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Bullhead City planning commission reviews 2026 general plan update, focusing on parks, water and Laughlin Ranch
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed the draft 2026 General Plan — including parks/open space, environmental policies, water resources and public outreach — and scheduled further review with a May 21 special meeting and a recommendation planned for June 4 ahead of a June 16 council hearing.
The City of Bullhead Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the draft 2026 General Plan in a discussion-only session on May 7, focusing on parks and open space, environmental policies, water resources and public outreach.
Presenter summarized the final four sections of the plan and said staff recommends carrying forward many goals from the 2016 plan. "Parks and rec has been a priority of the city over the last 10 years," the Presenter said, citing recent beach and trailhead projects, and noting the open-space map will be updated to reflect recent activity and Parks & Rec Commission input.
On water resources, staff said the plan was updated with input from Utilities Director Mark Clark and reiterated conservation measures. The Presenter stated the plan's data point that "water usage has only increased 1.7%, even though our population has increased by 20% in the last 20 years," and described tactics such as turf reduction, low-water landscaping and reclaimed water.
Commissioners pressed staff on outreach and how the plan will handle potential industrial uses in Laughlin Ranch. One commissioner asked directly, "Are you in favor or against data centers?" and urged adding a question to the public survey to gauge resident sentiment; staff replied that the survey addresses types of commercial and industrial uses but does not single out data centers because their presence is not yet confirmed and the general plan itself does not change zoning rights.
The commission discussed potential redevelopment of Riviera and the Old Bullhead riverfront area, and several commissioners suggested city incentives or lower-cost loans as a way to spur local redevelopment. Other ideas raised included temporary grading of planned roads to improve access and aesthetic proposals such as encouraging palm-tree plantings along the riverfront.
Staff said the MPO is seeking a consultant to study circulation (roads and transit) and that a consultant’s recommendations could shape transportation goals over the next decade. The commission set a special meeting for May 21 at the Optum Center (5:30 p.m.) to continue the update; staff said the commission will be asked for a recommendation on June 4 so the plan can go to council on June 16.
Because this item was discussion only, no formal action was taken; the commission will continue deliberations at the May 21 special meeting.
