By Karim Hammam
Nearly two years after In-N-Out Burger announced plans for a location in Palm Springs, California, the project remains stalled in a prolonged city review process over architectural standards. The fast-food chain's proposed 3,886-square-foot restaurant in the Smoke Tree Village shopping center has undergone six reviews by the city's Architectural Review Committee.
Committee Grants Conditional Approval
The committee voted 3-2 last week to grant conditional approval, according to SFGate. While the Palm Springs Planning Commission approved the general project over a year ago, the design panel holds authority over ensuring commercial developments match the desert city's distinct aesthetic. The project cannot proceed to construction until In-N-Out satisfies all 18 outstanding design conditions and any public appeals are resolved.
Design Revisions and Criticisms
In-N-Out has made revisions, including softening bright red accents and flattening angular retro rooflines. However, committee members expressed frustration at the October 19 meeting. Vice Chair John Walsh described the process as "like pulling teeth" and noted the developer had ignored or only partially addressed roughly a dozen of the 18 requested changes. Committee member Charles Elliott criticized the chain's resistance to a custom structure, comparing the design to suburban developments near Los Angeles.
Residents Oppose Proposed Look
During public comment, residents voiced strong opposition. Local resident and planning commissioner David Murphy called the building a "Frankenstein monster" unsuited for the area. Residents pointed to custom In-N-Out designs in Westwood Village, Westlake Village, Mill Valley, and Flagstaff, Arizona, challenging the company's claim that it cannot compromise its corporate identity. Resident Chris Menrad urged the committee to demand higher standards, stating, "They are not God's gift to Palm Springs."
In-N-Out Defends Efforts
In-N-Out representative Peter Kulmaticki defended the company's efforts, arguing the design "has evolved significantly since it was first submitted" and that the company felt good about the latest iteration. He thanked the panel for collaboration and direction.
Next Steps and Context
The project remains contingent on meeting all conditions. In-N-Out operates nearby locations in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Thousand Palms but has no outlets within Palm Springs city limits. Other Southern California cities, including Culver City, have also opposed new In-N-Out drive-thrus, with Culver City enacting a citywide ban on new drive-thrus earlier this year.
