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Planning Commission Approves Adult Day Health Care Center at 66680 Acoma Avenue
Summary
Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit 25‑13 to establish a state‑licensed adult day health care center at 66680 Acoma Ave. Staff found the project CEQA‑exempt (Sec. 15301); the operator targets 120–150 participants and Medi‑Cal funding.
The Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission on Feb. 10 unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit 25‑13 to establish a state‑licensed adult day health care center at 66680 Acoma Avenue.
Planning staff Patricia Villagomez recommended approval and said the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under section 15301 (Class 1) because it will occupy an existing approximately 5,390‑square‑foot single‑story building. The commission voted to approve the permit and to certify the CEQA exemption after a motion and second were recorded.
The applicant, Neso Masmanian of Max Business Consultants, told the commission the center — presented in application materials as a community‑based adult services program — will provide meals, social activities, transportation and basic medical screening to help participants remain independent and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. "This is gonna bring several jobs to the community," Masmanian said, adding the operator has applied to the California Department of Public Health and to CBAS and that both agencies' approvals are contingent on local land‑use clearance.
Dr. Roman Lau, identified during the hearing as part of the governing group, described planned on‑site nursing checks and a transport service for participants, saying the program will focus on local residents within a roughly 15–30 minute ride radius. Dr. Lau added the operator will accept private pay but that the program is targeted to Medi‑Cal beneficiaries.
Commissioners asked about the level of medical care, who the participants would be, hours and capacity. The applicant and Dr. Lau said participants are not inpatients but program participants who will receive screenings and referred care when necessary. The transcript includes two time frames mentioned in testimony: the applicant initially described program hours as around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Dr. Lau later referenced an 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. schedule. The applicant said the facility has been approved administratively for as many as 220 people according to spacing rules but that the operator plans to serve about 120–150 participants to avoid crowding.
After the public hearing the commission voted to approve CUP 25‑13 and to certify the CEQA exemption. The motion to approve was made and seconded on the record and passed unanimously (all sitting commissioners voting yes). No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing.
Next steps: the applicant will resubmit required documentation to the California Department of Public Health and to CBAS, complete building and fire department corrections and inspections (applicant reported about 70 sprinklers have been quoted/installed for safety system upgrades), and pursue final licensing. The applicant said the earliest realistic opening window, pending inspections and external approvals, is mid‑April to early May.
