Commission approves narrower rear setback for certain commercial lots abutting alleys

The Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 on March 5 to amend the municipal code (Title 17, Chapter 17.38) to allow a 5-foot building setback for commercial lots that back onto an alley when there is no residential property across the alley.

Staff (S6) explained the change by noting that where an alley exists the alley width plus a reduced 5-foot setback “still had at least a 25 foot or 30 foot setback as compared to the 15 foot that’s required when they’re actually back to back.” During the hearing S6 described the proposal plainly as asking “that that setback be reduced from 15 feet to 5 feet.”

Commissioners pressed staff on practical implications: Commissioner (S7) asked whether reduced setbacks would interfere with trash or utility access. Staff (S6) said public utility easements would be taken into account and that developers must provide screened trash enclosures with clear access per city code and service-provider requirements. Staff also noted alleys in the city are typically 20 to 25 feet wide where present.

Commissioner (S7) moved to adopt the amendment; Commissioner (S5) seconded and the clerk (S2) recorded the vote as seven in favor and the motion carried. The amendment was presented as a targeted technical change intended to allow additional development flexibility where alleys already provide separation from residential uses.

The code text is available on the city website per staff; staff said no immediate implementation steps beyond adoption were specified at the meeting.