Planning Commission backs Dignity Health Desert River PAD amendment to keep and expand medical campus

The Glendale Planning Commission voted unanimously March 27 to recommend City Council approval of a Planned Area Development (PAD) amendment that would reaffirm and expand medical uses at the Desert River medical campus near 90th and Myrtle avenues.

Staff told the commission the 32-acre site, currently zoned as a Desert River PAD and used as a medical campus, contains roughly 67,000 square feet of building area and was developed beginning in February 2013 with additions in 2016. The proposed Dignity Health Desert River 3 PAD would reaffirm existing medical land uses and add new allowable uses including rehabilitation hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and behavioral-health facilities. Planning staff recommended approval subject to stipulations including substantial conformance with the PAD narrative dated Jan. 27, 2025 and required airport review because of the site's proximity to Glendale Municipal Airport.

In the staff presentation, planners said surrounding properties are also zoned planned area development and described neighboring uses: multifamily to the north, vacant lots to the east and south, and a financial institution to the west. Staff said utilities are adequate along 90th Avenue, no traffic impact analysis was required by the Transportation Department, and future expansions would be subject to administrative review to determine whether off-site improvements are needed.

Applicant counsel Monjula Vaz said Dignity Health is “very happy to be in Glendale” and is planning for future growth and flexibility in campus operations. No members of the public spoke in opposition; one speaker card was submitted but marked as not wishing to speak.

Commissioner Tom Cole moved to recommend approval of ZON23-10 subject to staff stipulations; the motion carried in a roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting aye. Planning staff noted the commission’s action is a recommendation and the matter will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

The PAD amendment would not introduce residential uses, according to staff; instead it is intended to preserve and expand medical-office and supporting commercial services on the site. Airport and FAA review are required prior to building permits for any new development because of the parcel’s proximity to flight operations.