Lake Havasu City is now ready to implement the first steps in establishing a Commercial and Health District near the downtown area.

On Thursday, Oct. 16 the city Planning Division will host the first of two Citizen Review Meetings to discuss the zoning map changes of an area that includes properties along McCulloch Boulevard, Mesquite Avenue and Swanson Avenue from Lake Havasu Avenue to Smoketree Avenue.

The meeting will take place inside the Council Chambers at the Lake Havasu City Police Facility at 5:30 p.m. with a second meeting soon to follow on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.

City planners indicated the purpose of the meetings is to inform and gather public input on the new Commercial and Health District zoning standards. They will also be answering questions and addressing concerns of property owners in the area and everyday citizens.

The Lake Havasu City Council approved the rezoning of the district from C1 (Limited Commercial) to CHD (Commercial and Health District) at a meeting held Aug. 26.

The city is hoping to encourage commercial, retail and healthcare-related business development in the area.

Regulations for building heights call for a maximum building height of 36 feet for commercial lots that have parking-in-common areas and up to 60 feet for any other commercial lots.

Many of the properties included in the new health district run along McCulloch Boulevard and Mesquite Boulevard near Havasu Regional Medical Center.

The meetings are being held as part of Phase 1 of the new CHD. Future meetings may occur if warranted.

For more information on the new CHD standards go to www.lhcaz.gov/development_planning.htm.