The Yucca Valley Planning Commission swore in and welcomed the new Planning Commissioner Gerry Noonan and approved several permits relating to Western Joshua Trees and native plants. Reporter Hilary Sloane joins us with a full breakdown of the meeting…
At last night’s (March 8) meeting, the Commission approved various permits for the encroachment within 10 feet of Joshua Trees in several locations affected by the sewer project. In addition, the Commission approved permits to transplant 48 Mojave Yuccas and transplant 21 California Junipers at 56242 Carlsbad Court and removed 27 Mojave Yucca clusters and 24 California Juniper clusters at 56970 Buena Suerte.Â
The Planning Commission previously approved the preliminary landscape and lighting plans for Domino’s, located west of the northwest corner of Twentynine Palms Highway and Balsa Avenue. However, the Committee requested a revision to the landscape and lighting plans. The applicant increased the size and the number of plants and replaced the original plans for 2.2-foot candles with 0.5-foot candles.
The Planning Commission also reviewed additional permitting for the removal or destruction of Joshua Trees. Mr. Schroeder, doing work for Southern California Edison, was incorrectly informed that Edison was exempt from regulations regarding relocating Joshua Trees at 58425 Sierra Vista Drive. Southern California Edison has paid all mitigation fees.
The applicant for the permit at 5375 Indio Avenue paid all citations for the destruction of two Joshua Trees but explained they could not find the grading contractor. Commissioner Napientek requested the Committee stay abreast of this situation and assure the contractor is informed of the regulations. The permit was approved.
The meeting ended with a permit request to transplant five Joshua trees at an overflow parking lot at the Brehm Park Sports Complex and plans for future discussions for murals to be brought up at the next meeting.
