Pulte seeks zoning change for Las Montanas site in Indio; commissioners raise jobs, noise and open‑space concerns

Pulte Homes on March 25 presented a pre‑application concept for the Las Montanas site—branded in the meeting as "Indio 90"—seeking a change in zoning and a general‑plan amendment that would allow primarily single‑family homes on land currently designated as a workplace/employment district.

"The item before you is item 5.1, Indio 90," said Gustavo Gomez, principal planner with the community development department, summarizing the commission packet that described the site north of Varner Road and Avenue 42 and said the prior project master plan (Las Montanas Marketplace) called for significant townhome, multifamily and commercial square footage. "If the applicant wishes to move forward, this would require a general plan amendment to suburban neighborhood high and a recommendation from the planning commission to the city council."

Pulte representative David Duwegley said the company envisions an "entry‑level, attainable and desirable community" for first‑time homebuyers. He told the commission the applicant concept includes roughly 492 single‑family detached homes across a range of lot sizes and product styles, internal walking trails, tot lots, pickleball and basketball courts, and other neighborhood…