The Yucca Valley Planning Commission voted to approve part of a display for the external design plan of Black Bear Diner.
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission meeting began with three public hearings to amend the Development Code. The first was related to minor code adjustments to ensure consistency between the 2014 General Plan Update and the 2022 updated Housing and Safety Elements. The State amended its laws to make it easier to access specific housing resources, such as residential care or emergency transitional housing. The Commission approved these changes, and a second Ordinance specifying which town body approves various permit types.
The third hearing was related to updated State laws regarding permits for small and accessory rooftop solar energy systems. When one change concerned removing height limitations for such systems, Commissioner Clint Stoker raised the issue that owners of flat-roof houses could theoretically create a shade structure from solar panels. The Commission decided to continue this item for a future meeting, pending Town Staff research on the issue.
The Commission then considered a Commercial Design Review application by Black Bear Diner to install multiple branding mascots outside the establishment. Per the updated code, mascots should not function as signage and should remain shorter than 30% of the height of the primary building. The application included a 9-foot bear holding a ‘Welcome’ sign and a Bear Family composed of three smaller statues. Town Staff recommended that the Commission either approve the bears as is or with the caveat of bringing the Welcome Bear into code conformance.
Wanda Stadum, owner of Signs by Wanda, spoke in favor of what mascots and signage add to the community.
“An iconic statuary is a thing that is admired, has a lasting impression, is simple, recognizable, and memorable.”
The Commission remained hesitant to approve the Welcome Bear due to its overt size, the signage, and the inclusion of several other unapproved signs in front of the diner. Commissioner James Henderson referenced the history of the mascot debate in Yucca Valley, as well as the need for even code enforcement.
“We’ve been through the bear thing, gone through hearings, and updated the code. We want to have the bears, but we also want to have a fair application of the code so every single business knows the standards. I think the question is whether we apply discretion tonight.”
The Commission voted to approve the addition of the Bear Family and the Welcome Bear should its height be lowered and the sign removed.
The meeting concluded with the Land Development Update. Star Cafe has picked up its building permits from the Town, and the movie theater is working with the Health Department to bring the space up to code.
