Planning commission recommends approvals for 1.16 million‑sq‑ft Warner Road logistics center
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Summary
The Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission voted unanimously March 24 to forward a package of entitlements — including an EIR addendum, specific plan amendment, general plan amendment, parcel map, design review and ordinance changes — to allow a 1,160,989‑square‑foot logistics center near I‑10.
On March 24, 2026, the Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve a package of entitlements for a proposed 1,160,989‑square‑foot logistics center west of Palm Drive and north of Interstate 10. The commission’s action forwards an environmental impact report addendum (ENV 25‑2), a DHS Warner Road specific plan amendment (SP 24‑2), a general plan amendment (GPA 24‑1), a tentative parcel map (TM 25‑1), design review (DR 24‑4) and an ordinance amending Chapter 17.21.
The package would allow a warehouse and distribution facility with 28,800 square feet of office space on an 83.3‑acre primary parcel, two access points (primary on Warner Road, secondary off West Drive), 661 parking stalls (exceeding the 447 required), 132 EV charging spaces, 721 semi truck stalls and 220 dock spaces. Planning staff told commissioners the project area would be reorganized into three planning areas and that a portion of the site would be designated open‑space and conservation land.
"Based on the evaluation of information provided, no new significant impacts would occur nor would there be any substantial increase in the severity of any previously identified adverse environmental impacts," Planning Manager Patricia Villagomez told the commission, summarizing the EIR addendum staff prepared for the 2018 Desert Land Ventures EIR.
Tom Donahue, a representative of applicant Newland Capital Group, described the developer’s work with city staff and said the project is intended for logistics and distribution rather than data centers or cannabis operations. "We're extremely excited to be in Desert Hot Springs," Donahue said. When asked whether cannabis or data‑center uses were possible, he said, "No," and added that the intended tenant is a third‑party logistics operator; he identified Rialto Distribution as a likely occupant.
Donahue said the applicant expects to start design work shortly after City Council action and estimated a roughly three‑month design period followed by 15 to 18 months of construction. He also said comparable facilities had hired about 25 to 30 percent local residents and that the tenant has prioritized local recruitment at prior sites.
A nearby resident, Ron Goldman, urged the commission to consider public notice and traffic impacts. "I just found out about this less than an hour ago," Goldman said, adding he gathered roughly 60 signatures of nearby residents opposed to the proposal and warned that additional truck traffic could worsen congestion on Palm Drive and the I‑10 access. A staff member responded that the project had been noticed and that staff had complied with noticing requirements described in the staff report.
Commissioner Roe moved to adopt the resolution recommending the council adopt the EIR addendum (ENV 25‑2), approve the DHS Warner Road specific plan amendment (SP 24‑2), GPA 24‑1, TM 25‑1, DR 24‑4 and an ordinance amending Chapter 17.21 to allow the logistics center. The motion received a second (the transcript does not identify the seconding member by name) and passed unanimously.
The commission’s recommendation now goes to the City Council for final action. The planning meeting adjourned following the vote.
