Building in the City of Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs, located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, is a unique and vibrant community known for its natural hot springs, stunning desert landscapes, and growing cultural and recreational opportunities. Historically a retreat for those seeking the healing properties of its geothermal waters, Desert Hot Springs has evolved into a dynamic city that balances its tranquil natural environment with diverse residential, commercial, and tourism-driven development. The city’s welcoming residents, active community programs, and emerging local economy make Desert Hot Springs a place of connection, relaxation, and opportunity.
Desert Hot Springs' infrastructure—including its streets, parks, public facilities, water systems, and transportation networks—is carefully managed to support the needs of both residents and visitors. The city’s economy is anchored in its hospitality industry, with an emphasis on health and wellness tourism, as well as local retail and service businesses, all of which contribute to regional employment and economic growth.
Looking ahead, Desert Hot Springs is committed to fostering sustainable development while preserving its natural beauty and small-town charm. Through strategic planning, enhanced public services, and community engagement, the city aims to promote responsible growth and a high quality of life for its residents. By leveraging its natural assets, encouraging eco-friendly development, and prioritizing both residential and tourism opportunities, Desert Hot Springs continues to evolve into a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking desert oasis.
Construction Procedure in the City of Desert Hot Springs
1. Initial Project Planning
The first step in any development project in Desert Hot Springs is to clearly define your vision, scope, and feasibility. Whether your project is residential, commercial, mixed-use, or something else, it’s crucial to understand the property’s zoning designation, the city’s General Plan, and relevant development standards. The city’s Zoning Code, as well as specific planning policies, will guide what is permissible on your site. Additionally, it’s important to evaluate site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental considerations, and infrastructure availability. Any construction, grading, demolition, or significant remodel in Desert Hot Springs must comply with the city’s permitting process, building codes, and environmental regulations. Starting with thorough planning helps ensure a smooth and efficient development process.
2. Pre-Application Consultation & Development Review
Once you have a project concept, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with the City of Desert Hot Springs’ Planning Division. During this meeting, you’ll verify zoning compliance and assess how your project aligns with the General Plan. You’ll also identify the necessary approvals, such as Conditional Use Permits, Design Review, Variance Requests, or compliance with a specific plan. Early coordination with city staff helps uncover potential challenges, streamline the review process, and ensure that your project fits within Desert Hot Springs’ vision for sustainable growth, environmental protection, and urban development.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
Once your plans are refined, the next step is to submit a complete application package to the Planning Division or the Building & Safety Division. This typically includes the permit application forms, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may also need to submit additional studies such as traffic studies, geotechnical reports, or hydrology analyses. For larger or more environmentally sensitive projects, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) may be required. Be sure to submit all required fees upfront to avoid delays in processing.
4. Plan-Check, Design & Code Review
The city will now review your submitted plans to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The Building & Safety Division checks that the plans adhere to California Building Standards, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy efficiency codes. The Planning Division reviews the project for zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design to ensure the project is consistent with the city’s General Plan and vision for development. The Public Works or Engineering Division assesses the project’s impacts on infrastructure such as grading, drainage, utility systems, and traffic flow. If your project is near environmentally sensitive areas, it may trigger additional reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or specific Desert Hot Springs environmental policies.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once the plan checks are complete and all required fees are paid, the city will issue the necessary construction permits. At this point, it’s essential to coordinate with utility providers to arrange for services such as water, sewer, electricity, and gas. If your project involves off-site improvements, such as road upgrades, drainage systems, or other public infrastructure changes, you’ll need to coordinate with the Public Works Department. If your work affects public rights-of-way, such as streets, sidewalks, or easements, additional approvals will be required from the Engineering Division.
6. Construction & Inspections
With permits in hand, construction can officially begin. All work must be done by licensed contractors and in strict adherence to the approved plans. As construction progresses, the city will conduct inspections at various stages, including foundation, framing, mechanical systems, and final inspections. If your project includes public improvements, such as sidewalks or drainage systems, these will also be inspected. Any deviations from the approved plans must be submitted to the city for review and approval before continuing work. Ensuring compliance at every stage helps prevent costly delays or rework down the line.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
After construction is complete and all necessary corrections have been made, you will request a final inspection. If the project meets all approved plans and conditions of approval, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for tenant improvements or remodels. This certificate signifies that the building is safe for use and complies with all relevant regulations. The final inspection is an essential step in confirming that the work has been completed to code.
8. Project Close-Out
The close-out phase of the project includes fulfilling any remaining conditions of approval. This may involve paying any outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping and grading, or addressing off-site improvements. If the project required infrastructure improvements or easements, these must also be completed. Once the city has verified that all conditions have been met, the project file will be officially closed.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Even after your project is completed and occupied, ongoing compliance with Desert Hot Springs' Municipal Code and environmental standards is essential. If you plan any future modifications—such as adding accessory structures, installing fences, changing signage, or altering land use—you will need to submit those changes for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments. This ensures continued safety, compliance with development standards, and alignment with the city’s long-term goals for growth, sustainability, and environmental protection.
The Planning Division of Desert Hot Springs plays a critical role in guiding the city’s growth and ensuring that development is both sustainable and well-planned. The division is responsible for overseeing land use, zoning, subdivisions, and community design to ensure that all projects are aligned with the city’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and state regulations. By administering zoning ordinances, design guidelines, and environmental reviews (including CEQA compliance), the Planning Division works to preserve Desert Hot Springs’ unique desert character while promoting responsible and strategic development. The division collaborates closely with other city departments to ensure that every project contributes to the creation of a safe, vibrant, and well-designed community. This approach helps maintain the quality of life for residents while balancing development with environmental preservation.
The Building & Safety Division in Desert Hot Springs is tasked with ensuring that all construction within the city meets state and local building codes for safety and quality. This division handles the issuance of building permits, conducts plan checks, and provides inspection services for all aspects of construction, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy systems. Whether it’s a new building, a remodel, or a major renovation, the division ensures that all work complies with regulations to protect public health, safety, and welfare. By enforcing building codes and conducting thorough inspections, the Building & Safety Division helps create a built environment that is safe, functional, and durable for all residents and businesses.
The Public Works Department in Desert Hot Springs is responsible for maintaining and improving the city’s infrastructure to ensure the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of public services. This includes the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and other public infrastructure. The department is also responsible for the design, construction, and management of public improvement projects, including road repairs, drainage systems, and traffic control measures. In addition, the Public Works Department ensures the reliability of the city’s water and sewer systems, coordinating with utility providers and managing capital improvement projects. By maintaining and enhancing the city’s infrastructure, the Public Works Department plays a key role in supporting the city’s growth, fostering a high quality of life, and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Desert Hot Springs, located in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, is a unique and rapidly growing city known for its natural mineral hot springs, stunning desert landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Historically a retreat for visitors seeking therapeutic hot springs, Desert Hot Springs has transformed into a vibrant community that offers a diverse blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The city embraces its desert surroundings, offering residents and visitors alike a serene desert lifestyle with access to scenic views of the San Bernardino Mountains and the Salton Sea. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the city attracts those seeking both a tranquil desert retreat and modern amenities.
Desert Hot Springs’ infrastructure, including its streets, parks, water and sewer systems, and public services, is thoughtfully managed to support the city’s growth while maintaining its distinctive desert character. The local economy is driven by tourism, health and wellness services, retail, and real estate, providing employment opportunities and contributing to regional economic vitality. As Desert Hot Springs continues to grow, the city remains committed to thoughtful planning, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship. With its proximity to the greater Palm Springs area, access to natural resources, and a focus on enhancing livability for its residents, Desert Hot Springs is positioning itself as a welcoming, forward-thinking community that offers both a peaceful desert environment and a thriving future.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Desert Hot Springs Planning Division
Phone: (760) 329-6411, ext. 232
Address: 65950 Pierson Blvd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Services: Zoning information, development standards, land-use policies, subdivision processing, design review, and environmental review (CEQA). The Planning Division is responsible for guiding orderly development in Desert Hot Springs, ensuring that projects align with the Desert Hot Springs General Plan, zoning regulations, and long-term community goals. The division oversees both residential and commercial development, working to ensure projects are compatible with the city’s desert environment and help enhance its unique character.
