Minimum Submittal Requirements

The construction plans shall include the following, when applicable, or required by the plan review team. Missing any items below may result in the submittal being rejected:

• Completed Building Permit Application
• California Energy and Green Building Documentation
• Title Sheet
• Site Plan - The items below must be clearly shown on the Site plan
  • Must be drawn in black and white only
  • North Arrow
  • Scale
  • Dimensions
  • Property lines
  • Adjacent streets
  • New and Existing structures must be clearly labeled
• Precise Grading Plan (Only needed for Additions over 1,000 sq. ft. (If applicable) Floor Plan
• Roof Plan
• Exterior Elevations and Building Sections
• Architectural Details
• Electrical Plans
• Mechanical Plans
• Plumbing Plans
• Structural plans and calculations

Summary of Requirements

The following summary is a general guide when creating a plan set for a residential alteration-addition-remodel-repair for the City of Palm Desert. This checklist serves as the minimum information for the initial plan review. Additional or supplemental information may be required during the review process.

Title Sheet/Cover Sheet

• The owner's name, address, and telephone number(s).
• A legal description and address, loUtract name-number, and assessor parcel number.
• A detailed Scope of Work that includes all construction, additions, alterations, and repairs cited on the Building Permit Application.
• Occupancy classification, type of construction, and zoning. Fire sprinklers.
• Area tabulations of habitable square feet, covered patio areas, garage, and mechanical areas. A complete Sheet Index or Table of Contents.
• A vicinity map with a North arrow covering at least a two-block area locating the project.

 Incorporated onto the first sheet of project plans (Copy and Paste)

• 2022 California Building Code (CBC)
• 2022 California Residential Code (CRC)
• 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC) 
• 2022 California Mechanical Code (CMC)  
• 2022 California Plumbing Code (CPC)  
• 2022 California Energy Code (CEC)
• 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CGBC)

• Palm Desert Municipal Code

Incorporated onto the first sheet of project plans (Copy and Paste)

• Palm Desert Municipal Code requirements
  • Approved temporary sanitary facilities are required (H&S 5416)
  • Contractor and/or owner shall provide a trash bin (PDMC 8.16)
  • Building Materials or Debris Storage shall be on the property of the permit. (PDMC 8.70)
  • The public right-of-way shall always be maintained in a clean condition. (PDMC 8.20)
  • Address numerals shall comply with PDMC 15.28.
  • Construction Hours (PDMC 9.24):
    • October through April 30th
      • Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
      • Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
      • Sunday - Not Allowed
      • Government Code Holidays - Not Allowed
    • May through September 30th
      • Monday - Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
      • Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
      • Sunday - NOT ALLOWED
      • Government Code Holidays - Not Allowed
    • Violation of the above work hours is a citable offense under PDMC 9.24.070.

The City strives to assist the public in understanding the plan review process by outlining the timelines for the different projects, and to offer some guidelines to assist in the types of information that is needed to conduct a plan review. The extent of the review required to issue permits for a project depends upon the use or occupancy type of the structure, as well as its location and the impact of its construction on the environment. The goal of the Building and Safety Department is to complete all initial plan reviews within 10 to 15 working days, and 8 to 10 working days for re-submittals. Small additions and minor interior improvements of commercial space may be reviewed and permits issued in a short turnaround time. However, this depends on the current daily workload of the Plans Examiners.

All new construction projects are required to submit two (2) one-sided complete sets of plans, plus one additional site plan and dimensioned floor plan for plan review. Plans shall be a minimum of 11” x 17” and maximum of 24” x 36” with a minimum font of 10 pt.

Plot Plan

The Plot Plan must be drawn to scale with setbacks identified between the property lines and any existing structures. Show the location of all existing structures on the property. Provide a north arrow. Show the locations of utility meters, driveway locations, drainage path, right-of-ways and easements. All disabled access parking, walkways, drop off areas and path of travel from the right-of-way for every structure on the site. An information box should be placed in the bottom right corner indicating the street address, owner's name and address, and the name of the person preparing the plans.

Foundation Plan

Provide a plan view of the foundation slab, and cross section of footing details. Note soil type and all allowable soil bearing pressure used for building design. Indicate all steel reinforcement size and location, all hold down hardware locations, anchor bolt sizes and spacing, vapor barrier thickness, etc.

Floor Plan

Fully dimension and identify all occupied office space, storage, etc. on floor plan. Show width, distance to, and direction of all exits. Show location of panic hardware. Indicate width and distance of all corridors and type of fire resistive construction when required. Show all fixed elements of construction such as walls, partitions, cabinets, etc., on the floor plan. Identify area/occupancy separation walls and fire resistive rating of each on floor plan. Show complete fully dimensioned elevations. Indicate roof pitch and type of roofing. Show details of special or unusual construction or materials. Show details of fire rated construction and include item number of assembly. Provide fully dimension and detailed disable access information.

Roof Plan

Truss calculations are required for proposed trussed roof. Truss calculations must be reviewed by the project engineer/architect for compliance with his/her design. If conventionally framed, indicate size, spacing and direction of rafters. Identify roof finish material and sheathing underlayment.

Exterior Elevations

Provide four (4) exterior elevations identified as front, back, left and right sides. Show doors, windows, finished floor line, exterior finish, and indicate roof pitch. Additionally, if the project was subject to Design Review, indicate all applicable colors and other requirements of the Planning Department.

Required Details

Provide a cross section (cut view) of proposed job. Show foundation, wall studs, ceiling joists, rafters, roof pitch, etc. Indicate size, spacing, and materials proposed. If ceiling is vaulted, show cross section and structural connections.

Finish Materials

Finish materials must be outlined or noted to indicate the ceiling, wall, and floor finish materials and types, also the proposed glazing materials including the frame.

Engineering (Structural) Plans and Calculations

If required, the location, size and grade of all framing members and specification must be noted on the plans. Plans are required to be stamped and wet signed by the professional responsible for their particular expertise and plan preparation. Include the structural design criteria design load for, wind, seismic, etc. on the plans. Two (2) complete sets of structural calculations and truss calculations (if applicable) with the architect's or engineer's original wet signature and stamp on both sets of calculations and plans. Calculations must be complete and cross-referenced to plans to provide a clear correlation with each other.

Seismic and Wind Design Requirements

Architects and engineers most common questions are related to the basic requirements for seismic and wind. The City of Palm Desert is located within Seismic Design Category D for projects designed using the CBC and D2 for projects designed using the CRC. Palm Desert is located in a Special Wind Region. Therefore wind speed is site specific and must be designed by the design professional. If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please call a Plans Examiner at (760) 776-6420, Ext. 420.

Plumbing and Mechanical Plans

Provide plumbing isometric and schematic showing sewer, soil, waste vents, and clean out sizes and material. Show water piping system; pipe sizes, pipe material, to be installed on plumbing floor plans. Show location of all gas meters and all gas piping, including size. Show location of heating and air conditioning equipment including manufacturer's name, model number and weight of equipment. Show all duct locations, material and sizes. Provide the location of all fire dampers in walls, ceilings and equipment. Provide seismic anchorage methods and materials.

Electrical Plans

Provide a one-line diagram showing service, feeder panel, conductors, disconnect, over current sizes, grounding methods and service load calculation. Provide panel schedule with circuit identification, description of circuits, walls and voltage. Provide fixture schedule and method of support. Detail suspended fixtures. Provide seismic anchorage methods and materials.

State Energy Conservation Information

All new and existing structures with condition space are required to provide energy calculations that will reduce energy consumption. All required forms shall be on the plans.

Green Building Code

Plans shall indicate method of verification of compliance with all CALGreen requirements. Third party or other methods shall demonstrate satisfactory conformance with mandatory measures. Include City’s Mandatory Measures Checklist copies onto plans.

Other Requirements

Additional information may be required by other City or County Agencies in order to convey needed information relative to construction projects. Please feel free to contact a Building and Safety Plans Examiner at (760) 776-6420 for additional assistance with projects here in the City of Palm Desert.

To ensure a smooth application process, please submit the following information. Missing items listed may lead to your submission being rejected or delayed. If you have any questions, please contact our team for assistance with the permitting process.

Please email the permitcenter@palmdesert.gov or call (760)776-6435 for permit fees and estimates. The construction plans shall include the following, when applicable or required by the plan review team.

Missing any items below may result in the submittal being rejected:

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Title or Cover Sheet
• Site Plan for Tenant Space Location, including Parking Area. Egress and Existing Plan
• Floor Plan with Disabled Access Details
• Floor and Furniture and Storage Rack Layout (if applicable). Reflected Ceiling Plan
• Interior Elevations and Cross Sections. Exterior Elevations, if applicable
• Roof Plan, if roof or equipment alteration is designed. Construction Details and Finishes
• Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Plans
• California Energy and Green Building Documentation. Structural Plans and Calculations, if applicable

If required, engineering calculations shall include but not be limited to:

• Supporting structural design calculations for both all vertical and lateral load-resisting elements by a licensed design professional.
• Truss calculations and details and layout showing 1.0. numbers and locations. The architect or engineer of record must approve conformance by applying their conformance stamp to the truss calculations or an appropriate stamped statement.

Deferrable Items

• Fire Sprinkler and Alarm Plans.
• Riverside County Health Department Plans and approval. Coachella Valley Water District Plans and approval.
• Burrtec Waste Disposal approval.
• Truss Calculations.

The Building and Safety Division's Summary of Requirements is a general guide for creating a minimum set of plans for plan review and permitting new commercial and light industrial projects. Additional or supplemental information may be required during the review process.

Palm Desert Ordinance and Design Criteria (2022) 

Seismic Design Category: D

• Maximum Soil Bearing Pressure: 1500psf (without Soils Report)

Basic Wind Speed: (3-second gust) - (See ASCE Hazard Tool)

• Risk Category I - 91 mph
• Risk Category 11 - 97 mph
• Risk Category 111-103 mph
• Risk Category IV - 108 mph

Wind Exposure

• Country Club Drive - North Exposure C
• Country Club Drive - South Exposure B
• Rainfall per hour: 2 inches per hour (100-year, 60-minute) Climate Zone: 15
• Fire Hazard Severity Zone: No

Please Note: These are general requirements. Licensed engineers and architects are responsible for considering all site-specific conditions and code requirements in design documents.

Plan Design Requirements

• All plans shall be digital submissions and have readable clarity
• Minimum plan size is 11X17
• Landscape orientation
• Font size relative to printed 12pt font and flattened

• Title or Cover Sheet
  •  The owner's name, address, and telephone number(s)
  • A legal description and address and assessor parcel number (If necessary)
  • Type of construction, occupancy classification(s), zoning, sprinkled, and area tabulations
  • A detailed Scope of Work that reflects the Building Permit Application
  • A complete Sheet Index or Table of Contents
  • A vicinity map with a North arrow covering at least a two-block area locating the project. Aerial pictures must be of sufficient clarity in a digital review environment
  • The name of the person preparing the plans. All plan preparers must sign their portion of the plans. Digital signatures are required

• Incorporated onto the first sheet of project plans (Copy and Paste, if needed)
  • 2022 California Building Code (CBC)
  • 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC)
  • 2022 California Mechanical Code (CMC)
  • 2022 California Plumbing Code (CPC)
  • 2022 California Energy Code (CEC)
  • 2022 California Fire Code (CFC)
  • 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CGBC)
  • Palm Desert Municipal Code (Most current adoption)

• Incorporate onto the first sheet of the plans (Copy and Paste, if needed)
  •  Palm Desert Municipal Code requirements
    • Approved temporary sanitary facilities are required (H&S 5416)
    • Contractor and/or owner shall provide a trash bin (PDMC 8.16)
    • Building Materials or Debris Storage shall be on the property of the permit. (PDMC 8.70)
    • The public right-of-way shall always be maintained in a clean condition. (PDMC 8.20)
    • Address numerals shall comply with PDMC 15.28.
    • Construction Hours (PDMC 9.24):
      • October through April 30th
        •  Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
        • Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
        • Sunday - Not Allowed
        • Government Code Holidays - Not Allowed
      • May through September 30th
        •  Monday - Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
        • Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
        • Sunday - NOT ALLOWED
        • Government Code Holidays - Not Allowed
    • Violation of the above work hours is a citable offense under PDMC 9.24.070.

• Site Plan
  • Provide a North arrow
    
  • Provide a readable Site Plan identifying the location of the tenant space. Provide the adjacent business occupancies within the Site Plan
  • Demonstrate accessible elements within the Site Plan. All disabled access parking, walkways, drop-off areas, and paths of travel from the right-of-way

• Floor Plan or Layout
  •  Provide fully dimensioned or scaled floor plan(s) identifying all occupied spaces and their use
  • Demonstrate exits, including width calculations, distance to, the direction of, hardware requirements, etc., including the corridors.
  • Show all fixed construction elements like the walls, partitions, cabinets, fixtures, etc. Identify all occupancy separations and indicate each fire-resistive rating.
  • Show details of special or unusual construction or materials.
  • Provide full dimensions and detailed disable access information.

• Reflected Ceiling Plan
  • Ceiling Material Type (acoustic or drywall)
  • The City of Palm Desert requires heavy-duty acoustic ceiling panels
  • Emergency and Exiting Lighting Light Fixtures and HVAC Registers.Ceiling elevation changed with dimensions.

• Exterior Elevations and Interior Sections
  
  • Provide elevations of each orientation, if applicable
  • Show doors, windows, finished floor line, exterior finish, and indicate roof pitch
  • Additionally, if the project was subject to Design Review, indicate all applicable colors and other requirements of the Planning Division
  • Provide a cross-section (cut view)
  • Demonstrate foundation, wall studs, ceiling joists, rafters, roof pitch, etc. Indicate the size, spacing, and materials proposed
  • If the ceiling is vaulted, show cross-section and structural connection

• Roof Plan (If Required) 
  • Identify and demonstrate all new roof equipment, ventilation and exhaust, access, etc
  • Provide structural justification for the new area
  • New roof equipment must be screened from a public right of way

• Finish Materials
  • Finish materials must be outlined or noted to indicate the ceiling, wall, and floor finish materials and types as well as the proposed glazing materials, including the frame.

• Egress and Exiting - Life Safety Plan
  
  • The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as:
    • Protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7)
    • Interior finish (see Chapter 8)
      Fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others impact life safety
    • Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: General (Sections 1003-1015), exit access (Sections 1016-1021), exit (Sections 1022-1027), and exit discharge (Section 1028)

• Plumbing Plans
  • Provide a plumbing isometric and schematic of the water piping, gas piping, and drain waste and vent system, along with the size of all lines and materials to be used
  • Provide cross-section drawings with existing firewalls and ceilings
  • Demonstrate compliance with all restroom types (male, female, family, and gender-neutral restrooms- when applicable).

• Mechanical Plans
  • Provide mechanical isometric and schematic of the existing and new duct locations and sizes
  • Show the location of all existing and new return air
  • Show the location of all existing and new fire dampers
  • Show the method and amount of combustion air
  • Show the location of all existing and new HVAC units
  • Provide complete details of any new kitchen hood systems

•  Electrical Plans
  • Provide a single-line diagram that includes service location, feeder sizes, panel locations, conductor sizes, disconnect size, over-current protection, grounding method, etc
  • Provide a panel schedule with circuit identification. Indicate all outlet, fixture, and equipment locations
  • Indicate all hazardous electrical locations, as applicable. Provide complete electrical load calculations

•  California Accessibility Requirements (Chapter 11B)
  • All spaces, areas, and structures shall show compliance with the code to ensure the barrier-free design is incorporated in all buildings, facilities, site work, and other improvements

• California Energy Compliance
  • The City of Palm Desert is within Climate Zone 15. Provide the required forms that correspond to your project

• California Green Building Code
  • The provisions of individual sections of Chapter 5 apply to newly constructed buildings, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, and/or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above (for occupancies within the authority of California Building Standards Commission). Code sections relevant to additions and alterations shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.
  • Plans shall indicate the method of verification of compliance with all applicable CALGreen requirements. (CGBC § 301.1.3)

•  Other Department or Agencies 
  • Planning for approval of zoning, lot coverage, set-backs, height, and building design requirements may be in conjunction with your plan submittal to the Building Department. Please coordinate directly with the Planning Department at (760) 776-6483
  • Land Development for grading permit that may be required given the size and scope of the project. Please coordinate directly at (760) 776-6483.
  • Riverside County Fire Marshal at (760) 863-8886 or www.rivcoplus.org for questions on fire sprinklers.
  • All contractors and sub-contractors must have a current City of Palm Desert Business License before permit issuance per Palm Desert Municipal Code, Title 5. A complete and approved sub-contractor list must be submitted to schedule a final inspection. Allow 5-7 business days for the business license to process the list. Contact Business Licensing at (442) 325-3954 for applications or Building and Safety at (760) 776-6420 for subcontractor lists.
  • Riverside County Environmental Health for projects such as food establishments.
  • Coachella Valley Water District
  • Burrtec Waste Disposal

Requirements for T-Bar Celings

• Definitions
  • Light-Duty Systems: Used primarily for residential and light commercial structures where ceiling loads other than acoustical tile or lay-in panels is not anticipated. Due to seismic conditions in the City of Palm Desert, Light-Duty Systems are not allowed to be used.
  • Intermediate-Duty Systems: Used primarily for ordinary commercial structures where some ceiling loads, due to light fixtures and air diffusers, are anticipated. Due to seismic conditions in the City of Palm Desert, Intermediate-Duty Systems are not allowed to be used.
  • Heavy-Duty Systems: Used primarily for commercial structures in which the quantities and weights of ceiling fixtures (lights, air diffusers, etc.) are greater than those for an ordinary commercial structure.

• Main Runners
  • Vertical Wire Hangers:
    • # 12 gage wire - 4'-0" on center
    • # 10 gage wire - 5'-0" on center
  • Each vertical wire will be attached to the structure above and to the suspension member with a minimum of three turns in the first three inches
    • Wires more than one in six out-of-plumb are not allowed unless counter-sloping wires are provided
    • Obstructions to Direct Suspension:
      • A trapeze or equivalent device shall be used
      • For trapeze spans over 48" - use back-to-back 13" cold-rolled channels (or equivalent) minimum

• Perimeter Members
  • Main Runners: Supported independently a maximum of 8" from each wall with #12 gage wire or approved wall support
  • Cross Runners: Supported independently a maximum of 8" from each wall with #12 gage wire or approved wall support
  • The width of the perimeter supporting the closure angle shall not be less than 2". One end of the ceiling grid (in each orthogonal horizontal direction) shall be attached to the closure angle. The other end (in each horizontal direction) shall have a 0.75" clearance from the wall and shall rest upon and be free to slide on a closure angle.

• Seismic Bracing (Where design calculations and alternate restraints are not provided)
  •  Horizontal Restraints
    • Wires: Four #12 gage wires splayed 90 degrees from each other on the main runner, within 2" of the cross runner
    • The angle of the wires shall not exceed 45 degrees from the plane of the ceiling
  • Spacing
    • 12'-0" on center in both directions
    • The first point starts within 6'-0" from each wall
  • Vertical Restraints
    • A strut to resist vertical displacement is required at each seismic splay. The strut should extent from the grid to the structure above and be fastened at both ends
  • Exception
    • Lateral force bracing is not required if a ceiling area of 144 square feet or less is surrounded by walls that connect directly to the structure above

• Light Fixture Supports (Due to seismic conditions, only "Heavy-Duty" ceiling systems may be used)
  • All light fixtures shall be attached (with approved screws or clips) to the suspended ceiling grid systems at two opposing sides
  • Wires required to support the fixture: Fixtures less than 10 lbs: One #12 gage hanger wire from the fixture housing to the structure above. This wire may be slack
  • Fixtures between 11 to 55 lbs.: Two #12 gage hanger wires connected from the fixture housing to the structure above. These wires may be slack
  • Fixtures 56 lbs. or more shall be supported directly from the structure above without using the ceiling suspension system for direct support
  • Pendant-hung fixtures shall be supported with #9-gauge wire without using the ceiling suspension system for direct support

• Mechanical System Supports
  • Ceiling-mounted air terminals or services weighing less than 20 pounds shall be positively attached to the ceiling suspension main runners or cross runners with the same carrying capacity as the main runners
  • Terminals or services weighing 20 pounds but not more than 56 pounds, in addition to the above, shall have two #12 gage wire hangers connected from the terminal or service to the ceiling system hangers or to the structure above. These wires may be slack.
  • Terminal or services weighing more than 56 pounds shall be supported directly from the structure above by approved hangers.

• Include permit type and address in the subject line.
• Label each file clearly (e.g., Building Application, Plans, Structural Calculations).
• Submit files in PDF format only; files must not be password protected or digitally signed to prevent editing. Plans will be secured once approved and stamped.
• Maximum file size: 300MB. Larger files must be split into multiple PDFs (e.g., Architectural, MEP, Structural).

Digital Signature for Design Professionals (Architects & Engineers)

• Design professionals, such as Architects and Engineers, whose "wet" signature is required for submittal of hard copy plans will be required to obtain a "digital signature" key for signature of electronically submitted plans.
• A "Digital Signature" is required when strong authentication is necessary because it contains encrypted information that is unique to the signer and can be easily verified.
• Digital technology requires each signer to have a token, smart card or other physical device issued by a trusted organization (usually a company certified by a government) that verifies the signer's identity before issuing the token. With this technology, every document must be opened and signed one at a time - signatures cannot be applied en masse.
• You may contact individual certificate authorities for their requirements to create a digital signature.

 For more information regarding California State Law requirements regarding digital signatures, please visit the California Secretary of State's website below.

Electronic Signature Requirements for Non-Design Professionals

• Non-design professionals shall sign plans via electronic signature.
• An "Electronic Signature" can be set up by anyone using common programs such as Adobe and Outlook without an independent vetting process or electronic key, and most include a stamp of the date and time the signature was applied. Electronic signatures are accepted and used worldwide for many business transactions including e-mail signature blocks.

Naming Convention Format for Submittals

• Use all caps when naming files
  • Examples:
    • 1^st SUBMITTAL-ARCHITECTUAL DRAWINGS
    • 1^st SUBMITTAL-STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
    • 1^st SUBMITTAL-TRUSS CALCULATIONS

Once approved, plans, corrections, and permits will be issued electronically via email. No paper copies will be provided; applicants are responsible for printing documents for inspections.

California Building Code Section 105.5 provides that every permit issued by the Building & Safety Division shall become invalid when:

• The building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 1 year from the date of such permit, or
• The building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 1 year, or
• The person or entity to which the permit is issued fails to request a first inspection within 1 year from the date the permit was issued.

California Building Code Section 105.5 provides any person/permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit which the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken.

California Building Code 105.3.2 provides that applications for which no permit is issued within 1 year following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official.

The building official may grant one or more time extensions for a periods not exceeding 180 days on request by the applicant in writing showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken.

• Upload resubmittals through your Clariti account.
• A written narrative is required for every resubmittal. Submittals without a narrative will not be accepted.

• Architects and Engineers must obtain a digital signature key for electronically submitted plans when a “wet” signature is normally required
• Non-design professionals may sign plans via electronic signature
• View the accordion drop down on this page for instructions on electronic signatures

You can now conveniently request a refund for a building permit online using your Clariti account. This ensures that your request is handled promptly and efficiently. To initiate a refund please log into your Clariti account and click on the "Request Void/Refund" button located at the top right corner of your screen. Follow the prompts to submit your request for review.

Please note that certain fees are non-refundable. Refunds  requests made more than 180 days from the permit issuance date will be rejected. For more detailed information, contact our Building and Safety department at building@palmdesert.gov. 

Concrete Improved

• 1–30,000 sq. ft.:
  • Plan Check – Architectural: $0.24 per sq. ft.
  • Plan Check – Structural: $0.08 per sq. ft.
  • Inspection: $0.27 per sq. ft.
• 30,001 sq. ft. and larger:
  • Plan Check – Architectural: $0.21 per sq. ft.
  • Plan Check – Structural: $0.07 per sq. ft.
  • Inspection: $0.21 per sq. ft.

Masonry Improved

• 1–30,000 sq. ft.:
  • Architectural: $0.26 | Structural: $0.13 | Inspection: $0.27
• 30,001 sq. ft. and larger:
  • Architectural: $0.22 | Structural: $0.10 | Inspection: $0.24

Wood Frame Improved

• 1–30,000 sq. ft.:
  • Architectural: $0.21 | Structural: $0.10 | Inspection: $0.32
• 30,001–50,000 sq. ft. and larger:
  • Architectural: $0.22 | Structural: $0.10 | Inspection: $0.29

General / Large Structures

• 0–500,000 sq. ft. and larger:
  • Architectural: $0.06 | Structural: $0.04 | Inspection: $0.08

Tenant Improvements

• 5,000 sq. ft.:
  • Architectural: $0.18 | Structural: $0.07 | Inspection: $0.30
• 15,000 sq. ft.:
  • Architectural: $0.15 | Structural: $0.05 | Inspection: $0.23
• 15,001–25,000 sq. ft.:
  • Architectural: $0.13 | Structural: $0.07 | Inspection: $0.21
• 25,001–50,000 sq. ft. and larger:
  • Architectural: $0.12 | Structural: $0.07 | Inspection: $0.18

Flat Inspection Fees

• Residential Re-roof: $159.00
• Commercial/Industrial Re-roof: $318.00
• Each Plumbing Fixture: $159.00
• Plumbing Re-pipe or Repair (Residential): $159.00
• Plumbing Re-pipe or Repair (Commercial): $159.00
• Water Service Replacement: $159.00
• Water Heater (each): $80.00
• Gas Pipe (each 50 ft or fraction): $159.00

Mechanical Fees

• Residential appliances: $159.00
• Commercial/Industrial appliances: $318.00
• Ducts (each 50 ft): $159.00
• Outlets/Inlets: $159.00
• HVAC replacement (Residential): $159.00
• HVAC replacement (Commercial/Industrial): $159.00
• PV Solar installation: $159.00
• Pool heater replacement (natural gas): $159.00

Electrical Fees

• Outlets (5 or fraction): $159.00
• Appliances: $159.00
• Motors/devices: $159.00
• Busway (50 ft): $159.00
• Conduit (50 ft): $159.00
• Electric service:
  • Up to 200 amps: $159.00
  • 201–400 amps: $239.00
  • 401–600 amps: $318.00
  • Over 600 amps: $318.00

Additional Fees

• Over submittal and two corrections: $336.00
• Additional inspections: $159.00
• Building Official variance: $531.00
• Appeals Board application: $885.00
• Parking lot re-striping:
  • Plan check: $504.00
  • Inspection: $636.00
• Minimum fee:
  • Plan check: $168.00
  • Inspection: $159.00

Specialty Fees

• Block retaining wall: $159.00
• Swimming pool: $318.00
• Mills Act:
  • Application: $318.00
  • Contract initiation deposit: $1,000.00

Hourly Rates (Discretionary Projects)

• DBS (Director of Building & Safety): $177.00/hour
• PCM (Plan Check Manager): $168.00/hour
• BI (Building Inspector): $159.00/hour
• BPC (Permit Specialists blended rate): $140.00/hour
• FSI (Fire Safety Inspector): $113.00/hour
• FSS (Fire Safety Supervisor): $125.00/hour

General Notes

• Effective:
  • 5/25/2012 – Resolution 2012-37
• Additional services:
  • Charged at the City’s fully burdened hourly rate
• Trust deposit:
  • Initial deposit required
  • Billed against hourly rates
  • Applicant notified when funds are low
  • Remaining funds returned upon project completion

Fire Department Fee Schedule (Resolution 2012-37)

General

• Fire permit issuance (Plan Check): $101.00

Multi-Family

• 1–15,000 sq. ft.:
  • Plan Check: $0.0334 | Inspection: $0.0452
• 15,001–30,000 sq. ft.:
  • Plan Check: $0.0250 | Inspection: $0.0260
• 30,001–70,000+ sq. ft.:
  • Plan Check: $0.0196 | Inspection: $0.0403

Commercial / Industrial

• Up to 30,000 sq. ft.:
  • Plan Check: $0.0164 | Inspection: $0.0131
• 30,001–80,000+ sq. ft.:
  • Plan Check: $0.0091 | Inspection: $0.0085

Tenant Improvements

• 1–5,000 sq. ft.: $0.0375
• 5,001–15,000 sq. ft.: $0.0188 / $0.0226
• 15,001–25,000 sq. ft.: $0.0091 / $0.0164
• 25,001–50,000 sq. ft.: $0.0069 / $0.0068

Fire Systems & Equipment

• Fire sprinklers:
  • Up to 10 heads: $250 / $226
  • Up to 100 heads: $250 / $226
  • 101–299 heads: $375 / $339
  • 300–700 heads: $750 / $678
  • Over 700 heads: $1000 / $1017
• Residential sprinklers: $250 / $226

Fire Alarms

• Tenant improvements (1–24): $375 / $339
• Tenant improvements (over 24): $375 / $452
• New systems under 24: $375 / $226
• New systems (24–100): $750
• Over 100 devices: $1000 / $1017

Additional Fire Fees

• Standpipe systems: $250 / $226
• Private hydrant systems: $375 / $226
• Fire pump installation: $1000 / $1130
• Fire alarm control/monitor: $375 / $339
• Storage tanks:
  • Underground: $375 / $339
  • Above ground: $500 / $452
• Hoods (suppression): $125 / $113

Special Fire Uses

• Residential care facilities: $500 / $565
• Tents and canopies: $125 / $226
• Private schools: $250 / $226
• Special inspections: $250 / $226
• Site plans (conditions of approval): $250 / $226
• Fireworks: $125 / $113

Fire Fee Notes

• Minimum fee:
  • Plan Check: $125.00
  • Inspection: $113.00
• Additional services:
  • Charged at fully burdened rate
• Rates based on:
  • Riverside County Fire Department analysis

Fire Facilities Impact Mitigation Fee (Area Defined)

• Applies to:
  • Designated development areas
• Purpose:
  • Supplement future fire protection needs
• Fee schedule:
  • Residential – Low Density: $709.00 per dwelling unit
  • Residential – Medium Density: $306.00 per dwelling unit
  • Residential – High Density: $182.00 per dwelling unit
  • Non-Residential Commercial: $0.22 per sq. ft.
  • Non-Residential Industrial/Office: $0.21 per sq. ft.

• Applies to:
  • New residential construction
• Requirements:
  • Paid to the appropriate school district
  • Submit receipt for proof of payment
• Payment methods:
  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check
  • Money order

Palm Springs Unified School District Fees

Effective 6/29/2020 School Developer Fees within the district will be increasing to:

• 4.08 sq. ft. - New Residential Construction within the District
• 0.66 sq. ft. - Commercial/ Industrial, Senior Housing within the District and Greenhouse Agricultural bldgs.

• Applies to:
  • All commercial developments
• Paid at:
  • Issuance of building permits
• Fee schedule:
  • General Mixed Commercial: $1.00 per sq. ft.
  • Professional Office: $0.50 per sq. ft.
  • Industrial: $0.33 per sq. ft.
  • Resort Hotel: $1,000.00 per room
    • Includes:
      • Major amenities
      • Golf course
      • Multiple restaurants
      • Large convention facilities
  • Non-Resort Hotel: $620.00 per room
    • Limited amenities

• Applies to:
  • New construction only
  • Not applicable to tenant improvements
• Rates:
  • Residential: 0.00013 of total valuation
  • Commercial: 0.00028 of total valuation

• Single-family dwellings:
  • $1,837.44
• Commercial buildings:
  • Calculated and paid in the Building and Safety Department

*See CVAG Transportation page.

• Applies to:
  • All new square footage for commercial (non-residential) developments
• Fee schedule:
  • Light Industrial: $0.47 per sq. ft.
  • Hotel/Visitor Uses: $0.77 per sq. ft.
  • Retail/Service Commercial: $0.90 per sq. ft.
  • Office Uses: $1.15 per sq. ft.
• Additional notes:
  • Mixed-use projects:
    • Assessed a blended rate based on anticipated uses
  • Uses not listed:
    • Assessed according to nearest appropriate category

• Rates:
  • Residential: 0.25 of 1% of valuation of the structure
  • Commercial: 0.50 of 1% of valuation of the structure
• Exemption:
  • Individual single-family dwelling not in a development is exempt for the first $100,000

• Charge: $0.40
• Applies to:
  • All new square footage
  • A additional square footage added under roof
• Includes:
  • Single-family dwelling (SFD) additions
  • Garage conversions
  • Atriums converted to living space
  • Patio areas converted to living space
  • All commercial additions

• Charge $.25 per $1,000.00 of total construction cost on permits for:
  • Swimming Pool contractors
  • General Contractors (not for block walls or re-roof permits).

• Applies to:
  • Every permit
• Rates:
  • 8.5x11 up to 11x17: $0.07 per page
  • Plans: $0.80 per page
  • Color up to 8.5x11: $0.11 per page