The Yucca Valley Planning Commission meeting began with a public hearing on commercial sidewalk displays. First discussed at their meeting on November 28, 2023, the Planning Commission has worked with Town Staff to craft an ordinance detailing regulation. Displays must not infringe on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access; they must not exceed six feet in height or five feet in width, are not to include commercial signage, and must be removed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. As long as they do not exceed 25% of building frontage, more permanent items such as propane storage, firewood displays, and vending machines are exempt from the requirements.
The Commission voted to approve the ordinance and advance it to the Town Council for review. The move of the long-discussed item was celebrated by the Commissioners, as noted by Vice Chair Vasconcelos.
“Moving forward and getting this adopted is going to help out the look of our community, clean it up a little bit, and make a standard so that everyone is treated fairly and equally in regards to what they can display in front of their businesses.”
Due to the absence of Commissioner Henderson, the Planning Commission moved to continue its discussion on commercial and recreational filming activities at Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental properties to its meeting on December 10. They proceeded to consider the proposed California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) consultant list. Town Staff compiled a list of 10 consultants deemed qualified to provide services without additional review, saving both time and costs with proposal processes for development projects. The list was approved as presented.
The Planning Commission moved to cancel the regularly scheduled meeting on November 26 to allow for travel over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Town Staff will continue to review and approve Native Plant Permit requests during the interim period.
The meeting concluded with a minimal Land Development Update. Applicants for the Walmart gas station have been moving forward with a traffic analysis; building permits for developments such as Starbucks West, Domino’s Pizza / Jersey Mike’s, and Star Cafe have either been issued or are ready to be issued. Town Staff anticipates the holiday season to remain slow, with developments to progress more rapidly after the New Year.
