In-N-Out’s Palm Springs Location Approved After Contentious Design Review

In-N-Out has received approval for its planned restaurant in Palm Springs, California, following a protracted architectural review process marked by significant debate. The Palm Springs Planning Commission initially approved the location in July 2025, but the project has since undergone six rounds of review by the city's Architectural Review Committee.

During a recent meeting, committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the design, noting that In-N-Out had only addressed eight of the 18 conditions previously set for approval. These conditions include revisions to the trash enclosure design, the addition of shade trees, and the removal of a keystone above the entrance.

Committee members described the building's design as a "sore thumb," "not even close to what we would want," and something that "people will snicker at." One planning commissioner likened the revised design to a "Frankenstein monster designed by opposing committees." Despite these critiques, In-N-Out representatives maintained that the design maintained the brand's identity while incorporating city feedback.

Ultimately, the committee voted 3-2 to approve the project, contingent on In-N-Out meeting all 18 conditions. The decision remains open to public appeal.

The planned In-N-Out is slated for the Smoke Tree Village shopping center.