The Yucca Valley Planning Commission had in-depth discussions on three items during its meeting last night: a housing element, an approval of a new Aldi grocery store, and how to deal with short-term vacation rentals that were renting without permits. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more information…
Under the current housing element, the town of Yucca Valley is supposed to have 930 housing units built, but only 149 have been built. (There are no incentives for the town or builders to reach that goal, nor are there penalties if the goal is not reached.) During the next eight years, the town’s goal is to build 749 housing units.
During the discussion of the Yucca Valley housing element at last night’s meeting of the Planning Commission, many residents spoke about the need for housing for low-income residents and how residents are being priced out of housing in the town. The Town Council will be asked to approve the housing element by October.
The commission approved the plans for an Aldi grocery store behind the Rite Aid, with a request for a few minor modifications to parking, lighting, trash, and exterior design. Construction is expected to be completed in November.
And finally, the commission agreed to grant permits to two short-term vacation rentals that had been renting without permits, but required that the owners cancel listings through June 15, and return for a review in 6 months. The 2-year permit period was also shortened by the number of months the rentals had been operating without a permit.
