FAQs

The Zoning Code is Palm Springs' rules for how land can be used. It determines what types of activities and buildings are allowed in different areas--such as residential, commercial, or industrial uses--and manages development cohesively.

The Zoning Code regulates things like: land use; lot size: building design--such as building height, setbacks, and size; site design--such as walls and fences, parking, and signs; and other elements that shape development in Palm Springs.

The Zoning Code applies to all land within the city limits that isn't regulated by a Specific Plan, including allotted and fee Tribal land. The City's zoning regulations are not enforceable on Tribal Trust land.

A map of Palm Springs' current zoning can be found here. An easy-to-use map of proposed zoning districts will be prepared as part of this project. Map updates will be provided on this website.

The updated Zoning Code will implement the community's vision outlined in the General Plan. The updated Code will also be informed by current State laws and urban planning best practices.

The General Plan is a comprehensive long-term planning document that serves as a blueprint for the physical, social, economic, and environmental development of Palm Springs. The General Plan is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the changing needs and vision of the community. Palm Springs' General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 2007 with the most recent updates adopted in 2024. More information about Palm Springs' General Plan can be found here.

Palm Springs' current Zoning Code was last updated in 1988. While the Code has been amended since, it's outdated, challenging to navigate, overly complex, and conflicts with the updated General Plan and new State laws.

Project goals include: making the Code user-friendly and modern; expanding housing diversity; promoting climate resiliency; fostering design integrity; and elevating inclusivity. More details about these project goals can be found on the project homepage.

The updated Zoning Code may change your zoning district designation and rules, but will include more graphics and tables to clearly explain what's allowed. Simplified rules and processes will also reduce overall permit review times and create more predictable results.

The updated Zoning Code Update will not directly impact renters as zoning does not regulate tenant laws. However, the updated Code will prioritize the development of more affordable housing options-- for sale or rent--by introducing more housing types citywide.

The updated Zoning Code will aim to expand housing diversity, incentivize less car-dependent development, and introduce universal design standards to improve accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities.

The updated Zoning Code aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change by implementing regulations that promote sustainable development practices--with a particular focus on heat mitigation, stormwater management, and water conservation.

Development projects approved and entitled before the adoption of the updated Zoning Code will remain subject to the rules of the previous Code. Development projects that have not been approved and entitled before the updated Code's adoption, will be subject to the rules of the updated Code.

The process of updating the Code is estimated to take about 20 months.

The updated Zoning Code is being developed collaboratively by the City of Palm Springs' Department of Planning Services and a team of consultants, led by Code Studio. This consultant team includes zoning, community engagement, historic preservation, and design guideline specialists.

A wide range of stakeholders will be engaged--including residents, community groups, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, businesses, educational institutions, and relevant government agencies--to gather feedback on proposed changes, either in-person or virtually. If you are unable to attend a scheduled event, presentation materials will be regularly posted on this website.

All public drafts of the updated Zoning Code will be posted on this website. Specific dates for when each draft of the updated Zoning Code will be available for review are still being finalized. Please stay tuned for updates.

To stay up-to-date on the project, please sign up here [insert link] to receive regular email updates. We'll keep you informed about important milestones, upcoming events, and opportunities to provide input throughout the process.

Beyond upcoming engagement activities and public hearings, you can always email written comments and questions to the project team directly at zoneps@palmspringsca.gov, or call the Department of Planning Services at (760) 323-8245. We welcome your input and value your participation in this effort.

Your input will be used to help the project team identify challenges and improvements for the updated Zoning Code. Ongoing public input builds on input received as part of the General Plan update and will be critical to evaluating new zoning districts and rules.