Indio sets timeline for new gas station rules

The Indio Planning Commission got a preview Wednesday of a proposed ordinance that would significantly limit where new gas stations can be built in the city, with a public hearing on the measure expected next month.

The effort has been more than a year in the making, tracing back to a City Council decision to approve a Maverick gas station over the Planning Commission’s objection — a vote that prompted the council to order a broader study of whether Indio had too many stations. The city imposed a moratorium on new gas station permits in December last year and has since extended it to allow time to craft permanent rules.

Indio currently has 31 gas stations operating or approved, concentrated heavily along major commercial corridors. Despite concerns about oversaturation, a city economic analysis found roughly $18 million in unmet consumer demand for fuel in the city — a figure councilmembers said underscored the need for a careful, not a blanket, approach to new stations.

Under the proposed ordinance, new gas stations would be prohibited outright on Highway 111 and Indio Boulevard and would face new restrictions in other parts of the city as well.

“It is going to significantly limit, but not necessarily prohibit” new stations citywide, City Manager Bryan Montgomery told commissioners Wednesday.

Beyond location restrictions, the ordinance would set new standards for landscaping, requiring gas stations to increase green coverage and to plant trees from a regionally approved palette. Stations would also be required to dedicate at least 5% of their retail floor area to fresh food, meet new architectural standards, and maintain a public amenities plan.

The ordinance would also impose new security requirements, including lighting plans, restrictions on window coverings, and a mandate for security cameras.

The moratorium was extended in March to June 18, leaving a tight window for the city to finalize and adopt permanent rules.

“There wasn’t too much public opposition when it went to City Council, so we’re thinking that’s positive,” Montgomery said.

Staff plans to bring a formal ordinance to the Planning Commission next month before sending it to the City Council for final adoption.

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