Attachment A
8 AWWA Research Foundation has published the following report: Impact of Fire Flow on Distribution System Water Quality, Design, and Operation. This report concludes the following:
“Water-efficient fire suppression technologies exist that use less water than conventional standards. In particular, the universal application of automatic sprinkler systems provides the most proven method for reducing loss of life and property due to fire, while at the same time providing faster response to the fire and requiring significantly less water than conventional fire-fighting techniques. It is recommended that the universal application of automatic fire sprinklers be adopted by local jurisdictions.” Consider the benefits: a single firefighter using a normal 1-1/2” fire hose can be applying between 175- 400 gallons of water per minute when attempting to extinguish a fire. On the other hand, a single fire sprinkler will be flowing only 18- to 40- gallons of water per minute. This means that over a 5-minute period, the following quantities of water are used:
Fire-fighter with 1-1/2” hose:
175 gpm x 5 minutes = 875 gallons of water
400 gpm x 5 minutes = 2,000 gallons of water
Fire sprinkler system:
18 gpm x 5 minutes = 90 gallons of water
40 gpm x 5 minutes = 200 gallons of water
Section 903.3.5.3: This section is carried over from the previous Ordinance. The section limits all hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems to not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity. The 10% buffer in hydraulic calculation is a common engineering business practice that gives some flexibility to account for system water pressures that may decrease as additional demands are placed on the water system from additional construction or as the system ages.
Section 904.2.2.1: This is a new section added to the Fire Code to require that all new hood and duct commercial kitchen extinguishing systems are monitored by a central station or remote supervising station to ensure that the fire department is notified and able to respond to a fire.
CFC Chapter 32 – High-Piled Combustible Storage
Section 3206.4.2: This section is carried over from the previous Ordinance and relocated to the automatic sprinkler section within Chapter 32 of the Fire Code. By requiring client leased or occupant owned warehouses to have a technical report completed by a registered engineer, it will minimize problems concerning commodity and sprinkler protection. By having an engineer complete a technical report for the proposed or existing building it will provide greater certainty that adequate protection for the commodities that are proposed will be sufficient. By not having adequate sprinkler protection, it could be detrimental to the building and could also cause loss of life in the event of a fire. Geographically this can be a significant problem due to the seismic activity that Desert Hot Springs experiences. The Engineer can assess the adequate protection for the correct commodity classifications, ensure the correct seismic provisions are in place for the type of system to be installed, and provide a professional assurance to a very volatile type of occupancy. It takes a vast number of resources to extinguish a fire of this type. By adding this requirement, it will ensure an added level of safety. Modifications have been made to provide clarification that certain reference documents are not required.
CFC Chapter 41 – Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations Section 4107: A new Section 4107, including Sections 4107.1 through 4107.2.3 is added to the Fire Code to provide the fire department with the authority to inspect Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles during special events. This section was removed from the CFC due to conflict in regulations, however HCD agrees that there would be an expectation for fire marshals to have jurisdiction over safety inspections (especially for fire protection equipment and systems’ inspections, testing and maintenance), for participating SPCM MFF during special events requiring CFC 105.6 operational permits (such as Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
9 Carnivals and Fairs, Exhibits and Trade Shows, or local codified “Special Events” …). See BSC TP-106 (Rev. 10/20) Initial Statement of Reasons June 21, 2021 Rulemaking File SFM 06/21 – Part 9 – 2021 Triennial Code Cycle.
CFC Chapter 49 - Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas Section 4904.2.1: This section has been deleted and is covered by the provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code as adopted and amended.
CFC Chapter 56 – Explosives and Fireworks
Section 5608.2: A new Section 5608.2 is added to the Fire Code to establish a minimum required radius of the fallout area for aerial shells to be 100 ft/in. (22 m/25 mm) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest aerial shell to be fired, unless otherwise approved. This is necessary due to the climatic wind conditions within Desert Hot Springs.
CFC Appendix B – Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings
Section B103.2.1: A new Section B103.2.1 is added to the Fire Code to establish the minimum fire flow for any new subdivision or tract constructed within a Wildland-Urban Interface Area to be 1,500 gallons per minute to ensure that adequate fire-flow is provided.
Table B105.2 of Appendix B: This amendment is carried over from the previous Ordinance. This allows the fire department to still have adequate fire flow mitigation with sprinkler protection and not jeopardize main distribution systems by inadequately under sizing them and have costly upgrades for future projects.
With the geographical diversity that Desert Hot Springs has it is important that this requirement be added to ensure adequate water in the event of a fire.
CFC Appendix C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution Section C103.1 of Appendix C: This provision is carried over from the previous Ordinance. This provision is to clarify the additional location of fire hydrants to be at intersections. This requirement has been standard policy within Desert Hot Springs and Riverside County.
Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
10 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) Amendments California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 require that the modification or change be expressly marked and identified as to which each finding refers. Therefore, the City Council finds that the following table sets forth the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code sections that have been modified and the associated local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions described above supporting the modification.
2025 CWUIC CODE
SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I, II, III
102.4.1.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Administrative 104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief and Fire Department Administrative 104.2 Determination of Compliance Administrative
104.8 and 104.8.1 Liability Administrative
105.2 Permits Required Administrative
108.2 Schedule of Permit fees Administrative
108.7 Cost Recovery Administrative
109.3.7 Violation and Penalties Administrative
202 Fire Chief Administrative
302.1.1 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Administrative 501.1 Scope I, II, & III
602.1 General I, II, & III
602.3.2 Final Fire Protection Plan I, II, & III
603.1 General I, II, & III
603.3 Landscape and Fuel Modification plans I, II, & III 603.3.1 Contents I, II, & III
604.1 General I, II, & III
604.3 Requirements I, II, & III
604.3.1 Retroactivity I, II, & III
604.6 Clearance of brush, vegetative growth, and combustible material from improved parcels I, II, & III
604.7 Clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures I, II, & III 604.7.1 Structures I, II, & III
604.7.2 Timing for New Buildings and additions to Existing Buildings I, II, & III 604.7.3 Photovoltaic Systems I, II, & III
604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements I, II, & III 604.8.1 Requirements I, II, & III
604.8.2 Zone 0 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.2.1 Non-Combustible Zone 0 for New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, and new or replacement landscape I, II, & III 604.8.2.2 Additional requirements in Zone 0 I, II, & III 604.8.2.3 Zone 0 requirements for Existing Buildings I, II, & III 604.8.2.3.1 Zone 0 restrictions I, II, & III
604.8.3 Zone 1 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.3.1 Requirements and allowable items I, II, & III 604.8.4 Zone 2 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.4.1 Requirements and allowable items I, II, & III 604.8.4.2 Spacing I, II, & III
604.8.5 General requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2 I, II, & III 604.8.5.1 Dead and dying vegetation I, II, & III
604.8.5.2 Mulch and wood chips within Zones 1 and 2 I, II, & III 604.8.5.3 Firewood I, II, & III
604.8.5.4 Clearance from chimney, stovepipe I, II, & III Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
11 2025 CWUIC CODE
SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I, II, III
604.8.5.5 Trees I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.1 Tree spacing I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.2 Ground clearance of trees I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.3 Ground cover under tree canopy I, II, & III 604.8.5.6 Continuous tree canopies I, II, & III
604.8.5.6.1 New Structures I, II, & III
604.8.5.6.2 Existing Structures I, II, & III
604.8.5.7 Grasses I, II, & III
604.9 Fire protection equipment and utilities I, II, & III 604.10 Planting vegetation under or adjacent to energized electrical lines I, II, & III 604.11 Fencing I, II, & III
604.11.1 Scope I, II, & III
604.11.2 New Fencing I, II, & III
604.11.3 Existing Fencing I, II, & III
607.1 General I, II, & III
607.1.1 Combustible Materials I, II, & III
607.2 Storage for off-site use I, II, & III
608.1.1 Restricted development setbacks I, II, & III
608.2 General I, II, & III
608.2.1 Setback reduction I, II, & III
609.2.7.1 Greenbelts I, II, & III
609.2.7.2 Access to Greenbelts I, II, & III
A102.1 General I, II, & III
A105.1 General I, II, & III
A105.4 Combustible Materials I, II, & III
2025 CWUIC Local Amendment Justification/Statement of Reason Building Standards Law allows local amendments in accordance with the following:
For purposes of this subdivision, a city may make reasonably necessary modifications to the requirements, adopted pursuant to the Health and Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, contained in the provisions of the code and regulations on the basis of local conditions.
CWUIC Chapter 1 – Administration:
Section 102.4.1.1: A new section added to the CWUIC to clarify that where a conflict exists between the provisions of the Riverside County Fire Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.
Section 104.1.1: Similar to the existing Ordinance amendment to the Fire Code, this section ensures that enforcement capability be disseminated to other law enforcement entities within the Riverside County area because of its vast topography and diversity. This gives the Riverside County Fire Department greater enforcement capabilities due to the presence of these other agencies across the County of Riverside and City of Desert Hot Springs.
Section 104.2: New amendment to Section 104.2 to clarify that “Guidelines” may be created to render interpretations of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code and shall be enforceable as part of the code.
Section 104.8 and 104.8.1: This amended section is the same as in the Fire Code carried over from the existing Ordinance to resolve any conflict between state law and the fire code provisions.
Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
12 Section 105.2: This new amendment to CWUIC Section 105.2 adds an additional permit item for “Landscape and Fuel Modification Zones.”
Section 108.2: This amended section is similar to the previous Ordinance for the Fire Code. This amendment is necessary to identify that fees are in accordance with Desert Hot Springs fee schedule.
Section 108.7: This new section is similar to the previous Ordinance for the fire code. This section is maintained in accordance with the Health and Safety Code 13009 and 13009.1, and Government Code 53150, et seq. for cost recovery.
Section 109.3.7: This amended section is similar to the previous Ordinance for the fire code provisions.
Ordinance requires punishments and penalties for violations to be in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.
CWUIC Chapter 2 – Definitions:
Section 202: This new amendment is similar to the previous Ordinance for the Fire Code. This definition was added to designate that this term means the Fire Chief of Riverside County whenever the wording appears in the California Fire Code or this Ordinance. This is to distinguish obligatory authority to the Fire Chief or any of the designated representatives for fire prevention measures and declarations in enforcing this Ordinance.
CWUIC Chapter 3 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas:
Section 302.1.1: New amendment designating the Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The Desert Hot Springs City Council has adopted the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to Government Code section 51178 and designated those areas within Desert Hot Springs as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as shown on the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Maps have been adopted by Desert Hot Springs as required by statute.
CWUIC Chapter 5 – Special Building Construction Requirements:
Section 501.1: A new amendment clarifying that for the purpose of the special building construction requirements in Chapter 5, a wildland-urban interface area shall be defined as a geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires, and shall include those areas designated as high and very high fire hazard severity zones based on recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
CWUIC Chapter 6 – Fire Protection Requirements:
Section 602.1: A new amendment to Section 602.1 to clarify when a Fire Protection Plan is required. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
13 Section 602.3.2: A new amendment to Section 602.3.2 to clarify the items required in a Final Fire Protection Plan. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 603.1: A new amendment to Section 603.1 to include a reference to replacement landscaping.
This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 603.3: A new amendment to Section 603.1 to require Landscape and Fuel Modification Plans for any project in a Wildland-Urban Interface Area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 603.3.1: A new amendment to Section 603.3.1 adding the requirement for the delineation of the 5-foot (1524 mm) (Zone 0), 30-foot (9144 mm) (Zone 1) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) (Zone 2) fuel management zones from all structures as part of the landscape plans. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.1: A new amendment to Section 604.1 to delete references to State Responsibility Areas (SRA) to include the defensible space requirements within the local responsibility area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.3: A new amendment to Section 604.3 to include a reference to Appendix A of the CWUIC and Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.
Section 604.3.1: A new Section 604.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to add a requirement that when required, by the Fire Code Official, or State Law, existing Defensible Space/Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) shall require retrofitting, including thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet this Code or State Law. Upon notification by the Fire Code Official, and when approved, work to bring an existing Defensible Space and FMZ into compliance with this Code, may be done over a two to four (2-4) year period as determined by the Fire Code Official. A compliance plan prepared by the property owner may be requested for review and approval by the Fire Code Official. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.6: A new Section 604.6 is added to the CWUIC requiring that all improved parcels declared a Public Nuisance shall be cleared entirely of combustible material. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.7: A new Section 604.7 is added to the CWUIC to require clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.7.1: A new Section 604.7.1 is added to the CWUIC to specify the requirements for clearance of vegetation around structures located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.7.2: A new Section 604.7.2 is added to the CWUIC to provide a timeline for the clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.7.3: A new Section 604.7.3 is added to the CWUIC to delineate the vegetation clearance requirements around freestanding photovoltaic systems in the wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8: A new Section 604.8 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the three defensible space zones.
This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
14 Section 604.8.1: A new Section 604.8.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the code sections for the defensible space requirements. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.2: A new Section 604.8.2 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the purpose and location of Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.2.1: A new Section 604.8.2.1 is added to the CWUIC to delineate the Zone 0 requirements for all new buildings, additions to existing buildings, installation of new landscape, and refurbishment of existing landscape areas. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.2.2: A new Section 604.8.2.2 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the vegetation and landscape requirements in Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.2.3: A new section heading 604.8.2.3 is added to the CWUIC for the Zone 0 requirements for existing buildings. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.2.3.1: A new Section 604.8.2.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the Zone 0 requirements applicable to existing buildings with landscape installed prior to January 1, 2026. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.3: A new Section 604.8.3 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the purpose and location of Zone 1. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.3.1: A new Section 604.8.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the requirements and allowable vegetation in Zone 1. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.4: A new Section 604.8.4 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the purpose and location of Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.4.1: A new Section 604.8.4.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the requirements and allowable vegetation in Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.4.2: A new Section 604.8.4.2 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the spacing requirements for trees and vegetation in Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5: A new section heading 604.8.5 is added to the CWUIC for the general requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.1: A new Section 604.8.5.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring the removal of all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and tree needles within Zone 0, 1, and 2.
This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.2: A new Section 604.8.5.2 is added to the CWUIC requiring the use of combustible mulch and wood chips shall be in accordance with the requirements of Riverside County Fire Department Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
15 Guidelines within Zones 1 and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.3: A new Section 604.8.5.3 is added to the CWUIC indicating the requirements for firewood within Zones 0, 1, and 2 are found in Section 607 of the code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.4: A new Section 604.8.5.4 is added to the CWUIC requiring that any portion of a tree or shrub that extends within 10 feet horizontally or vertically of a chimney outlet or stovepipe outlet shall be removed within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.5: A new Section 604.8.5.5 is added to the CWUIC requiring that new trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible structure within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.5.1: A new Section 604.8.5.5.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring the horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 20 feet in Zone 1 and not less than 10 feet in Zone 2 and separation distance may be increased for slopes exceeding 20 percent with the required spacing measured between trees at maturity. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.5.2: A new Section 604.8.5.5.2 is added to the CWUIC addressing the ground clearance requirements for trees within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.5.3: A new Section 604.8.5.5.3 is added to the CWUIC addressing the ground cover under tree canopies within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.6: A new section heading 604.8.5.6 is added to the CWUIC to address continuous tree canopies within Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs a.
Section 604.8.5.6.1: A new Section 604.8.5.6.1 is added to the CWUIC prohibiting continuous tree canopies adjacent to new structures within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.6.2: A new Section 604.8.5.6.2 is added to the CWUIC to address the requirements for continuous tree canopies adjacent to existing structures within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.8.5.7: A new Section 604.8.5.7 is added to the CWUIC requiring that natural or annual grasses shall be mowed to a maximum height of 4-inch stubble with clippings removed within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.9: A new Section 604.9 is added to the CWUIC addressing defensible space requirements around communication site towers and their support buildings; required fire protection water supplies, including water tanks, water supply pumps, and pump houses; and any other utility structure as required by the Fire Code Official within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.10: A new Section 604.10 is added to the CWUIC prohibiting vegetation planted under or adjacent to energized power lines that, at maturity, will grow within 10 feet of the energized conductors Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
16 within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.11: A new section heading 604.11 is added to the CWUIC to address fencing requirements within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.11.1: A new Section 604.11.1 is added to the CWUIC to address fencing requirements within Zone 0 in a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.11.2: A new Section 604.11.2 is added to the CWUIC to require new fencing and gates to be constructed of a non-combustible material in a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 604.11.3: A new Section 604.11.3 is added to the CWUIC to allow fencing installed prior to January 1, 2026 in a wildland-urban interface area to remain, except the entire fencing not parallel and within 5 feet of the building, including gates within the fencing, shall be constructed of a non-combustible material when any portion of the existing fencing within 5 feet is replaced. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 607.1: A new amendment to Section 607.1 of the CWUIC to prohibit the storage of firewood within Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 607.1.1: A new Section 607.1.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring combustible materials, other than vegetation, stored within Zones 1 and 2 shall not be stored so as to pose a hazard to any building and that piles shall not exceed 100 square feet of area and a maximum height of 10 feet and shall be separated by a minimum of 20-foot clear area when located within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 607.2: A new amendment to Section 607.2 of the CWUIC to prohibit the storage of firewood and combustible materials not for consumption on the premises within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 608.1.1: A new Section 608.1.1 is added to the CWUIC with restricted development setbacks for new structures and additions to existing structures located less than 100 feet from any protected habitat within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 608.2: A new amendment to Section 608.2 of the CWUIC expanding the applicability of the required 30-foot setback to new tract and parcel maps, new buildings, and additions to existing buildings within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 608.2.1: A new amendment to Section 608.2.1 of the CWUIC deleting the exception of complying with the special building construction requirements as a setback reduction within a wildland-urban interface area, since the structures would already be subject to those requirements. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 609.2.7.1: A new amendment to Section 608.2.7.1 of the CWUIC addressing the approval of greenbelt locations within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section 609.2.7.2: A new amendment to Section 608.2.7.2 of the CWUIC addressing the access points to proposed greenbelt locations for subdivisions and other developments within a wildland-urban interface Item Number: 7.
Attachment A
17 area to allow for on-going maintenance and firefighter access. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
CWUIC Appendix A – General Requirements:
Section A102.1: A new amendment to Section A102.1 of the CWUIC adding a reference for vegetation control to Chapter 6 of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section A105.1: A new amendment to Section A105.1 of the CWUIC adding a reference for the storage and use of materials to Chapter 6 of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Section A105.4: A new amendment to Section A105.4 of the CWUIC adding a reference for the outside storage and use of combustible materials to the applicable fire code sections. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Desert Hot Springs.
Item Number: 7.
SR-25-277
City of Desert Hot Springs
City Council
AGENDA ITEM REPORT
To: City Council
Date: December 2, 2025
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
Subject: Second Reading and Adoption of An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1.10 "City Seal and Insignias" of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code RECOMMENDATION:
Approve second reading, read by title only and adopt: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs amending Chapter 1.10 "City Seal and Insignias" of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code."
BACKGROUND:
The ordinance was introduced for first reading on November 18, 2025.
The ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its second reading.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Staff Report from November 18, 2025
2) Ordinance - City Seal and Insignias Update
Item Number: 8.
SR-25-259
City of Desert Hot Springs
City Council
AGENDA ITEM REPORT
To: City Council
Date: November 18, 2025
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
Subject: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1.10 "City Seal and Insignias" of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code
RECOMMENDATION:
Introduce for first reading and read by title only: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs amending Chapter 1.10 "City Seal and Insignias" of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code."
BACKGROUND:
The City's official Seal and Logos are used by the City for certain official purposes. Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code ("DHSMC") Chapter 1.10 provides the following:
Reflects the official City Seal and Logos currently in use; Ensures that the current and previous official City Seal and Logos are used only for purposes directly related to the official business of the City of Desert Hot Springs; and Prohibits unauthorized use of the current and previous Seal and Logo to prevent fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and/or abuse.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance revises "Exhibit B" to incorporate the logos associated with the downtown revitalization. There are no language modifications to DHSMC Chapter 1.10.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
2) Ordinance - City Seal and Insignias Update
Item Number: 8.
1 ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DESERT
HOT SPRINGS AMENDING CHAPTER 1.10 “CITY SEAL AND
INSIGNIAS” OF THE DESERT HOT SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted the City of Desert Hot Springs (“City”) by Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City has the police power to regulate the City Seal, City logos, and other City insignias in a manner designed to promote public convenience and general prosperity, as well as public health, welfare and safety; and
WHEREAS, Government Code section 34501 provides in part, ““Every city organized pursuant to this part shall … have a common seal, alterable at the pleasure of the legislative body;” and
WHEREAS, the City would like to adopt the new logo; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is for the benefit of the public health, safety and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. RECITALS
That the above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated as though fully set forth herein.
Section 2. SECTION 1.10.020 TO BE AMENDED
That the City Council hereby amends the following Section 1.10.020 of Chapter
1.10 of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code to read as follows:
1.10.020 City’s Official Logo.
A. The official logo of the City of Desert Hot Springs shall be the logo illustrated and depicted in Exhibit “B” (“Logo”).
B. The Logo of the City shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, and a copy of its depiction shall be available for inspection by the public during all regular business hours.
C. The City Clerk shall have custody and charge of the Logo.
D. The Logo shall be the property of the City. The Logo may be used by the City and its duly authorized employees and officials on official documents, and for such other purposes for which municipal logos are usually and customarily used.
Item Number: 8.
2 E. The City Manager shall adopt a policy for use of the City Logo. The City Logo, in general, shall be used in a manner that is less formal than the Seal.
Section 3. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The City Council finds that adoption of this ordinance is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Title 14 California Code of Regulations section 15061, subsection (b)(3), in that the proposed ordinance involves a proactive measure to prohibit certain uses within the Downtown Area and does not have the potential to significantly impact the environment.
Section 4. SEVERABILITY
The City Council declares that, should any provision, section, paragraph, sentence or word of this ordinance be rendered or declared invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences or words of this ordinance as hereby adopted shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5. AMENDING OF BAIL SCHEDULE
The City Attorney’s Office is hereby directed to determine whether this ordinance necessitates amendment of the City’s Bail Schedule and to cause such necessary amendments to be made and filed with the local branches of the Superior Court of the County of Riverside.
Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its second reading.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs, California, at a regular meeting held on the ____ day of _______2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
_______________________________
Scott Matas, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
Jennifer A. Mizrahi, City Attorney
Item Number: 8.
3 Exhibit A
Item Number: 8.
4 Exhibit B
Item Number: 8.
SR-25-279
City of Desert Hot Springs
City Council
AGENDA ITEM REPORT
To: City Council
Date: December 2, 2025
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
Subject: Mayor's Appointments to Various Intergovernmental and Regional Boards and Committees - Riverside County Transportation Commission ("RCTC") RECOMMENDATION:
Ratify Mayor Matas' appointment of Councilmember Dirk Voss to the Riverside County Transportation Commission ("RCTC")
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Section 6.2 of the City Council's "Meeting Guidelines and Procedures,"
6.2 Council Member Appointments to Boards, Committees, and Commissions The appointments shall be made pursuant to Chapter 2.24 “Departments, Boards, and Commissions” of the DHSMC, as amended. Mayor shall appoint Council members to all City and intergovernmental Boards and Committees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.
Item Number: 9.