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.
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.
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.
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.
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.