Apply for a Permit

• Click here to apply for a Planning permit

Permit Types

• Adjustment Permits:
  • Adjustment Permit Handout
  • Fence and Walls Exception
  • Variance Handout

• Development:
  • Change of Zone Handout Form
  • Environmental Assessment Form
  • General Plan Amendment Handout Form
  • Pre-Application Handout
  • Precise Plan Handout
  • SB 35 Application
    • SB 35 Eligibility Checklist

• Subdivisions:
  • Tentative Parcel Map Handout
  • Tentative Tract Map Handout

• Sign Permits:
  • Sign ARC Plan Handout - Architectural Review Commission (ARC)

• Use Permits:
  • Administrative Use Permit Handout
  • Conditional Use Permit Handout
  • Temporary Use Permit Handout

• Other Applications:
  • Appeal Application
  • Design Review Handout
  • Entertainment Site Plan Handout
  • Going Out of Business
  • Landscape Certification of Completion
  • Landscape Review Handout
  • Recreational Vehicle (RV) Handout

• Planning Fee Schedule:
  • Development Fee Schedule

The General Plan is the City’s long-term roadmap for land use and development, guiding decisions about growth, housing, transportation, the environment, and community design. Required by State law, it identifies community goals and policies, provides standards for development, and establishes strategies to address important local issues.

The plan includes major initiatives such as reimagining the City Center, transforming Highway 111 and San Pablo Avenue into vibrant mixed-use corridors, and creating a connected University area with diverse housing, pedestrian options, and open space.

Housing Element

As part of the General Plan, the Housing Element outlines the City’s housing needs and strategies to meet them. It is the only element certified by the State and was last approved in 2022, with the next update expected in 2028.

Annual Progress Reports

Each year, by April 1, the City submits reports on General Plan and Housing Element implementation to the Planning Commission, City Council, and State agencies. These track progress toward the City’s adopted goals and housing commitments.

General Plan Documents

• 2025 Combined General Plan and Housing Element APRs
• 2016 Combined General Plan
• Table of Contents and List of Figures and Tables
• Chapter 1 - Vision & Guiding Principles
• Chapter 2 - Introduction
• Chapter 3 - Land Use & Community Character
• Chapter 4 - Mobility
• Chapter 5 - Health & Wellness
• Chapter 6 - Environmental Resources
• Chapter 7 - Noise
• Chapter 8 - Safety
• Chapter 9 - Public Utilities & Services
• Chapter 10 - City Center Area Plan
• Chapter 11 - Housing Element 6th Cycle
• Chapter 12 - Work Plan

General Plan EIR

• City Council Resolution No. 2016-86
• 2016 General Plan Update Final EIR
• 2016 General Plan Update Draft EIR
• 2016 General Plan EIR Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
• Draft EIR Technical Background Report
• Draft EIR Traffic Data

Resources

• General Plan Land Use Map (Figure 3.1)
• Interactive Zoning Map
• Housing Element Table III-47, III-48, and Map

6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element Update Details 

The Housing Element identifies the City’s housing conditions and needs and establishes goals, objectives, and policies that are the foundation of the City’s housing and growth strategy. The Housing Element is one of the mandatory components of the General Plan and is the only Element individually certified by the State's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for an eight-year cycle. The City's Housing Element for the planning period 2014-2021 was last certified in 2013.

On March 10, 2022, the City of Palm Desert City Council adopted the 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element Plan (Plan) and the associated environmental review. However, after review by HCD, the updated Plan (Housing Element 4th Draft) was required to be recirculated for public comment and must be re-adoption by the City Council. 

To meet these requirements, a Planning Commission public hearing was held September 6, 2022 and the public hearing for City Council readoption was held September 29, 2022. On September 29, 2022, the City of Palm Desert City Council readopted the 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element Plan Update. On November 4, 2022, HCD confirmed certification and found the City's readopted 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element Plan to be in full compliance.

• Click here to view City Council Adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element

Housing Element Documents 

Readopted Housing Element 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Update - September 29, 2022 

• 09-06-2022: Public Hearing Notice for Planning Commission regarding readoption of the revised Fourth Draft Housing Element.
• 09-29-2022: Public Hearing Notice for City Council Meeting regarding readoption of the revised Fourth Draft Housing Element.
• 09-29-2022: City Council Adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (Readoption)
• Fourth Draft Housing Element: Housing Element update 2021-2029.

Adopted Housing Element 2021-2029 6th Cycle - March 10, 2022 

• 03-10-2022: City Council Adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element
• 03-10-2022: City Council Adopted Safety Element Update 
• 03-10-2022: Public Hearing Notice for City Council Meeting regarding adoption of Updated Housing Element. 
• 01-18-2022: Palm Desert Housing Element Excerpt
• Revised Draft Housing & Safety Elements presented by the City of Palm Desert Planning Commission, January 18, 2022 and February 1, 2022. This plan was adopted by Resolution 2804.
• 01-18-2022: Public Hearing Notice for Planning Commission Meeting regarding adoption of Updated Housing Element.
• 01-03-2022: Palm Desert AFFH Proposed Revisions
• 12-28-2021: Palm Desert Housing Element Proposed Amendments
• Notice of Intent

The Zoning Ordinance is the set of local laws that regulate how land in Palm Desert can be used and developed. It establishes rules for things like building heights, setbacks, lot sizes, permitted land uses, and design standards. These regulations help guide growth, protect community character, and ensure that development is consistent with the City’s General Plan.

• View the Palm Desert Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance to learn more.
• To view an interactive zoning map, please click here.

A Specific Plan is a master planning tool under California law that guides development for a defined project area. Once approved, it becomes the zoning document for that site and must be consistent with the City’s General Plan.

Specific Plan

The DSRT SURF Specific Plan establishes building and development standards for the entire 17.69-acre Project area. This Specific Plan proposes the development of a 5.5-acre surf lagoon and surf center facilities to include restaurant, bar, retail and similar facilities, hotel rooms, and resort residential villas.

• DSRT SURF Specific Plan

MCP Palm Desert Specific Plan

32.2 acres near the City’s northern gateway at I-10, offering opportunities for retail, high-density housing, and complementary mixed-use development.

• Click here to review

Monterey Crossing Specific Plan

17.8 acres at Monterey Ave. and Dinah Shore Dr., planned for a commercial center with retail, restaurants, hotel, and auto-oriented services.

• Click here to review

Millennium Palm Desert Specific Plan

152 acres between Cook St. and the future Portola interchange, planned as an integrated commercial, residential, and mixed-use center with a major regional park.

• Click here to review

University Neighborhood Specific Plan

400+ acres near the CSUSB and UCR campuses, designed as a mixed-use community with housing, business opportunities, open space, and pedestrian-friendly design.

• Click here to review

Refuge Specific Plan

106 acres south of Gerald Ford Dr., planned as a walkable residential community with up to 969 housing units of varying types and densities.

• Click here to review

Objective Design Standards are clear, measurable rules that guide the design of new development without relying on subjective judgment. Required by State law, ODS ensure housing projects — such as multifamily and mixed-use developments — can be reviewed and approved based on uniform, verifiable criteria.

In Palm Desert, ODS replace certain discretionary design reviews, streamlining housing approvals while still upholding the City’s design goals. These standards help ensure new projects fit the community’s character while meeting State requirements for housing production.

• Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards

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.

Historic Context Statement and City-Wide Historic Resources Survey

On April 24, 2025, the City Council accepted a Historic Context Statement and Historic Resources Survey. This document serves as a valuable information tool that can assist city staff, the public, and decision makers in understanding, identifying, evaluating and protecting identified historical resources and guide local preservations planning and land use decisions.

The Planning division supports several appointed bodies that guide development and preservation in Palm Desert:

• Planning Commission – Reviews land use applications, zoning issues, and development projects to ensure they align with the City’s General Plan and community goals.

• Architectural Review Commission – Evaluates project design, architecture, and landscaping to maintain high-quality, cohesive design standards throughout the city.

• Cultural Resources Preservation Committee – Advises on the identification and protection of historic and cultural resources within Palm Desert.

To view more information on these bodies, please click here.