1 Title 9 – Planning and Zoning
Division 1 – Introductory
Provisions
COUNCIL HEARING DRAFT
OCTOBER 2026
Table of Contents
Chapter 9.05 Purpose and Applicability of the Development Code.................................................... 1-3
9.05.010 Title................................................................................................................................ 1-3
9.05.020 Purpose, Intent, and Authority....................................................................................... 1-3
9.05.030 Applicability of the Development Code ......................................................................... 1-4
9.05.040 Organization of the Development Code ........................................................................ 1-4
9.05.050 Relationship to Prior Codes........................................................................................... 1-5
9.05.060 Relationship to the General Plan................................................................................... 1-5
9.05.070 Relationship to Specific Plans....................................................................................... 1-5
9.05.080 Severability, Partial Invalidation of the Development Code .......................................... 1-6 Chapter 9.10 Interpretation of the Development Code ....................................................................... 1-8
9.10.010 Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 1-8
9.10.020 Rules for the Construction of Language........................................................................ 1-8
9.10.030 Rules for Interpretation and Conflict.............................................................................. 1-9
9.10.040 Similar Use Determination............................................................................................. 1-9 Chapter 9.15 Zoning Districts and Zoning Map................................................................................. 1-12
9.15.010 Purpose and Intent ...................................................................................................... 1-12
9.15.020 Establishment of Zoning Districts................................................................................ 1-12
9.15.030 Zoning Map.................................................................................................................. 1-13
9.15.040 Boundaries of Zoning Districts .................................................................................... 1-14 Chapter 9.05 Purpose and Applicability of the Development Code 1-2
Chapter 9.05
Purpose and Applicability of
the Development Code
Division 1 – Introductory Provisions Chapter 9.05
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Chapter 9.05 Purpose and Applicability of the
Development Code
Sections
9.05.010 Title
9.05.020 Purpose, Intent, and Authority
9.05.030 Applicability of the Development Code
9.05.040 Organization of the Development Code
9.05.050 Relationship to Prior Codes
9.05.060 Relationship to the General Plan
9.05.070 Relationship to Specific Plans
9.05.080 Severability, Partial Invalidation of the Development Code
9.05.010 Title
Title 9 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code, containing the City of Cathedral City’s zoning and subdivision regulations, shall be known as the “Cathedral City Development Code”, herein referred to as the “Code.” A copy of this Code and the Zoning Map, together with a record of all amendments, shall be kept on file by the City Clerk. [Source: NEW]
9.05.020 Purpose, Intent, and Authority
The purpose of the Code is to protect and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to implement the policies of the General Plan. More specifically, the Code is intended to: [Source:
9.02.010, NEW]
A. Purpose and Intent. This Code guides the physical development of the City in order to:
1. Preserve the character and quality of residential neighborhoods;
2. Result in neighborhoods that are diverse and offer opportunities for all income levels;
3. Foster convenient, harmonious, and workable relationships among land uses;
4. Achieve the arrangement of land uses described in the General Plan;
5. Improve the quality of life, business climate and built environment of Cathedral City;
6. Remove barriers typically present for developers and those choosing to invest in the community;
7. Promote development that improved livability and neighborhood vibrancy;
8. Ensure the provision of adequate open space for light, air, and fire safety; and
9. Ensure that service demands of new development will not exceed the capacities of existing streets, utilities, or public services.
Chapter 9.05 Purpose and Applicability of the Development Code 1-4
B. Authority. This Code is enacted based on the authority vested in the City by the State of California, including but not limited to the State Constitution; the Planning and Zoning Law (Government Code Sections 65000 et seq.); and the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.).
9.05.030 Applicability of the Development Code
A. The provisions of this Code apply to all properties within the municipal boundaries of Cathedral City. The City should strive to follow all the requirements contained in the Code. However, the City Manager has the authority to waive or modify the provisions of the Code in regard to any real property, facilities and/or improvements owned by the City. [Source: 9.02.020, modified]
1. Exemptions shall be limited to capital improvement projects where there is a clearly demonstrated public benefit to the waiver or in response to an emergency as defined in the City’s Municipal Code and; [Source: NEW]
2. Require City Council notification when a waiver is issued. [Source: NEW] B. No building, structure, or part thereof, shall hereafter be constructed, altered, or used, and no parcel of land shall be further developed, except in conformity with the provisions of this Title.
Furthermore, these provisions apply to any changes in occupancy of a structure or building. [Source: 9.02.020, modified]
9.05.040 Organization of the Development Code
A. Division 1. Introductory Provisions establish the overall organization and applicability of the Code.
B. Division 2. Zoning Districts Regulations and Development Standards establishes the permitted or conditionally permitted land uses in each zoning district and includes any special requirements applicable to specific uses. This Division also establishes the development standards specific to each zoning district (e.g., regulations that control the height, bulk, location, and appearance of structures).
C. Division 3. General Development Standards contain zoning regulations which apply citywide (zoning regulations not specific to a particular zoning district or land use).
D. Division 4. Standards for Specific Land Uses establish the specific and unique development and operational standards for specific land uses in the City.
E. Division 5. Subdivision Regulations contains procedures for the division of land within the City.
These provisions implement and supplement the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act concerning the design and improvement of subdivisions and regulating other divisions of land within the City including the form and content of all maps and the procedure to be followed in securing official approval.
F. Division 6. Application Processing Procedures establish the processing procedures for required permits and entitlements. These regulations include the purpose and applicability of each permit/entitlement, application requirements, filing procedures, and applicable conditions of approval.
Division 1 – Introductory Provisions Chapter 9.05
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G. Division 7. Development Code Administration contains procedures for the administration of the Code, including requirements for development agreements, amendments, appeals of zoning decisions and calls for review, and enforcement.
H. Division 8. Definitions includes a list of terms used in the Code, with cross-references and definitions.
9.05.050 Relationship to Prior Codes
The provisions of this Code, as it existed before the effective date of Ordinance No. 2026-XXX are repealed and superseded as provided in the ordinance enacting this Title. No provision of this Code shall validate or legalize any land use, structure, or subdivision constructed, created, established, or maintained in violation of the City of Cathedral City Development Code as they existed before repeal by the ordinance enacting this Code, except as addressed by nonconformities created by this Code, in compliance with Chapter 9.290 (Nonconformities). [Source: NEW]
9.05.060 Relationship to the General Plan
A. General Plan Consistency. All actions and procedures pertaining to the granting or denial of various permits or other entitlements provided for by this Code shall be consistent with all applicable goals, policies, and land use arrangements established by the General Plan. [Source: NEW]
B. Inconsistencies Between the General Plan and the Code. This Code is intended to be consistent with the General Plan. If an inconsistency is identified between the General Plan and this Code, the City shall consider amendments to this Code or, where appropriate, the General Plan to restore consistency in accordance with State law. Until such amendments are adopted, the City shall administer this Code in a manner consistent with the General Plan and applicable provisions of State law. [Source: NEW]
9.05.070 Relationship to Specific Plans
A. Code as an Implementation Method. This Code is a method used by the City to implement the goals, policies, and programs of any adopted Specific Plan. [Source: NEW]
1. Specific Plan. A Specific Plan establishes the land use pattern, development standards, permitted uses, infrastructure, and implementation measures for a defined geographic area consistent with the General Plan. The Specific Plan designates locations and densities/intensities for residential, mixed use, commercial, industrial, and open space uses for that limited area, including the necessary infrastructure and implementation methods to achieve the goal of the Plan.
2. Compliance with Adopted Specific Plan Required. In compliance with Government Code Section 65455, all zoning, tentative maps, parcel maps, and public works projects shall be consistent with adopted Specific Plans for that limited area.
B. Consistency with the Adopted Specific Plans. The City Council intends that this Code be consistent with the adopted Specific Plans, and that any development, land use, or subdivision approved in compliance with this Code shall also be consistent with the adopted Specific Plan for that limited area. A proposed use shall be considered consistent with the adopted Specific Chapter 9.05 Purpose and Applicability of the Development Code 1-6
Plan when the proposed use is to be established and maintained in a manner which is consistent with the Specific Plan and all applicable provisions contained in the Specific Plan. [Source: NEW]
C. Specific Plan Overlay Implementation. For the purposes of this Code, Specific Plans are recognized through the Specific Plan Overlay (-SP) Zoning District established in Section
9.45.070 and the Specific Plan (SP) Base Zoning District established in Section 9.40.010.B, as applicable. [Source: NEW]
D. Where Inconsistencies Exist. Where inconsistencies do exist between the Specific Plan and this Code, the Specific Plan shall control the use and development of the land until the City Council adopts an amendment to achieve consistency with the existing or current Specific Plan. [Source: NEW]
9.05.080 Severability, Partial Invalidation of the Development Code If any portion of this Code is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The City Council hereby declares that this Code and each division, chapter, section, subsection, paragraph, and portion thereof is adopted without regard to the fact that one or more portions of this Code may be declared invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable. [Source: NEW] Division 1 – Introductory Provisions Chapter 9.10
Council Hearing Draft – October 2026
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Chapter 9.10
Interpretation of the
Development Code
Chapter 9.10 Interpretation of the Development Code
1-8
Chapter 9.10 Interpretation of the Development Code
Sections
9.10.010 Purpose
9.10.020 Rules for the Construction of Language
9.10.030 Rules for Interpretation and Conflict
9.10.040 Similar Use Determination
9.10.010 Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to specify the authority and procedures for clarifying any ambiguity in the regulations of this Code, and to ensure its consistent interpretation and application. [Source: NEW]
9.10.020 Rules for the Construction of Language
In addition to the general provisions of the Cathedral City Municipal Code, the following rules of construction shall apply to this Code: [Source: NEW]
A. The Specific Controls the General. Specific provisions take precedence over general provisions. When two statutory provisions of this Title conflict (one being general and the other specific) the City shall apply the more specific provision as an exception to the general provision. [Source: NEW]
B. Unless otherwise stated, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows: [Source:
NEW]
1. “And” indicates that all connected words or provisions shall apply;
2. “Or” indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singly or in any combination; and
3. “Either ... or” indicates that the connected words or provisions shall apply singly but not individually.
C. Terminology. When used in this Code, the following rules shall apply: [Source: NEW]
1. Language. When used in this Code, the word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary. The word “should” is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. The word "may" is permissive.
2. Tense. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present.
3. Number. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise.
4. Local Reference. The word "City" as used in this Code shall mean the City of Cathedral City and all public officials, bodies, and agencies references in this Code are those of the City, unless otherwise specified.
Division 1 – Introductory Provisions Chapter 9.10
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5. Definitions. All terms used in this Code shall be defined in Division 8 (Definitions) and/or as determined/interpreted by the Director.
D. In case of conflict between the text and a diagram, the text controls. [Source: NEW] E. A reference to a public official in the City is to that person who performs the function referred to and includes a designated designee of such official. [Source: NEW] F. All references to days are to calendar days unless otherwise indicated. [Source: NEW] G. Section headings shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of any Section. [Source: NEW]
H. The words activities and facilities include any part thereof in combination. [Source: NEW]
9.10.030 Rules for Interpretation and Conflict
A. General Consistency and Common Conflict. The provisions of this Title are not intended to interfere with or void any easements, covenants, or other existing agreements which are more restrictive than the provisions of this Title. When the provisions of this Title impose more restrictive regulations upon buildings or structures, or on the use of lands, or require larger open spaces, yards, or setbacks or otherwise establish more restrictive regulations than are imposed or required by any other law, title, ordinance, code or regulation, the provisions of this Title shall govern. [Source: 9.04, NEW]
B. Clarification of Ambiguity. If ambiguity arises concerning the application of the provisions of this Title it shall be the duty of the Director to ascertain all pertinent facts and by resolution of record set forth the findings and the interpretations. [Source: 9.04, NEW] C. Application of More Restrictive Requirements. Nothing in this Title shall be deemed to affect, annul or abrogate any other ordinances pertaining or applicable to the properties and areas affected by this Title. In the event that a conflict does arise, the more restrictive requirement shall apply. [Source: 9.04, NEW]
D. Clarifications. Any party seeking clarification of any provision of Title, may submit the request to the Planning Department in writing. The Director shall make final determination to adequately clarify the provision. [Source: 9.04, NEW]
E. State Law Requirements. Where this Code refers to provisions of State law (e.g., the California Government Code, Subdivision Map Act, Public Resources Code, etc.), the references shall be interpreted to be to the applicable State law provisions as they may be amended from time to time. [Source: NEW]
9.10.040 Similar Use Determination
A. Purpose and Intent. In order to ensure that this Title will permit uses in each zoning district, and recognizing that not every possible land use can be identified in this Title and because land uses evolve over time, the staff and/or the Planning Commission, upon its own initiative or upon written request, shall determine whether a use not specifically listed as a permitted, accessory or temporary use in any zoning district shall be deemed a permitted use or conditional use in one or more zoning districts. The determination shall be based upon the similarity to uses specifically listed in the zoning district. The procedures of this Section shall Chapter 9.10 Interpretation of the Development Code
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not be substituted for a Code amendment procedure as established in Chapter 9.275 (Development Code and Zoning Map Amendments) to establish new uses not currently in this Tile. [Source: 9.06, modified]
B. Director Review. Application for a determination shall be submitted to the Director and include a detailed description of the proposed use and any other such information as may be required to facilitate the determination. [Source: 9.06]
C. Investigation and Notification. The Director will review and compare the proposed use characteristics with the General Plan goals and objectives as well as the purposes of the various land use ordinances and must find: [Source: 9.06.030, modified]
1. The proposed use shall be consistent with the intent of the underlying General Plan land use designation and shall be of a similar or less intensive nature than uses being compared within the zoning district. Use characteristics to be evaluated shall include, but are not limited to: typical development requirements such as access and parking demands, building enclosure and outdoor use, environmental impacts (e.g., noise, dust, odor, vibration, heat, glare, presence and handling of hazardous materials, etc.), nature of business (e.g., wholesale, retail, service, manufacturing, etc.), construction type, and typical public service demands (e.g., water, sewer, fire protection, etc.).
2. The use in question meets the purpose and intent of the zoning district in which it is proposed.
3. The use in question meets and conforms to the applicable goals and objectives of the General Plan.
D. Planning Commission Review.
1. Any determination on a proposed unlisted use may be referred to the Planning Commission as a public hearing item if the Director determines that the public interest would be better served by such referral. [Source: 9.06.040, modified]
2. Staff determinations may be appealed by the applicant to the Planning Commission by filing a written request along with the established City fee with the Planning Commission within 10 business days of the date of the staff determination. The Planning Commission shall consider the appeal as a public hearing item. [Source:
9.06.040]
3. The Planning Commission shall base their decision on the criteria in Section
9.10.040.C. The determination of the Planning Commission shall be adopted by Resolution and be effective 10 calendar days after the date of decision unless appealed to the City Council, by written appeal filed with the City Clerk, whose decision shall be final. [Source: 9.06.040]
E. Appeals. Any applicant or aggrieved person may appeal any determination of the Planning Commission for consideration by the City Council in accordance with Chapter 9.295 (Appeals and Calls for Review) of the Code. Any appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 days of the decision of the Planning Commission and be accompanied by the payment of a fee as determined in the adopted fee schedule adopted by the City Council. [Source: 9.06.050] Division 1 – Introductory Provisions Chapter 9.15
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Chapter 9.15
Zoning Districts and Zoning
Map
Chapter 9.15 Zoning Districts and Zoning Map
1-12
Chapter 9.15 Zoning Districts and Zoning Map
Sections
9.15.010 Purpose and Intent
9.15.020 Establishment of Zoning Districts
9.15.030 Zoning Map
9.15.040 Boundaries of Zoning Districts
9.15.010 Purpose and Intent
A. Purpose. This Chapter establishes the zones applied to property within the City and adopts the City’s Zoning Map. [Source: NEW]
B. Intent. The City Council hereby adopts the City of Cathedral City Zoning Map (hereafter referred to as the "Zoning Map"), which is on file with the Planning Department. The Zoning Map is hereby incorporated into this Code by reference as though it were fully included here. [Source: NEW]
9.15.020 Establishment of Zoning Districts
A. General. The City shall be divided into zoning districts which implement the General Plan. The zoning districts shown in Table 9.15-01 (Zoning District Classifications) are hereby established and shall be shown on the Zoning Map. [Source: NEW]
B. Base Zoning Districts. Every parcel shall have a base zoning district that establishes the primary type and intensity of land use allowed, along with development standards for that particular type and intensity of land use. [Source: NEW] C. Overlay Zoning Districts. An overlay zoning district supplements the base zoning district for the purpose of establishing special land use allowances or limitations or development standards and regulations for a particular area in addition to the provisions of the underlying base zone. In the event of conflict between the base zoning district regulations and the overlay zoning district regulations, the provisions of the overlay zoning district shall apply. [Source:
NEW]
Division 1 – Introductory Provisions Chapter 9.15
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Table 9.15-01
Zoning District Classifications
9.15.030 Zoning Map
The boundaries, designations, and locations of the zones established by this Code shall be shown upon the map(s) entitled "Zoning Map" and referred to in this Code as the Zoning Map. Any additional maps Zoning District
Zoning
Map
Symbol
Density
(dwelling units per acre)
Minimum | Maximum
NonResidential
FAR
Zoning
District
Color
Corresponding General Plan
Land Use Designation(s)
Conservation
Residential CR 1 du/20ac - Hillside Reserve (HR)
Residential Estate RE 0 du/ac to 2 du/ac - Estate Residential (RE) Low Density
Residential R4.5 2 du/ac to 4.5 du/ac - Low Density Residential (RL) Low-Medium
Density
Residential
R10 4.5 du/ac to 10 du/ac - Medium Density Residential (RM) Medium-High
Residential R20 11 du/ac to 20 du/ac -
Medium-High Density Residential
(RMH)
High Density
Residential R24 20 du/ac to 24 du/ac - High Density Residential (RH) Mixed-Use
Downtown MU-DT 20 du/ac to 36 du/ac 0.80 Downtown Commercial (DTC) Resort Residential RR 3 du/ac to 6.5 du/ac - Resort Residential (RR) Mixed-Use,
Neighborhood MU-N 10 du/ac to 25 du/ac 1.0 Downtown Commercial (DTC) Mixed-Use, Urban MU-U 30 du/ac to 45 du/ac 1.0 Downtown Commercial (DTC) General
Commercial GC -
0.35 Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
General Commercial (CG)
Professional Office PO - 0.50 Business Park (BP)
Industrial I
-
0.50 Industrial (I)
Light Industrial I-1
-
- Industrial (I)
Parks and Open
Space P/OS - -
Parks and Public Open Space (OS-P)
Open Space – Private
Open Space – Other
Open Space-Watercourse (
Specific Plan SP - - Hatched Consistent with all General Plan Land Use Designations
Hillside Protection
Overlay -HP - - Hatched -
Limited Height
Overlay -LH - - Hatched -
Public/Institutional
Housing Overlay -P/IH - - Hatched -
Specific Plan
Overlay -SP - - Hatched -
Chapter 9.15 Zoning Districts and Zoning Map
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(e.g., setback map, height map) adopted shall also be a part of this Code by reference. This Code, together with the Zoning Map, is adopted in compliance with current State planning, zoning, and development laws. Amendments to the existing zone boundaries of any identified zones shall be made by ordinance in compliance with Chapter 9.275 (Development Code and Zoning Map Amendments). [Source: 9.02.030]
9.15.040 Boundaries of Zoning Districts
The boundaries of each zoning district shall be established by ordinance adopted by the City Council, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission, adopting or amending the official zoning map. It is the intent to place zoning boundaries along identifiable geographic features such as property lines, streets, drainage channels, etc. Where uncertainty exists in relation to the boundaries of any zoning district shown upon the official zoning map or any part or unit thereof, the following rules shall apply: [Source: 9.02.040, NEW]
A. Where boundaries are indicated that approximately follow street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be the zoning boundaries.
B. When property is not part of an approved subdivision map and a zoning boundary divides a lot, the boundary, unless indicated by dimensions, shall be determined by scale.
C. Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the area comprising the vacation shall acquire the underlying zoning classification.
D. Areas of dedicated streets or alleys and railroad rights-of-way, other than such as are designated on the zoning map as being classified in one of the zoning districts provided in this Title, shall be deemed to be unclassified and, in the case of streets, permitted to be used only for purposes lawfully allowed in conjunction with the abutting property and, in the case of railroad rights-of-way, permitted to be used solely for the purpose of accommodating tracks, signals, other operative devices and the movement of rolling stocks.