The Yucca Valley Planning Commission began its meeting began a continued discussion concerning the Town’s Western Joshua Tree and Native Plant Policy.
Phase 2 of the sewer connection project is scheduled to begin in February 2025, and the Town is taking steps to make the required process easier on residents and builders. In June, the Commission moved to allow the required Desert Native Plant Specialist Report to be waived should applicants be able to demonstrate there are no Western Joshua Trees within 75 feet of a ground disturbance. The Town’s updated draft will lower that threshold to 10 feet and allow for self-certification by the applicant and contractor; ground disturbances within 10 feet of the Tree, regardless of the property line, will still require the Specialist report. The Planning Commission will continue the discussion, including a review of other desert native plants beyond the Western Joshua Tree.
Town Staff then provided the Planning Commission with the Land Development Update. Building permits for Starbucks West, the Star Cafe, and Domino’s Pizza / Jersey Mike’s are ready to be issued. The Town also received a pre-application for the potential construction of a new Circle K near the existing site on Highway 247, which will be designed for semi-trucks and fueling.
This coming Monday, the Town expects over-excavation to begin at the Aquatics and Recreation Center.
