Palm Springs planning panel approves 179‑room hotel remodel; staff applies CEQA infill exemption

The Palm Springs Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 13 to approve a major development permit to remodel and expand the former Days Inn at 1973 North Palm Canyon Drive and adopted a resolution finding the project categorically exempt from full environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Section 15332.

The project applicant, represented by Lance O’Donnell of O2 Architecture and owner representatives including Xander Brown, proposed converting the roughly 4.23‑acre site into a 179‑room hotel with a new restaurant and expanded amenities. Staff told commissioners the proposal complies with the general plan and zoning and recommended approval, noting the project is a Class 32 infill project that “would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality.”

Why it mattered: Neighbors and union representatives urged greater environmental study. Charlie Karnow of Unite Here Local 11 told the commission, “We urge you not to move forward with the project without a full environmental review, including a careful review of construction noise, dust, air quality, a…