Commission begins public review of Bullhead City 2026 General Plan update and seeks broad public input
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Summary
Planning staff presented the draft 2026 General Plan and asked commissioners for feedback on goals and objectives; the commission discussed land use (including Old Bullhead/River District overlays), circulation and connector roads, coordination with the regional MPO, and public outreach; no formal action was taken.
Bullhead City staff opened the first of several Planning and Zoning Commission discussions on the draft 2026 General Plan on April 29, outlining the update process, timelines, and the elements the commission will review in coming meetings.
Staff said the city must update its general plan every 10 years and described a four-meeting schedule with additional public outreach; the plan is posted on the city website, a survey will be available online, and staff will solicit feedback at public meetings and from other local agencies and commissions. Staff said the plan is scheduled to go to the November general election for voter approval.
Key discussion points: Commissioners focused on the land use element — which guides zoning and development decisions — and expressed interest in revitalizing Old Bullhead (referred to as the River District) using overlays or zoning changes to encourage mixed use. Commissioners also raised the need for additional north–south and Parkway–95 connector roads; staff pointed to the circulation element and noted the new Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will commission a transportation study covering the region and funding options.
Commissioners emphasized pairing code enforcement and demolition of dilapidated structures with targeted redevelopment to encourage private investment in neighborhoods such as Riviera. Staff noted prior redevelopment-area work that cleared and improved properties and said the general plan contains goals and policies that can support those efforts. Several commissioners recommended clearer, less philosophical wording for the plan and staff said future meetings would iterate on specific sections.
No vote was required on this agenda item; staff asked commissioners to collect public input and provide comments during the next meetings so staff can compile and incorporate them for a June recommendation to council.
