Proposed Varner Road data center
Summary
A nearly 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse and distribution building is moving forward on 83 acres north of the I-10, replacing a cannabis project that never got built. Supporters say the smaller, cleaner project is better for the environment and brings industrial development near the freeway; the Sierra Club is pushing back on the environmental review.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 7, 2026.
Impact analysis
Brings new industrial development and construction activity to the city's south gateway, with extensive off-site street improvements required as conditions.
Residents get industrial development near the freeway with truck traffic screened from view, plus upgraded roads along the project's frontage.
Sierra Club and some neighbors worry about truck traffic, noise near conservation land, and an environmental review they say skips required analysis.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - July 7, 2026
The city extended its pause on data centers for 22 months while staff study water, power and land-use impacts. Residents mostly wanted a permanent ban, citing Coachella's experience, water consumption and electric bills; the mayor argued for proper studies before any ban.
City Council - June 16, 2026
The city hit pause on any new data centers after 15 speakers urged protection of the aquifer, electric rates, air quality, and the city's spa-town identity. The moratorium buys up to two years to study impacts; a permanent ban would need to go through the Planning Commission.
Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission Approves Sixty-Four Acre Snider Logistic Center Despite Public Backlash
Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission Approves Sixty-Four Acre Snider Logistic Center Despite Public Backlash NBC Palm Springs
Planning Commission - June 9, 2026
A resident asked the commission to push the council toward a data-center ban, echoing Coachella's moratorium; the commission added explicit conditions to the logistics permit barring both uses.
City Council - June 2, 2026
A resident warned the council about a proposed data center on Varner Road, saying it could strain the desert community's already pricey electricity and scarce water supply. No council action was possible since it came up in general public comment.
City Council - April 21, 2026
A nearly 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse and distribution building is moving forward on 83 acres north of the I-10, replacing a cannabis project that never got built. Supporters say the smaller, cleaner project is better for the environment and brings industrial development near the freeway; the Sierra Club is pushing back on the environmental review.
Related development
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