Commission approves Big Bear Off‑Road Experience site and demonstration area on Big Bear Boulevard
June 03, 2026 | Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California
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The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Big Bear Off‑Road Experience (CUP 2025‑00003) to construct a new one‑story commercial facility at 41595 Big Bear Boulevard with an accessory outdoor off‑road demonstration area of about 11,000 square feet.
Staff described the project as a consolidation and beautification of an existing local business, with demolition of older structures on site, a new building façade using heavy timber and stone elements, parking and circulation oriented to Big Bear Boulevard and limits on hours and noise for the demonstration area. The demonstration area will be staff‑supervised and used for instruction on off‑road techniques (winching, line management, low‑speed maneuvering) in a controlled environment that mimics forest trail conditions.
Staff said the project complies with applicable general‑plan and development‑code standards, identified tree‑retention and replacement requirements (17 replacement trees proposed), and concluded the project qualifies for categorical exemptions under CEQA Sections 15303 and 15332 (infill and small commercial projects consistent with the general plan).
Applicant Desi (owner) and architect Julio Jenner explained the design evolution (a prior two‑story concept was scaled back to a one‑story plan for cost and to improve neighbor compatibility) and said the business has operated on the mountain for 12 years and will maintain a small fleet (a tour vehicle plus approximately five Jeeps). Several commissioners praised the site cleanup and design and noted ongoing neighbor coordination.
A motion to adopt the resolution approving CUP 2025‑00003 passed 5–0; the commission adopted resolution 2026‑12. The resolution takes effect in 10 days unless appealed.
Next steps: Project proceeds under conditions of approval and building permit review; applicant must implement landscaping, tree replacement and the project’s operational limitations for the demonstration area.
Staff described the project as a consolidation and beautification of an existing local business, with demolition of older structures on site, a new building façade using heavy timber and stone elements, parking and circulation oriented to Big Bear Boulevard and limits on hours and noise for the demonstration area. The demonstration area will be staff‑supervised and used for instruction on off‑road techniques (winching, line management, low‑speed maneuvering) in a controlled environment that mimics forest trail conditions.
Staff said the project complies with applicable general‑plan and development‑code standards, identified tree‑retention and replacement requirements (17 replacement trees proposed), and concluded the project qualifies for categorical exemptions under CEQA Sections 15303 and 15332 (infill and small commercial projects consistent with the general plan).
Applicant Desi (owner) and architect Julio Jenner explained the design evolution (a prior two‑story concept was scaled back to a one‑story plan for cost and to improve neighbor compatibility) and said the business has operated on the mountain for 12 years and will maintain a small fleet (a tour vehicle plus approximately five Jeeps). Several commissioners praised the site cleanup and design and noted ongoing neighbor coordination.
A motion to adopt the resolution approving CUP 2025‑00003 passed 5–0; the commission adopted resolution 2026‑12. The resolution takes effect in 10 days unless appealed.
Next steps: Project proceeds under conditions of approval and building permit review; applicant must implement landscaping, tree replacement and the project’s operational limitations for the demonstration area.
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