City Council Chamber
1515 6th Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502 www.coachella.org
AGENDA
OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY OF COACHELLA
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 04, 2026
6:00 PM
In-Person Meeting
Location:
City Council Chamber
1515 6th Street,
Coachella, CA
If you would like to attend the meeting via Zoom, here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84544257915?pwd=VTdHWitpYVdOUk1NQW8vZ1pqUm0zQT 09 Or One tap mobile : +16694449171,,84544257915#,,,,*380084# Or Telephone:
US: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 845 4425 7915
Passcode: 380084
Spanish: El idioma español está disponible en Zoom seleccionado la opción en la parte de abajo de la pantalla
Public comments may be received by 12:00 P.M. either in person, via email, telephonically, or via Zoom with a limit of 250 words, or three minutes:
o In Real Time:
If participating in real time via Zoom or phone, during the Public Comment Period, use the “raise hand” function on your computer, or when using a phone, participants can raise their hand by pressing *9 on the keypad.
o In Writing:
Written comments may be submitted to the City Council electronically via email to [email protected]. Transmittal prior to the start of the meeting is required. All written comments received will be forwarded to the City Council and entered into the record. The live stream of the meeting may be viewed online by accessing the city's website at www.coachella.org, and clicking on the "Watch Council Meetings" tab located on the home page, and then clicking on the "live" button.
1 Agenda Planning Commission March 04, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“At this time the Commission may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda.”
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 4, 2026 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS):
“The public may address the Commission on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda, but is within the subject matter jurisdiction thereof. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.” REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
NON-HEARING ITEMS:
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):
INFORMATIONAL:
2. Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study and Integrated Land Use and Transit Network
3. Brown Act Training
ADJOURNMENT:
Complete Agenda Packets are available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office at 53-462 Enterprise Way, Coachella, California, and on the City’s website www.coachella.org.
THIS MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 2 City Council Chamber
1515 6th Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502 www.coachella.org
MINUTES
OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY OF COACHELLA
PLANNING COMMISSION
February 4, 2026
6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Lara.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Present: X Chairperson Murillo
X Vice Chairperson Fonseca
X Commissioner Lara
X Commissioner Ordorica
X Commissioner Torres
Staff Present: *Kendra Reif, Community Development Director. *Vanessa Sanchez, Planning Technician.
*Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner.
*Jason Stevens, Information Technology Manager.
*Jesus Medina, Information Technology Tech.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“At this time the Commission may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda.”
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 19, 2025.
2. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025.
MOTION MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ORDORICA SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR FONSECA TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
Approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioner Torres, Commissioner Ordorica, Commissioner Lara, Vice Chairperson Fonseca, Chairperson Murillo
NOES: None
3 Item 1.
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS):
“The public may address the Commission on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda, but is within the subject matter jurisdiction thereof. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.” Public Comments Opened at 6:02 PM by Chairperson Murillo.
Public Comments Closed at 6:03 PM by Chairperson Murillo.
REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
NON-HEARING ITEMS:
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):
3. A Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. PC 2026-02 of the Planning Commission of the City of Coachella: Request for conditional approval for Variance No. 25-05 for an existing, unpermitted, and detached 210 square-foot patio structure located less than five feet from the property line at 50346 Camino Loreto; and determining that the project is compliant with section 15073 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. Applicant: Alexis Velazquez.
Vanessa Sanchez, Planning Technician, gave a brief presentation for the item. A copy of the presentation is on file with the Planning Division.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:11 pm by Chairperson Murillo.
Eduardo Velazquez, Applicant, made himself available and provided comments.
Public Hearing Closed at 6:14 pm by Chairperson Murillo.
Carlos Velazquez, Applicant, made himself available and provided comments.
Alexis Velazquez, Applicant, made himself available and provided comments.
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LARA AND SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR FONSECA RECOMMENDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENY VARIANCE NUMBER 20-05 WITH THE FINDINGS LISTED IN RESOLUTION NO. PC 2026-02 WITH A CONTINUACE TO A DATE AND TIME
UNCERTAIN WHERE THE ITEM WOULD BE BROUGHT BACK BEFORE US AT THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
Approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioner Torres, Commissioner Lara, Commissioner Ordorica.
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Fonseca, Chair Murillo.
4 Item 1.
ABSENT: None.
INFORMATIONAL:
*Planning Commissioners Academy, please let me know if you will be attending so I can make arrangements.
ADJOURNMENT: 6:43 P.M.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY,
KENDRA REIF
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
Complete Agenda Packets are available for public inspection in the Development Services Department at 53-990 Enterprise Way, Coachella, California, and on the City’s website www.coachella.org.
5 Item 1.
80237.00000\44716501.1
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Kendra Reif, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: COACHELLA RAIL STATION FEASIBILITY STUDY AND INTEGRATED LAND USE AND
TRANSIT NETWORK
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission receive and file this information.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Coachella in partnership with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is conducting a feasibility study to evaluate a proposed daily intercity passenger rail service connecting Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. Key outcomes of this study thus far include the identification of Pueblo Viejo (Station Site 2) in Coachella as the preferred station location, the Station Layout and Design, the Station Area Plan, and the Economic Development Strategy.
This presentation will provide a Study Overview, the Station Layout and Design, the Station Area Plan, the Economic Development Strategy, and Next Steps.
ALTERNATIVES:
None.
FISCAL IMPACTS;
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study and Integrated Land Use and Transit Network Presentation.
STAFF REPORT
March 4, 2026
6 Item 2.
Coachella Rail Station
Feasibility Study and Integrated
Land Use and Transit Network
Coachella Planning Commission
March 4, 2026
7 Item 2.
Agenda
• Study Overview
• Station Layout & Design
• Station Area Plan
• Economic Development Strategy
• Next Steps
8 Item 2.
Study Overview
9 Item 2.
Study Purposes • Evaluate potential locations for CV
Rail station site and layover facility
in Coachella
• Select the City’s preferred station
location
• For the preferred location, develop: • Preliminary engineering plans, architectural drawings, and connectivity
plans for the rail station
• Transit-oriented community plans and
economic development strategies for
the surrounding area
10 Item 2.
CV Rail and the Coachella Station Study
• Final selection of station locations will be determined in the NEPA/CEQA CV Rail Tier II/Project Environmental Document1
• Analysis and information in this study will be utilized to help determine the final selection of the preferred alternative during formal NEPA/CEQA process • Location of tracks for CV Rail are subject to negotiations and agreements with the host railroad
• This study does not commit the City to the approval or construction of any particular station location or design concept
1. Led by RCTC under the oversight of the Federal Railroad Administration and Caltrans Division of Rail. 11 Item 2.
Community Engagement
TAC Meetings
• Oct 24, 2024 – Introduction and Initial Sites
• Jan 30, 2025 – Station location evaluation
• Apr 24, 2025 – Preliminary station layout and land use vision
• Sept 11, 2025 – Station designs and land use plan
• Jan 15, 2026 – Refined design, plans, and strategies
Pop up Events
• Eggstravaganza – April 12
• Movie Night – May 13
• Mariachi Festival – May 22
• Propsera Learning Exchange – May 29
• Independence Day – July 3
• Halloween Carnival – Oct 30
• Los Muertos Block Party – Nov 11
• Fiestas Azules – Jan 24
• DRD Health Resource Fair – Feb 7
Community Workshops
• November 21, 2024
• March 18, 2025
• July 24, 2025
• October 16, 2025
12 Item 2.
Station Layout
and Design
13 Item 2.
City’s Preferred Station
Site
Site 2 in Pueblo Viejo was
recommended to City Council
because it has good accessibility,
the most supportive land use,
and the fewest engineering
constraints
3 Cesar Chavez
Ave. 50
4th St
Community
Resilience
Center
14 Item 2.
Layover Facility
Location Ave. 50
Ave. 52
Cesar Chavez
Tyler
• South of Avenue 52 was
determined to be the
optimal location
operationally
• More land is available on
the east side of the railroad
to accommodate facility
elements: • 3 storage tracks • Train wash • Crew building • Truck access and employee parking
Ave. 54
Proposed layover
facility site
Industrial Way
Tyler
15 Item 2.
Proposed Station Layout - Access
Community
Resilience
Center
Station Entrance
Station Exit
Bus Pull-out
Potential Additional Parking
Drop-off/Pick-up
Bike trail
4th6th
Parking
For Illustrative
Purposes Only
16 Item 2.
Proposed Station Layout - Components
Community
Resilience
Center
Ramps
Station Building
Pedestrian/bike overcrossing Elevator +
Stairs
Elevator +
Stairs
Resilience Center
entrance
4th6th
For Illustrative
Purposes Only
17 Item 2.
Station View
For Illustrative
Purposes Only
18 Item 2.
19 Item 2.
Station Area Plan
20 Item 2.
Chapter 1 (Background & Purpose)
→ purpose, context, and high-level goals of the Plan
Organization of the Plan
Chapter 2 (Illustrated Vision)
→ desired outcomes for the station and surrounding built environment Chapter 3 (Plan Area Toolkit)
→ strategies and guidelines for achieving the vision of Chapter 2 Chapter 4 (Implementation)
→ actions, policies, and phasing for implementing the Plan 21 Item 2.
Chapter 1: Purpose of the Plan
• Builds on the vision of the General Plan and
Revitalization Plan
• Supports the priorities of RHNA and REAP 2.0
• Enhances grant eligibility/competitiveness
• Leverages the prospect of passenger rail service to
define and illustrate a community-led vision for the area • Provides policy and guidance for achieving the vision 22 Item 2.
Chapter 1: Guiding Principles
The Station Area will be:
• Safe and Comfortable
• Inclusive
• Connected
• Engaging
• Sustainable
• Distinct
23 Item 2.
• The Station Area will continue to evolve into a vibrant mixed-use environment • The City’s downtown will expand eastward, across the railroad • Shops, restaurants, and civic facilities will draw residents and visitors • Public improvements and new pedestrian-oriented development will provide a safe, comfortable, and attractive public realm
• The history and culture of Coachella will be acknowledged and celebrated • The siting, design, and appointing of the rail station and adjacent areas will support effective rail operations
• The station and adjacent areas will function as a robust mobility hub Chapter 1: Goals
24 Item 2.
Illustrated Vision
25 Item 2.
Chapter 2: Illustrated Vision – Pueblo Viejo
26 Item 2.
Chapter 2: Downtown Expansion
Wide Range of Uses in a
Walkable Environment
27 Item 2.
Chapter 2: Downtown Expansion
Wide Range of Uses in a
Walkable Environment
28 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Plan Area Toolkit
Chapter at a Glance
29 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Plan Area Toolkit
30 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Plan Area Toolkit
31 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Plan Area Toolkit
32 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Plan Area Toolkit
33 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Plan Area Toolkit
34 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Land Use
See General Plan
Designation Map
See General Plan
Designation Map
35 Item 2.
The Housing Element calls for
homes for lower income
households at higher intensities
near the center of the area.
Chapter 3: Implementing the Adopted Housing Element
See General Plan
Designation Map
36 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Implementing the Adopted Housing Element
See General Plan
Designation Map
37 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Flexible Land Use Framework
See General Plan
Designation Map
See General Plan
Designation Map
38 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Mobility Concepts
39 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Mobility Concepts
Pedestrian and Cyclist-Oriented 4th St
40 Item 2.
Chapter 3: Mobility Concepts
Additional Trees and Parking on 5th St
41 Item 2.
Phasing • Contingent upon Many Factors • Funding • Staffing • Critical to Success • Leadership • Coordination and partnerships with state, regional, and local agencies/organizations
• Clear and flexible development/design
standards and a straightforward entitlement
process
• Strategic public realm investments • Building Coachella’s presence and brand Chapter 4: Implementation
42 Item 2.
Policy/Action Framework
• Connectivity
• Housing
• Commerce/employment
• Sustainability/resiliency
• History/cultural heritage
• Rail operations
Chapter 4: Implementation
43 Item 2.
Economic Development
Strategy
44 Item 2.
Market Area Analysis
• Higher share of families with children:
• 40% of households have children under 18,
compared to 24% in the Coachella Valley
• Predominantly Hispanic/Latino community:
• ~97% Hispanic or Latino (any race) compared to
~52% across the Coachella Valley
• Lower median household income:
• ~$68,000 in Coachella vs. ~$85,000 in the
Coachella Valley
City of Coachella and Downtown
Coachella
City of Coachella vs. Coachella Valley
45 Item 2.
• The City of Coachella has a spending gap
of ~$13,600 per capita compared to the
Coachella Valley
• This gap reflects retail sales leakage and
represents an opportunity to capture
additional local spending.
• Largest Spending Gap Sectors
• Food Services and Drinking Places
• General Merchandise Stores
• Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
Market Area Analysis
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
Coachella Valley City of Coachella
Total Retail and Food Services All Other Outlets
Taxable Sales Leakage Taxable Transactions Per Capita 2022 46 Item 2.
• Business count by Downtown:
• Downtown Coachella: 153 businesses
• Downtown Indio: 190 businesses
• Downtown La Quinta: 324 businesses
• All three downtowns are service-sector
focused
• Downtown Coachella has a higher share
of agriculture/extraction related
businesses
• La Quinta was viewed as a “one-stop
shop” during focus groups
Comparable and Competitive Environment
Downtown Businesses by Sector
-
25 50
75 100
125
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
325
Downtown
Coachella
Downtown Indio Downtown La
Quinta
Unclassified
Establishments
Professional
Service
Manufacturing
Agriculture/Extraction
47 Item 2.
• Business density and diversity matter
• Strong mix of retail, service, and office uses
• Serve everyday community needs
• Focus groups emphasized the importance of
businesses that support daily, routine activities
• Downtown development priority
• Façade improvement grants
• Downtown Business Incentive Program
• Placemaking & events programming
• Activates downtown spaces and supports local
businesses
Comparable and Competitive Environment
Downtown La Quinta Events
48 Item 2.
Key Findings and Market Gaps
Quick-service restaurants and cafés offering affordable, family-friendly meals Grocery and convenience stores tailored to larger households and frequent shoppers Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and other personal care providers Tutoring centers, family clinics, and play-based learning spaces Retailers serving cost-conscious shoppers
Banks and financial providers supporting the everyday needs of working families Businesses celebrating Coachella’s agricultural heritage while providing affordable access to fresh, healthy food
49 Item 2.
Next Steps
50 Item 2.
Study Wrap-Up and Next Steps
• Finalizing remaining deliverables – Area Plan, cost estimates, and phasing/implementation plan
• City Council presentation March 11, 2026
• Study will conclude by the end of March 2026
• Broader Coachella Valley Rail environmental and design process begins this year, with more opportunities for community engagement
• City of Coachella can begin implementing Area Plan and Economic Development Strategy recommendations
51 Item 2.
80237.00000\44716501.1
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: City Attorney’s Office, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
SUBJECT: Brown Act Training
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission receive and file this information.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the Planning Commission for the City of Coachella has received presentations and trainings regarding conflicts of interest laws and compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act). City staff in coordination with the City Attorney’s office schedule in person trainings throughout the year.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
This training will provide a high-level overview of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act) and recognizing Conflicts of Interest. Training on the Brown Act will include background on the Brown Act, what the Brown Act requires, and how this works in practice with the Planning Commission.
Training on Conflicts of Interest will include the general rules on personal financial interests, how to recognize when you may have a conflict, and how to recuse yourself at a meeting if you have conflict. The goal of the training is to help Commissioners comply with the law, learn best practices, promote positive public perceptions, and avoid legal problems.
Brown Act Overview
The Brown Act is California's “sunshine” law for local government. It is found in the California Government Code beginning at Section 54950. In a nutshell, it requires local government business to be conducted at open and public meetings, except in certain limited situations. The Brown Act is based upon state policy that the people must be informed so they can keep control over their government.
The requirements of the Brown Act apply to “legislative bodies” of local governmental agencies.
The term “legislative body” is defined to include the governing body of a local agency (e.g., the city council) and any commission, committee, board or other body of the local agency, whether permanent or temporary, decision-making or advisory, that is created by formal action of a legislative body (Section 54952).
STAFF REPORT
March 4, 2026
52 Item 3.
80237.00000\44716501.1
The central provision of the Brown Act requires that all “meetings” of a legislative body be open and public. The Brown Act definition of the term “meeting” (Section 54952.2) is a very broad definition that encompasses almost every gathering of a majority of members and includes:
“Any congregation of a majority of members of a legislative body at the same time and place to hear, discuss, or deliberate upon any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body or the local agency to which it pertains.” In plain English, this means that a meeting is any gathering of a majority of members to hear or discuss any item of city business or potential city business.
There are six specific types of gatherings that are not subject to the Brown Act. We refer to the exceptions as: (1) the individual contact exception; (2) the seminar and conference exception; (3) the community meeting exception; (4) the other legislative body exception; (5) the social or ceremonial occasion exception; and (6) the standing committee exception.
Unless a gathering of a majority of members falls within one of the exceptions discussed below, if a majority of members are in the same room and merely listen to a discussion of city business, then they will be participating in a Brown Act meeting that requires notice, an agenda, and a period for public comment.
Conflict of Interest Overview
The Political Reform Act of 1974 (Gov. Code sections 81000-91015) forms the foundation for California’s financial conflict of interest laws for public officials. The purpose is to cover both actual and apparent conflict of interest situations between a public official’s private interest and his or her public duties.
The basic rule is that no public official shall make, participate in making or in any way attempt to use his or her official position to influence a governmental decision if he or she knows, or has reason to know, that he or she has a financial interest in the decision.
What Should I Do if a Financial Conflict Exists? Do not participate in the discussion or render any opinion or advice, and do not act in any way that might influence the decision. State law requires you to publicly disclose your financial conflict of interest and excuse yourself from the meeting while the matter is being considered in open session. You do not have to excuse yourself on consent calendar items but must publicly disclose your financial interest. Violation of the Political Reform Act can result in administrative fines, civil penalties and criminal sanctions.
Other Conflict of Interest Laws
Self-Interested Contracts (Government Code Section 1090) This key law prohibits you, as an elected or appointed official, from voting, discussing or negotiating a proposed contract or sale with your public agency if you will receive some financial gain or personal benefit from the contract or sale. Even if you abstain as a board member, the entire board or council is prohibited from entering into the contract. Any contract signed by a public agency board in violation of section 1090 is void. The rule is different if you are a decision-making employee not on the board or council. A public agency employee may disclose his or her financial 53 Item 3.
80237.00000\44716501.1
interest in the public agency contract and be disqualified from any involvement, allowing the board or council to legally enter the contract. Violation of this law will void the contract or sale and may result in permanent forfeiture of office for elected officials. There are limited exceptions to this law beyond the scope of this Guide.
Campaign Contributions (Government Code Section 84308)
If you are an appointed public official, or if you are an elected public official serving on an appointed board or commission, this law prohibits you from participating in proceedings on licenses, permits or other entitlements that affect a person, business or other entity from which you have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more within the last 12 months.
Final Note
In general, California’s Conflict of Interest laws impose strict restrictions on elected or appointed officials in their dealings with their public agencies. It forbids them from voting, discussing, or negotiating any proposed projects, contracts, sales, or other specific actions if they stand to gain financially or personally from such transactions. It is ultimately the commissioner’s obligation to identify and disclose any such conflicts as outlined in statute. If a commissioner is unsure if there is a conflict of interest, they are encouraged to contact the City Attorney before the hearing.
ALTERNATIVES:
None.
FISCAL IMPACTS
None.
54 Item 3.