Twentynine Palms new construction permits

[Wael Taleb]

Hello everyone! 

Curious about the permitting process for getting a tiny home approved in 29 Palms. 

I recently purchased a 5 acres piece of land with the goal to build a tiny off grid home (200sq/ft) for str. Land prices in the area continues to skyrocket. It seems like a good investment opportunity since it's near Joshua Tree NP and AirBnb hosts seem to be doing really well in the area. 

I'm still in the early process. I scheduled a perc test and should have the results within 4 weeks. I'm having some trouble with the water situation. All nearby properties are on hauled water (either grandfathered in or under the radar). The water department doesn't service the area so they suggested I get hauled water. BUT San Bernardino County won't permit it. They want me to drill a well which would cost at least 60k - if I'm lucky and can actually hit the groundwater. That being said, it's a hit or miss and way out of my budget. Has anyone been able to permit hauled water to the desert area or other alternatives if there's any? I thought of getting a THOW but per SB County codes it has to be attached to a foundation, so that doesn't seem like an option. Foundation means you need a water source to be able to legally build.

Has anyone been through that? How did you overcome it? Can you recommend someone in the area that will be able to help?

Any tip or advice you guys have would be tremendously helpful! I still have hope that I can develop this land into something great.