CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 11, 2026 BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE
SUBJECT: ORCHID TREE HOTEL PROJECT COVENANT AGREEMENT
MILESTONE UPDATE
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Economic Development & Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The Weintraub Group, applicant for the Orchid Tree Hotel project located at 284 Baristo Rd, has submitted the required materials to meet the extended milestone of its Covenant Agreement, which was approved by Council on April 23, 2025 (Attachment A).
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
BUSINESS DISCLOSURE:
The property is owned by NEW CHURCH II, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, ARENAS BELARDO PS, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, and CAHUILLA CHURCH, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company. (See Attachment A).
BACKGROUND:
Several years have transpired in the development of this project. The City’s first action was taken in November of 2015. This staff report is a status report regarding the Covenant Agreement by and between the City of Palm Springs and New Church II, LLC (etc.). The Covenant Agreement set forth a series of milestones that the Developer was required to accomplish.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Following what the City believed was an insufficient submittal by Developer, the original planning application milestone date of August 23, 2025 was extended to February 14, 2026. As of the date of this report, the City’s Planning Services Department confirms that
City Council Staff Report
March 11, 2026 -- Page 2
Orchid Tree Hotel Project Covenant Agreement Milestone Update the Developer has generally provided the required materials to substantially comply with the milestone. Under normal Planning Services procedures, the City has until March 14, 2026 to issue a letter to the Developer.
The next milestone occurs eight months from the date of the application submittal which requires the Developer to have secured the required entitlements by October 11, 2026.
All other dates shift accordingly and will be memorialized between the parties.
This report makes no assertion as to the quality or nature of the planning application other than to report the required documentation has been submitted to meet the extended milestone. The City’s Planning Services Department may well seek additional information or reports, and only after further processing of the application can it be determined whether and to what extent the application complies with the City’s Planning and Zoning requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The City finds that no further environmental review is required in connection with this status report.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
Economic Development – Support a vibrant economy, including tourism, and new and existing businesses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Fiscal Impact section remains unchanged from the previous staff report (Attachment A) other than the date of opening will occur slightly later than originally stated thereby potentially delaying the receipt of TOT and other taxes.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Wayne Olson
City Attorney: Jeff Ballinger
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Staff report of April 23, 2025 with Business Disclosure and Covenant Agreement