Listen here:
The council chambers at Twentynine Palms City Hall were crowded last night with residents anxious to discuss potbellied pigs, two-story homes, and one hotly contested Vacation Home Rental permit. Reporter Heather Clisby was there.
The Twentynine Palms City Council kicked off 2023 with a lively two-hour meeting that left the council divided. At issue was the second appeal of a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit application at 68467 Sullivan Road. The property features two yet-unfinished structures on a 2.5-acre parcel built specifically as VHRs by a company that pitches their properties as “high-end boutique hotels.”
Representing herself and three other residents, Kat Talley-Jones addressed the council in a second attempt to block the permit approval. Jones first appeal was denied last November by the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission. Talley-Jones described the property as part of a network of LLCs that build structures specifically designed to be VHRs run by management companies. In this case, it is Fieldtrip Hospitality LLC, run by Josh Siegel. The company has 15 employees and recently opened an office in Yucca Valley.
Numerous residents, including Cindy Bernard, spoke up, citing a “loophole” in the city’s VHR ordinance and calling the problem a “hotel chain distributed in parts.”
One resident, Bo Cameron, wondered aloud, “How are they allowed to apply for a permit when construction is incomplete?”
Newly-elected Councilmember Octavious Scott, noting that his own neighborhood was flooded with VHRs, suggested tabling the application pending further discussion. Ultimately, the vote to deny Talley-Jones’ appeal landed with Councilmembers Klink and Mintz voting yes and Councilmembers Bilderain, Wright and Scott voting no. The city has currently issued 460 VHR permits, with 40 in process and eight on a waiting list, so the property owners may run out of time.
The next thorny issue pertained to the unwelcome construction of two-story homes in Indian Cove, built by a partner of Fieldtrip Hospitality LLC, known as Evoque Modern LLC – again, all built specifically as VHRs.
The city’s current building code does not limit stories, and it allows for a height maximum of 35 feet. After again hearing from frustrated residents about unsightly aesthetics and blocked views, the council directed staff to commence a study pertaining to the entire city.
With three vacancies on the planning commission, the method of appointments was discussed, with residents’ concerns around district representation. Traditionally, a two-member committee (usually the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem) reviews applicants and makes recommendations to the full council. It was determined that the method would remain but that newly-elected Councilmember Octavious Scott would also participate for educational purposes.
Earlier in the meeting, Animal Control Supervisor Rick Boyd presented to the council on amending the city’s Development Code to allow for keeping miniature pigs as pets. Boyd, who had personal experience with the animals, noted size restrictions and a limit of one per household (on one acre or less). Pig owner Karalee Hargrove spoke in favor of the update on behalf of her pig, Chubs, while property owner Karen Harper, spoke against the ordinance. Council approved the ordinance update 5-0.
The meeting also featured a presentation by Pat Flanagan, outgoing Chair of the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC).
The next meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council is Tuesday, February 14.
