• Click here to apply for a land development permit

Land Development / Engineering Application

• Engineering Plan Check Application

Certifications

• Letter of Certification
• Pad & Form Certification

PM10 (Dust Control)

• PM10 Packet (Less than 10 acres)

Resource Documents

• WQMP Agreement for O & M
• MS4 Permit
• Title Sheet Template - DWG File
• Survey Control Network

Plan Submittal & Review

• Electronic Plan Submittal & Digital Signature Policy
• Plans are reviewed first come, first served.
• Review times: 2–3 weeks per submittal, depending on project size/complexity.
• Most projects require 2–3 review cycles before approval.

Resubmittals

• Upload resubmittals through your Clariti account.
• Log in as Contractor (state license number or assigned AEC number).
• Locate your permit and click the paperclip icon to add attachments.
• Use correct naming conventions:
• 2nd SUBMITTAL [PERMIT NO] PRECISE GRADING
• 3rd SUBMITTAL [PERMIT NO] HYDROLOGY STUDY
• Continue numbering for each new review (4th, 5th, etc.).
• Responses must follow the cover letter format.
• Processing time: 1–3 business days.

Inspections

• For grading, street, or storm drain improvements, email pcinspections@palmdesert.gov.
• Requests must be sent by 3:00 p.m. the business day before the inspection.

Top of Form Certification

• Before footing inspection with Building, the Civil Engineer of Record must submit a signed/stamped Top of Form Certification.
• Submit Certification Here
• Processing time: up to three business days.

Plan Revisions

• Major changes to approved plans require resubmittal through Clariti.
• Review fees will apply.

Letter of Certification & Final Inspection

• A Letter of Certification must be approved before scheduling final inspection.
• Submit Letter of Certification
• Processing time: up to three business days.
• Final inspections can be scheduled by emailing pcinspections@palmdesert.gov.

• Phone: (760) 776-6450
• Email: PublicWorks@palmdesert.gov

Apply for a Permit Using Clariti

 Permits can be applied for online through the City’s Clariti Portal. Clariti allows applicants to submit materials, track application status, and communicate with City staff in one accessible, centralized system.

• Phone: (760) 776-6430
• Email: dscinfo@palmdesert.gov

Requests for permission to perform work outside established construction work hours may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the City Manager. Please contact the Code Compliance Division for additional information at (760) 776-6360 or by email at codehotline@palmdesert.gov.

Property Maintenance Hours (PMC §9.24.075)

• Allowed: Monday–Sunday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm,
• Not Allowed: Government holidays
• Golf & Tennis Facilities (except blowers): 5:30 am – 7:00 pm, daily
• Equipment that creates a public nuisance may still be subject to enforcement, even during permitted hours.
• City maintenance activities are exempt.

 Construction Work Hours (PMC §9.24.070)

• October 1 – April 30
  • Monday–Friday: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sunday & Holidays: Not allowed

• May 1 – September 30
  • Monday–Friday: 5:30 am – 7:00 pm
  • Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sunday & Holidays: Not allowed

Fire Marshal Services help protect life, property, and the community by reducing fire risks and ensuring compliance with fire and life safety regulations. In Palm Desert, the Fire Marshal works in coordination with the Riverside County Fire Department to promote fire prevention through inspections, plan reviews, investigations, and public education.

These services play a critical role in supporting safe development, business operations, and special events throughout the city.

What the Fire Marshal Does

• Conducts fire and life safety inspections of commercial and multi-family properties
• Reviews building and construction plans for fire code compliance
• Issues permits related to fire safety and hazardous materials
• Investigates fire incidents when necessary
• Supports community education and fire prevention efforts
• Reviews and approves special events for fire and life safety requirements

How to Contact Fire Marshal Services

Palm Desert City Hall
73510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Office: 760-776-6388
Email: crodriguez@palmdesert.gov

For additional information about Fire Marshal Services and related programs, visit the Riverside County Fire Department Fire Marshal webpage.

1. Map review fee
2. Current title report
3. Easement Deeds
4. Conveyance Deeds
5. Boundary, Lot & Centerline Calculations
6. Approved Tentative Map
7. Conditions of Approval
8. Reference Map

• Checklist for Grading Plan Submittal

Sleeving/Grading

• Sleeve diameter, type, depth, and location
• Soil surface drainage, elevations, and debris

Hardscape/Boulders - Cobble

• Sidewalk and wall layout
• Boulder/cobble type, size, and placement

Irrigation System Rough-in

• Trench location and depth
• Pipe size and class
• Pressure test (125 psi for 6 hours)

Plant Material (trees & shrubs)

• Condition
• Type
• Placement

Ground Cover (decomposed granite)

• Type
• Depth
• Compaction

Final

• Irrigation
  • Valves, boxes, and wiring
  • Controller operation and schedule
  • Emission devices
  • Overall operation
• Overall site

Notes

• Should any of the above inspections fail after two attempts, a fee will be assessed for any re-inspections.
• Any changes to an approved landscape plan must be re-submitted in writing by the landscape architect to the City for approval prior to implementation.
• All plant material (trees & shrubs) must meet current Arizona Nursery, American Nursery Association, and International Society of Arboriculture standards; and must be inspected by the County Ag
  Commissioner if brought into the Coachella Valley from other areas.
• Trees may be rejected by City staff for not meeting the standards referenced in the previous item and/or for the following discrepancies:
  • Girdling roots
  • Damages to the leader and scaffold branches
  • Trees that have been topped
  • Disease/insects
  • Inadequate trunk caliper & taper
  • Included bark
  • Poor structure, co-dominant stems (a strong central leader is an absolute must)
  • Damages to the tree during shipment

Please call 760-776-6450 to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance

Plant Material

• Condition
• Type
•  Placement

Inorganics

• Decomposed Granite
• Boulders
• Cobble

Final

• Irrigation
  • Valves, boxes, and wiring
  • Controller operation and site specific yearly irrigation schedule
  • Sprinkler, bubbler and/or drip emitter type, flow rate, and quantity per plant
  • Overall operation
• Tree staking
• Overall

Please call 760-776-6450 to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance.