Palm Springs planning panel approves 82‑unit affordable complex at 305 West San Rafael Drive

The Palm Springs Planning Commission on Nov. 18 approved a major development permit for an 82‑unit, 100% affordable apartment development at 305 West San Rafael Drive, authorizing density and height incentives and a reduced parking requirement while attaching conditions on safety, landscaping and recorded affordability covenants.

Staff told the commission the project—submitted by Red Tail Acquisitions LLC and presented by developer representatives from Redtail/Creed—would place three buildings on roughly a 4.3–4.5 acre site and provide 27 one‑bedroom, 32 two‑bedroom and 25 three‑bedroom units. The application requests a density of 19.2 dwelling units per acre (above the site’s 15‑du/acre maximum under the general plan) through a state‑authorized density bonus; staff recommended approval and cited a CEQA Class 32 categorical exemption.

Why it matters: the commission’s decision clears a major entitlement hurdle the developer needs to pursue state and other financing for construction. Commissioners emphasized long‑term enforceability of affordability, neighborhood impacts from parking and roadway safety, and design details that will be refined by the Architecture Review Committee (ARC).

Key facts and conditions - Unit…