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Council approves City Center preliminary plat after extended debate over build-to-rent approach
Summary
The council approved a preliminary plat for City Center District Lots 4 and 5 that creates a single 20.85-acre residential parcel intended for a 155-unit build-to-rent concept and a 1.96-acre commercial lot; the vote was 5-2 after public concern about corporate ownership and private streets.
The Bullhead City Council on July 15 approved a preliminary plat for City Center District Lots 4 and 5 that would create a 20.85-acre residential parcel (proposed for about 155 housing units) and a 1.96-acre commercial parcel at the Highway 95 and Riverview Drive intersection. The motion passed 5-2.
Why it matters: The plat allows the developer to keep the large residential parcel as a single taxable parcel rather than immediately subdividing it into 155 individual lots. That choice preserves flexibility for a "build-to-rent" model the developer described, a form of multifamily housing made up of detached single-family structures on a single-owned property. Opponents said the approach risks concentrated corporate ownership of neighborhoods and could set a precedent for future development.
Planning manager Johnny Laura told the council the plat matches the zoning and conceptual plan previously approved by the city; the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 5-1 vote. Developer Jacob (Jake) Korda said the intention is a build-to-rent concept that could include mostly two-bedroom units with garages and backyards; he described build-to-rent as "effectively a multifamily property" and said the design gives flexibility depending on market conditions.
Members of the public and several council members pressed for more detail. Resident Hart Anderson urged the council to deny the plat, saying: "I came to Bullhead because we're a smaller community, and I don't want corporations coming in and running our community." Staff attorney Garn (city counsel/staff) explained that approval of the single-parcel plat would allow rentable units consistent with the city's single-family residential zoning but would not automatically create individual tax parcels; converting to individual lots later would require a separate amended plat and public review.
Council discussion covered: the difference between build-to-rent and apartment complexes, whether an HOA would apply if parcels were later sold, private interior streets and the conditions under which the city would accept dedication of streets in the future, and market uncertainty about whether a developer would construct the build-to-rent product. A motion to approve the preliminary plat was made and seconded; the final vote was 5 in favor, 2 opposed.
The council directed staff to continue review under standard permitting steps. If the developer later seeks to convert the parcel to individual lots and dedicate streets, public works staff said the roads would need to be built or improved to city standards before acceptance.
