Planning commission approves permits for new Sun Community Federal Credit Union branch; rezoning sent to council

The Palm Springs Planning Commission on April 22 adopted a mitigated negative declaration and approved a conditional use permit and major development permit for a new Sun Community Federal Credit Union branch at the southeast corner of East Ramon Road and South Calle Santa Cruz, while recommending to the City Council that the site’s zoning be changed from Professional (P) to M1 (service/manufacturing).

Staff said the proposed building would be 2,895 square feet on a 1.08‑acre undeveloped parcel, with 19 parking spaces and a two‑lane drive‑through serving a single automated teller machine. The applications before the commission included a change of zone, a conditional use permit for an accessory drive‑through, and a major development permit; administrative minor modification and architectural review are subject to separate reviews. Planning staff recommended approval subject to conditions and asked the commission to add a standard two‑year time limit for commencement of construction. As staff put it, “the time limit for the commencement of construction under development permit approval shall be 2 years from the effective date of approval unless an extension of time is granted pursuant to Palm Springs zoning code section 94.12.” (Staff member Noriko.)

Why it matters: the rezoning would allow a freestanding bank use that is not permitted in the site’s current P (professional) zone. Staff said M1 would allow a broader set of service uses and improve the site’s viability; the change of zone must be approved by City Council. The commission approved the land‑use permits that are within its authority…