Beginning Oct. 27, Palm Desert will introduce updated user fees and a new online permitting system to improve service and transparency.
Post Date:10/21/2025
The city of Palm Desert is updating its user and regulatory fees for development and construction services to more accurately reflect the true cost of providing these services. Most of these fees have not been comprehensively reviewed in more than a decade.
This update ensures the city can continue delivering efficient, high-quality service to residents, businesses, and the development community while maintaining fairness and transparency in how costs are shared.
Why fees are changing
As Palm Desert continues to grow, so does the demand for timely permitting, plan review, and inspection services. Updating fees allows the city to keep pace with that demand and maintain the exceptional service levels the community expects.
The revised fees are based on a comprehensive study by ClearSource Financial Consulting and will be phased in over three years to help ease the transition. This ensures developers and applicants contribute appropriately for the services they directly benefit from, reducing reliance on general taxpayer funds to support private development activities.
The city’s goals with this update are to:
Reflect the actual cost of service delivery
Ensure fairness and transparency
Reduce reliance on taxpayer subsidies
Align fee responsibility with those who directly benefit from the services
New permitting system launches the same day
On Oct. 27, the city will also launch Clariti, a new online permitting platform that makes the process faster, easier, and more transparent for contractors, homeowners, and design professionals.
Through Clariti, users will be able to submit applications, upload plans, track progress, and pay fees—all in one convenient place. Updated permitting fees will take effect the same day to align with current service costs and support continued efficiency improvements.
We’re here to help
If you have questions about the updated fees or how they may apply to your project, the Development Services team is ready to assist.
Our team can provide details about specific fee categories, timelines, and how the phased implementation works.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new fees take effect?
All updated fees will take effect on Oct. 27, 2025, coinciding with the launch of the new Clariti permitting system.
Will this affect residential permits?
Yes. Updated fees apply to all development and construction services, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The changes are designed to fairly reflect the cost of providing each service.
How will the new fees be implemented?
The updated fees will be phased in over three years to allow applicants time to plan and adjust.
What is Clariti, and how do I access it?
Clariti is Palm Desert’s new online permitting platform. Starting Oct. 27, you’ll be able to access it through the city’s website to submit applications, upload plans, track progress, and pay fees online.
Why is the city updating these fees now?
Most development-related fees haven’t been comprehensively reviewed in more than a decade. Updating them now ensures continued efficiency, fairness, and sustainability as Palm Desert grows.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact the Development Services team at 760-776-6430 or dscinfo@palmdesert.gov for assistance or project-specific questions.
