City of Palm Springs

Building in the City of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California, is an iconic desert city located in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County, known for its mid-century modern architecture, resort lifestyle, and striking mountain backdrop. Situated approximately 110 miles east of Los Angeles, the city benefits from major regional transportation routes—including I-10, State Route 111, and Palm Springs International Airport—providing strong connectivity to Southern California and beyond. Palm Springs is bordered by Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, and unincorporated Riverside County, offering proximity to regional amenities while maintaining its distinct identity shaped by established neighborhoods, historic districts, resort corridors, and cultural venues such as the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Convention Center, and world-renowned tourism destinations.

Since its incorporation in 1938, Palm Springs has focused on enhancing infrastructure and supporting tourism-driven and residential growth while preserving its unique architectural and cultural heritage. Investments in roadway improvements, pedestrian-friendly corridors, bicycle routes, stormwater management systems, and utility upgrades have helped create safer and more accessible neighborhoods. Revitalization of Downtown Palm Springs, along with targeted improvements in resort areas, commercial corridors, and historic districts, demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainability, water-efficient landscaping, renewable energy initiatives, and high-quality urban and resort environments.

Palm Springs continues to advance long-term planning goals centered on mobility, economic vitality, quality of life, and environmental stewardship. The city prioritizes walkability, transit enhancement, and multimodal connectivity while supporting redevelopment projects, housing investments, and improvements to public parks, plazas, and civic facilities. These ongoing efforts balance responsible growth with the preservation of the city’s mid-century architectural legacy, natural desert landscape, and cultural character—ensuring Palm Springs remains a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Construction Procedure in the City of Palm Springs
1. INITIAL PROJECT PLANNING
Every successful development project in Palm Springs begins with careful and strategic planning. Developers and property owners should define the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility by reviewing the property’s zoning designation, the City’s General Plan, and applicable provisions of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. Early evaluation of site conditions—including access, parking, utilities, drainage, environmental constraints, and proximity to schools, parks, commercial centers, and transportation corridors—is essential. Palm Springs encourages sustainable design, energy-efficient technologies, and landscaping suitable for the desert climate and urban-resort environment. These efforts help strengthen neighborhoods, enhance commercial and resort areas, and support the city’s ongoing revitalization and community development objectives.

2. PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Before submitting formal plans, applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with Palm Springs’ Planning Division for a pre-application consultation. Staff will identify required entitlements, such as Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Review, Subdivision Maps, or Development Agreements, and determine whether California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review is needed. Discussions address land use compatibility, site layout, traffic and circulation impacts, infrastructure capacity, and consistency with the City’s long-term plans. Early coordination with staff helps streamline the review process, minimize delays, and ensure proposals align with Palm Springs’ planning priorities, economic development goals, and preservation of the city’s desert-resort character.

3. PERMIT AND APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
Once a project concept is finalized, applicants submit a complete development application to the City of Palm Springs. Required submittals typically include site plans, floor plans, elevations, landscape plans, and technical studies addressing drainage, traffic, environmental impacts, and geotechnical conditions. Larger developments—such as multi-family housing, resort properties, commercial centers, or civic facilities—may require CEQA documentation, including an Initial Study, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A thorough submittal allows coordinated review by the Planning, Building & Safety, and Public Works/Engineering divisions.

4. PLAN CHECK, DESIGN, AND CODE REVIEW
After submission, projects undergo multi-departmental review. The Planning Division evaluates zoning, land use, design standards, and architectural compatibility, including historic or mid-century modern design considerations. The Building & Safety Division reviews compliance with structural, fire, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes. The Public Works/Engineering Division evaluates grading, drainage, stormwater management, utility connections, and roadway impacts. Staff may request revisions to ensure full compliance with city codes, state laws, and design standards.

5. PERMIT ISSUANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATION
Once all departments approve the project and conditions are met, Palm Springs issues the necessary building, grading, and construction permits. Developers coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. Public Works inspects streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and utility connections to ensure integration with existing infrastructure and compliance with City standards.

6. CONSTRUCTION AND INSPECTIONS
Construction begins after permit issuance and must follow approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable codes. Building & Safety inspectors conduct inspections during key stages, including foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and final completion. Public Works inspects public improvements, right-of-way infrastructure, grading, and stormwater systems. Field changes or plan modifications require City review and approval to maintain code compliance and safety.

7. FINAL INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Upon completion, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to verify compliance with plans, codes, and permit conditions. Once requirements are met, a Certificate of Occupancy or Final Approval is issued, confirming the building is safe, code-compliant, and suitable for its intended use.

8. PROJECT CLOSE-OUT
During close-out, developers complete any remaining obligations, including final landscaping, signage, and public improvements. “As-built” drawings reflecting approved field changes are submitted for City records. Public Works conducts final inspections of infrastructure, and performance or maintenance bonds may be released upon satisfactory completion. This marks formal acceptance of the project by the City of Palm Springs.

9. ONGOING COMPLIANCE AND FUTURE MODIFICATIONS
After construction, property owners must maintain compliance with the Palm Springs Municipal Code, zoning regulations, and Building & Safety standards. Any future modifications—such as additions, façade changes, signage, or land use alterations—require City review and approval. Continued adherence ensures that neighborhoods, commercial corridors, resort areas, and public spaces remain safe, visually cohesive, and aligned with Palm Springs’ long-term goals for sustainable development, community enhancement, and preservation of the city’s desert-resort character.