2025 08 26 PC
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 1 of 4 AUGUST 26, 2025
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025, AT 5:00 P.M.
Members of the public may listen to this meeting by tuning-in live via
www.laquintaca.gov/livemeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call: Commissioners: Bohlinger, Guerrero, Hernandez, Hundt, McCune, Nieto, and
Chair Hassett
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
At this time, members of the public may address the Commission on any matter not listed
on the agenda pursuant to the “Public Comments – Instructions” listed at the end of the
agenda. The Commission values your comments; however, in accordance with State
law, no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless it is an
emergency item authorized by the Brown Act [Government Code § 54954.2(b)].
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. WELCOME NEWLY APPOINTED COMMISSIONER BOHLINGER
CONSENT CALENDAR
NOTE: Consent Calendar items are routine in nature and can be approved by one motion.
PAGE
1. RECEIVE AND FILE MEETING MINUTES DATED JUNE 10, 2025 5
BUSINESS SESSION
PAGE
1. APPOINT A PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON AND VICE
CHAIRPERSON FOR FISCAL YEAR 202 5/26
9
Planning Commission agendas and staff reports
are now available on the City’s web page:
www.laquintaca.gov
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 2 of 4 AUGUST 26, 2025
2. APPROVE CANCELLATION OF REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETINGS OF NOVEMBER 11, NOVEMBER 25, AND DECEMBER 23 , 2025
11
PUBLIC HEARINGS – NONE
STUDY SESSION – NONE
STAFF ITEMS
1. UPDATE ON CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT LEGISLATION –
ASSEMBLY BILL 130 (STATS. 2025, CH. 22, COMMITTEE ON BUDGET) AND
SENATE BILL 131 (STATS. 2025, CH. 24, COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND
FISCAL REVIEW)
2. VERBAL QUARTERLY PROJECT UPDATE
3. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PLANNING COMMISSIONERS ACADEMY –
MARCH 11-13, 2026
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
*********************************
The next regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission will be held on
September 9, 2025, commencing at 5:00 p.m. at the La Quinta City Hall Council
Chamber, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Tania Flores, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, do hereby
declare that the foregoing Agenda for the Commission meeting of August 26, 2025, was
posted on the City’s website, near the entrance to the Council Chamber at 78495 Calle
Tampico and the bulletin board at 51321 Avenida Bermudas, on August 22, 2025.
DATED: August 21, 2025
Tania Flores, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 3 of 4 AUGUST 26, 2025
Public Notices
Agenda packet materials are available for public inspection: 1) at the Clerk’s Office at La
Quinta City Hall, located at 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California 92253; and 2) on the
City’s website at https://www.laquintaca.gov/business/boards-and-commissions/planning-
commission, in accordance with the Brown Act [Government Code § 54957.5; AB 2647 (Stats.
2022, Ch. 971)].
The La Quinta City Council Chamber is handicap accessible. If special equipment is needed
for the hearing impaired, please contact the Commission Secretary at (760) 777-7023, 24
hours in advance of the meeting, and accommodations will be made.
If background material is to be presented to the Commission during a Commission meeting,
please be advised that 10 copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must be supplied to the
Commission Secretary for distribution. It is requested that this take place prior to the
beginning of the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the public may address the Commission on any matter listed or not listed on the
agenda as follows:
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS can be provided either in-person during the meeting by
submitting 10 copies to the Commission Secretary, it is requested that this takes place prior to
the beginning of the meeting; or can be emailed in advance to TFlores@LaQuintaCA.gov, no later
than 12:00 p.m., on the day of the meeting. Written public comments will be distributed to the
Commission, made public, and will be incorporated into the public record of the meeting, but will
not be read during the meeting unless, upon the request of the Chair, a brief summary of public
comments is asked to be reported.
If written public comments are emailed, the email subject line must clearly state “Written
Comments” and should include: 1) full name, 2) city of residence, and 3) subject matter .
VERBAL PUBLIC COMMENTS can be provided in-person during the meeting by completing a
“Request to Speak” form and submitting it to the Commission Secretary; it is requested that this
takes place prior to the beginning of the meeting. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes
(or approximately 350 words). Members of the public shall be called upon by the Chair to speak.
In accordance with City Council Resolution No. 2022-028, a one-time additional speaker time
donation of three (3) minutes per individual is permitted; please note that the member of the public
donating time must: 1) submit this in writing to the Commission Secretary by completing a
“Request to Speak” form noting the name of the person to whom time is being donated to, and 2)
be present at the time the speaker provides verbal comments.
Verbal public comments are defined as comments provided in the speakers’ own voice and may
not include video or sound recordings of the speaker or of other individuals or entities, unless
permitted by the Chair.
Public speakers may elect to use printed presentation materials to aid their comments; 10 copies
of such printed materials shall be provided to the Commission Secretary to be disseminated to
the Commission, made public, and incorporated into the public record of the meeting; it is
requested that the printed materials are provided prior to the beginning of the meeting. There
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 4 of 4 AUGUST 26, 2025
shall be no use of Chamber resources and technology to display visual or audible presentations
during public comments unless permitted by the Chair.
All writings or documents, including but not limited to emails and attachments to emails, submitted
to the City regarding any item(s) listed or not listed on this agenda are public records. All
information in such writings and documents is subject to disclosure as being in the public domain
and subject to search and review by electronic means, including but not limited to the City’s
Internet website and any other Internet Web-based platform or other Web-based form of
communication. All information in such writings and documents similarly is subject to disclosure
pursuant to the California Public Records Act [Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.].
TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY – INSTRUCTIONS
Teleconference accessibility may be triggered in accordance with AB 2449 (Stats. 2022, Ch. 285),
codified in the Brown Act [Government Code § 54953], if a member of the Commission requests
to attend and participate in this meeting remotely due to “just cause” or “emergency
circumstances,” as defined, and only if the request is approved. In such instances, remote public
accessibility and participation will be facilitated via Zoom Webinar as detailed at the end of this
Agenda.
*** TELECONFERENCE PROCEDURES – PURSUANT TO AB 2449***
APPLICABLE ONLY WHEN TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY IS IN EFFECT
Verbal public comments via Teleconference – members of the public may attend and
participate in this meeting by teleconference via Zoom and use the “raise your hand” feature
when public comments are prompted by the Chair; the City will facilitate the ability for a member
of the public to be audible to the Commission and general public and allow him/her/they to speak
on the item(s) requested. Please note – members of the public must unmute themselves
when prompted upon being recognized by the Chair, in order to become audible to the
Commission and the public.
Only one person at a time may speak by teleconference and only after being recognized by the
Chair.
ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82853067939
Meeting ID: 828 5306 7939
Or join by phone: (253) 215 – 8782
Written public comments – can be provided in person during the meeting or emailed to
TFlores@LaQuintaCA.gov any time prior to the adjournment of the meeting, and will be
distributed to the Commission, made public, incorporated into the public record of the meeting,
and will not be read during the meeting unless, upon the request of the Chair, a brief summary of
any public comment is asked to be read, to the extent the Committee can accommodate such
request.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 1 of 4 JUNE 10, 2025
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission (Commission) was called to order
at 5:00 p.m. by Chairperson Hassett.
PRESENT: Commissioners Guerrero, Hundt, McCune, Nieto, and Chairperson
Hassett
ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez
VACANCY: One (1)
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, Public Works
Director Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri Flores, Senior
Planner Scott Nespor, Deputy City Attorney Jessica Sanders (via
teleconference), and Commission Secretary Tania Flores
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Hundt led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Planning Manager Flores said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La
Quinta resident Mary Mann regarding the Club at Coral Mountain project, which were
distributed to the Commission, made public, published on the City’s website, and included
in the public record of this meeting.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Commission Secretary Flores said the title of Consent Calendar Item No. 1 inadvertently
referenced the date of the Commission meeting minutes as March 11 instead of May 13,
2025, which were the minutes included in the published agenda packet.
Commissioner Nieto said that he would abstain from participating in the discussion and
vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 1 regarding the minutes for the May 13, 2025,
Commission meeting, as he was absent.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Guerrero/Chairperson
Hassett to confirm the agenda as published. Motion passed: ayes – 5, noes – 0, absent –
1 (Hernandez), abstain – 0, vacant – 1.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 1
5
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 2 of 4 JUNE 10, 2025
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None.
CONSENT CALENDAR – None.
1. RECEIVE AND FILE MEETING MINUTES DATED MAY 13, 2025
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Guerrero/Chairperson
Hassett to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes –
0, absent – 1 (Hernandez), abstain – 1 (Nieto), vacant – 1.
BUSINESS SESSION – None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION TO RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE SPECIFIC PLAN 2024-0005 (AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO SP 1989-014),
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2024-0007 AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2024-
0014 FOR AN APPROXIMATE 3,690 SQUARE FOOT DRIVE-THROUGH BUILDING
FOR THE HIGHWAY 111/ADAMS STREET DRIVE-THROUGH PROJECT; CEQA:
THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15332 (CLASS 32) INFILL DEVELOPMENT; PROJECT LOCATION:
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF ADAMS STREET AND CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE
COMMISSIONER NIETO SAID THAT HE WOULD RECUSE HIMSELF FROM
DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 DUE TO A
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS HIS EMPLOYER IS CONSULTING
WITH THE APPLICANT ON ANOTHER PROJECT AND THERE WAS A
REASONABLE ASSUMPTION THAT HIS EMPLOYER WOULD CONSULT ON
FUTURE PROJECTS WITH THIS APPLICANT, AND LEFT THE DAIS AT 5:06 P.M.
DECLARATIONS OF COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT OR CONFLICTS: None.
Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
The Commission discussed traffic patterns, turn lane approach distance, and vehicle
stacking queue; history of amendments allowing additional drive-through facilities within
the One Eleven La Quinta Center’s specific plan; the traffic study and analysis; and any
consideration to be given to this project in correlation with the upcoming Highway 111
Corridor Specific Plan project.
CHAIRPERSON HASSETT DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:19 P.M.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 of 4 JUNE 10, 2025
PUBLIC SPEAKER: John Vuksic, Principal with PVG Architects – introduced himself and
named several professionals associated with the project; and provided additional
information on traffic flow and vehicle stacking overflow, and related contingency plans.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Chew, Traffic Engineer with TJW Engineering, Inc. – provided
additional information on the turn lane queue from Adams Street, vehicle stacking analysis
and calculations, and traffic pattern changes proposed for the project.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brian Tracy, President of Retail Net Lease Properties, and owner’s
representative – provided additional information on vehicle stacking, traffic flow, and
contingency plans for overflow stacking; discretion in naming the potential tenant; possible
changes to the site configuration and building design based on future tenant agreement;
proposed signage, landscape, and architectural features of the building and project site.
Commission Secretary Flores said that the City received no public comment on this item
and that there were no requests to speak.
CHAIRPERSON HASSETT DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:49 P.M.
Commission discussion followed regarding traffic analysis, flow, and patterns; and
appreciation for the design and architecture of the building and site.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Guerrero/Chairperson
Hassett to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-006 to recommend Council
approve Specific Plan 2024-0005 (Amendment No. 3 to SP 1989-014), Conditional Use
Permit 2024-0007 and Site Development Permit 2024-0014 and find the project exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Section 15332 (Class 32) infill development project,
as presented:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A
SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN APPROXIMATE 3,690
SQUARE-FOOT DRIVE-THROUGH BUILDING LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF ADAMS STREET AND CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE WITHIN THE
ONE-ELEVEN LA QUINTA SHOPPING CENTER, AND FIND THAT THE
PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15332 INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
CASE NUMBERS: SPECIFIC PLAN 2024-0005 (AMENDMENT NO. 3 SP 1989-
014); CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2024-0007; SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
2024-0014
PROJECT: HIGHWAY 111/ADAMS STREET DRIVE-THROUGH
APPLICANT: PVG ARCHITECTS
Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, absent – 2 (Hernandez, Nieto), abstain – 0, vacant – 1.
COMMISSIONER NIETO RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 5:56 P.M.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 of 4 JUNE 10, 2025
STUDY SESSION – None.
STAFF ITEMS – None.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
The Commission thanked Design and Development Director Castro for his service to the
City and wished him a happy retirement.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
McCune/Guerrero to adjourn this meeting at 5:59 p.m. Motion passed: ayes – 5, noes – 0,
absent – 1 (Hernandez), abstain – 0, vacant – 1.
Respectfully submitted,
TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1
City of La Quinta
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: August 26, 2025
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPOINT A PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON AND VICE
CHAIRPERSON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
RECOMMENDATION
Appoint a Planning Commission Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve for the fiscal
year 2025/26
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pursuant to La Quinta Municipal Code 2.06.050, the PC, at its first meeting held
after June 30, shall vote to elect one of its members as Chairperson and elect
another as Vice Chairperson.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
In accordance with La Quinta Municipal Code 2.06.050, “unless otherwise provided by
law, ordinance or resolution of the city council, each board, commission and committee
shall choose one of its members as chairperson and one as vice chairperson at its first
meeting held after June 30th of each fiscal year.” Pursuant to this section, staff has placed
this item on the agenda for the selection of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Previous
appointments are as follows:
Election Date Chairperson Vice Chairperson
07/09/2024 Doug Hassett Elisa Guerrero
08/22/2023 Stephen Nieto Doug Hassett
07/12/2022 Loretta Currie Kevin McCune
07/13/2021 Stephen Nieto Loretta Currie
09/08/2020 Michael Proctor Stephen Nieto
Voting Procedures:
All actions must be taken by a majority vote or by a majority of the quorum present. On
the passage of every motion, the vote shall be taken by voice or roll call as appropriate.
The presiding Chairperson will open and close nominations to the Commission for
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. The vote will be taken, and the Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson selected. The newly elected Chairperson will begin assigned duties at the
start of the next Planning Commission meeting.
9
Tie Votes:
In the case of a tie vote, an additional motion is made, which obtains a majority vote to
break the tie. If a tie vote results at a time when fewer than all members are present, the
matter shall automatically be continued to the next regular meeting, unless otherwise
ordered by the body.
Prepared by: Tania Flores, Administrative Technician
Approved by: Cheri Flores, Interim Design and Development Director
10
City of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: August 26, 2025
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPROVE CANCELLATION OF REGULAR PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETINGS OF NOVEMBER 11, NOVEMBER 25, AND DECEMBER 23
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the cancellation of the regular Planning Commission meetings of November 11,
November 25, and December 23, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Planning Commission (Commission) traditionally modifies its meeting schedule
due to holidays if there are no known time-sensitive matters requiring Commission
consideration.
The November 11, November 25, and December 23, 2023, Planning Commission
meetings fall either on or near holidays and no items are ready to be scheduled for
Commission consideration.
Advance notice of cancelled meetings will allow Planning Commissioners, Staff, and
the public to properly plan for deadlines, workflow, and their schedules.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
Planning Staff have reviewed items requiring Commission consideration and found no
matters that would require the Commission’s review on November 11, November 25, or
December 23, 2025.
The recommended meeting schedule from September 2025 through January 2026 would
be as follows:
September 9, 2025 regular meeting
September 23, 2025 regular meeting
October 14, 2025 regular meeting
October 28, 2025 regular meeting
November 11, 2025 CANCEL
November 25, 2025 CANCEL
December 9, 2025 regular meeting
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 2
11
December 23, 2025 CANCEL
January 13, 2026 regular meeting
January 27, 2026 regular meeting
Should a pressing situation or matter require Commission direction or action before or in
between the regular meetings, a special meeting can be called.
ALTERNATIVES
The Commission may select alternate dates for meeting cancellations or cancel no
meetings.
Prepared by: Tania Flores, Administrative Technician
Approved by: Cheri Flores, Interim Design and Development Director
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City of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: August 26, 2025
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: UPDATE ON CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
LEGISLATION – ASSEMBLY BILL 130 (STATS. 2025, CH. 22, COMMITTEE ON
BUDGET) AND SENATE BILL 131 (STATS. 2025, CH. 24, COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
AND FISCAL REVIEW)
RECOMMENDATION
Receive presentation and discuss recent legislative updates.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On June 30, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) and
Senate Bill 131 (SB 131), two budget trailer bills that significantly modify the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
AB130 and SB131 became effective June 30, 2025.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
CEQA mandates public agencies evaluate and mitigate environmental impacts prior to
approving any action that is defined as a project. Exemptions are also included in CEQA
to certain types of decisions and projects allowing them to bypass the full CEQA review
process. CEQA exemptions fall within two categories: statutory and categorical. Statutory
exemptions are created by the state legislature, while categorical exemptions are
regulations adopted by the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency.
Statutory exemptions are absolute and specified projects are exempt regardless of
potential environmental impacts. On the other hand, categorical exemptions are not
absolute, must meet certain criteria to qualify for the exemption and may be negated if
certain exceptions to the exemption are found. AB130 and SB 131 together create new
statutory exemptions.
AB 130
AB 130 creates a new statutory CEQA exemption for qualifying housing development
projects that are 20 acres or less in size (or, in the case of a builder’s remedy project site,
five acres or less) and meet all of the following criteria:
STAFF INFORMATION ITEM NO. 1
13
1. Are located in an incorporated city or urban area, and either previously developed
or surrounded by urban uses;
2. Are consistent with applicable general plan and zoning ordinances, as well as any
applicable specific plan and local coastal program;
3. Meet minimum residential density requirements of five units per acre in
unincorporated nonmetropolitan counties, 10 units per acre in suburban
jurisdictions, or 15 units per acre in metropolitan jurisdictions;
4. Do not require demolition of a historic structure and avoid hazardous sites and
sensitive lands (e.g., prime farmland, wetlands, etc.);
5. Do not include any transient lodging (e.g., hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast inn);
6. Meet specific tribal consultation requirements and include mitigation for tribal
cultural resources;
7. Include a condition of approval requiring an environmental assessment for
hazardous substance releases, with mitigation requirements based upon results;
8. Comply with specific environmental hazard and air filtration standards if within 500
feet of a freeway; and
9. Comply with labor requirements, including payment of prevailing wage for 100
percent affordable projects and use of a skilled and trained workforce for buildings
exceeding 85 feet in height.
Additionally, AB 130 establishes a statewide Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) mitigation
bank that will allow developers to satisfy transportation-related CEQA mitigation
requirements, by funding affordable housing and infrastructure projects through the
Housing and Community Development’s Transit-Oriented Development Implementation
Program. Beginning on July 1, 2026, developers may contribute to a state-managed fund
in lieu of on-site VMT mitigation. The contribution amounts and eligibility requirements
are yet to be determined.
SB 131
SB 131 creates new targeted statutory CEQA exemptions for very specific projects that
are narrowly defined. Many of these exemptions are limited and based on a project’s
location or environmental context, such as not being located on natural or protected lands.
Projects are listed as follows:
1. Rezoning action that implements a jurisdiction’s housing element
2. Agricultural employee housing
3. Disadvantaged community water systems
4. Wildfire risk reduction activities
5. Climate adaptation planning updates
6. Certain public park and trail projects
7. Day care centers
8. Rural health clinics
9. Food banks
10. Advanced manufacturing facilities
11. Facilities supporting high-speed rail
14
Additionally, SB 131 establishes a streamlined CEQA process for housing development
projects that narrowly fail to qualify for a CEQA exemption due to a single disqualifying
condition. In such “near miss” instances, it limits CEQA review to those environmental
effects caused solely by that condition, and waives the need for analysis of project
alternatives, cumulative impacts, and growth-inducing effects. However, these “near
miss” provisions do not apply to projects with multiple disqualifying conditions, or to
projects involving distribution centers, oil and gas infrastructure, or on protected lands.
Finally, SB 131 attempts to minimize CEQA litigation by narrowing the scope of the
administrative record. It clarifies that, with limited exceptions, staff notes and internal
agency communications (like emails) are not required to be included in the administrative
record if they were not presented to the project’s final decision-making body.
Prepared by: Scott Nespor, Senior Planner
Approved by: Cheri Flores, Interim Design and Development Director
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POWER POINTS
PLANNING
COMMISSION
MEETING
AUGUST 26, 2025
August 26, 2025
1
Planning Commission Meeting
August 26, 2025
5:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
August 26, 2025
Staff Item No. 1: AB 130 and SB 131 Modifications to CEQA
1
2
August 26, 2025
2
AB 130 and SB 131 were passed as budget trailer bills
to streamline housing and infrastructure development
and address California's housing crisis.
Both bills took effect immediately upon being signed into
law by Governor Newsom on June 30, 2025.
AB 130: CEQA Exemption
for Infill Housing
•Expands CEQA Exemption:Creates a new statutory exemption under the
CEQA for qualifying infill housing projects.
•Applicable Projects:Exempts residential and mixed-use projects on urban
sites up to 20 acres that are either developed or surrounded by urban uses.
•Site Requirements:The project must be consistent with local plans and not
involve the demolition of a historic structure.
•Tribal Consultation Mandatory: The project will require Tribal Consultation
to protect Tribal Cultural Resources
•Affordable Housing:The CEQA exemption has no specific affordable
housing requirement, though local inclusionary standards may still apply.
3
4
August 26, 2025
3
SB131
•Rezoning Exemption:Exempts local rezoning
actions from CEQA, provided they implement the
schedule of actions in an approved housing element.
•"Near-Miss" Streamlining:For projects that narrowly
miss qualifying for a CEQA exemption due to a single
condition, CEQA review is limited to the environmental
effects caused by that condition. It waives the need for
an analysis of alternatives and cumulative impacts.
SB131 Provides Additional Statutory
Exemptions
•Other Exempted Projects:Also creates
Statutory exemptions for projects related to:
– Wildfire risk reduction
– Some advanced manufacturing and high-speed
rail facilities
– Day care centers, health clinics, and food banks
5
6
August 26, 2025
4
Planning Commission Meeting
August 26, 2025
Staff Item No. 2: Project Updates
7
8
August 26, 2025
5
Upcoming Projects
• PGA West Infill Lots • Club at Coral
Mountain
Recently Approved Projects
• Dental Office/Campus
on Caleo Bay
• Highway 111/Adams St
Drive Thru
– Council approved
9
10
August 26, 2025
6
Projects Under Construction
• Rancho La Quinta Fitness
Center
• Griffin Ranch Interior Lots
• Oasis (60
th & Madison)
• Grading
• Jefferson St Apt
Recently Opened
• Chick Fil-A
• Daiso
• The Golf Bar
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12
August 26, 2025
7
Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan
• Specific Plan, Code and Mitigated
Negative Declaration drafts are being
finalized
• Stakeholder workshops
in May
• Hearings in Oct/Nov
Village Parking
• A Request for
Proposals was issued
• Comprehensive
parking analysis for
the Village area
13
14
August 26, 2025
8
Sphere of Influence
• Staff developing
Request for Proposals
for Master Plan and
further community
outreach
15
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