Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Twentynine Palms public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
29 issues
Updated accessory dwelling unit regulations
The city is updating its ADU rules to match state law and would create free guidebooks in English and Spanish plus pre-reviewed ADU plans. This could make it easier and cheaper for homeowners to add a rental unit or guest house.
City financial audit results
The city's annual financial report got an unmodified opinion from independent auditors — the cleanest result possible. That's good news for the city's financial health and credibility.
Joshua Tree National Park Association lease
The park's nonprofit partner would lease a city property on Sullivan Road for 5 years at $1 per year. The lease supports park-related programming at essentially no cost to the city.
Split Rock Bridge opens
After years of waiting, the Split Rock Bridge is finally open to traffic, though some channel work remains. City engineer Richard Peterson was credited with seeing it through.
State Route 62 Phase 2B design contract amendment
The widening of SR-62's north side has been in the works since roughly 2012. Caltrans required extra studies and right-of-way, driving the cost up and the timeline out, but construction money is already allocated and the design should be finished soon.
City energy efficiency investment paying off
The 2020 Climatech partnership — lighting, thermostats and solar upgrades paid for with utility rebates and a low-interest loan — is saving the city about $121,000 a year, with $2.7 million projected over 30 years.
Pioneer Days success and upcoming recreation programs
Council members and staff praised this year's Pioneer Days as a citywide effort, and previewed the Halloween bash, flag football sign-ups, a senior sock hop, a walk-and-wellness club, and the Joshua Tree Half Marathon on November 7.
Recycling procurement target reduced, saving residents on trash costs
An independent study proved the state overestimated how much organic material the city's trash stream contains, cutting the required tonnage from 2,397 to 1,049 tons a year — roughly $25,000 residents won't have to pay next year.
Measure G on the November ballot
Voters decide Tuesday whether to pass Measure G, which would fund a major animal shelter upgrade, better law enforcement, road maintenance, flood control, and park improvements.
Removal of homeless encampments ordinance
The city adopted an ordinance on clearing encampments from public property, modeled on the Governor's state ordinance. Supporters say it protects parks and gives a humane process for belongings; opponents say it criminalizes homelessness, extends to private property camping, and lacks shelter and services language.
Homeless services and resources in the Morongo Basin
Multiple speakers described local and regional homeless services — a motel program, Moting Hearts housing, Jewish Family Services, and new nonprofit His Hands — and asked the city to gather better data, hire a homeless services coordinator, and build more shelter capacity.
Development Impact Fee Report FY 2025-26
The council received and filed the annual report on development impact fees collected and spent, required by state law. It's an accounting of how fees from new development fund public facilities.
General Plan Land Use Map Update: Maps 1-9
The city is studying whether parcels owned by governments, utilities, conservation groups, and the tribe should be removed from development potential on the General Plan land use map. A draft running total shows about 705 potential housing units coming off the books so far — but a later pass on real-world zoning mismatches could add units back. No consultant budget exists this fiscal year, so staff is doing this work in-house.
Safe Parking for Unhoused Residents
A council member asked the city to look for sites where people living in their cars can park safely — a follow-up to the encampment debate.
Proposition 1 Housing Bond Awareness
The council got a briefing on the $11.25 billion veterans and affordable housing bond on the November ballot, with hopes some funds could subsidize local low-income and self-help housing projects.
Homeless Encampment Removal Ordinance
The city wants legal authority to clear encampments from parks, lots, and streets, storing belongings 60 days and handing out resource lists. Opponents say without housing-first investment, sweeps just push people into dangerous desert areas and cost taxpayers more than housing solutions.
Desert Knoll Subdivision (137 homes)
The city's only active residential subdivision after next August got the green light — 137 houses near Two Mile Road that supporters say add housing, property tax, and a path to more affordable stock, while critics flagged wildlife, noise, and the wastewater plant.
Storm Prep and Broken EV Charging Stations
The city manager touted public works' quick road cleanup after last week's rain, announced sandbag locations ahead of forecast El Nino storms, and admitted two Freedom Plaza charging stations are down with repair quotes near $22,000 each.
TBID Tourism Funding and Modernization
The 1.5% lodging assessment that funds Visit 29 Palms marketing and free community events was renewed for another year, with the board exploring a switch to the newer 1994 law allowing five-year terms instead of annual renewals.
Future of the PAAC Arts Micro-grant Program
Applicants have struggled with the documentation requirements, leaving awarded grants unprocessed, and residents publicly urged the committee to keep the program. The City Manager will meet with Finance to figure out how to complete pending applications.
Luckie Skate Park Mural
Chair Lyons gave a status update on the mural project at the skate park.
PAAC Committee Vacancies and Leadership
Chair Paul Razo resigned and two more terms expire in December, so the committee agreed to advertise the openings fast. Vice Chair Lyons was elected the new Chair.
Rescission of the Ofland Resort Project
The council started the process of erasing all of the Ofland Resort's approvals — rezoning of APN 0614-121-15, a general plan amendment, and a conditional use permit. The project that was once approved for commercial tourist use is now being unwound; a second reading and final vote remain.
San Bernardino County Fire Code Adoption
The city is updating its fire regulations to the 2025 California Fire Code via the county fire code — first reading passed; new fire-safety rules for construction are coming.
Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District #1 Levy
The annual assessment for the Lighting and Landscaping District was confirmed for another year with no objection at the public hearing.
Downtown Sewer Regulations and FOG Program
A new ordinance would govern who connects to and discharges into the downtown sewer system and set up a fats, oils, and grease permitting program for restaurants. The council tabled it to seek more time on the project.
USGS Groundwater Study Contribution
The city accepted a $200,000 contribution from the Twentynine Palms Water District to support a USGS study of the local groundwater basin — science that underpins future water decisions.
Community Resilience Center Grant
The council split 2-2 (one abstention) on whether to move forward with pursuing a resilience center grant, so the city is not proceeding. Residents weighed in on both sides of spending city resources to chase the grant.
Measure I Five-Year Plan Adoption
The council locked in how the city will spend its Measure I road sales-tax money for the next five fiscal years, 2026-27 through 2030-31.