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Permit Fees

Permit fees help cover the cost of reviewing applications, conducting inspections, and ensuring that projects meet safety and code requirements. On this page, you’ll find details about the fees associated with building, planning, and other permits in Palm Desert. These resources are designed to provide clarity so you can budget accurately and keep your project on track.

Plan Review / Permit Fees (Resolution No. 2025-064)

Construction Fee (Ordinance No. 216)

Job Valuation Fees (Resolution No. 83-73)

Building Standards (SB 1473)

Applies to all permit types.

$4 per $100,000 of valuation (minimum $1)

Permit Valuation	Fee
$1 – 25,000	$1
$25,001 – 50,000	$2
$50,001 – 75,000	$3
$75,001 – 100,000	$4
Every $25,000 or fraction thereof above $100,000	Add $1

Fire Department Plan Check / Inspection Fees

Fire Facilities Impact

SMIP Fees (Strong Motion Instrumentation Program) (Resolution No. 76-44)

TUMF Fees (Traffic Uniform Mitigation Fee)

Low Income Housing Mitigation Fee (Resolution No. 90-130)

All commercial developments shall be assessed the following mitigation fees to be paid at the issuance of building permits. The fee shall be based on the following schedule:

General Mixed Commercial: $1.00 sq. ft.
Professional Office: $.50 sq. ft.
Industrial: $.33 sq. ft.
Resort Hotel: $1,000 per room
- *Including major amenities, golf course, multiple restaurants, large convention facilities, etc.
Non-Resort Hotel: $620 per room
- Limited amenities

Child Care Impact Mitigation Fee

Fees will be collected for all new square footage for commercial (non-residential) developments within the City. The fees shall be based on the following schedule:

Light Industrial: $.47 sq. ft.
Hotel/Visitors Uses: $.77 sq. ft.
Retail/Service Commercial $.90 sq. ft.
Office Uses: $1.15 sq. ft.

*Mixed use projects shall be assessed a blended rate based on the anticipated uses. Uses not listed shall be assessed according to the nearest appropriate category.

School Tax Fees

Art In Public Places (Ordinance No. 473)

Fire Marshal Services

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.

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