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Planning commission continues site-plan review after Joshua tree found at proposed auto-parts site
Summary
Victorville Planning Commission continued a public hearing on a site-plan modification for a previously approved 7,300-square-foot auto-parts store after a Joshua tree was discovered in the project footprint, triggering California Department of Fish and Wildlife review and CEQA compliance. The hearing was continued to Aug. 13, 2025.
On July 9, 2025, the Victorville City Planning Commission voted to continue a public hearing on a site-plan modification for case PLN24-00021 after staff reported that a Joshua tree was discovered within the project footprint, requiring an incidental take permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and additional CEQA review. The commission continued the item to its Aug. 13, 2025 meeting.
The item covers a proposed site-plan modification and an initial study with a proposed mitigated negative declaration for a previously approved retail auto-parts store on a commercially zoned parcel about 350 feet west of the northwest corner of Mojave Drive and Elavado Drive. The parcel was originally approved under site-plan case PLN21-00012 on Sept. 8, 2021, which allowed development of an approximately 7,300-square-foot AutoZone retail store.
Staff told the commission that the Joshua tree was not identified on the original biological survey that supported a categorical CEQA exemption under CEQA section 15332 (infill development). "The tree was actually missed on the initial biological survey," a city staff member said, and the later survey identified a special-status Joshua tree in the building footprint. Because of that finding, staff said the project is no longer eligible for the prior categorical exemption and requires an initial study and CEQA compliance before the commission can act.
Commissioners asked whether the discovery related to adjacent properties and whether any physical changes to the project were proposed. Staff said no project changes have been requested; rather, the newly required CEQA review and the timing of the public-review period prompted the request for a continuance. Staff recommended the commission receive testimony and continue the public hearing to the Aug. 13, 2025 meeting so the environmental review and public comment period can be completed.
There were no public speakers on the item. Chair Kurth made the motion to continue the hearing to Aug. 13, 2025; Commissioner Thomas seconded. The roll-call vote was: Commissioner Marsh — yes; Commissioner Thomas — yes; Chair Kurth — yes. Commissioner Marshall and Vice Chair Menson were absent. The motion passed and the public hearing remains open pending the supplemental CEQA work and any required permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Staff noted that, while no design changes are proposed at this time, the discovery means the city must evaluate impacts and any required mitigation before final discretionary approvals can be granted. The matter will return to the commission after completion of the CEQA review and the public-review period.
