New Walmart Fueling Station and Convenience Store Proposed for Indio

Indio, CA – A new development is on the horizon for the City of Indio that aims to expand services for residents and visitors. A proposal for a new Walmart fueling station and convenience store is set to be reviewed by the Indio Planning Commission during its public hearing on August 27, 2025. The project, if approved, will be located at 82491 Avenue 42, on a portion of the existing Walmart Supercenter property.

The Business Plan: Fuel, Convenience, and Site Enhancements

The business plan, submitted on behalf of Walmart, Inc., outlines the development of a modern fueling station designed to serve the broader Coachella Valley region. Key features of the proposed project include:

• A 1,621-square-foot convenience store offering items such as snacks, beverages, alcohol, lottery tickets, and tobacco.
• A 6,312-square-foot fuel canopy covering 10 fuel pumps, which will provide 20 individual fueling positions.
• Associated site improvements on a 1.48-acre parcel, including new parking, drought-tolerant landscaping, pedestrian walkways, and site lighting.

The facility is planned to operate seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. The architectural design will feature Walmart's traditional blue and gray color scheme, utilizing materials like stucco and metal panels to create a modern look consistent with the surrounding commercial area. To ensure the project aligns with the City of Indio's standards, a Lot Line Adjustment will be required to officially resize the parcel to 1.48 acres before building permits are issued.

The project also focuses on environmental sustainability and compliance with modern standards. It includes features consistent with the City's Climate Action Plan, such as light-colored paving to reduce the heat island effect, energy-efficient lighting, and infrastructure to support electric vehicles (EVs). While the project's 10 parking stalls fall just under the threshold requiring EV-capable spaces, the developer is voluntarily providing EV infrastructure. Additionally, the landscape plan will use drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems.

Expected Traffic and Circulation

Located near the busy I-10/Monroe Street interchange, the fueling station is positioned in a high-traffic commercial corridor. A traffic analysis was conducted to evaluate the project's impact on local circulation.

• The station is expected to generate approximately 1,480 new vehicle trips per day, with 76 trips during the AM peak hour and 120 trips during the PM peak hour.
• Daily visits are anticipated to come from existing Walmart customers and "pass-by" traffic from surrounding developments.
• Access to the site will be provided through the existing Walmart parking lot circulation system, connecting to Showcase Parkway and Avenue 42. The internal site plan has been designed to manage truck deliveries and customer vehicle flow efficiently to prevent congestion.

According to a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) screening evaluation, the project is considered a "local serving retail" development. This designation suggests it will primarily serve nearby shoppers and residents, potentially shortening trips for those needing fuel and convenience items, and is presumed to have a less-than-significant transportation impact. The analysis concluded that the project would not conflict with local circulation plans and that nearby intersections would continue to operate at acceptable levels.

Surrounding Businesses and Compatibility

The proposed fueling station is situated within an established commercial hub, ensuring its compatibility with the surrounding area. The site is anchored by the Walmart Superstore to the south. Other nearby businesses include:

• Quick Quack Car Wash to the east.
• A Hampton Inn & Suites hotel.
• Other commercial and retail establishments in the vicinity.

The project site is bordered by vacant lots zoned for Regional Commercial use to the north and a parking lot to the west. There are no residential properties immediately adjacent to the proposed development, which helps minimize potential noise and light impacts.

The project has been determined to be consistent with the City of Indio's General Plan 2040, which designates this area for regional commercial uses that serve both the local community and the wider region. City staff have recommended approval, finding that the development will not be detrimental to surrounding properties and aligns with the city’s long-term goals for commercial growth.