Commission approves corrections and time extensions for Heights at Laughlin Ranch amid resident concerns over roads, water and sewer
February 05, 2026 | Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona
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The Bullhead City Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 5 approved a set of amendments and extensions for the long‑planned Heights at Laughlin Ranch subdivision, but residents who live on Paddlewheel Cove and nearby streets urged the city and property owners to resolve questions about access, water and sewer capacity before construction proceeds.
Staff explained the requests as technical corrections and timing extensions tied to a 2008 approval for the Heights. The primary request was an amendment to correct dimensional requirements — changing the zoning label to R1L D6 so that existing lot widths conform to the city code rather than requiring numerous exemptions. Staff told commissioners the change corrects an "erroneous designation" from the original approval and does not alter the original count of 185 lots.
Multiple residents told the commission they were concerned about narrow private streets being used for access, blind corners at Cochran Drive and Side Wheel, chronic low water pressure in parts of Paddlewheel Cove and sewer capacity near the parkway. "I'm really concerned about the water supply, sand in the water, water pressure issues," said William Korn of Paddlewheel Cove. Several speakers said mailed notices did not reach all affected homeowners.
Developer representatives said they do not intend to build low‑income housing and said the owners have discussed traffic and access options with city staff and the Laughlin Ranch HOA. "We don't intend to build low income housing," said owner Rick Alban. He also said existing approvals and a prior traffic analysis addressed the 185‑lot layout and that the owners would work with the HOA on design and access.
Planning staff clarified that utility design and any needed upgrades are handled during the final plat and engineering review; if upgrades beyond existing infrastructure are necessary, the developer must fund them before the city accepts the roads and utilities. "The developer has to pay for any improvements that are required for their subdivision," staff said.
After public comment and discussion, the commission approved the zoning amendment (amendment #5) with a recorded vote of 4 in favor, 1 opposed, and separately approved the subdivision final plat extension (S06027) granting an additional two years for the developer to record the first phase, with the motion recorded as 3 in favor, 1 opposed.
Next steps: the planning commission’s approval is advisory; the City Council will make final decisions on the zoning and subdivision matters. Residents were advised to present comments to the council during its review.
(Reporting for this article is based on presentations, public comment and staff responses recorded during the Feb. 5 Planning & Zoning meeting.)
Staff explained the requests as technical corrections and timing extensions tied to a 2008 approval for the Heights. The primary request was an amendment to correct dimensional requirements — changing the zoning label to R1L D6 so that existing lot widths conform to the city code rather than requiring numerous exemptions. Staff told commissioners the change corrects an "erroneous designation" from the original approval and does not alter the original count of 185 lots.
Multiple residents told the commission they were concerned about narrow private streets being used for access, blind corners at Cochran Drive and Side Wheel, chronic low water pressure in parts of Paddlewheel Cove and sewer capacity near the parkway. "I'm really concerned about the water supply, sand in the water, water pressure issues," said William Korn of Paddlewheel Cove. Several speakers said mailed notices did not reach all affected homeowners.
Developer representatives said they do not intend to build low‑income housing and said the owners have discussed traffic and access options with city staff and the Laughlin Ranch HOA. "We don't intend to build low income housing," said owner Rick Alban. He also said existing approvals and a prior traffic analysis addressed the 185‑lot layout and that the owners would work with the HOA on design and access.
Planning staff clarified that utility design and any needed upgrades are handled during the final plat and engineering review; if upgrades beyond existing infrastructure are necessary, the developer must fund them before the city accepts the roads and utilities. "The developer has to pay for any improvements that are required for their subdivision," staff said.
After public comment and discussion, the commission approved the zoning amendment (amendment #5) with a recorded vote of 4 in favor, 1 opposed, and separately approved the subdivision final plat extension (S06027) granting an additional two years for the developer to record the first phase, with the motion recorded as 3 in favor, 1 opposed.
Next steps: the planning commission’s approval is advisory; the City Council will make final decisions on the zoning and subdivision matters. Residents were advised to present comments to the council during its review.
(Reporting for this article is based on presentations, public comment and staff responses recorded during the Feb. 5 Planning & Zoning meeting.)
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