The Yucca Valley Planning Commission meeting began with the review of an exterior color change application for the Spark by Hilton hotel, formerly the SureStay by Best Western. The newly renovated hotel was painted in gray tones, with a geometric design in slate, lime, and assorted violet hues. The geometric design is currently painted on the west end of the main building, facing the parking lot, and the applicant requests approval to paint the design on the main building’s north end and the rear building’s west end. The color palette and design are part of the brand’s prototype and are painted on all other Spark by Hilton hotels nationwide.
Town Staff recommended that the Commission deny the application, under the notion that the geometric design and fluorescent colors are inconsistent with the Commercial Design Guidelines. The Commissioners had varying opinions as to the appropriateness of the palette, with the lime color in particular straying from the Design Guidelines. The Commission ultimately voted to continue the item, allowing time for Town Staff to continue to work with Hilton and determine an agreeable design for all parties.
The Planning Commission then adopted the resolution setting the Town’s maximum number of temporary short-term vacation rental units for 2025 at 788 permits. As per the ordinance passed in 2022, this number is set at ten percent of the inventory of detached single-family dwelling units. 46 new dwelling units were built in 2024, allowing for a minimal increase from last year.
The meeting concluded with the Land Development Update. While Town Staff did not have any significant developments to report, they did verify that Pizza Hut closed mid-January, after ownership changed in October of last year. Signage has since been removed, and the Town has not received any formal applications for new business operations at the site.
