Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – May 7, 2026

This regular meeting of the Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Delphai; Commissioner Kramer participated via Zoom. The meeting included a call to the public, approval of minutes, two public hearing action items, and a discussion-only item on the 2026 General Plan Update.

Call to the Public

• Pamela Smith reminded attendees of a candidate forum for Legislative District 30 on June 9, 2026, at Praise Chapel (590 Hancock). Doors open at 5:30 p.m., forum at 6:30 p.m. Questions can be submitted to Colorado River Republican Women at Yahoo.com.
• Eva Genevese announced that new Police Chief Paul George is holding meet-and-greet events: one on May 7, and two on May 8 (12:00 p.m. at El Taro and 4:00 p.m. at Laughlin Ranch banquet room).

Approval of Minutes

• Agenda Item 1: Motion to approve the April 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes as read. Seconded. Vote: 6 in favor (all present). Motion carried.

Discussion Items

Agenda Item 2 – Zoning Map Change Z24-002 / Subdivision S23-003 Amendment #1 (Desert Rose)

This was a public hearing for a request to amend Stipulation No. 11 of Ordinance No. 2024-08 to allow the applicant an additional two years to record the final plat for the Desert Rose project – a 4.8-acre parcel (Parcel G of Chaparral Terrace Estates, Tract 4020) off Riverview Drive and San Carlos Drive. The project originally approved for 88 multifamily units was rezoned to single-family PAD for 44 units. The extension was requested due to delays in acquiring additional land for access. Staff noted the project would better fit the neighborhood. No public comment. Commissioners discussed and then moved to accept the request as presented. Motion, seconded, vote: 6 in favor. Motion carried.

Agenda Item 3 – Preliminary Plat S26-003 (The Residences at Parkside)

This was a public hearing for approval of a preliminary plat on a 20.85-acre parcel (Lot 004 of City Centre District, Lot 4 and 5, Tract 5178) directly south of the Council Chambers. The site is already under construction for grading, drainage, and utilities. The subdivision was originally approved as a single parcel (build-to-rent community), but the developer now proposes to subdivide into 155 individual lots for single-family homes to be sold to a contractor who will build the homes. Staff confirmed that all improvements (streets, sidewalks, utilities, walls) were designed to meet city standards and will be completed before home construction. The setbacks and other standards had already been approved. Commissioners asked about walls, timing, and whether the developer would build homes. The project will proceed with lot sales to a contractor. No public comment. Motion to accept the request as written, seconded. Vote: 6 in favor. Motion carried.

Agenda Item 4 – 2026 General Plan Update (Discussion Only)

Staff presented a review of the last four sections of the draft 2026 General Plan (Sections 5–8), building on the previous meeting’s discussion of the first three sections.

• Section 5 – Open Space and Recreation: Highlights recent park improvements (Community Park, Rotary Park, Gary Keith Park, Chaparral Golf Course, trailheads). The section and map were updated; goals from the 2016 plan are carried forward. A new policy was added based on Parks and Recreation Commission feedback.
• Section 6 – Cost of Development: Carried forward from the 2016 plan, focusing on ensuring developers pay their fair share of public improvements (roads, utilities, etc.).
• Section 7 – Environmental Element: Covers protection of natural and cultural resources, stormwater runoff, limiting development in washes/floodways, air quality, and coordination with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on potential zero-emission transit vehicles.
• Section 8 – Water Resource Element: Updated with input from the Utilities Director. Highlights a water conservation plan that has kept usage increase to 1.7% despite a 20% population increase over 20 years. Discussed turf reduction, low-water landscaping, and reclaimed water use.

Commissioners raised several topics:

• Parks map: The future golf course site (southeast Laughlin Ranch) that may become a conservation park if approved by voters. The revised map will include proposed changes from the May 5 City Council workshop.
• Fire Station Park on McCormick Boulevard: Status remains “to be determined” per the Parks Master Plan.
• Bus route to upper McCormick: Currently no bus service; MPO is seeking a consultant for a master study covering roads and public transit.
• Community survey: Staff noted a survey will be posted on the website in a few days. Commissioner Bart suggested adding a question about data centers due to public concern, but staff noted the plan is general and does not specify uses; future project-level reviews will provide many opportunities for public input. Federal legislation limiting local zoning authority over data centers was also mentioned.
• Roads: Commissioner Bart suggested grading planned roadways as dirt roads until funds are available for paving, possibly aiding UTV access. Staff noted this would be a conversation with Public Works and City Council.
• Low-cost loans: Commissioner Bart proposed the city offer low-cost loans to individuals for developing homes in target areas (e.g., Riviera). Staff recommended raising this during the budget process.
• Palm trees: Commissioner Bart proposed making palm trees the city tree and incentivizing their planting to create a “palm desert” identity. Staff noted the city’s required plant list already includes palms but is extensive.
• Redevelopment of Old Bullhead/Riviera: Commissioner expressed interest in revitalizing the area with incentives for residential development. Staff noted the General Plan includes goals for redevelopment.
• Laughlin Ranch industrial area: Discussion about the potential for light industrial/data centers. Commissioner Bart reported that the landowner has companies waiting to fill spaces, including aerospace. Staff explained that the formal submittal would require resident buy-in and public hearings before any General Plan amendment.

Public Comment: Johnny offered perspective that the General Plan Update is a broad overview satisfying state requirements, and specific details are handled at later stages.

No action was taken on this item. The next steps include a special meeting on May 21, 2026 (5:30 p.m. at the Optimum Center) and a June 4, 2026 meeting to recommend approval to City Council (scheduled for June 16, 2026).

Key Outcomes

• Agenda Item 1: Minutes of April 9, 2026 approved unanimously (6-0).
• Agenda Item 2: Approved the two-year extension for the Desert Rose final plat (6-0).
• Agenda Item 3: Approved the preliminary plat for The Residences at Parkside (155 lots) (6-0).
• Agenda Item 4: No action taken; discussion only. The General Plan Update will be brought back to the Commission on May 21 and June 4, 2026.