Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting – August 19, 2026

The Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting included a public hearing on a Major Conditional Use Permit for a boat detailing business (classified as a car wash) and a public hearing on proposed text amendments to the City Code to comply with Arizona Senate Bill 1473 regarding Accessory Residential Care Homes. The Commission voted to approve the CUP and recommended approval of the code amendments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval (ID 26-5345): The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the August 5, 2026 regular meeting (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Long, resident: Spoke in support of the Accessory Residential Care Home amendments. She noted she has been researching the legislation for two to three years and plans to open a small assisted living home called "Journeys Assisted Living." She clarified that under Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licensing, a room requires 120 sq. ft. for two occupants and 80 sq. ft. for one, and closets are not required; thus a four-bedroom home could accommodate up to eight residents, not ten. She asked whether special use permits or rezoning would still be required; staff confirmed that under the proposed amendments, such homes would be a permitted accessory use in all residential districts.

Discussion Items

• Correspondence & Announcements: Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert announced that the regular meeting scheduled for September 16, 2026, would be canceled due to a lack of items.
• ID 26-5328 – Major Conditional Use Permit for 2995 Kiowa Boulevard North (Car Wash / Boat Detailing): Mr. Gilbert presented the staff report. The property is a new eight-suite commercial building in the Limited Commercial District – North Kiowa Overlay (C-1/NKO). The applicant, Chris Howard, seeks to operate a boat detailing business (defined as a car wash) in Suite 110. No boat repair will occur. The city engineer determined a sand/oil separator is not required.
  • Commissioner Questions: Chair Harris questioned the definition of “car wash,” stating his belief that the original intent was for large mechanical car washes, not small detailing operations. Commissioner Stevenson asked about chemical runoff and screening; the rear is fenced and activities will be contained there. Commissioner Thornton asked about future use and stormwater management; Mr. Gilbert explained that any new similar use would require a new CUP and review.
  • Applicant: Chris Howard stated hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Mr. Gilbert presented seven conditions of code compliance: (1) Activities only within Suite 110; (2) vehicles parked only in designated spaces; (3) outdoor equipment must minimize noise, odor, overspray; (4) wash water runoff contained onsite; (5) watercraft stored in rear storage area; (6) no overnight storage of business equipment in shared parking; (7) deliveries/towing must not obstruct access.
  • Motion and Vote: Vice Chair Dzuro moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-06 approving the CUP with the seven conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Stevenson. Passed unanimously (6-0).
• ID 26-5319 – Text Amendments to City Code for Accessory Residential Care Homes: Mr. Gilbert explained that Arizona Senate Bill 1473, effective September 12, 2026, prohibits cities from preventing state-licensed Accessory Residential Care Homes (ARCH) from housing up to 10 unrelated residents, as defined in ARS § 36-401. The amendments apply only to facilities licensed by ADHS (e.g., assisted living, adult foster care); sober living and drug rehabilitation homes remain limited to six unrelated residents. Staff proposed minimal code amendments adding ARCH as an accessory use in all residential zones, updating definitions, and deferring to state/federal occupancy laws.
  • Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Stevenson asked about enforcement and the possibility of 10 people in a two-bedroom home. Mr. Gilbert and Development Services Director Jeff Thuneman explained that ADHS determines licensing occupancy; the City retains building and fire codes but cannot impose a more restrictive limit than the license. Residential occupancy classification (R3 vs. R4) may require fire sprinklers for homes with more than five residents. Chair Harris noted Building and Fire Codes have occupancy formulas but the new law restricts their use for ARCHs. Commissioner Stevenson acknowledged the state mandate.
  • Public Testimony: Jennifer Long provided details on ADHS square footage requirements, as noted above.
  • Motion and Vote: Vice Chair Dzuro moved to recommend approval of the amendments as outlined. Seconded by Commissioner Thornton. Passed (5-0) with Commissioner Lehr recused.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Major Conditional Use Permit (Resolution No. 26-06) for a car wash (boat detailing) at 2995 Kiowa Boulevard North, with seven conditions of code compliance. Vote: 6-0.
• Recommended to City Council: Text amendments to City Code Sections 14.03.02, 14.03.03.E.6, and 14.06.03 relating to Accessory Residential Care Homes, to comply with SB 1473. Vote: 5-0 (Commissioner Lehr recused). The recommendation will be presented to City Council at its regular meeting on September 8, 2026; the new state law takes effect September 12, 2026.
• Meeting Adjourned: at 9:31 a.m.