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Palm Desert City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 25

10 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

§ 25.10.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish residential zoning districts in the City, along with allowed use and development standards applicable to those districts. These districts are consistent with and implement the City's General Plan neighborhood land use categories as indicated in Table 25.04-1 (Zoning Districts).
(Ord. 1259 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1324 § 4, 2017)

§ 25.10.020 Characteristics of the Residential Districts.

The following descriptions of each residential district identify the characteristic uses, density, intensity of uses and the types of development intended for that district.
A. 
Estate Residential District (RE). The district is intended to provide low intensity of neighborhood development (0.5—1.0 du/ac) and generally is characterized by limited development on large properties and preservation of natural features and open space.
B. 
Single-Family/Mobile Home Residential District (R-1M). This district provides for the permanent placement and occupancy of single-family dwelling units, factory built or manufactured dwelling units and mobile homes for residential purposes on purchased, rented or leased lots. The district is characterized as having moderated density (4.0—7.0 du/ac) focused around community space and amenities with walkable streetscapes.
C. 
Single-Family Residential District (R-1). The intent of this district is to encourage the preservation and development of traditional residential neighborhoods. The district provides for low intensity development (2.0—8.0 du/ac) generally characterized by single-family homes on medium-sized lots organized around formal and walkable streetscapes.
D. 
Mixed Residential District (R-2). The intent of this district is to provide moderate intensity and density (3.0—10.0 du/ac) for neighborhood development. Neighborhoods are characterized by a variety of housing choices and mixed uses. Buildings are organized around formal and walkable streetscapes with high levels of pedestrian connectivity.
E. 
Multifamily Residential District (R-3). The intent of this district is to provide suitable areas for moderate to higher intensity and density (7.0—40.0 du/ac) for residential development and small scale commercial activity. The zoning district is characterized by higher density residential development and mixed uses in proximity to retail and commercial services. Buildings are organized around formal streetscapes with a variety of plazas and other pedestrian amenities and open spaces that are highly connected to surrounding development.
F. 
Hillside Planned Residential District (HPR). The purpose of the hillside planned residential district is to provide for the lowest intensity (0.2 du/ac) of residential development by minimizing the grading of hillside areas and to preserve the natural contours of the land by avoiding extensive cut and fill of slopes that result in a padding or staircase effect within the development. This district is characterized by the preservation of natural features and protected viewsheds, architecture and landscape design that blends with the natural terrain, and informal and natural streetscapes that follow the topography of the land.
G. 
Planned Residential District (PR). The purpose of this district is to provide for flexibility in residential development, by encouraging creative and imaginative design, and the development of parcels of land as coordinated projects involving a mixture of residential densities (4.0—40.0 du/ac), mixed housing types, and community facilities. The district is characterized as providing for the optimum integration of urban and natural amenities within developments and is organized around formal, walkable, and highly connected streetscapes.
(Ord. 1259 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1324 § 4, 2017; Ord. 1393 § 6, 2023)

§ 25.10.030 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements.

Table 25.10-1 "Use Matrix for Residential Districts" below identifies land uses and corresponding permit requirements for residential districts and all other provisions of this title. Descriptions/definitions of the land uses can be found in Chapter 25.99 (Definitions). The Special Use Provisions column in the table identifies the specific chapter or section where additional regulations for that use type are located within this title.
Use regulations in the table are shown with a representative symbol by use classification listing: "P" symbolizes uses permitted by right, "A" symbolizes uses that require approval of an administrative use permit, "C" symbolizes uses that require approval of a conditional use permit, and "N" symbolizes uses that are not permitted. Uses that are not listed are not permitted. However, the Commission may make a use determination as outlined in Section 25.72.020 (Use Determinations).
Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for Residential Districts
Residential Zoning District
(P=Permitted; A=Administrative Use Permit; L=Large Family Day Care Use Permit; C=Conditional Use Permit; N=Not Permitted)
RE
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-1M
HPR
PR
Special Use Provisions
Residential Uses
Assisted living
N
C
C
C
N
N
C
Accessory dwelling unit
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
Condominium
N
N
C
C
N
N
C
25.42
Dwelling, duplex
N
N
P
P
N
N
N
Dwelling, multifamily
N
N
P
P
N
N
C
25.10.040.A/25.42
Dwelling, second
P
P
P
P
N
P
P
25.34.030
Dwelling, single-family
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
Farmworker housing
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Group home
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
25.10.040.B
Guest dwelling
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
Home-based business
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
25.34.020
Junior accessory dwelling unit
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
Manufactured home parks
N
N
N
N
C
N
N
Planned unit development, residential
N
N
C
C
N
C
C
25.10.040.C
Transitional and supportive housing
see Note 1
25.42
Agriculture-Related Uses
Apiary
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
25.34.170
Botanical conservatory
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
Crops and horticulture, limited
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
Domestic animals
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Garden, private
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Greenhouse, commercial
C
N
N
N
N
N
N
Greenhouse, private
P
P
P
A
A
P
P
Horticulture, private
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Kennel
C
N
N
N
N
N
C
25.10.040.D
Livestock raising, noncommercial
C
N
N
N
N
N
N
Nursery
C
N
N
N
N
N
N
Orchard
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
Stable, boarding
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
25.10.040.E
Stable, private
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
25.10.040.E
Recreation, Resource Preservation, Open Space, and Public Assembly Uses
Cemetery
N
N
N
N
N
N
C
Community facility
N
N
N
N
N
N
C
Club, private
N
N
C
C
N
N
C
Crematory
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Day care, large family
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Day care, small family
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Institution, educational2
C
C
C
C
C
N
C
Institution, general2
N
N
N
C
N
N
C
Institution, religious
C
C
C
C
N
N
C
Public park
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Recreational use, commercial
N
N
N
N
N
N
C
25.10.040.G
Recreational vehicle park
N
N
N
N
C
N
C
Recreation facility, commercial
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Recreation facility, incidental
C
C
C
C
C
N
C
25.10.040.H
Recreation facility, private
P
N
N
P
P
N
P
Recreation facility, public
C
C
C
C
C
N
C
Utility, Transportation, Public Facility, and Communication Uses
Electric substation
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Fire station
C
C
C
C
N
N
C
Public service facility
C
C
C
C
C
N
N
Public utility
C
C
C
C
C
N
N
Utility facility
N
N
N
N
N
N
C
Retail, Service, and Office Uses
Bed and breakfast
C
N
N
C
N
N
N
Commercial parking lot
N
C
N
C
N
N
N
25.10.040.1
Condominium hotel, converted
N
N
C
C
N
N
C
Hospital
N
N
C
C
N
N
C
Hotel
N
N
N
C
N
N
C
25.10.040.J
Neighborhood government office
N
N
C
C
N
N
N
25.10.040.K
Office parking lot
N
C
C
C
N
N
N
25.10.040.L
Professional office
N
N
C
C
N
N
N
25.10.040.M
Resort hotel
N
N
N
C
N
N
C
25.10.040.J
Timeshares
N
N
N
N
N
N
C
Temporary Uses
See Section 25.34.080
Notes:
1.
Transitional and supportive housing shall be subject to only those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.
2.
Trade schools are not permitted.
(Ord. 1259 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1279 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1304 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1324 § 4, 2017; Ord. 1358 § 2, 2020; Ord. 1393 § 7, 2023; Ord. 1411, 4/25/2024)

§ 25.10.040 Specific Use Standards.

The following provisions apply as indicated to the uses listed in Table 25.10-1 (Use Matrix for Residential Districts):
A. 
Multifamily. Multifamily dwelling units are permitted within the R-2 district up to a maximum of 10 dwelling units per acre, or as indicated on the zoning map. Multifamily dwelling units are permitted within the R-3 district at densities between 7 and 40 dwelling units per acre, or as indicated on the zoning map. All new multifamily uses, mixed-use residential, and attached condominiums must comply with the requirements of Chapter 25.42, Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards.
B. 
Group home. When permitted according to Table 25.10-1 (Use Matrix for Residential Districts), group homes are limited to 6 or fewer residents.
C. 
Planned residential. Cluster development and/or condominiums are permitted as part of a planned development.
D. 
Kennel. Excluding domestic pets, all boarding for animals or fowl must be at least 100 feet away from any neighboring residential home.
E. 
Stables. The stabling of horses (or mules) is permitted with an administrative use permit in the residential estate district subject to the following provisions:
1. 
Two standard horses (or mules) over 14.2 hands, 58 inches shall be permitted on a lot of 40,000 square feet minimum area with a total number of horses all sizes not exceeding 3. (This would allow 1 additional pony or the temporary keeping of 1 foal.)
2. 
Horses must be kept within a corral and/or enclosed stable of the following minimum dimensions:
a. 
Corral. 288 square feet per horse; minimum dimensions of 12 by 24 feet, and one-third shaded.
b. 
Stable. 144 square feet, minimum dimension 12 feet by 12 feet per horse. Stable shall be ventilated for the desert environment.
c. 
Construction. Corrals and stables shall be constructed of material and in such a manner to adequately contain the horses.
3. 
Barns, corrals or stables constructed to maintain horses shall be located not less than 35 feet from any residence or habitable structure on the same lot and not less than 50 feet from any residence or habitable structure on adjacent lots. Barns, corrals, or stables may be located within 50 feet of a front property line if the finding can be made that the design and appearance of such structures are compatible with surrounding properties. No horses shall be permitted within 100 feet of an adjacent property not zoned RE (i.e., R1, O.P., PR).
4. 
Definitions for "organic material" and "divert" from Chapter 8.16 shall apply to this subsection. Animal manure shall be stored in appropriate receptacles and composted or otherwise properly diverted as an organic material, according to Chapter 8.19, not less than once per week.
5. 
Barns, corrals, or stables shall be cleaned and maintained such that dust, flies, and odors shall not create a nuisance for adjacent properties and not less than once per day.
F. 
Large family day care. Allowed within a single-family or multifamily residence located in a residential zoning district with no City land use permits or clearances required per state law. All appropriate licensing from the California Department of Social Services shall be obtained prior to commencing operation of any large family day care home in the City.
G. 
Recreational use, commercial. Commercial recreation uses are limited to the PR zone only with the issuance of a conditional use permit when not directly related to a permitted residential development.
H. 
Recreation facility, incidental. Limited commercial uses are authorized as part of this use classification which are commonly associated with and directly related to the primary use.
I. 
Commercial parking lot. Parking lots that service commercial establishments are permitted within 300 feet of the related commercial establishment.
J. 
Hotel and resort hotel. In the R-3 zoning district, these uses are permitted up to a maximum of 40 units per gross acre with the issuance of a conditional use permit. In the PR zoning district, the maximum density shall be approved by the Commission or Council.
K. 
Government office building. Small neighborhood government office buildings are permitted up to 5,000 square feet in size.
L. 
Office parking lot. Parking lots that serve office developments are permitted when located directly adjacent to the office professional zone and consistent with recommendations of the General Plan.
M. 
Professional office within residential district. These uses are permitted with the issuance of a conditional use permit, provided property to be developed is abutting or across the street, or across an alley from commercially zoned property. Residential development standards are to be used to ensure compatibility.
(Ord. 1259 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1279 § 2, 2015; Ord. 1324 § 4, 2017; Ord. 1374 § 1, 2022; Ord. 1393 § 8, 2023; Ord. 1411, 4/25/2024)

§ 25.10.050 Development Standards.

The development standards on Table 25.10-3 (Residential Zoning District Development Standards) are applicable to the residential zoning districts. These standards, along with other development standards (e.g., landscaping requirements, signs, and parking standards) in this title, are intended to assist property owners and project designers in understanding the City's minimum requirements and expectations for high-quality development.
A. 
Hillside planned residential development standards. The following standards must be met prior to the approval of a hillside development plan as described in Section 25.78.020:
1. 
Density. Each lot shall be limited to a maximum of 1 unit per 5 acres. All lots will be entitled to at least 1 unit.
2. 
Grading. Location of building pads and access roads shall be evaluated, approved, or adjusted based on consistency with the following:
a. 
Preserved natural contours of the land to avoid extensive cut and fill slopes to reduce the need for a staircase effect within developments.
b. 
Architecture and landscape design which blends with the natural terrain to the greatest practical extent.
c. 
Retention and protection of undisturbed viewsheds, natural landmarks, and features including vistas and the natural skyline as integral elements.
d. 
Building Pad Area. The maximum area permanently disturbed by grading shall not exceed 10,000 square feet.
e. 
Access Road or Driveway. Maximum permanent grading disturbance of natural terrain for development of access to the approved building pad shall be 3,000 square feet. Roads shall be located and designed to blend with the natural terrain to the greatest practical extent consistent with the grading provisions listed in this subsection (A)(2).
f. 
Renaturalization. All cuts, fills, or other areas temporarily disturbed by grading shall be renaturalized, colored, and landscaped to blend with the adjacent undisturbed natural terrain to the satisfaction of the city council.
g. 
Maximum Dwelling Unit Size. Total dwelling unit, garage and accessory building size on any 1 lot shall not exceed 4,000 square feet.
3. 
Exception. The standards of subsections (A)(1) through (A)(3) of this section shall be required unless modified by one of the following:
a. 
Precise Plan. The Commission and Council may approve a precise plan of design through public hearing process that modifies the standards in subsections (A)(1) through (A)(3). Said precise plan shall take into consideration any and all circumstances, including, but not limited to, viewshed, topography, color, texture, and profile of any structure that the Commission or Council may determine to be in conformity with the purposes set forth in this section.
b. 
Previously Approved Existing Building Pads. If a property owner can demonstrate that a previous building pad was approved by the City or County before incorporation, a home and accessory structure(s) may be built on a previously approved building pad without a public hearing. The building size shall be limited to 35 percent of the lot, which may be increased up to 50 percent with ARC approval. Enlarging a previously approved existing building pad shall require a new public hearing subject to the provisions of this chapter.
4. 
Previously approved existing building pads shall be subject to the standard coverage limitations of 35 percent, which may be increased up to 50 percent with ARC approval. Any change to an existing approved building pad shall require a new public hearing subject to the provisions of this chapter.
5. 
Development on or across ridges is prohibited.
6. 
Building pads and architecture shall be designed to eliminate or minimize any visual impact on the City to the maximum extent feasible.
7. 
All common open space shall be preserved for that purpose as shown in the development plan. The developer shall choose one or a combination of the following 3 methods of administering common open space:
a. 
Dedication of common open space to the City, which is subject to formal acceptance.
b. 
Establishment of an association or nonprofit corporation of all property owners or corporations within the project area to ensure perpetual maintenance of all common open space.
c. 
Retention of ownership, control, and maintenance of all common open space by the developer; all privately owned common open space shall continue as such and shall only be used in accordance with the development plan; appropriate land use restrictions shall be contained in all deeds to ensure that the common open space is permanently preserved according to the development plan; said deed restrictions shall run with the land and be for the benefit of present as well as future property owners, and shall contain a prohibition against partition of common open space.
8. 
Design Criteria. The following design criteria are established:
a. 
The overall plan shall achieve an integrated land and building relationship.
b. 
Open spaces, pedestrian and vehicular circulation facilities, parking facilities, and other pertinent amenities shall be an integral part of the landscape and particular attention shall be given to the retention of natural landscape features of the site.
c. 
The layout of structures and other facilities shall affect a conservation in street and utility improvements.
d. 
Recreational areas, active and passive, shall be generally dispersed throughout the development and shall be easily accessible from all dwelling units.
e. 
Architectural unity and harmony within the development and with the surrounding properties shall be attained.
B. 
Planned residential district standards.
1. 
Purpose. It is the purpose of the PR district to provide for flexibility in development, creative and imaginative design, and the development of parcels of land as coordinated projects involving a mixture of residential densities and housing types, and community facilities. The PR district is further intended to provide for the optimum integration of urban and natural amenities within developments. The PR district is also established to give a land developer assurance that innovative and unique land development techniques will be given reasonable consideration for approval and to provide the City with assurances that the completed project will contain the character envisioned at the time of approval.
2. 
Filing Procedure. To initiate the review process, the applicant shall file applications for a change of zone (if needed) to a PR district along with a precise plan, tentative tract/parcel map and supporting environmental documentation.
3. 
Maximum Project Densities. The maximum project density shall be as expressed in dwelling units per gross acre of not more than the number following the zoning symbol PR. The Council shall determine the densities to be allowed within each PR district at the time the involved properties are rezoned and as designated on the zoning map within the following range: 1 to 40 dwelling units maximum per average gross acre. The density designation shall mean dwelling units per average gross acre. For example, PR-7 means a planned residential development with 7 units per gross acre.
4. 
Maximum Density for "Affordable Projects." For projects containing at least 20 percent units affordable to low-income households as defined by the Riverside County Housing Authority, a maximum density of 55 dwelling units per acre may be allowed by precise plan. To be eligible for this program, the developer must enter into a development agreement which will tie the zoning designation and the precise plan approval to affordable housing performance standards.
5. 
Development Standards Applicable. All areas within the project site shall be subject to the following:
a. 
The standards for development of PR districts set forth in this chapter and any supplemental standards for the planned community designated in the precise plan.
b. 
Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements. All parking and loading shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 25.46.
c. 
Utilities. For provisions regarding utilities, see Section 25.40.120.
d. 
Signs. All signs shall be in compliance with Chapter 25.56.
e. 
Outside Storage. No outside storage shall exceed the height of actual perimeter screening.
f. 
Screening. All screening requirements for developments within the PR district shall be determined by the ARC during review of the precise plan.
g. 
Discarded Material Handling. Discarded material holds the same definition and regulations as provided in Chapter 8.16. Enclosures for handling discarded materials shall be provided for all developments within the PR district with the exception of single-family detached dwelling units. An enclosure for discarded materials will be provided and follow the regulations as established in Chapter 8.12. The freestanding discarded materials enclosure shall be constructed of masonry block. No discarded materials shall be allowed to extend above or beyond the enclosure.
h. 
Site Plan Review. Review of a site plan by planning department staff shall be required before a building permit is issued for any development in the PR district.
6. 
Special Standards. In addition to requiring all development plans to comply with the following special standards the Council and/or Commission may impose such other conditions to the development plan as it deems necessary or desirable in carrying out the general purpose and intent of this chapter.
a. 
Minimum Project Area. Projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum area of 5 acres. Projects of 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum area of 10 acres. Projects with 18+ dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum area greater than 10 acres.
b. 
Minimum Project Width. Projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum width of 200 feet. Projects of 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum width of 250 feet. Projects with 18+ dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum width greater than 300 feet.
c. 
Minimum Project Perimeter Setback. The minimum perimeter setback shall be 20 feet from all property lines adjacent to existing or proposed public streets.
d. 
Minimum Project Building Coverage. Projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre shall have a maximum building coverage of 40 percent. Projects of 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre shall have a maximum building coverage of 50 percent. Projects with 18+ dwelling units per acre shall have a maximum building coverage of 80 percent.
e. 
Minimum Lot Area. For single-family detached, the minimum lot area shall be as approved by the development plan. For single-family attached, the minimum lot area shall be 2,500 square feet. For a two-story dwelling, the minimum lot area shall be 3,000 square feet. For multiple-family buildings, the minimum lot area shall be as approved on the tract map.
f. 
Minimum Yards—Development Standards. For single-family attached, two-story family dwellings and multiple-family buildings, the minimum front, side, and rear yards shall be as approved on the tract map.
7. 
Minimum Separation Between Sides of Buildings. For single-story, single-family detached buildings there shall be a minimum of 7 feet between sides. For two-story, single-family detached buildings there shall be a minimum of 10 feet between two-story elements.
8. 
Minimum Common Open Space.
a. 
Projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum common open space of 30 percent of the net area.
b. 
Projects of 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre shall have a minimum common open space of 20 percent of the net area.
c. 
At least 50 percent of all required common open space shall be approximately level, defined as not more than 13.5 percent grade.
d. 
The common open space shall be land within the total development site used for recreation, including buildings used for recreational purposes, parks or environmental purposes for enjoyment by occupants of the development and their guests, or dedicated to the City for public parks.
e. 
Common open space shall not include public or private streets, driveways, private yards, or patios and parking areas.
9. 
Building Height. The maximum building height in a PR district shall be 40 feet or three-story, whichever is less, or as approved by the Planning Commission.
10. 
Maximum Dwelling Units per Building. The maximum number of dwelling units per building shall be as approved by the Planning Commission.
11. 
Required Width of Private Roads. With no parking, the private roads shall be 20 feet wide. With parking on 1 side, 32 feet wide. With parking on 2 sides, 40 feet wide. The roadways shall be a minimum of asphaltic concrete with concrete curbs and gutters as approved by the Director. Standards of design and construction of roadways, both public and private, within the project may be modified as is deemed appropriate by the City, especially where it is found that the development plan provides for the separation of vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns and provides for adequate off street parking facilities.
12. 
RV Park Standards. The following standards apply to recreational vehicle parks:
a. 
Minimum project size of 5 acres;
b. 
Maximum density of 12 spaces per acre;
c. 
Minimum space area of 1,500 square feet, minimum dimension 30 feet by 50 feet;
d. 
Minimum 40 percent common open space/recreation area;
e. 
Front project setback adjacent to public street of 25 feet with combination of 6-foot masonry wall and landscaping to screen all recreation vehicles;
f. 
Interior property lines to be bounded by 6-foot masonry wall and at least 10 feet of landscaping;
g. 
Projects may be single-use or developed as part of a larger resort or residential development;
h. 
RV parks shall be taxed as a transient occupancy use;
i. 
Permitted Accessory Uses. Private recreational facilities and limited commercial directly associated with primary use as approved by Commission.
13. 
Building Setbacks from the Planned Street Line. The minimum setback in all residential developments within the PR district shall be the designated distances from the ultimate right-of-way line of the streets specified in this title unless otherwise provided in this section:
Table 25.10-2: Setbacks from Planned Street Lines
Street Type
Setback Distance
Freeway
50 feet
Major
32 feet
Arterial
32 feet
Collector
25 feet
Local
25 feet
14. 
Two-story, single-family detached building setbacks from project perimeter:
a. 
The minimum setback shall be 100 feet or 1 lot depth, whichever is more.
b. 
The Commission may waive interior setback requirements when adjacent developments are planned simultaneously.
15. 
Development standards within the PR districts may be modified through the precise plan process as specified in Section 25.72.030.
16. 
Approval Criteria. The Commission and/or Council may approve a precise plan only after finding that the requirements of this title and other ordinances affecting the property have been satisfied. In granting such approval, the Commission/Council may impose and enforce such specific conditions as to site development, phasing and building construction, and maintenance and operation as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this title and the General Plan. All development within the PR district shall comply with the development plan as approved and adopted by the Commission/Council.
Table 25.10-3: Residential Zoning District Development Standards
Measurement/ Zoning District
RE3
R-13
R-2
R-3
R-1M1
HPR4
P.R.5
≥1 ac
≥15,000 sf
≥10,000 sf, but ≤15,000 sf
<10,000 sf
Residential Density
Density (du/ac), min – max
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
5 - 8
3 - 10
7 - 40
7
1/5 ac
4 - 40
Lot Dimensions
Lot size, min
40,000 sf
15,000 sf
10,000 sf
8,000 sf
3,500 sf
3,000 sf
20 ac/ 5,000 sf
–
–
Lot size, max
1 ac
No max
14,999 sf
9,999 sf
No max
No max
No max
–
–
Lot width, min
150′
90′
90′
70′
50′
40′
500′
–
–
Lot depth, min
200′
125′
100′
–
-
-
–
–
–
Setbacks
Front yard, min
30′
25′
20′
20′
12′
10′
20′ /5′
–
–
Side yard, min
15′
15′
8′
5′ 6
5′
8′
10′ /5′
–
–
Combined both sides, min
30′
30′
20′
10′ 6
10′
10′
–
–
–
Street side yard, min
30′
15′
10′
10′
10′
10′
20′ /-
–
–
Rear yard, min
50′
20′
20′
15′
15′
10′
10′ /5′
–
–
Residential accessory structures
See Section 25.40.050 (Accessory Buildings and Structures)
Coverage
Lot coverage, max percentage of lot area
30%
35%2
35%2
35%2
60%
75%
–
10%
50%
Building Measurements
Height, max
15′ (18′ ARC)7
15′ (18′ ARC)7
15′ (18′ ARC)7
15′ (18′ ARC)
15′ (30′ ARC)8
40′
18′
_
40′
Number of stories, max
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
1
3
Dwelling unit size, min
1,500 sf
1,250 sf
1,000 sf
1,000 sf
600 sf
450 sf
–
–
–
Dwelling unit size, max
–
–
–
–
4,000 sf
4,000 sf
–
4,000 sf
–
Site area per dwelling unit, min
–
–
–
–
4,000 sf
2,500 sf
–
–
–
Building pad area, max
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
10,000 sf
–
Open Space
Group usable open space per dwelling unit, min
–
–
–
–
–
300 sf
–
–
–
Notes:
1
The dimension requirements included in this column apply to manufactured home park project sites as well as individual sites within the park. The first dimension is for the larger project site.
2
Lot coverage may be increased to as much as 50 percent pending ARC approval, through the design review process.
3
All development standards are based on the square footage shown on the zoning map and not necessarily the physical lot size of a property. Properties only zoned R-1 without a square footage allocation shall comply with standards for < 10,000 square feet. Confirm standards with Planning Division staff for correct zoning designation and lot size development standards.
4
Hillside Development Plan approval process in Section 25.78.020.
5
The standards and guidelines presented in this section provide design criteria for the achievement of functional and attractive developments that fit within the context of the City of Palm Desert. Exceptions to the criteria contained within the Development Plan may be appropriate with the application of innovative and unique design techniques in keeping with the character envisioned at the time of approval.
6
Setbacks within the Palm Desert Country Club in R-1 and R-2 have a 5 feet sideyard setback (See Figure 25.10-1 Palm Desert Country Club Setbacks) and a combined setback of 10 feet.
7
Allowable maximum building height is 18 feet with approval by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC).
8
Allowable building height is 30 feet with approval by the Architectural Review Commission for buildings exceeding 15 feet. Public notification to immediately adjacent properties 10 days prior to the ARC meeting.
Figure 25.10-1 Palm Desert Country Club Setbacks
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(Ord. 1259 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1279 §§ 4, 5, 2015; Ord. 1292 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1324 § 4, 2017; Ord. 1334 § 12, 2018; Ord. 1374 § 1, 2022; Ord. 1383 § 1, 2022; Ord. 1393 § 9, 2023)