Desert Hot Springs adopts immediate moratorium on certain Highway 62 commercial uses

The Desert Hot Springs City Council on Oct. 21 adopted an urgency interim ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on specified uses in the Commercial Business Park zoning district along Highway 62 between North Indian Canyon Drive and Interstate 10.

City staff said the moratorium is intended to give officials time to review permitted uses in the corridor and advance a strategic-plan vision for a tourism gateway at the Pearson Boulevard/Highway 62 entrance. The moratorium targets uses such as light manufacturing, outdoor storage, heavy equipment sales, RV storage and similar industrial-type activities that staff described as inconsistent with the gateway concept.

Mr. Clark, speaking for staff, recommended the measure and explained the ordinance’s initial term is 45 days and may be extended by a four-fifths council vote for up to two years. The council voted unanimously to adopt the urgency ordinance and the measure took immediate effect.

Council members who spoke in favor said the moratorium allows the city to “step back” and make long-term decisions about land uses at the city’s primary entrance. Council Member Pi said, “We really need to pay attention to this gateway,” and other members warned that permitting large industrial buildings in that corridor could preclude the gateway vision for years.

The ordinance does not itself change permanent zoning; it temporarily halts issuance of licenses, permits or entitlements for the listed uses while staff and council evaluate appropriate long-term development standards and outreach options. Next steps on the item include staff-led analysis and public review to define preferred allowable uses and potential ordinance language for future council consideration.

The moratorium was adopted by a unanimous vote of members present.