of the requested zoning, be first included within a city drainage, sewer, and water service district for which master service plans have been adopted.
Not applicable.
COMMENTS FROM OTHER REVIEWERS:
No objections were received from any other reviewing agencies or departments.
OTHER REQUIRED ACTIONS:
This item is scheduled to be heard by the City Council at its December 9, 2025, meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
Area Map
Zoning Map
Letter of Intent/Citizens’ Meeting Summary
Parcel Plat Map
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to recommend approval to the City Council of Land Use Action No. 25-5002, rezoning a portion of 2400 Wood Lane, Tract 135G, Block 2, Lot 3A, from Golf Course to Residential Estates District.