Adelanto planning commission approves 306,106‑sq‑ft industrial building after debate over environmental surveys

Adelanto, Calif. — The City of Adelanto Planning Commission voted June 18 to adopt Resolution P24‑07, adopting a mitigated negative declaration (MND) and approving Location and Development Plan LDP‑23‑02 for a 306,106‑square‑foot industrial building on a 17.41‑acre vacant lot at the northeast corner of Barcelona Avenue and Permian Street (APN 459504). The motion passed 4–0 with one abstention.

Staff told commissioners the proposal meets or exceeds Airport Development District (ADD) standards, including a 55‑foot building height, 14% landscaping where 5% is required, and 205 parking spaces provided versus 164 required. Planner Jim Hirsch said the building includes a 5,000‑square‑foot office mezzanine and identified two access points on Auburn and two on Barcelona.

The project’s environmental review was the central point of public comment. Brian Flynn, an attorney speaking for Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER), urged the commission not to approve the project or adopt the MND because, he said, the MND “relies on outdated biological surveys” last conducted in November 2022 and cited a CDFW review noting stale baseline data. Flynn said SAFER’s consultant conducted surveys in November 2024 and again in June 2025 that found a loggerhead shrike and a western red bat and argued those findings and other habitat impacts were not addressed in the MND. “SAFER is respectfully requesting the commission not approve the project or adopt the MND at this time, due to the project’s impacts,” Flynn said.

The applicant’s representative on the phone, identified as Brian, said the project team will update environmental studies and work with staff to address the concerns raised. Hirsch told commissioners the city circulated an IS/MND and an MMRP for a 30‑day review period (State Clearinghouse No. 2024071012) and explained that, if relocation or removal of listed species is necessary, it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain incidental take permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “If they can’t come back to the city with the incidental take permit being approved, we can’t let them go forward,” Hirsch said.

Following discussion, the planning commission approved the staff recommendation to adopt the MND and approve LDP‑23‑02 via Resolution P24‑07. The motion was moved by the chair and seconded by Commissioner Rubicava; commissioners recorded four votes in favor and one abstention.

Resolution P24‑07 and the project approval are conditioned on the findings and conditions of approval in the staff report, including the mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP) tied to the MND. Staff and the applicant indicated that updated biological surveys and coordination with CDFW (including any required incidental take permit) will be required before the project can proceed to construction.

Mark Blodgett, the preparer of the IS/MND, and the applicant’s team were available by phone during the hearing for questions. The commission’s action allows staff to finalize the resolution and follow the conditions of approval; staff said they will withhold any construction approvals until required state permits are obtained.