Highway 62 Commercial Corridor Rezoning
Summary
A longtime resident pleaded with the council about having to leave town to shop or eat, the vacant former Kmart building sitting empty, and slow progress on the city's image. The mayor noted Pitts, Voss, and staff will attend the International Conference of Shopping Centers to pursue retail opportunities.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
Sales tax and economic activity are leaking to neighboring cities, affecting the city's revenue base.
Residents would benefit if new retail, restaurants, and jobs come to Desert Hot Springs.
Residents currently travel outside the city for shopping and dining; neighborhoods with unaddressed code violations.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council - September 15, 2026
Rezoning 231 acres along Highway 62 to Commercial Highway clears the way for hotels, restaurants and retail in the tourism gateway while shutting out warehouses and data centers. Final adoption is expected October 6.
Planning Commission - August 11, 2026
About 231 acres along Highway 62 are being switched from commercial business park zoning to commercial highway, allowing hotels, restaurants, retail and gas stations but blocking warehouses and data centers. Residents want design standards so the gateway to town looks cohesive as thousands of new homes arrive.
City Council - May 5, 2026
A longtime resident pleaded with the council about having to leave town to shop or eat, the vacant former Kmart building sitting empty, and slow progress on the city's image. The mayor noted Pitts, Voss, and staff will attend the International Conference of Shopping Centers to pursue retail opportunities.
Planning Commission - February 10, 2026
A former commissioner urged the city to adopt architectural design guidelines for the future retail corridor on Highway 62 so new development presents a cohesive, high-quality image rather than a patchwork.
Related development
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