HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2026-057Resolution No. 2026-057
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California,
Designating the Property Located at 47550 Silver Spur Trail as a Historic
Landmark Pursuant to Criteria A and C of Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 29.40.010 and Finding the Action Categorically Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15308 (Assessor’s Parcel Number 630-250-046)
Whereas, the owners of the property located at 47550 Silver Spur Trail, Assessor’s
Parcel Number 630-250-046 (“Property”), submitted an application requesting designation
of the Property as a historic landmark pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code (“PDMC”)
Chapter 29.40; and
Whereas, the Property contains a single-family residence constructed in 1956 as the
original sales office and model home for Silver Spur Ranch, one of Palm Desert’s early
planned residential communities; and
Whereas, the City’s Historic Context Statement and Citywide Historic Resources
Survey identify Silver Spur Ranch within the context of Palm Desert’s significant mid -century
residential development and transition toward diversified year -round residential subdivision
development; and
Whereas, PDMC Section 29.40.010 establishes the criteria for designation of a
cultural resource as a historic landmark and requires that the cultural resource retain
integrity and meet one or more of the designation criteria; and
Whereas, City records and materials submitted by the property owners document
alterations to the Property over time, including enclosure of the original carport,
construction of a pool and detached garage, replacement of roofing and flooring, exterior
modifications, replacement of windows and doors, interior remodeling, and limited
modification of the roofline; and
Whereas, notwithstanding these alterations, the Property retains its original location,
overall one-story form, primary footprint, relationship to Silver Spur Trail, low horizontal
massing, broad roof overhangs, stone fireplace and wall features, original great
room/reception space, residential setting, and association with the development of Silver
Spur Ranch; and
Whereas, on April 22, 2026, the Historic Preservation Committee considered the
landmark designation application and continued the matter to allow the applicant to provide
additional photographs and information regarding the Property’s alterations and exist ing
condition; and
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Whereas, on June 24, 2026, the Historic Preservation Committee conducted a
continued public hearing to consider the landmark designation application and
supplemental information; and
Whereas, following discussion regarding the Property’s alterations and remaining
integrity, a motion to recommend that the City Council designate the Property as a historic
landmark pursuant to Criteria A and C of PDMC Section 29.40.010 failed by a vote of two in
favor and four opposed. Per PDMC Section 29.40.080, HPC may recommend to the City
Council approval or denial and City Council shall review after said recommendation ; and
Whereas, the City Council has considered the application, supplemental materials,
City permit records, Historic Context Statement and Citywide Historic Resources Survey,
Historic Preservation Committee proceedings, public testimony and correspondence, staf f
report, and all other evidence presented in connection with the application; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the determination of historic integrity requires
consideration of the relationship between the Property’s remaining physical characteristics
and the particular historical and architectural significance for which designa tion is
proposed; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that alterations to certain materials, finishes,
openings, and architectural features have diminished some aspects of the Property’s
integrity but have not eliminated its ability to convey its historic significance . The Property
continues to retain sufficient integrity of location, design, setting, feeling, and association,
together with sufficient historic materials and physical features, to communicate its original
function and significance; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the Property satisfies Criterion A of PDMC
Section 29.40.010 because its original use as the sales office and model home for Silver
Spur Ranch directly associates the Property with the establishment, marketing, and
development of an important mid-century Palm Desert residential neighborhood and the
broader pattern of the community’s postwar residential growth; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the Property satisfies Criterion C of PDMC
Section 29.40.010 because it continues to embody distinctive characteristics of mid -
century residential architecture adapted to the desert environment, including low horizontal
massing, a one-story form, broad roof overhangs, a wraparound veranda configuration,
indoor-outdoor orientation, stone architectural features, and integration with its residential
setting; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the cumulative alterations to the Property do not
prevent it from retaining sufficient integrity to convey its significance under Criteria A and C;
and
Whereas, the City Council finds that designation of the Property as a historic
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landmark is consistent with the purposes of Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code; and
Whereas, the proposed landmark designation is categorically exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section
15308, Class 8, because the designation constitutes a regulatory action for the protection
of a historic resource and does not authorize any physical alteration, construction,
demolition, or other change to the Property . The City Council further finds that none of the
exceptions to the categorical exemption identified in State CEQA Guidelines Section
15300.2 apply.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, as
follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. Landmark Designation Findings.
The City Council finds that the property located at 47550 Silver Spur Trail, Assessor’s
Parcel Number 630-250-046, retains sufficient historic integrity and satisfies Criteria A and
C of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 29.40.010.
Specifically, the City Council finds:
A. Criterion A. The Property is associated with an event or events that have made a
significant contribution to broad patterns of history because the residence was
constructed and originally used as the sales office and model home for Silver
Spur Ranch and was directly associated with the establishment, marketing, and
early development of the subdivision and Palm Desert’s broader pattern of mid -
century residential growth.
B. Criterion C. The Property embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type,
period, or method of construction because it remains a representative example
of mid-century desert residential architecture through its low horizontal
massing, one-story configuration, broad roof overhangs, wraparound veranda,
indoor-outdoor orientation, stone architectural features, and relationship to the
surrounding residential setting.
C. Integrity. Although the Property has undergone alterations, it retains its original
location, overall form and scale, primary footprint, relationship to Silver Spur
Trail, significant architectural features, original great room/reception space,
residential setting, and historic association with Silver Spur Ranch. The
alterations do not substantially impair the Property’s ability to convey its
significance under Criteria A and C.
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Section 3. Landmark Designation.
The City Council hereby designates the property located at 47550 Silver Spur Trail, Palm
Desert, California, Assessor’s Parcel Number 630 -250-046, as a historic landmark
pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 29.40.
Section 4. California Environmental Quality Act.
The City Council finds that the landmark designation is categorically exempt from CEQA
pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8, because the action is
undertaken for the protection of a historic resource and does not authorize any
construction, demolition, alteration, or other physical change to the Property.
The City Council further finds that none of the exceptions contained in State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
Section 5. Implementation and Recordation.
The Development Services Director, or designee, is authorized and directed to update the
City’s applicable historic-resource records to identify the Property as a designated
landmark and to take all actions required by Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 29 .40 to
implement this designation. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to provide notice of
the designation and record the resolution and other documents required by Palm Desert
Municipal Code Section 29.40.110 with the Riverside County Recorder.
Section 6. Effective Date.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Adopted on September 10, 2026.
Evan Trubee
Mayor
Attest:
Anthony J. Mejia
City Clerk
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I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2026-057 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on September 10, 2026, by the
following vote:
Ayes: Harnik, Moreno, Nestande, Pradetto, and Trubee
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of
Palm Desert, California, on ___________________.
Anthony J. Mejia
City Clerk
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9/11/2026