Planning Commission approves In N Out Burger development on East Palm Canyon Drive

In the heart of Palm Springs, the Planning Commission convened on July 8, 2025, under the warm glow of city hall lights, to address key developments shaping the community. The meeting began with a brief public comment session, where residents were invited to share their thoughts. Notably, Dave Hyer from Saddle Rock Gardens chose to hold his comments until after the staff report, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the discussions.

As the meeting progressed, the commission turned its attention to the election of officers. Kathy Wehrmacht was unanimously re-elected as chair, a testament to her leadership over the past year. Lori Allain was also nominated and approved as vice chair, ensuring continuity in the commission's leadership.

The agenda then shifted to the consent calendar, where the minutes from the previous meeting were swiftly approved, signaling a smooth transition to the main topic of the evening: a major development permit request from In-N-Out Burger. The proposed project involves constructing a new 3,886 square foot restaurant and drive-through facility on a 2.35-acre site at 1801 East Palm Canyon Drive, a location previously occupied by a Bank of America building that has since been demolished.

City staff presented the project details, emphasizing its alignment with the community shopping center zoning. A significant aspect of the proposal is the planned vacation of a frontage road, which will be integrated into the In-N-Out site to create a new multipurpose path for pedestrians and cyclists. This development not only aims to enhance dining options in Palm Springs but also to improve accessibility and promote active transportation within the area.

As the meeting concluded, the commission's discussions underscored a commitment to balancing development with community needs, setting the stage for future growth in Palm Springs. The approval of the In-N-Out Burger project marks a notable step in the city’s ongoing evolution, promising to bring both economic benefits and improved infrastructure to the vibrant community.