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Council hears lengthy presentation and public comment on 152‑acre Auckland Resort (Oveland) proposal
Summary
Council received a detailed presentation on the Auckland Resort (branded in the presentation as 'Oveland'), a proposed 152‑acre development with 110 acres proposed for conservation and about 42 acres for tourist‑commercial uses, including 100 cabin units; public commenters raised zoning, road access, and conservation concerns.
The Twentynine Palms City Council heard a detailed presentation and public comment on the proposed Auckland Resort Project, described by the applicant as 'Oveland,' a 152‑acre development that would require a general plan amendment and conditional use permit.
City or project presenters said the application would place roughly 110 acres in a new open‑space conservation zone — a designation the presenter said the city does not currently have — and reserve about 42 acres (roughly 28% of the site) for tourist‑commercial uses. The project scope presented includes 100 cabin units of about 384 square feet each (one story, about 10.5 feet tall), two lodges (about 15 feet tall), an outdoor movie screen, and design elements the applicant said would reduce noise and visual impact. The applicant estimated about 40 full‑time jobs and projected up to about $800,000 a year in revenues to the city.
Speakers at the hearing said the site sits north of Southland Road and east of Lear Road with planned collector rights‑of‑way (including a 120‑foot expressway designation for Highway 62). Commenters flagged several planning issues: the current zoning does not allow the proposed uses without a general plan amendment; proposed access roads would cross the conservation area and would require variances; and the city’s general plan emphasizes adapting development to the natural environment, so speakers urged careful review and community participation through workshops.
The applicant described local benefits, including commitments to hire locally, provide guest transportation vouchers, and pursue internship partnerships with local schools and colleges. Supporters in the record praised the project’s conservation of 106 acres, while others urged the council to require clearer protections for the conservation area and to resolve road‑access variances before approving any amendment.
No final council decision on the general plan amendment or conditional use permit was recorded in the transcript; the presentation and public comment continued and council members asked clarifying questions about ownership, maintenance responsibilities, and procedural next steps. City staff and the applicant said any future development beyond tonight’s review would require returning to the council for additional approvals.
