Imperial County, CA - Imperial County recognizes the community interest surrounding today’s Planning Commission meeting and appreciates the participation of residents who took time to attend and share their perspectives. The County remains committed to maintaining a respectful and transparent public process. Today's meeting addressed several items including Lot Merger #00191, an application submitted by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC. Discussion on that application reflected the passion many residents feel about land use decisions in the Imperial Valley.
Planning Commission Role and Voting Process
The Imperial County Planning Commission is composed of ten (10) commissioners, who are appointed by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. For any motion to pass, a minimum of six affirmative votes is required, regardless of how many commissioners are present at any given hearing.
Purpose of the Agenda Item “Lot Merger #00191”
Today’s hearing on Lot Merger #00191, concerned a lot merger only, not the approval of a data center project. The application outlined requests for approval to consolidate five individual parcels into a single approximately 75.39 acre site located at 2304 Clark Road, Imperial, California. No entitlement for construction or operation of a data center was considered or approved as part of this application.
Specific Actions Before the Planning Commission on Lot Merger #00191:
- Find that Lot Merger #00191 is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19, Section 15305, Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations, and that no further environmental documentation is required.
- Find that Lot Merger #00191 is consistent with applicable zoning and building ordinances.
- Approve Lot Merger #00191 subject to the attached conditions.
Motion’s Made on December 18, 20225, Regarding Lot Merger #00191
Commissioner Carson Kalin made a motion to approve the lot merger application, the votes on the motion were as follows:
- Yes: Schaffner, Kalin, Cabanas, Gallegos, Roben (5)
- No: Wright, Dunn (2)
- Absent: Hinojosa, Medina, Gutierrez (left prior to motion) (3)
Per County policy, although a majority of commissioners voted in favor, the motion failed because there were not six affirmative votes, which is required for approval of any item.
Following the first motion that failed, a separate motion was introduced by Commissioner Sergio Cabanas for the applicant to further discuss the project with the City of Imperial, City of El Centro, and the community before bringing the item back the Planning Commission for consideration. This motion passed, with the seven present commissioners voting affirmatively.
During the hearing, no motion was made to deny the lot merger application.
Appeal Status and Process
After the Planning Commission hearing, on December 18, 2025, the applicant filed an appeal with the County, pursuant to Imperial County Code, Title 9, Division 1; a copy of the appeal has been included with this press release. An appeal allows the next decision-making body to review the Planning Commission record, consider additional testimony as permitted by County procedures, and take action on the matter.
Next Steps and Board of Supervisors Meeting
As part of the appeal process, the matter will be scheduled for a public hearing before the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. The Board will review the appeal in accordance with County ordinances and applicable state law. Details regarding the date, time, and location of that meeting will be provided once the hearing is formally scheduled.
Imperial County remains committed to ensuring that land use decisions follow established procedures, comply with all legal requirements, and provide opportunities for meaningful public input. The County appreciates the engagement from residents in public processes and encourages community members to continue participating respectfully.
For additional information, residents may contact the Imperial County Planning and Development Services Department. ###