The Yucca Valley Planning Commission kicked off their meeting by considering an application by the Tiny Pony Tavern. The proposal includes a 533-square-foot covered patio expansion to the current outdoor space including 20 additional seats. The Tiny Pony has a shared parking agreement with Desierto Alto, their neighbor directly to the east, which accommodates parking necessary for the expansion.
The Commissioners did raise concern over the back fence, which is currently constructed with mixed materials that do not align with the Commercial Design Guidelines. Owner Carmen Mello noted that they are meeting with local contractors about extending a block wall to replace the fence, which could likely be completed within 6 months.
The application passed without issue, and Commissioner Henderson commended the local business.
“Congratulations on so much success. All I hear on social media is positive things about your business, so you’re doing it right. As a community, we appreciate that.”
Following a discussion by the Town Council at their May 21 meeting, the Planning Commission also considered regulations on commercial special events, parking lot sales, and swap meets. Several elements in the code were flagged by Commissioners, including that any sales must be 400 feet from Highways 62 and 247, or that farmers’ markets need to be on a minimum five-acre lot. Commissioner Stoker raised the point that the new park on Elk Trail could be an ideal space for such events in the future, and the Commission discussed the benefits of separating farmers’ markets from other craft markets. Town Staff will conduct additional research from the Commissioners’ comments, to be readdressed at the next meeting.
Lastly, the Commission confirmed that Phase 2 of the Senior Center renovation is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, as it is a minor alteration of an existing building. Phase 2 of this project will involve renovating staff offices, the lobby, restrooms, and an ADA pathway from Antelope Trail to the Senior Center.
