Council approves Maverik fueling station amid discussions on future regulations

The plot of land at top left is the future site of a Maverik fueling station — similar to the one in Desert Hot Springs at right, after developers won their appeal of an earlier Indio Planning Commission denial during an Indio City Council meeting Wednesday evening.

The Indio City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to approve a new Maverik fueling station at Golf Center Parkway and Avenue 45, overturning a previous 3-2 Planning Commission decision to deny the project.

The approval came after extensive discussion about the station’s potential impact on traffic, air quality and the surrounding area. The 3.37-acre site will include a 5,951-square-foot convenience store, 10 fuel pumps with 20 fueling positions, and a four-lane diesel commercial fueling area.

The project involves subdividing an 8.62-acre vacant site into two parcels in an area zoned Heavy Industrial with a Workforce Employment general plan designation. The northern portion of the property will remain undeveloped for now.

Kevin Dice, a Maverik representative, addressed council concerns by confirming the station would feature four electric vehicle charging spaces with infrastructure to add four more in the future. “We will have the ability to add an additional four for a total of eight,” Dice said, adding the convenience store will be an all-electric building to reduce emissions.

The Planning Commission had denied the project in February, citing concerns about traffic congestion, gas station oversaturation, greenhouse gas impacts, and potential negative effects on what they classified as a disadvantaged community, including proximity to a school and low-income housing.

In their appeal, Maverik argued that traffic and environmental impacts would be minimal and properly mitigated according to their studies. The company also highlighted potential economic benefits, including an estimated $671,000 in annual tax revenue for the city.

The project sparked broader discussion about future gas station regulations in Indio. Councilmember Oscar Ortiz requested staff bring back an item to discuss requirements that might exceed state standards for new gas stations, particularly regarding electric vehicle charging and landscaping that could mitigate air quality impacts.

“Can we start implementing or requiring electric chargers and specific landscaping that will help us mitigate the air quality impacts?” Ortiz asked.

Mayor Glenn Miller expressed concerns about numerous gas station developments leaving portions of their properties undeveloped.

“A lot of them have put the gas station in and they have the other property, then nothing happens to the property,” Miller said, requesting the Planning Commission study potential regulations and return with recommendations.

City staff confirmed Indio currently has 24 active or planned gas stations. Council members agreed on the need to ensure all new developments maintain clean, safe facilities and contribute positively to the community’s appearance over time.