Commission approves two‑lot parcel split at 565 La Mirada Road over staff conditions; one commissioner votes no

The Palm Springs Planning Commission on March 24 approved a tentative parcel map to divide 565 La Mirada Road into two lots, subject to conditions including that the former tennis court be decommissioned and that any chain‑link fence on the parcel be removed if it is located on the property.

Staff reported the property is in the R‑1A zone and that the proposed parcels meet minimum lot size requirements. Staff noted that zoning prohibits a tennis court on a lot without a main house and said the applicant intends to use the second parcel for passive recreation rather than active sporting uses. The staff report also referenced photos and a letter indicating the tennis court equipment (nets and poles) have been removed.

Remote owner and applicant Jim Boesch said he purchased the lot in part to preserve views and described steps taken to decommission the court: "Neither one of us play tennis… we have gone ahead and removed the net, the poles… and intend to use it for walking the dogs, just general recreation, sitting and enjoying the mountain." Commissioners asked about remaining lights and a short section of chain‑link fence; the applicant said he would remove any lighting or poles on his property if required.

One commissioner proposed a stricter condition — physically reducing or cutting a section of the concrete pad and removing lights to ensure it cannot reasonably be converted back into a tennis or pickleball court. Staff and other commissioners cautioned that conditioning a parcel map to require removal of a pad could create enforcement challenges and noted code enforcement tools exist if the property later reactivates the court.

Chair Wermick moved to approve the parcel split with a condition that the chain‑link fence be removed if it sits on the parcel; the motion passed on roll call with a single no vote from Commissioner Rotman.