Hesperia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hesperia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Data center proposals in the High Desert
Councilmember Ochoa wants a study on how data centers — which can use millions of gallons of water a day — would affect Hesperia's desert water table, plus their job and economic trade-offs, possibly leading to a moratorium or ban.
Large warehouse development near Phelan Road and I-15 corridor
A 419,840-square-foot warehouse next to the new Amazon facility brings jobs and tax revenue, but its EIR admits greenhouse gas and traffic impacts can't be fully mitigated. Commissioners weighed those trade-offs and approved it.
Covington 1M sq ft industrial warehouse near I-15
A huge warehouse and commercial pad project that would bring roughly 1,000 construction jobs and $5 million in payments to the city, but with air quality, greenhouse gas, and traffic impacts the EIR says can't be fully mitigated. The Council will make the final call.
HOA and Maintenance Requirements for Housing Tracts
Commissioners debated whether new housing tracts should be required to form HOAs so landscaping and improvements don't deteriorate after build-out. Staff will research the current split of duties between the city and the Hesperia Recreation and Park District and report back.
Reported Buddhist temple complex near Apple Valley border
Word of a possible large Buddhist temple development — huge temples, a giant Buddha statue, hotels and apartments — on acreage right at the Hesperia/Apple Valley border. Nothing is public yet, but neighbors wouldn't be thrilled to live next door.
Tow yard on Lilac Street (CUP 24-00013)
A tow company with an existing Rialto yard — reportedly asked by CHP to expand north — got approval to build a tow yard with a small office on 1.84 industrial acres. Conditions cap passenger vehicle storage at 30 days and require paving and screen walls.
22-lot subdivision at Oak Valley and Fuente (TT 23-0004)
A new 22-home subdivision on 4.1 acres cleared the commission unanimously, with a new cul-de-sac street, required walls, water and sewer extensions and full street improvements. Commissioners welcomed continued homebuilding despite costs.
Warehouse project environmental appeal (CUP 2200-016)
The SAFER group appealed the Planning Commission's approval of two 75,000 sq ft warehouses, arguing the environmental review skipped proper burrowing owl surveys. The council sided with the project, keeping the mitigated negative declaration in place.
Car wash proliferation and Phelan Road commercial project
Hesperia has been flooded with new car washes, and the council had stripped the car wash from this gas station/convenience store project in April. After hearing from the developer, the council reversed course and let the car wash back in, 4-1.
ADU grading plan requirement
An architectural designer argued the city's requirement for a grading plan on flat-lot ADU projects is costly 'sounds good' legislation that harms homeowners on acre-plus lots with 60 years of no problems.
Sam's Club retail center on Amargosa Road
A new Sam's Club with gas station and car wash near the I-15 will give shoppers an alternative to Costco and add about 260 permanent jobs, though the project's traffic impacts were found significant and unavoidable.
2025 Development Activity and Housing Element Progress
The city permitted 505 new single-family homes and 23 ADUs in 2025 and now has about 4.2 million square feet of approved industrial space, including the Amazon facility. The annual report shows the city is keeping up with its state housing obligations.
Warehouse Appeal (SAFER v. Cargo Solutions Express)
An environmental group's appeal of two 75,000-square-foot warehouse buildings was put on hold for about two months while SAFER and the developer negotiate a possible settlement. The council will take the appeal back up if no deal is reached.
Housing fee reduction request
Council Member Gregg asked staff to bring back a report on total fees and permitting costs to build a home in Hesperia, aiming to cut red tape and make housing more affordable.
Hotel Development
Get ready for a new hotel in Hesperia! A 124-room StudioRes by Marriott is coming to Mariposa Road, right by the Texas Roadhouse. This could mean more places for people to stay when they visit.
Road Vacation for Development
Hesperia's council is closing a piece of Outpost Road to make room for the Brightline train and a new Love's truck stop. Get ready for some traffic changes and a potential development boom!
Housing Discrimination Settlement
Hesperia is coughing up cash to settle a federal lawsuit over a rental housing program that was found to be discriminatory. The city and sheriff's department are being held accountable for how they handled housing for renters.
Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Settlement
Hesperia is paying out $1 million to settle a lawsuit alleging they discriminated against Black and Latino renters. This settlement shines a light on potential housing discrimination issues within the city.
Housing Discrimination
Hesperia's housing policies are under fire from the federal government, specifically HUD Secretary Ben Carson. He's accusing the city of discriminating against people with disabilities, which could force major changes in how new housing is approved and built.