Ridgecrest shows signs of growth despite pandemic The city of Ridgecrest showed signs of growth during 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The city approved 1,117 new housing units from a total of 11 applications in 2020, according to a housing element update by Administrative Analyst Heather Spurlock. Spurlock updated the Planning Commission at its Feb. 23 meeting on the city’s General Plan, Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation. No housing unit applications were disapproved during 2020 according to the report. Certificates of occupancy were issued for 84 units and building permits were issued for 41 single-family residential units, according to the planning commission staff report. The planning commission approved the popular new community garden in 2020. The commission also took steps toward approving Ridgecrest Restoration Ministries, a faith-based recovery location.