30 Chapter 4: Building Architecture ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
k. Inclusion of one or more tower elements that are no
more than half the height of the floor-to-floor height
of the tallest building story. The tower element shall
be recessed or projected from the rest of the building
mass by a minimum of two feet.
Two-story buildings that do not front a public street or public right-of-way are not required to meet the modulation requirements of this section.
4.3.2. Vehicle entrances. Where vehicle entries are incorporated into a building wall facing a public street, the facade shall incorporate two of the following components:
a. A vehicle entrance that is set back a minimum of 20
feet from the back of sidewalk or required setback,
whichever results in the furthest distance from the
public street.
b. Where a pedestrian entrance is provided adjacent
to the garage opening, a minimum five-foot wide
sidewalk leading to the public street and sidewalk.
c. At least one landscaped area, a minimum five feet in width, adjoining the vehicle access drive and leading
from the public street to the garage entrance.
4.3.3. Upper story floor area limit. The gross area of the top story of buildings including exterior walls and roof projections and overhangs shall be a maximum of 80 percent of the floor immediately below, inclusive of required stair structures, mechanical and utility penthouses, elevator overrides, towers, and rooftop common area structures including trellises
and overhangs.
ODS 4.3.1(j) creates modulation of
the building mass by decreasing the
ground floor building square footage
as more floors are added. In this
diagram, the second floor footprint
(orange) is 80 percent less than the
ground floor footprint, and the top floor
footprint is 80 percent less than the
second floor footprint.
◄
80% of
ground floor
80% of floor
below
This multifamily project incorporates
recessed tower elements that create
modulation in the building mass.
See ODS 4.3.1(k).
◄
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 31 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.4 BUILDING ROOFS
4.4.1. Roof types. The following roof types, or a combination of the following roof types, shall be utilized for multifamily and mixed-use buildings.
a. Butterfly roof.
b. Clerestory roof.
c. Conical roof.
d. Cross-hipped roof.
e. Curved/barrel vaulted roof.
f. Dome roof.
g. Flat roof.
h. Gable roof.
i. Hexagonal roof.
j. Hip and valley roof.
k. Intersecting gable roof.
l. Hip roof.
m. M-shaped roof.
n. Monitor roof.
o. Pyramid hip roof.
p. Sawtooth roof.
q. Skillion roof.
r. Shed roof.
No other roof types or forms are permitted.
80% of the floor immediately below
The top floor of multifamily and
mixed-use buildings is 80 percent of
the footprint of the floor immediately
below. See ODS 4.3.3.
◄
The use of both flat and pitched
roofs in this multifamily project
adds versatility to the roofline. See
ODS 4.4.1.
◄
32 Chapter 4: Building Architecture ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.4.2. Roof slopes. The pitch of sloped roofs, other than conical roofs, curved/barrel vaulted roofs, or dome roofs, shall be no less than 2:12 and no greater than 4:12.
4.4.3. Sloped roof materials. Sloped roofs shall utilize one of the following materials.
a. Concrete or lightweight concrete tile.
b. Metal that is non-reflective.
c. Solar panel tiles, solar roof tiles, or solar shingles. d. Natural tone or slate tile.
e. Terracotta tile or simulated terracotta tile.
4.4.4. Prohibited roof materials. The following roof materials are not permitted.
a. Asphalt-shingle roofs.
b. Glass roofs or skylights that comprise more than 10
percent of the total gross area of the floor below.
c. Corrugated metal roofing.
4.4.5. Flat roof modulation. Flat roofs shall be modulated vertically per the table below.
Type of Modulation Multifamily Buildings Mixed-Use Buildings Flat Roof
Vertical Modulation
A minimum of 42 inches
at least once every
36 feet.
A minimum of 42 inches
at least once every
50 feet.
For every 36 feet in multifamily
building width and every 50 feet in
mixed-use building width, the height
of the building should increase or
decrease by at least 42 inches, not to
exceed the maximum height limit. See
ODS 4.4.5 for flat roof modulation and
ODS 4.1.1-4.1.4 for building height
requirements.
◄ 42”
min
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 33 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.5 BUILDING MATERIALS
4.5.1. Building wall materials. A building shall utilize at least two of the following exterior wall materials.
a. Cementitious or acrylic stucco, or an exterior
insulating and finish system with a cementitious finish. b. Two stucco textures. If a float finish is utilized for one of the stucco textures, the second stucco texture shall be a float or dash finish stucco and shall be utilized at a minimum of 10 percent of the total wall area.
c. Two stucco colors with at least one of the stucco
colors utilized at a minimum of 10 percent of the total wall area.
d. Metal panels that are non-reflective.
e. Natural stone or manufactured stone veneer at a
minimum of 10 percent of the total wall area.
f. Terra cotta tile and/or rain screens.
g. Colored precision block, glazed block, face brick, face stone, split face block, shot blast block, or slump stone at a minimum of 10 percent of the total wall area.
4.4.6. Greenhouses. Greenhouses that are incorporated into a multifamily or mixed-use structure and whose total floor area is 10 percent or less of the total gross floor area of the building are exempt from the roof type, slope, modulation, and materials requirements of these design standards.
4.4.7. Parapet return. Parapets that extend beyond the wall plane due to horizontal building modulation must return and
extend a minimum six feet past the wall plane and inwards towards the building.
The parapet in this diagram extends
an additional six feet past the wall
plane where the building modulation
extends forward. See ODS 4.4.7.
◄
This townhome project uses multiple
colors of stucco, metal paneling and
railings, and precision and split face
block. See ODS 4.5.1(a)., 4.5.1(c),
4.5.1(d), and 4.5.1(g).
This multifamily project uses
multiple stucco colors and a face
stone for the entirety of the ground
floor. See ODS 4.5.1(a), 4.5.1(c), and
4.5.1(g).
◄
◄
34 Chapter 4: Building Architecture ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.5.2. Wall material transitions. Transitions between differing material and colors on the walls of a building facade shall utilize at least one of the following design methodologies. a. An inside corner where planes intersect.
b. Utilization of a reveal, projecting band, and or planar offset to mark the transition between the base, middle, and top of the building.
c. Use of a building detail, such as a cornice, belt
course, roof projection or eave, and/or habitable or
decorative projections.
d. Utilization of recesses or projections at windows
a minimum of 3 inches in depth at all windows
and openings.
e. An offset in a plane where the material transition or color occurs with a minimum depth of five inches.
4.5.3. Prohibited building wall materials. 100 percent glass buildings are prohibited.
4.6 BUILDING OPENINGS, MULTIFAMILY
4.6.1. Ground-level architectural component, multifamily only.
Multifamily buildings facing public streets shall provide ground floor porches, ramadas, colonnades, or recesses that are a minimum of six feet in clear depth and seven feet in height along a minimum of 30 percent of the building length.
4.6.2. Upper-level glazing, multifamily only. Multifamily buildings shall provide a minimum 15 percent and a maximum of 30
percent transparent glazing and/or openings at building walls above the ground level as measured from the finish floor level to the underside of the floor or roof above.
4.6.3. Openings, multifamily only. For multifamily buildings, the area of openings in walls above the first level, inclusive of doors and windows and exclusive of any floor-to-floor and floor-to-roof wall area shaded by porches, verandas, arcades, galleries, ramadas, trellises, open-to-the-air recesses, continuous brise-soleil and other open-to-the-air architectural screening elements, shall constitute a minimum of 15 percent and a maximum of 40 percent of the total wall area above the first level.
This multifamily project uses
multiple building materials through
various transition techniques.
Materials change at the inside
corner of two building planes
intersecting and a belt course
horizontally divides the building
and changes material. See ODS
4.5.2(a) and 4.5.2(c).
The ground level of this multifamily
building is recessed to provide
shade along the street frontage. See
ODS 4.6.1.
This multifamily building keeps the
number of wall openings above the
ground level below 40 percent. See
ODS 4.6.3.
◄
◄
◄
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 35 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.7 BUILDING OPENINGS, MIXED-USE
4.7.1. Ground-level transparency or frontage component, mixed-use only. The ground level of mixed-use buildings shall comprise at least one of the following elements.
a. Glazing at the ground level of walls that face a public street shall constitute a minimum of 60 percent of the
total wall length and such glazing shall be a minimum
of 8-feet in height.
b. A porch, veranda, arcade, gallery, ramada, projecting trellis, open-to-the-air recess, and/or permanent
overhang that is a minimum of eight feet in clear
depth along at least 80 percent of the length of any
wall that faces a public street.
4.7.2. Upper-level glazing, mixed-use only. At upper levels of mixed-use buildings, the total area of glazing shall be a minimum of 15 percent of the total wall area.
4.7.3. Openings, mixed-use only. The combined surface area of windows, doors, or other openings inclusive of continuous glass systems shall comprise no more than 60 percent of the total wall area of any individual mixed-use building face.
4.8 BUILDING WINDOWS
4.8.1. Window and door details. Building windows and doors shall utilize at least two of the following:
a. Three distinct sizes of windows.
b. Shading devices including shutters, exterior blinds, awnings, brise-soleil, sun screens and/or decorative
architectural details that create a distinct shadow line at a minimum 60 percent of openings.
c. Recesses or projections a minimum of three inches in depth at a minimum of 60 percent of all openings.
d. Trim around the opening that is no less than four
inches in width and creates a projection or recess no
less than two inches in depth.
e. Use of metal-clad, thermally-broken metal or steel,
and/or wood windows or doors at all openings.
f. Exterior shades.
More than sixty percent of the
ground level of this mixed-use
building is glazing. See ODS 4.7.1(a).
The glazing at the upper levels of
this mixed-use development is at
least 15 percent of the total wall
area. See ODS 4.7.2.
This multifamily development has
recessed windows of at least three
distinct size. See ODS 4.8.1(a) and
4.8.1(c).
◄
◄
◄
36 Chapter 4: Building Architecture ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.8.2. Windows, storage, utilities, and screening. Where windows open onto a utility or storage use or occupancy, the window opening shall be provided with interior or exterior screening such as an interior or exterior shade, and/or decorative and/ or obscuring glass.
4.9 BUILDING BALCONIES AND STAIRWELLS
4.9.1. Balcony depth. Balconies shall be a minimum of six feet in clear depth.
4.9.2. Balcony design. Balconies shall be recessed or shaded by balconies or roof projections immediately above and/or
by minimum four-foot deep awnings, canopies, ramadas,
recesses, and/or trellises.
4.9.3. Stairwells. All building stairwells shall be internal to the building or screened by materials with a 50 percent opacity.
4.10 BUILDING UTILITIES
4.10.1. Electrical utilities. All electrical utility equipment, electrical meters, and junction boxes shall be placed within a utility room.
4.10.2. Mechanical and electrical equipment screening. With the exception of ground-mounted transformers that shall meet the requirements of the utility provider, all mechanical equipment, including new and replacement equipment that is free-standing, and wall mounted equipment, shall be fully screened from all views by one of the following:
a. Solid parapets and/or walls that are a minimum of
one foot taller than the mechanical equipment as
measured from the roof deck to the highest point of
the equipment.
b. Louvers equipment boxes that are incorporated into
a wall.
c. Walls that are a minimum 50 percent opaque and
that are set within landscape areas that in plan
provide a landscape border a minimum 18 inches
wide around the perimeter of at least two sides of the
equipment pad.
Window mounted equipment is permitted at existing
buildings that include an addition if not visible from any public street.
The courtyard-facing balconies
in this multifamily development
are shaded by the balconies
immediately above. See ODS 4.9.2.
This project extends a wall surface
and uses landscaping to screen
mechanical equipment.
◄
◄
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 37 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.11 BUILDING FACADE COLORS
4.11.1. Color palette. Building exteriors shall utilize neutral, earth tone, and/or neutral or earth tone Sonoran Desert regional colors as published by third parties or the City of Palm Desert. To demonstrate compliance with this requirement, applicants shall include samples or printouts of selected exterior colors with their application, provide a key to color use on elevation drawings, and provide third party material and/or color chart(s), brochure(s), web page(s) addresses, or other publication(s) materials that relate the proposed building color(s) to a neutral, earth tone, and/or Sonoran Desert color choice.
4.11.2. Accent colors. A maximum of ten percent of the building facade area, including but not limited to walls, doors, window details, cornices, and belt courses, may be with accent colors not considered a neutral, earth tone, and/or Sonoran Desert color choice.
4.11.3. Prohibited colors. Except as an accent color or a window, trim, fence, or gate color, the use of black color on buildings is prohibited.
4.12 BUILDING WATER DRAINAGE DEVICES
4.12.1. Water drainage devices, multifamily only. At multifamily buildings, gutters, downspouts, and other water
drainage components shall utilize one of the following
design methodologies.
a. Remain an unpainted natural metal material.
b. Be painted the same color of the
immediately-adjoining facade.
c. Not be visible from the exterior of the building walls facing public streets.
4.12.2. Water drainage devices, mixed-use only. At mixed-use buildings, gutters, downspouts, and other water drainage components, with the exception of required overflow devices, shall not be visible from the exterior of the building walls facing public streets.
This multifamily development uses
a variety of earth tone and neutral
colors. See ODS 4.11.1.
Shades of white and brown are used
in this townhome typology. See ODS
4.11.1. ◄
◄
These townhomes use yellow and
orange accent colors to highlight
minor massing elements within the
design. See ODS 4.11.2.
◄
38 Chapter 4: Building Architecture ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
AND ENCLOSURES
4.13 BUILDING TRASH/RECYCLING BINS
Project Lot Size Trash/Recycling Bin Requirements
Less than or equal to
7,500 square feet
Trash/recycling bins shall be designated, open-to-thesky enclosures shall be permitted, but no trash/recycling bin or enclosure shall be placed in required setbacks or visible from a public street.
Greater than 7,500
square feet and less
than 22,500 square feet
Trash/recycling bins shall be placed within fully
enclosed structures which may be open to the sky. Trash enclosures may not be visible from a public street, may project into a required side or rear yard setback, but
may not be placed within five feet of a property line or within a setback adjacent to a public street or singlefamily designated lot.
Greater than 22,500
square feet
Trash/recycling bins shall be designated, fully enclosed, may be open to the sky, and shall not be placed within
required setbacks or visible from a public street.
This trash enclosure is located away
from required setbacks and public
streets, and has architectural details
that relate back to the development
it is serving. See ODS 4.13.1.
The buildings of this development
project utilize similar facade
materials and colors. See ODS
4.14.1(b) and 4.14.1(c).
The buildings in this multifamily
project are not identical, but are
similar in proportion and mixand-match balconies and recesses and materials and colors to build
consistency. See ODS 4.14.1(c) and
4.14.1(e).
◄
◄
◄
4.13.1. Trash/recycling bin placement. Trash and recycling bins shall meet the placement requirements correlated to the project’s lot size per the table below.
4.14 BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS
4.14.1. Architectural continuity. A development project with multiple buildings shall maintain architectural consistency at all building and accessory building facades or implement
at least three of the following architectural components consistently throughout all buildings and accessory buildings in the project:
a. Consistent use of roof forms and if sloped, roof
materials and coloring at all buildings and
accessory buildings.
b. Consistent use of building overhangs, recesses, and
architectural projections including porches, arcades,
ramadas, galleries and building screening that create
shade at south, east, and west facing facades.
c. Consistent use of facade materials at all buildings and accessory buildings.
d. Consistent use of color at all buildings and
accessory buildings.
e. Consistent use of proportions and details at 60
percent of building openings.
f. Consistent use of sun shading architectural
components at all buildings visible from a
public street.
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 39 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.14.2. Inclusion of Palm Desert architectural and landscape components. In consideration of the desert landscape,
buildings shall incorporate at least four of the following design components.
a. Buildings oriented on an east-west axis such that the wall area of both the east and west facades is not
more than 60 percent of the area of the area of south
facing walls.
b. Site walls, building massing, and landscape
windbreaks that protect project open spaces from
west to east prevailing summer winds.
c. Site walls, building massing, and landscape
windbreaks that protect project open spaces from
north to south prevailing winds that occur from midNovember through mid-February. d. Covered open-to-the-air arcades, colonnades, galleries, or other permanent coverings or projections that
provide shade at all building walls visible from
public streets.
e. Overhangs or recesses at building entries that are a minimum of four feet in clear depth.
f. Minimum 24-inch deep roof eaves.
g. Use of natural stone or veneer stone at a minimum of 10 percent of the total building wall area.
h. Use of recessed windows at a minimum 60 percent
of openings.
i. Use of shade trees at varying distances apart, but in no case more than 30 feet on center, to shade the
length of east, south, and west facing building walls
visible from a public street.
j. Public street frontages that are a minimum 20 percent greater than the otherwise required frontage, front
yard, and street-facing side yard requirements.
This multifamily project has
exaggerated roof eaves throughout
the design. See ODS 4.14.2(f).
◄
This multifamily project accents the
massing at all corners with a veneer
stone. See ODS 4.14.2(g).
◄
This multifamily project has shade
trees, visible from the public street,
along the project frontage. See ODS
4.14.2(i).
◄
40 Chapter 4: Building Architecture ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
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CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 41 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5 PARKING
5.1 Surface Parking Design
5.2 Mechanical Parking
5.3 Parking Shelters
5.4 Parking Garages
5.5 Bicycle Parking
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 41 The intent of the following parking objective design
standards is to create landscaping, shade, and pedestrian circulation at surface parking lots and architectural continuity between project buildings and parking garages.
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
42 Chapter 5: Parking ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5.1 SURFACE PARKING DESIGN
5.1.1. Surface parking placement. No surface parking shall be placed within a required public street frontage setback or between primary building frontages and the public street.
5.1.2. Surface parking visibility. All surface parking lots shall be hidden from the public right-of-way using one of the following techniques.
a. Locating all surface parking lots behind buildings.
Where more than one building is placed on a lot and
the buildings screen the surface parking, no separation between buildings screening the surface parking may
be more than 30 feet wide.
b. Locating all surface parking lots behind a fence or wall that complies with 2.3 Project Fences and Walls.
c. Locating all surface parking lots behind a landscape buffer a minimum of ten feet in depth that creates a
vegetation screen through the use of bushes, hedges,
and trees.
5.1.3. Surface parking along side or rear property lines. Surface parking areas adjacent to side or rear property lines shall provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least five feet wide.
5.1.4. Landscape island dimensions. Landscape islands at on-site surface parking, inclusive of the landscape islands that must be adjacent to end parking stalls, shall be no less than nine feet in length and seven feet in width, exclusive of curbs and landings.
5.1.5. End parking stalls, width. End parking stalls shall be increased in City-required width by a minimum of 18 inches.
5.1.6. Landscape islands, end parking stalls. All end parking stalls shall be adjacent to a landscape island.
The length and width of landscape
islands on surface parking lots must
be seven feet excluding curbs and
landings (see ODS 5.1.4) and end
parking stalls must be at least 18
inches wider than the standard stall
width (see ODS 5.1.5).
◄
7’ min
(exclusive of curbs/landings)
9’ min
(exclusive
of curbs/
landings)
City-required width
plus 18” min
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 43 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5.1.7. Landscape islands, surface parking with more than 30 spaces.
For surface parking lots with more than 30 parking spaces, a minimum 10 percent of the area of a surface parking lot shall be landscape islands, achieved by one of the following. a. The use of finger islands at endcaps and a landscape island every ten parking spaces.
b. A minimum five-foot continuous landscape planter
located within the center of parking rows, running
between endcap finger islands.
5.1.8. Canopy trees at on-site surface parking. Projects shall incorporate one canopy tree for every three uncovered
parking spaces and one canopy tree for every eight covered parking spaces.
5.1.9. Canopy tree distribution at on-site surface parking. Canopy trees at surface parking areas shall be uniformly distributed across the surface area of the lot so that no parking space is more than 30 feet from the center of a canopy tree.
5.1.10. Parking space building separation. Parking spaces shall be separated from buildings by a minimum five-foot wide pedestrian sidewalk and a minimum five-foot wide landscape strip, as measured from the curb face.
5.1.11. Pathways, surface lots with more than 50 spaces. For surface parking areas with more than 50 parking spaces, a minimum of one publicly-accessible pathway or sidewalk that provides access across the lot to a public sidewalk is required for each 200 feet of surface parking area fronting a public street.
5.1.12. Pathway enhancements, surface lots with more than 50 spaces. For surface parking areas with more than 50 parking spaces, enhanced or textured paving or striping shall be included where pedestrian crossing occurs.
5.2 MECHANICAL PARKING
5.2.1. Mechanical parking placement. Open-to-the-air mechanical parking spaces shall not be placed within 20 feet of a public street frontage.
5.2.2. Mechanical parking screening. Open-to-the-air mechanical parking spaces placed between 20 to 150 feet from a street frontage shall be minimally screened from the view of
the public street by walls that are a minimum 15 percent open or transparent and no more than 40 percent open
or transparent.
Desert Museum Palo Verde canopy
trees are planted in the landscape
islands of this surface parking lot to
increase shade. See ODS 5.1.8.
◄
The frequency of canopy trees in this
surface parking lot provides more
opportunities for shade. See ODS
5.1.9. ◄
This mechanical parking is placed
behind the building it is serving so
that it is not visible from the public
street frontage. See ODS 5.2.2.
◄
This continuous landscape planter
is located in between parking rows.
See ODS 5.1.7(b).
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44 Chapter 5: Parking ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5.2.3. Structures with mechanical parking. The design of fully enclosed buildings or structures that contain mechanical parking shall meet the Building Architecture Objective
Design Standards in Chapter 4 of this policy.
5.3 PARKING SHELTERS
5.3.1. Parking shelter placement. No parking shelter shall be placed within a required setback.
5.3.2. Parking shelter materials and colors. When visible from a public right-of-way, parking shelters shall utilize the same colors and roof materials as the main buildings of a site.
5.3.3. Parking shelter length. No individual parking shelter shall exceed 65 feet in length.
5.4 PARKING GARAGES
5.4.1. Architectural continuity, parking garages. Parking garages and those portions of buildings that incorporate a parking garage occupancy shall be architecturally treated and meet the Building Architecture Objective Design Standards in Chapter 4 of this policy.
5.4.2. Vehicular entry gates. Any vehicular entry gate to a parking structure shall provide a minimum of 20 feet between the gate and the back of the sidewalk to minimize conflicts between sidewalk use by pedestrians and vehicle queuing.
5.4.3. Ground-floor openings at parking garages and utility and mechanical areas. Openings at parking garages and utility and mechanical rooms adjoining public street frontages shall be screened from view by at least one of the following. a. Vertical landscape and/or climbing vines on metal
screens, and/or wires that cover at least 60 percent of the openings of any parking deck, and/or mechanical
or utility room opening.
b. Use of decorative, non-reflective metal grills, glass, or panels with a minimum opacity of 50 percent
that cover at least 60 percent of the openings
of any parking deck, and/or mechanical or utility
room opening.
This covered parking shelter uses
the same orange-red as the main
building facade, seen behind the
shelter.
◄
Vehicles entering this multifamily
building can queue in the covered
passageway and turn right into
the garage, avoiding blocking the
sidewalk. See ODS 5.4.2.
◄
Decorative metal grills screen this
parking opening from view along
the street frontage. See ODS 5.4.3(b).
◄ ◄
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 45 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5.5 BICYCLE PARKING
5.5.1. Short-term bicycle parking. Required bicycle racks for shortterm parking shall be located within 50 feet of at least one public entrance to a multifamily or mixed-use building.
5.5.2. Long-term bicycle parking. Required long-term bicycle parking must be covered and secured and shall be located within 150 feet of at least one entrance to multifamily or mixed-use building.
This multifamily development
provides uncovered bike racks at the
entrance to the building. See ODS
5.5.1. This multifamily building provides
a dedicated indoor bicycle storage
room. See ODS 5.5.2.
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46 Chapter 5: Parking ODS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
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CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 47 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
6 ODS
Multifamily Compliance Checklist
Mixed-Use Compliance Checklist
COMPLIANCE
CHECKLISTS
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 47 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
48 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
Multifamily Compliance Checklist
The Objective Design Standards (ODS) assist project applicants and designers to achieve multifamily design objectives. As a project is designed, applicants and designers must utilize the ODS outlined in Chapters 2-5 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards, as well as the Multifamily Compliance Checklist, to determine compliance in advance of submittal and formal review for compliance by the City.
Applicants must fill out the sections of the following pages and check “compliance” or “not applicable (N/A)” as appropriate. In cases where an explanation is required, describe how the multifamily project complies with the ODS or how the ODS is not applicable to the project. If the applicant requires additional space for any explanation and/or chooses to illustrate compliance to an ODS, attachments may be submitted along with this form. Once the form is completed, it must be submitted to the City along with the application submittal package. The City will fill out the sections designated “City use only” in their review upon the applicant’s submission of this checklist and other application materials.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PROJECT INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
Applicant Name:
Please check one. Property Owner
Design Firm/Architect
Representative
Other (please specify):
Engineer
Email:
Phone:
Proposed Project Name:
Date:
CITY USE ONLY
OVERALL COMPLIANCE FINDING
City Comments (Optional): Reviewed by:
YES: NO:
Date:
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 49 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MULTIFAMILY PROJECT SITE DESIGN
New multifamily projects shall meet all of the below Project Site standards per Chapter 2 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
2.1. PROJECT FRONTAGE 2.1. PROJECT FRONTAGE
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.1.1. Max. frontage length without break. 30’ wide
open-to-the-sky landscaped open space
separating public-facing street frontages
longer than 450’.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
2.2. PROJECT ORIENTATION 2.2. PROJECT ORIENTATION
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.2.1. Project orientation. Select a minimum of two
of the following:
a. Min. 20’ deep landscaped setback,
parallel to project frontage, with
30’ on-center shade trees within
the first 20’ of depth along public
street frontage.
b. Min. one, 20’ in depth open space,
sized according to the table in
Section 2.2b.
c. Max. 42” fences, walls, and/or
permanent planter boxes to not
exceed 20% of total public street
frontage length.
d. Use of a ground-level design
component listed in Section
2.2d within 10’ of public-streetfacing frontage setback and along min. 20% of the total
public-street-facing frontage.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
50 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.3. PROJECT FENCES AND WALLS 2.3. PROJECT FENCES AND WALLS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.3.1. Fence and wall placement. Select the
appropriate placement requirement from the
options below.
a. Project lot size < 15,000 SF: no fence,
wall, or gate placed within required
front-yard setback.
b. Project lot size greater than 15,000
SF and less than 1 acre: no fence,
wall, or gate placed within frontage
setback along public streets. Fences,
walls, and gates greater than 42”
and behind frontage setback not to
exceed 60% of frontage length.
c. Project lot size > 1 acre: no fence,
wall, or gate placed within frontage
setback along public streets. Fences,
walls, and gates greater than 42”
and behind frontage setback not to
exceed 80% of frontage length.
2.3.2. Fence and wall modulation. Select one of
the following:
a. Change in material every 150’ of
fence wall.
b. Offset every 18” or pilaster every 150’
of fence wall.
2.3.3. Fence and wall materials. Select fence or wall
material(s) used.
a. Aluminum, painted.
b. Brick.
c. Concrete.
d. Metal tube.
e. Stone, face stone, and/or
veneer stone.
f. Wrought iron.
2.3.4. Rear and interior side yard fences and
walls. Min. 5’ height for all fences and walls
enclosing rear and interior side yards.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 51 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.4. PROJECT ENTRIES 2.4. PROJECT ENTRIES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.4.1. Publicly visible gate or door. Min. 1 publicly
visible gate or door that provides direct entry
to a building or open space, within 60’ of the
curb of a public street or public vehicular drop
off point.
2.4.2. Number of project entries. Select the
appropriate minimum number of project
entries requirement from the options below.
a. Public street frontage < 150 ft.: min. 1
project entry.
b. Public street frontage greater than
150 ft. and less than 450 ft: min. 2
project entries.
c. Public street frontage > 450 ft: 2
project entries for each 450 of
total length up to a total length of
1,350 feet.
2.4.3. Pedestrian entrances. Min. 1 for each 450’
total frontage along public streets.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
52 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.5. PROJECT SIDEWALKS AND PATHWAYS 2.5. PROJECT SIDEWALKS
AND PATHWAYS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.5.1. Site connectivity, public sidewalks. All onsite buildings, entries, facilities, amenities, and vehicular and bicycle parking areas are
internally connected by on-site sidewalks and
as-needed pathways.
2.5.2. Site connectivity, public streets. Intersecting
public and private streets, access drives, drive
aisles, alleys, and marked crosswalks link to all
public streets adjoining the project.
2.5.3. Sidewalk width. On-site sidewalks are a min. 5’
in unobstructed width.
2.5.4. Parkways. Min. 5’ width, provided along at
least one side of awll on-sire sidewalks
and pathways.
2.5.5 Landscape parkways. Min. 5’ width, provided
along both sides of the sidewalk or parkway
if on-site sidewalk or pathways is provided
within a required public street frontage or
setback that is > 20’ in depth.
2.5.6. Landscape parkway with ground-floor
architectural component. Min. 1 parkway
required if at least one of the architectural
components is placed along 60% of the
ground floor building frontage that adjoins
a public street, required front yard, or public
street frontage setback.
a. Stoops
b. Min. 8’-clear depth porches
c. Arcades, galleries, and/or ramadas
d. Min. 8’ depth recesses
e. Min. 30” depth overhangs, trellises,
and/or awnings
2.5.7. Driveway access and sidewalks. Vehicular
driveways that access any public right-of-way
are adjoined by sidewalks with a 4’ wide, curbadjacent landscape area on at least one side of the vehicular access drive.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 53 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.6. PROJECT CURB CUTS, VEHICULAR 2.6. PROJECT CURB CUTS, VEHICULAR
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.6.1. Number of project entries. Select the
appropriate requirement from the
options below.
a. Public street frontage between 50 and
150 ft: max. 1 curb cut.
b. Public street frontage greater than
450 ft: max. 1 curb cut for each 450’
of public street frontage.
2.6.2. Curb cut width. Max. 36’ width curb cut
if public street frontage is less than 450’
in length.
2.6.3. Curb cut medians. If site requires more than a
36’ curb cut, it is divided with a min. 5’ width
median such that each segment of the curb
cut is a max. 36’ in width.
2.6.4. Curb cuts, parking area. Max. 24’ in width if
curb cut leads to a parking area with less than
25 parking spaces.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
2.7. PROJECT ALLEYS 2.7. PROJECT ALLEYS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOTAPPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.7.1. Alley entry. Projects abutting an ally provide
all vehicular access from the alley.
2.7.2. Alley parkways. If a new alley >30’ in width
is provided, at least 1, min. 5’ landscaped
parkway provided along 70% of the total
length of the alley, exclusive driveway curb
cut lengths, garages, required red curbs for fire
access, and vehicular access aisles.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
54 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MULTIFAMILY LANDSCAPE AND OPEN SPACE DESIGN
New multifamily projects shall meet all of the below Project Landscape and Open Space standards per Chapter 3 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
3.1. SITE LANDSCAPING 3.1. SITE LANDSCAPING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.1.1. Frontages. All frontages adjoining public and
private streets are landscaped.
3.1.2. Setbacks. All front yard, side yard, streetfacing side yard, and rear yard setbacks are landscaped.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.3. CANOPY TREES 3.3. CANOPY TREES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.3.1. Canopy trees at public street-adjoining
frontages. Min. 1 irrigated, 24” box tree
planted a max. 30’ on center along frontages
adjoining public streets.
3.3.2. Canopy trees at front yards. Where front yard
setback is required, min. 1 irrigated, 24” box
tree planted for each 900 SF of setback area.
3.3.5. Canopy trees selection. Select a min. 3 of the
following species utilized along frontages
adjoining public streets and public right-ofways, with no more than 50% of all selected canopy trees comprising of the same species.
a. ‘Desert Museum’ Palo Verde.
Parkinsonia (Cercidium) x
‘Desert Museum.’
b. Ironwood. Olneya tesota.
c. Palo Brea. Parkinsonia praecox.
d. Sweet Acacia. Acacia smallii.
e. Texas Ebony.
Pithecellobium flexicaule.
f. Thornless Cascalote. Caesalpinia
cacalaco ‘Smoothie.’
CANOPY TREES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 55 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
3.3. CANOPY TREES (CONT.) 3.3. CANOPY TREES (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.3.5. Canopy tree shade on sidewalks. All canopy
trees planted within required frontages
and front yard setbacks with sidewalks and
pathways cast shade on the sidewalk for a
min. 3 hours a day during the months of June,
July, and August within 5 years of planting.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.4. SPECIMEN TREES 3.4. SPECIMEN TREES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.4.1. Specimen trees at frontage areas. Min. 1
irrigated, 24” box specimen tree planted for
each 900 SF of frontage adjoining a public
street and/or right-of-way.
3.4.2. Specimen trees selection. Select a min. 2 of
the following species, with no more than
50% of all selected specimen trees planted
in required frontages adjoining public streets
and public right-of-ways comprising the
same species.
a. Smoke Tree. Psorothamnus
(Dalea) spinosus.
b. Honey Mesquite. Prosopis glandulosa.
Must be a thornless cultivar inclusive
of Prosopis glandulosa ‘Maverick’ or
Prosopis glandulosa ‘AZT.’
c. Soaptree. Yucca elata.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
56 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
3.5. SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS 3.5. SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOTAPPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.5.1. Shrub and perennial groundcover. Ground
surfaces in required frontages without
inorganic groundcover are covered by live
plant material within 5 years of planting.
3.5.2. Shrub and perennial groundcover selection.
Select min. 5 species from list of droughttolerant shrub and perennial groundcover in ODS 3.14., with max. 30% of all live plant
material comprising of the same species and a
min. 3 selected species are woody plants.
3.5.3. Use of thorned, serrated-edged, sharp-toothed,
or sharp-edged plant materials. Planted more
than 2’ from a sidewalk or pathway and more
than 10’ from a children’s play area.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.6. INORGANIC GROUNDCOVER 3.6. INORGANIC GROUNDCOVER
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.6.1. Inorganic groundcover. Max. 50% ground
surfaces within required frontages adjoining
public streets and front yard setbacks covered
with gravel, cobble, or boulders.
3.6.2. Gravel and cobble type. Min. 1 type of gravel
and min. 1 type of cobble with max. 50% of all
surfaces comprising the same material.
3.6.3. Groundcover placement. Planted next to and
not within a bed of cobble.
3.6.4. Inorganic groundcover color. Inorganic
material utilized within a required frontage
adjoining a public street or right-of-way shall
be of a color and value that reflects more light
than it absorbs.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 57 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
3.7. BOULDERS 3.7. BOULDERS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOTAPPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.7.1. Required boulders. Min. 1 boulder for each
500 SF of continuous area of parkway and
landscaped setback area.
3.7.2. Irregular spacing. Boulders are
spaced irregularly.
3.7.3. Buried below grade. Bottom third of boulders
are buried below grade.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.8. ON-SITE LIGHTING 3.8. ON-SITE LIGHTING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.8.1. Dark-sky compliant. Exterior lighting is darksky compliant and/or fully shielded.
3.8.2. Fully shielded. Exterior lighting is fully
shielded and arranged so that light source
cannot be viewed directly.
3.8.3. Uplighting. Prohibited, unless used to feature
an architectural or landscape element
pursuant to Section 24.16.020 of the Palm
Desert Municipal Code.
3.8.4. Lighting angle below the horizon. Exterior
lighting restrains light from source to a min.
30° below horizontal plane of light source.
3.8.5. Pedestrian-oriented lighting, location.
Provided along all on-site sidewalks and
pathways and exterior amenity spaces.
3.8.6. Pedestrian oriented lighting, placement.
Spaced a max. 30 lineal feet on center.
3.8.7. Pedestrian-oriented lighting, illumination. Min. 1’ candle on all on-site sidewalks, walkways,
pathways, and paseos.
3.8.8. Stand-alone exterior lighting. Min. 3’ and max.
14’ in height.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
58 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES 3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.9.1. Passive amenities. Select the appropriate
requirement per the options below.
a. Less than 20 DUs: min. 1 required
passive amenity
b. Between 20-50 DUs: min. 2 required
passive amenities
c. Between 51-99 DUs: min. 3 required
passive amenities
d. 100 DUs and greater: min. 4 required
passive amenities
3.9.2. Types of passive amenities. Select from the list below.
a. Gazebo
b. Passive water amenity
c. Picnic shelter
d. Seating area(s) with benches and/
or loose chairs a min. 12’ wide in
one dimension and 144 SD in area
per below:
i. Less than 20 DUs: 1 required
seating area
ii. Between 20-50 DUs: 2 required
seating areas
iii. Between 51-99 DUs: 3 required
seating areas
iv. 100 DUs and greater: 4 required
seating areas
e. Seating walls a min. 8’ in length
per below:
i. Less than 20 DUs: 1 required
seating wall
ii. Between 20-50 DUs: 2 required
seating walls
iii. Between 51-99 DUs: 3 required
seating walls
iv. 100 DUs and greater: 4 required
seating walls
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 59 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES (CONT.) 3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.9.3. Active amenities. Select the appropriate
requirement per the options below.
a. Between 20-55 DUs: min. 2 required
active amenities
b. Between 51-99 DUs: min. 3 required
active amenities
c. 100 DUs: min. 4 required
active amenities
d. Between 101-149 DUs: min. 5
active amenities
e. 150 DUs and greater: 1 additional
active amenity for each additional
100 units
3.9.4. Types of passive amenities. Select from the list below, one of which must be an active water
amenity.
a. Active water amenity
b. Barbecue
c. Clubhouse and/or recreation
room that opens onto an outdoor
amenity area
d. Community garden
e. Court game facility
f. Exercise area and/or par course
g. Jogging and/or par course
h. Pet area and/or run and/or wash
i. Play area, children’s
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
60 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MULTIFAMILY BUILDING ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
New multifamily projects shall meet all of the below Building Architecture standards per Chapter 4 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
4.1. BUILDING HEIGHT 4.1. BUILDING HEIGHT
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.1.1. Building height measurement along public
streets. Max. building height within 150’ of
the curb of a public street is established by
a vertical measurement from the average
elevation of the street curb adjacent to the
property to the highest point of the structure.
4.1.2. Building height measurement adjoining a
residential zoned property. Max. building
height within 50’ of a residential zoned
property line is established by a vertical
measurement from the elevation of the
finished grade along the property line of the
residential zoned property or the finished
grade along the property line of the project
site, whichever is lower in elevation, to the
highest point of the roof of the structure.
4.1.3. Transitional height abutting a single-family
zoned property. If building abuts or is across
a right-of-way from a single-family zoned
property, the allowed building height is
modulated by an inward-leaning 45° angled
plane inclined towards the building as
measured from a horizontal plane originating
15’ above grade at the abutting property line.
4.1.4. Maximum building height at public-streetfacing frontages. Select the appropriate requirement per options below.
a. Building distance from street-facing
setback is < 30 ft: max. building
height is 24’ and 2-stories with
flat roof
b. Building distance from street-facing
setback is > 30 ft: max. building
height per Municipal Code
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 61 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.2. BUILDING LENGTH 4.2. BUILDING LENGTH
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.2.1. Building wall, maximum length. Max. 425’
in length.
4.2.2. Building breaks, open to the sky. Min. 30’
open-to-the-sky separation provided when
building breaks are required, programmed
as either public/private rights-of-way, courts,
passageways, paseos, and/or other active and/
or passive landscaped open spaces.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
62 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.3. BUILDING MODULATION 4.3. BUILDING MODULATION
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.3.1. Building modulation. Select at least two of
the following.
a. Min. 6’ clear width ground-level
arcades, open-to-the-air galleries,
colonnades, porches, recesses,
ramadas, and trellis structures placed
along a min. 80% ground floor length
of two building faces.
b. Min. 8’ length and min. 3’ depth
open-to-the-sky recesses for each 50’
of building wall length.
c. Major and minor massing, with wall
area of the minor massing a max.
40% of total wall area.
d. Min. 6’ clear width setback of top
floor along at least 2 sides of
the building.
e. Sun-screening elements on windows,
doors, and openings at south- and
west-facing building walls.
f. Min. 15% of building
walls are covered and
open-to-the-air balconies.
g. Roof overhangs or projections that
provide a min. 8’ of vertical shaded
wall at noon on the summer solstice.
h. Vertical and irrigated landscaping
located within 5’ of a wall, screens
min. 2 walls and 30% of structure
perimeter, and min. 20’ height after 5
years of growth.
i. Min. 2 wall materials, first material
a max. 30% of total wall area and
second material a max. 70% of total
wall area.
j. Building footprint immediately below
top floor is max. 80% of the building
footprint immediately below.
k. Min. 1 tower element that is max.
half of the floor-to-floor height
of the tallest building story, and
recessed or projected from the rest
of the building mass by a min. 2’.
BUILDING MODULATION CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 63 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
BUILDING MODULATION (CONT.) BUILDING MODULATION (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.3.2. Vehicle entrances. If vehicle entries are
incorporated into a building wall facing
a public street, select at least two of
the following.
a. Vehicle entrance set back a min.
20’ from the back of sidewalk or
required setback, whichever results
in the furthest distance from the
public street.
b. Where a pedestrian entrance is
provided adjacent to the garage
opening, a min. 5’ wide sidewalk
leading to the public street
and sidewalk.
c. Min. one, 5’ width landscaped area
adjoining the vehicle access drive
and leading from the public street to
the garage entrance.
4.3.3. Upper story floor area limit. Top story gross
area of buildings are a max. 80% of the floor
immediately below.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
64 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.4. BUILDING ROOFS 4.4. BUILDING ROOFS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.4.1. Roof types. Select from the options below.
a. Butterfly roof
b. Clerestory roof
c. Conical roof
d. Cross-hipped roof
e. Curved/barrel vaulted roof
f. Dome roof
g. Flat roof
h. Gable roof
i. Hexagonal roof
j. Hip and valley roof
k. Intersecting gable roof
l. Hip roof
m. M-shaped roof
n. Monitor roof
o. Pyramid hip roof
p. Sawtooth roof
q. Skillion roof
r. Shed roof
4.4.2. Roof slopes. Pitch of sloped roofs, other than
conical, curved/barrel vaulted, or dome roofs,
is min. 2:12 and max. 4:12.
4.4.3. Sloped roof materials. Select one.
a. Concrete or lightweight concrete tile.
b. Metal that is non-reflective.
c. Solar panel tiles, solar roof tiles, or
solar shingles.
d. Natural tone or slate tile.
e. Terracotta tile or simulated
terracotta tile.
4.4.4. Prohibited roof materials. Asphalt-shingle
roofs, glass roofs or skylights comprising of
more than 10% of the total gross area of the
floor below, and corrugated metal roofing are
not utilized in the project.
4.4.5. Flat roof modulation. Modulate the roof
vertically a min. 42” at least once every 50’.
BUILDING ROOFS CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 65 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.4. BUILDING ROOFS (CONT.) 4.4. BUILDING ROOFS (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.4.6. Greenhouses. Exempt from roof type, slope,
modulation, and materials requirements if
total floor area of the greenhouse is < 10% of
the total gross floor area of the building.
4.4.7. Parapet return. Parapets that extend beyond
the wall plane must return and extend a min.
6’ past the wall plane and inwards towards
the building.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS 4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.5.1. Building wall materials. Select at least two of
the following.
a. Cementitious or acrylic stucco, or an
exterior insulating and finish system
with a cementitious finish.
b. 2 stucco textures. If a float finish
is utilized for one of the stucco
textures, the second stucco texture
is a float or dash finish stucco and
utilized for a min. 10% of the total
wall area.
c. 2 stucco colors with min. 1 of the
stucco colors utilized at a min. 10%
of the total wall area.
d. Non-reflective metal panels.
e. Natural stone or manufactured stone
veneer at a min. 10% of the total
wall area.
f. Terra cotta tile and/or rain screens.
g. Colored precision block, glazed block,
face brick, face stone, split face block,
shot blast block, or slump stone at a
min. 10% of the total wall area.
BUILDING MATERIALS CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
66 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.6. BUILDING OPENINGS 4.6. BUILDING OPENINGS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.6.1. Ground-level architectural component. Min.
6’ clear depth and min. 7’ height along a min.
30% of the building length.
4.6.2. Upper-level glazing. Min. 15% and max.
30% transparent glazing and/or openings at
building walls above the ground level.
4.6.3. Openings. Min. 15% and max. 40% of total
wall area above the first level.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS (CONT.) 4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.5.2. Wall material transitions. Select at least
one of the following methodologies when
transitioning between different materials
and colors.
a. An inside corner where
planes intersect.
b. A reveal, projecting band, and/or
planar offset to mark the transition
between the base, middle, and top of
the building.
c. Use of a building detail and/or
habitable or decorative projections.
d. Utilization of recesses or projections
at windows a min. 3” in depth at all
windows and openings.
e. An offset in a plane where the
material transition or color occurs
with a min. 5” depth.
4.5.3. Prohibited wall materials. Project is not a
100% glass building.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 67 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.8. BUILDING WINDOWS 4.8. BUILDING WINDOWS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.8.1. Window and door details. Select at least two
of the following.
a. 3 distinct window sizes.
b. Shading devices that create a
distinct shadow line at a min. 60%
of openings.
c. Recesses or projections a min. 3” in
depth at a min. 60% of all openings.
d. Min. 4”-width trim around opening
that creates a projection or recess no
less than 2” in depth.
e. Use of metal-clad, thermally-broken
metal or steel, and/or wood windows
or doors at all openings.
f. Exterior shades.
4.8.2. Windows, storage, utilities, and screening.
Interior or exterior screening for windows
that open onto a utility or storage use
or occupancy.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.9. BUILDING BALCONIES AND STAIRWELLS 4.9. BUILDING BALCONIES
AND STAIRWELLS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.9.1. Balcony depth. Min. 6’ in clear depth.
4.9.2. Balcony design. Recessed or shaded by
balconies or roof projections immediately
above and/or by min. 4’ deep awnings,
canopies, ramadas, recesses, and/or trellises.
4.9.3. Stairwells. Internal to the building, screened
by materials with a 50% opacity.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
68 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.10. BUILDING UTILITIES 4.10. BUILDING UTILITIES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.10.1. Electrical utilities. Electrical utility equipment, electrical meters, and junction boxes placed
within a utility room.
4.10.2. Mechanical and electrical equipment
screening. Except for ground-mounted
transformers, all mechanical equipment
is fully screened from all views by one of
the following:
a. Solid parapets and/or walls
that are a min. 1’ taller than the
mechanical equipment.
b. Louvers equipment boxes
incorporated into a wall.
c. Min. 50% opaque walls that are set
within landscape areas, that in plan
provide a min. 18” wide landscape
border around the perimeter of at
least 2 sides of the equipment pad.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.11. BUILDING FACADE COLORS 4.11. BUILDING FACADE COLORS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.11.1. Color palette. Neutral, earth tone, and/or
neutral or earth tone Sonoran Desert regional
colors, samples or printouts of which attached
to the application and key to color use on
elevation drawings.
4.11.2. Accent colors. Max. 10% building facade may
be a color not considered neutral, earth tone,
and/or Sonoran Desert color choice.
4.11.3. Prohibited colors. Black is only used as an
accent color or a window, trim, fence, or
gate color.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 69 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.12. BUILDING WATER DRAINAGE DEVICES 4.12. BUILDING WATER
DRAINAGE DEVICES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.12.1. Water drainage devices. Gutters, downspouts,
and other water drainage components are not
visible from the exterior building walls facing
public streets, be an unpainted neutral metal
material, or be pained the same color of the
immediately-adjoining facade.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.13. BUILDING TRASH/RECYCLING BINS AND ENCLOSURES 4.13. BUILDING TRASH/RECYCLING BINS
AND ENCLOSURES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.13.1. Trash/recycling bin placement. Select the
appropriate requirement per options below.
a. Lots < 7,500 SF: trash/recycling bins
are designated, open-to-the-sky
enclosures permitted, but no trash/
recycling bin or enclosure placed in
required setbacks or visible from the
public street.
b. Lots 22,500 SF > 7,500 SF: trash/
recycling bins placed within fully
enclosed structures that may be
open to the sky, are not visible from
a public street, may project into a
required side or rear yard setback
but not placed within 5’ of a property
line or within a setback adjacent to a
public street or single-family lot.
c. Lots > 22,500 SF: trash/recycling bins
are designated, fully enclosed, may
be open to the sky, but not placed
within required setbacks or visible
from a public street.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
70 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS 4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.14.1. Architectural continuity. Development projects
with multiple buildings maintain architectural
consistency through at least three of
the following.
a. Consistent use of roof forms and if
sloped, roof materials and coloring at
all buildings and accessory buildings.
b. Consistent use of building overhangs,
recesses, and architectural
projections including porches,
arcades, ramadas, galleries and
building screening that create
shade at south, east, and west
facing facades.
c. Consistent use of facade materials at
all buildings and accessory buildings.
d. Consistent use of color at all
buildings and accessory buildings.
e. Consistent use of proportions
and details at min. 60% of
building openings.
f. Consistent use of sun shading
architectural components at all
buildings visible from a public street.
BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 71 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS (CONT.) 4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.14.2. Inclusion of Palm Desert architectural and
landscape components. Select at least four of
the following.
a. Buildings oriented on an east-west
axis such that the wall area of both
the east and west facades is a max.
60% of the area of the area of south
facing walls.
b. Site walls, building massing, and
landscape windbreaks that protect
project open spaces from west to
east prevailing summer winds.
c. Site walls, building massing,
and landscape windbreaks that
protect project open spaces from
north to south prevailing winds
that occur from mid-November
through mid-February.
d. Covered open-to-the-air arcades,
colonnades, galleries, or other
permanent coverings or projections
that provide shade at all building
walls visible from public streets.
e. Overhangs or recesses at building
entries that are a min. 4’ in
clear depth.
f. Min. 24” deep roof eaves.
g. Use of natural stone or veneer stone
at a min. 10% the total building
wall area.
h. Use of recessed windows at a min.
60% of openings.
i. Use of shade trees at varying
distances apart, but in no case more
than 30’ on center, to shade the
length of east-, south-, and westfacing building walls visible from a public street.
j. Public street frontages that are a
min. 20% greater than the otherwise
required frontage, front yard, and
street-facing side yard requirements.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
72 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MULTIFAMILY PARKING DESIGN
New multifamily projects shall meet all of the below Parking standards per Chapter 5 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN 5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.1.1. Surface parking placement. No surface parking
within a required public street frontage
setback or between primary building frontages
and the public street.
5.1.2. Surface parking visibility. Select one of the
following.
a. All surface parking lots are behind
buildings. When more than 1
building is placed on a lot and
the buildings screen the surface
parking, a max. 30’ wide separation
between buildings screening the
surface parking.
b. All surface parking lots behind a
fence or wall.
c. All surface lots behind a min. 10’
depth landscape buffer using bushes,
hedges, and trees.
5.1.3. Surface parking along side or rear property
lines. Min. 5’ width perimeter landscape strip
along surface parking areas adjacent to side or
rear property lines.
5.1.4. Landscape island dimensions. Min. 9’ length
and 7’ width, exclusive of curbs and landings.
5.1.5. End parking stalls, width. Increased in Cityrequired width by min. 18”.
5.1.6. Landscape islands, end parking stalls.
All end parking stalls are adjacent to a
landscaped island.
5.1.7. Landscape islands, surface parking with more
than 30 spaces. Min. 10% of lot is landscape
islands by one of the following.
a. Use of finger islands at endcaps
and a landscape island every 10
parking spaces.
b. Min. 5’ continuous landscape planter
located within the center of parking
rows, running between endcap
fingers and islands.
5.1.8. Canopy trees at on-site surface parking. Min.
1 canopy tree for every 3 uncovered parking
spaces and 1 canopy tree for every 8 covered
parking spaces.
SURFACE PARKING DESIGN CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 73 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN (CONT.) 5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.1.9. Canopy tree distribution at on-site surface
parking. Uniformly distributed across surface
are of lot so that no parking space is more
than 30’ from the center of a canopy tree.
5.1.10. Parking space building separation. Min.
5’ pedestrian sidewalk and min. 5’ wide
landscape strip measured from the curb face
separating parking spaces from buildings
5.1.11. Pathways, surface lots with more than 50
spaces. Min. 1 publicly-accessible pathway or
sidewalk that provides access across the lot
to a public sidewalk for each 200’ of surface
parking area fronting a public street.
5.1.12. Pathway enhancements, surface lots with
more than 50 spaces. Enhanced or textured
paving or striping included where pedestrian
crossing occurs.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
5.2. MECHANICAL PARKING 5.2. MECHANICAL PARKING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.2.1. Mechanical parking placement. Open-to-theair mechanical parking placed more than 20’ from a public street frontage.
5.2.2. Mechanical parking screening. Open-to-the-air
mechanical parking spaces placed between
20’-150’ from a street frontage are minimally
screened from view of the public street by
walls that are a min. 15% open/transparent
and max. 40% open/transparent.
5.2.3. Structures with mechanical parking. Fully
enclosed buildings with mechanical parking
meet the Building Architecture ODS in Chapter
4 of the Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective
Design Standards policy.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
74 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
5.3. PARKING SHELTERS 5.3. PARKING SHELTERS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.3.1. Parking shelter placement. No parking shelters
within required setbacks.
5.3.2. Parking shelter materials and colors. When
visible from a public right-of-way, parking
shelters are the same colors and roof
materials as the main buildings of a site.
5.3.3. Parking shelter length. Max. 65’ in length.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
5.4. PARKING GARAGES 5.4. PARKING GARAGES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.4.1. Architectural continuity, parking garages.
Parking garages are architecturally treated
and meet the Building Architecture ODS in
Chapter 4 of the Multifamily and Mixed-Use
Objective Design Standards policy.
5.4.2. Vehicular entry gates. Min. 20’ between gate
and back of the sidewalk.
5.4.3. Ground-floor openings at parking garages and
utility and mechanical areas. Screen parking
garages and utility/mechanical room openings
from public street frontages with one of
the following.
a. Vertical landscape and/or climbing
vines on metal screens, and/or
wires that cover a min. 60% of
the openings.
b. Decorative, non-reflective metal
grills, glass, or panels with a min.
50% opacity that covers a min. 60%
of the openings.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 75 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
5.5. BICYCLE PARKING 5.5. BICYCLE PARKING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.5.1. Short-term bicycle parking. Required bicycle
racks located within 50’ of at least 1 public
building entrance.
5.5.2. Long-term bicycle parking. Required bicycle
racks are covered and secured, located within
150’ of at least one building entrance.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
FINAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) FINAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
76 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
Mixed-Use Compliance Checklist
The Objective Design Standards (ODS) assist project applicants and designers to achieve mixed-use design objectives. As a project is designed, applicants and designers must utilize the ODS outlined in Chapters 2-5 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards, as well as the Mixed-Use Compliance Checklist, to determine compliance in advance of submittal and formal review for compliance by the City.
Applicants must fill out the sections of the following pages and check “compliance” or “not applicable (N/A)” as appropriate. In cases where an explanation is required, describe how the mixed-use project complies with the ODS or how the ODS is not applicable to the project. If the applicant requires additional space for any explanation and/or chooses to illustrate compliance to an ODS, attachments may be submitted along with this form. Once the form is completed, it must be submitted to the City along with the application submittal package. The City will fill out the sections designated “City use only” in their review upon the applicant’s submission of this checklist and other application materials.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PROJECT INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
Applicant Name:
Please check one. Property Owner
Design Firm/Architect
Representative
Other (please specify):
Engineer
Email:
Phone:
Proposed Project Name:
Date:
CITY USE ONLY
OVERALL COMPLIANCE FINDING
City Comments (Optional): Reviewed by:
YES: NO:
Date:
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 77 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MIXED-USE PROJECT SITE DESIGN
New mixed-use projects shall meet all of the below Project Site standards per Chapter 2 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
2.1 PROJECT FRONTAGE 2.1 PROJECT FRONTAGE
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.1.1. Max. frontage length without break. 30’ wide
open-to-the-sky landscaped open space
separating public-facing street frontages
longer than 450’.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
2.2 PROJECT ORIENTATION 2.2 PROJECT ORIENTATION
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.2.1. Project orientation. Select a minimum of two
of the following:
a. Min. 20’ deep landscaped setback,
parallel to project frontage, with
30’ on-center shade trees within
the first 20’ of depth along public
street frontage.
b. Min. one, 20’ in depth open space,
sized according to the table in
Section 2.2b.
c. Max. 42” fences, walls, and/or
permanent planter boxes to not
exceed 20% of total public street
frontage length.
d. Use of a ground-level design
component listed in Section
2.2d within 10’ of public-streetfacing frontage setback and along min. 20% of the total
public-street-facing frontage.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
78 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
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CITY USE ONLY
2.3 PROJECT FENCES AND WALLS 2.3 PROJECT FENCES AND WALLS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.3.1. Fence and wall placement. Select the
appropriate placement requirement from the
options below.
a. Project lot size < 15,000 SF: no fence,
wall, or gate placed within required
front-yard setback.
b. Project lot size greater than 15,000
SF and less than 1 acre: no fence,
wall, or gate placed within frontage
setback along public streets. Fences,
walls, and gates greater than 42”
and behind frontage setback not to
exceed 60% of frontage length.
c. Project lot size > 1 acre: no fence,
wall, or gate placed within frontage
setback along public streets. Fences,
walls, and gates greater than 42”
and behind frontage setback not to
exceed 80% of frontage length.
2.3.2. Fence and wall modulation. Select one of
the following:
a. Change in material every 150’ of
fence wall.
b. Offset every 18” or pilaster every 150’
of fence wall.
2.3.3. Fence and wall materials. Select fence or wall
material(s) used.
a. Aluminum, painted.
b. Brick.
c. Concrete.
d. Metal tube.
e. Stone, face stone, and/or
veneer stone.
f. Wrought iron.
2.3.4. Rear and interior side yard fences and
walls. Min. 5’ height for all fences and walls
enclosing rear and interior side yards.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 79 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.4 PROJECT ENTRIES 2.4 PROJECT ENTRIES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.4.1. Publicly visible gate or door. Min. 1 publicly
visible gate or door that provides direct entry
to a building or open space, within 60’ of the
curb of a public street or public vehicular drop
off point.
2.4.2. Number of project entries. Select the
appropriate minimum number of project
entries requirement from the options below.
a. Public street frontage < 150 ft.: min. 1
project entry.
b. Public street frontage greater than
150 ft. and less than 450 ft: min. 2
project entries.
c. Public street frontage > 450 ft: 2
project entries for each 450 of
total length up to a total length of
1,350 feet.
2.4.3. Pedestrian entrances. Min. 1 for each 450’
total frontage along public streets.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
80 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.5 PROJECT SIDEWALKS AND PATHWAYS 2.5 PROJECT SIDEWALKS
AND PATHWAYS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.5.1. Site connectivity, public sidewalks. All onsite buildings, entries, facilities, amenities, and vehicular and bicycle parking areas are
internally connected by on-site sidewalks and
as-needed pathways.
2.5.2. Site connectivity, public streets. Intersecting
public and private streets, access drives, drive
aisles, alleys, and marked crosswalks link to all
public streets adjoining the project.
2.5.3. Sidewalk width. On-site sidewalks are a min. 5’
in unobstructed width.
2.5.4. Parkways. Min. 5’ width, provided along at
least one side of awll on-sire sidewalks
and pathways.
2.5.5 Landscape parkways. Min. 5’ width, provided
along both sides of the sidewalk or parkway
if on-site sidewalk or pathways is provided
within a required public street frontage or
setback that is > 20’ in depth.
2.5.6. Landscape parkway with ground-floor
architectural component. Min. 1 parkway
required if at least one of the architectural
components is placed along 60% of the
ground floor building frontage that adjoins
a public street, required front yard, or public
street frontage setback.
a. Stoops
b. Min. 8’-clear depth porches
c. Arcades, galleries, and/or ramadas
d. Min. 8’ depth recesses
e. Min. 30” depth overhangs, trellises,
and/or awnings
2.5.7. Driveway access and sidewalks. Vehicular
driveways that access any public right-of-way
are adjoined by sidewalks with a 4’ wide, curbadjacent landscape area on at least one side of the vehicular access drive.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 81 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
2.6 PROJECT CURB CUTS, VEHICULAR 2.6 PROJECT CURB CUTS, VEHICULAR
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.6.1. Number of project entries. Select the
appropriate requirement from the
options below.
a. Public street frontage between 50 and
150 ft: max. 1 curb cut.
b. Public street frontage greater than
450 ft: max. 1 curb cut for each 450’
of public street frontage.
2.6.2. Curb cut width. Max. 36’ width curb cut
if public street frontage is less than 450’
in length.
2.6.3. Curb cut medians. If site requires more than a
36’ curb cut, it is divided with a min. 5’ width
median such that each segment of the curb
cut is a max. 36’ in width.
2.6.4. Curb cuts, parking area. Max. 24’ in width if
curb cut leads to a parking area with less than
25 parking spaces.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
2.7 PROJECT ALLEYS 2.7 PROJECT ALLEYS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
2.7.1. Alley entry. Projects abutting an ally provide
all vehicular access from the alley.
2.7.2. Alley parkways. If a new alley >30’ in width
is provided, at least 1, min. 5’ landscaped
parkway provided along 70% of the total
length of the alley, exclusive driveway curb
cut lengths, garages, required red curbs for fire
access, and vehicular access aisles.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
82 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MIXED-USE LANDSCAPE AND OPEN SPACE DESIGN
New mixed-use projects shall meet all of the below Project Landscape and Open Space standards per Chapter 3 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
3.1. SITE LANDSCAPING 3.1. SITE LANDSCAPING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.1.1. Frontages. All frontages adjoining public and
private streets are landscaped.
3.1.2. Setbacks. All front yard, side yard, streetfacing side yard, and rear yard setbacks are landscaped.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.3. CANOPY TREES 3.3. CANOPY TREES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.3.1. Canopy trees at public street-adjoining
frontages. Min. 1 irrigated, 24” box tree
planted a max. 30’ on center along frontages
adjoining public streets.
3.3.2. Canopy trees at front yards. Where front yard
setback is required, min. 1 irrigated, 24” box
tree planted for each 900 SF of setback area.
3.3.5. Canopy trees selection. Select a min. 3 of the
following species utilized along frontages
adjoining public streets and public right-ofways, with no more than 50% of all selected canopy trees comprising of the same species.
a. ‘Desert Museum’ Palo Verde.
Parkinsonia (Cercidium) x
‘Desert Museum.’
b. Ironwood. Olneya tesota.
c. Palo Brea. Parkinsonia praecox.
d. Sweet Acacia. Acacia smallii.
e. Texas Ebony.
Pithecellobium flexicaule.
f. Thornless Cascalote. Caesalpinia
cacalaco ‘Smoothie.’
CANOPY TREES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 83 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
3.3. CANOPY TREES (CONT.) 3.3. CANOPY TREES (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.3.5. Canopy tree shade on sidewalks. All canopy
trees planted within required frontages
and front yard setbacks with sidewalks and
pathways cast shade on the sidewalk for a
min. 3 hours a day during the months of June,
July, and August within 5 years of planting.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.4. SPECIMEN TREES 3.4. SPECIMEN TREES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.4.1. Specimen trees at frontage areas. Min. 1
irrigated, 24” box specimen tree planted for
each 900 SF of frontage adjoining a public
street and/or right-of-way.
3.4.2. Specimen trees selection. Select a min. 2 of
the following species, with no more than
50% of all selected specimen trees planted
in required frontages adjoining public streets
and public right-of-ways comprising the
same species.
a. Smoke Tree. Psorothamnus
(Dalea) spinosus.
b. Honey Mesquite. Prosopis glandulosa.
Must be a thornless cultivar inclusive
of Prosopis glandulosa ‘Maverick’ or
Prosopis glandulosa ‘AZT.’
c. Soaptree. Yucca elata.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
84 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
3.5. SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS 3.5. SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.5.1. Shrub and perennial groundcover. Ground
surfaces in required frontages without
inorganic groundcover are covered by live
plant material within 5 years of planting.
3.5.2. Shrub and perennial groundcover selection.
Select min. 5 species from list of droughttolerant shrub and perennial groundcover in ODS 3.14., with max. 30% of all live plant
material comprising of the same species and a
min. 3 selected species are woody plants.
3.5.3. Use of thorned, serrated-edged, sharp-toothed,
or sharp-edged plant materials. Planted more
than 2’ from a sidewalk or pathway and more
than 10’ from a children’s play area.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.6. INORGANIC GROUNDCOVER 3.6. INORGANIC GROUNDCOVER
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.6.1. Inorganic groundcover. Max. 50% ground
surfaces within required frontages adjoining
public streets and front yard setbacks covered
with gravel, cobble, or boulders.
3.6.2. Gravel and cobble type. Min. 1 type of gravel
and min. 1 type of cobble with max. 50% of all
surfaces comprising the same material.
3.6.3. Groundcover placement. Planted next to and
not within a bed of cobble.
3.6.4. Inorganic groundcover color. Inorganic
material utilized within a required frontage
adjoining a public street or right-of-way shall
be of a color and value that reflects more light
than it absorbs.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 85 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
3.7. BOULDERS 3.7. BOULDERS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOTAPPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.7.1. Required boulders. Min. 1 boulder for each
500 SF of continuous area of parkway and
landscaped setback area.
3.7.2. Irregular spacing. Boulders are
spaced irregularly.
3.7.3. Buried below grade. Bottom third of boulders
are buried below grade.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
3.8. ON-SITE LIGHTING 3.8. ON-SITE LIGHTING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.8.1. Dark-sky compliant. Exterior lighting is darksky compliant and/or fully shielded.
3.8.2. Fully shielded. Exterior lighting is fully
shielded and arranged so that light source
cannot be viewed directly.
3.8.3. Uplighting. Prohibited, unless used to feature
an architectural or landscape element
pursuant to Section 24.16.020 of the Palm
Desert Municipal Code.
3.8.4. Lighting angle below the horizon. Exterior
lighting restrains light from source to a min.
30° below horizontal plane of light source.
3.8.5. Pedestrian-oriented lighting, location.
Provided along all on-site sidewalks and
pathways and exterior amenity spaces.
3.8.6. Pedestrian oriented lighting, placement.
Spaced a max. 30 lineal feet on center.
3.8.7. Pedestrian-oriented lighting, illumination. Min. 1’ candle on all on-site sidewalks, walkways,
pathways, and paseos.
3.8.8. Stand-alone exterior lighting. Min. 3’ and max.
14’ in height.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
86 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES 3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.9.1. Passive amenities. Select the appropriate
requirement per the options below.
a. Less than 20 DUs: min. 1 required
passive amenity
b. Between 20-50 DUs: min. 2 required
passive amenities
c. Between 51-99 DUs: min. 3 required
passive amenities
d. 100 DUs and greater: min. 4 required
passive amenities
3.9.2. Types of passive amenities. Select from the list below.
a. Gazebo
b. Passive water amenity
c. Picnic shelter
d. Seating area(s) with benches and/
or loose chairs a min. 12’ wide in
one dimension and 144 SD in area
per below:
i. Less than 20 DUs: 1 required
seating area
ii. Between 20-50 DUs: 2 required
seating areas
iii. Between 51-99 DUs: 3 required
seating areas
iv. 100 DUs and greater: 4 required
seating areas
e. Seating walls a min. 8’ in length
per below:
i. Less than 20 DUs: 1 required
seating wall
ii. Between 20-50 DUs: 2 required
seating walls
iii. Between 51-99 DUs: 3 required
seating walls
iv. 100 DUs and greater: 4 required
seating walls
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 87 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES (CONT.) 3.9. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE AMENITIES (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
3.9.3. Active amenities. Select the appropriate
requirement per the options below.
a. Between 20-55 DUs: min. 2 required
active amenities
b. Between 51-99 DUs: min. 3 required
active amenities
c. 100 DUs: min. 4 required
active amenities
d. Between 101-149 DUs: min. 5
active amenities
e. 150 DUs and greater: 1 additional
active amenity for each additional
100 units
3.9.4. Types of passive amenities. Select from the list below.
a. Active water amenity
b. Barbecue
c. Clubhouse and/or recreation
room that opens onto an outdoor
amenity area
d. Community garden
e. Court game facility
f. Exercise area and/or par course
g. Jogging and/or par course
h. Pet area and/or run and/or wash
i. Play area, children’s
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
88 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MIXED-USE BUILDING ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
New mixed-use projects shall meet all of the below Building Architecture standards per Chapter 4 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
4.1. BUILDING HEIGHT 4.1. BUILDING HEIGHT
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.1.1. Building height measurement along public
streets. Max. building height within 150’ of
the curb of a public street is established by
a vertical measurement from the average
elevation of the street curb adjacent to the
property to the highest point of the structure.
4.1.2. Building height measurement adjoining a
residential zoned property. Max. building
height within 50’ of a residential zoned
property line is established by a vertical
measurement from the elevation of the
finished grade along the property line of the
residential zoned property or the finished
grade along the property line of the project
site, whichever is lower in elevation, to the
highest point of the roof of the structure.
4.1.3. Transitional height abutting a single-family
zoned property. If building abuts or is across
a right-of-way from a single-family zoned
property, the allowed building height is
modulated by an inward-leaning 45° angled
plane inclined towards the building as
measured from a horizontal plane originating
15’ above grade at the abutting property line.
4.1.4. Maximum building height at public-streetfacing frontages. Select the appropriate requirement per options below.
a. Building distance from street-facing
setback is < 30 ft: max. building
height is 24’ and 2-stories with
flat roof
b. Building distance from street-facing
setback is > 30 ft: max. building
height per Municipal Code
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 89 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.2. BUILDING LENGTH 4.2. BUILDING LENGTH
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOTAPPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.2.1. Building wall, maximum length. Max. 425’
in length.
4.2.2. Building breaks, open to the sky. Min. 30’
open-to-the-sky separation provided when
building breaks are required, programmed
as either public/private rights-of-way, courts,
passageways, paseos, and/or other active and/
or passive landscaped open spaces.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
90 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.3. BUILDING MODULATION 4.3. BUILDING MODULATION
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.3.1. Building modulation. Select at least two of
the following.
a. Min. 6’ clear width ground-level
arcades, open-to-the-air galleries,
colonnades, porches, recesses,
ramadas, and trellis structures placed
along a min. 80% ground floor length
of two building faces.
b. Min. 8’ length and min. 3’ depth
open-to-the-sky recesses for each 50’
of building wall length.
c. Major and minor massing, with wall
area of the minor massing a max.
40% of total wall area.
d. Min. 6’ clear width setback of top
floor along at least 2 sides of
the building.
e. Sun-screening elements on windows,
doors, and openings at south- and
west-facing building walls.
f. Min. 15% of building
walls are covered and
open-to-the-air balconies.
g. Roof overhangs or projections that
provide a min. 8’ of vertical shaded
wall at noon on the summer solstice.
h. Vertical and irrigated landscaping
located within 5’ of a wall, screens
min. 2 walls and 30% of structure
perimeter, and min. 20’ height after 5
years of growth.
i. Min. 2 wall materials, first material
a max. 30% of total wall area and
second material a max. 70% of total
wall area.
j. Building footprint immediately below
top floor is max. 80% of the building
footprint immediately below.
k. Min. 1 tower element that is max.
half of the floor-to-floor height
of the tallest building story, and
recessed or projected from the rest
of the building mass by a min. 2’.
BUILDING MODULATION CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 91 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
BUILDING MODULATION (CONT.) BUILDING MODULATION (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.3.2. Vehicle entrances. If vehicle entries are
incorporated into a building wall facing
a public street, select at least two of
the following.
a. Vehicle entrance set back a min.
20’ from the back of sidewalk or
required setback, whichever results
in the furthest distance from the
public street.
b. Where a pedestrian entrance is
provided adjacent to the garage
opening, a min. 5’ wide sidewalk
leading to the public street
and sidewalk.
c. Min. one, 5’ width landscaped area
adjoining the vehicle access drive
and leading from the public street to
the garage entrance.
4.3.3. Upper story floor area limit. Top story gross
area of buildings are a max. 80% of the floor
immediately below.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
92 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.4. BUILDING ROOFS 4.4. BUILDING ROOFS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.4.1. Roof types. Select from the options below.
a. Butterfly roof
b. Clerestory roof
c. Conical roof
d. Cross-hipped roof
e. Curved/barrel vaulted roof
f. Dome roof
g. Flat roof
h. Gable roof
i. Hexagonal roof
j. Hip and valley roof
k. Intersecting gable roof
l. Hip roof
m. M-shaped roof
n. Monitor roof
o. Pyramid hip roof
p. Sawtooth roof
q. Skillion roof
r. Shed roof
4.4.2. Roof slopes. Pitch of sloped roofs, other than
conical, curved/barrel vaulted, or dome roofs,
is min. 2:12 and max. 4:12.
4.4.3. Sloped roof materials. Select one.
a. Concrete or lightweight concrete tile.
b. Metal that is non-reflective.
c. Solar panel tiles, solar roof tiles, or
solar shingles.
d. Natural tone or slate tile.
e. Terracotta tile or simulated
terracotta tile.
4.4.4. Prohibited roof materials. Asphalt-shingle
roofs, glass roofs or skylights comprising of
more than 10% of the total gross area of the
floor below, and corrugated metal roofing are
not utilized in the project.
4.4.5. Flat roof modulation. Modulate the roof
vertically a min. 42” at least once every 50’.
BUILDING ROOFS CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 93 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
4.4. BUILDING ROOFS (CONT.) 4.4. BUILDING ROOFS (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.4.6. Greenhouses. Exempt from roof type, slope,
modulation, and materials requirements if
total floor area of the greenhouse is < 10% of
the total gross floor area of the building.
4.4.7. Parapet return. Parapets that extend beyond
the wall plane must return and extend a min.
6’ past the wall plane and inwards towards
the building.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS 4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.5.1. Building wall materials. Select at least two of
the following.
a. Cementitious or acrylic stucco, or an
exterior insulating and finish system
with a cementitious finish.
b. 2 stucco textures. If a float finish
is utilized for one of the stucco
textures, the second stucco texture
is a float or dash finish stucco and
utilized for a min. 10% of the total
wall area.
c. 2 stucco colors with min. 1 of the
stucco colors utilized at a min. 10%
of the total wall area.
d. Non-reflective metal panels.
e. Natural stone or manufactured stone
veneer at a min. 10% of the total
wall area.
f. Terra cotta tile and/or rain screens.
g. Colored precision block, glazed block,
face brick, face stone, split face block,
shot blast block, or slump stone at a
min. 10% of the total wall area.
BUILDING MATERIALS CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
94 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.7. BUILDING OPENINGS 4.7. BUILDING OPENINGS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.7.1. Ground-level transparency or frontage
component. Select at least one of
the following.
a. Min. 60% of total ground-level wall
length glazing that is a min. 8’ tall.
b. A min. 8’ clear depth architectural
component along a min. 80% of wall
length that faces a public street.
4.7.2. Upper-level glazing. Min. 15% glazing at
building walls above the ground level.
4.7.3. Openings. Max. 60% of total wall area of any
individual building face.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS (CONT.) 4.5. BUILDING MATERIALS (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.5.2. Wall material transitions. Select at least
one of the following methodologies when
transitioning between different materials
and colors.
a. An inside corner where
planes intersect.
b. A reveal, projecting band, and/or
planar offset to mark the transition
between the base, middle, and top of
the building.
c. Use of a building detail and/or
habitable or decorative projections.
d. Utilization of recesses or projections
at windows a min. 3” in depth at all
windows and openings.
e. An offset in a plane where the
material transition or color occurs
with a min. 5” depth.
4.5.3. Prohibited wall materials. Project is not a
100% glass building.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 95 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.8. BUILDING WINDOWS 4.8. BUILDING WINDOWS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.8.1. Window and door details. Select at least two
of the following.
a. 3 distinct window sizes.
b. Shading devices that create a
distinct shadow line at a min. 60%
of openings.
c. Recesses or projections a min. 3” in
depth at a min. 60% of all openings.
d. Min. 4”-width trim around opening
that creates a projection or recess no
less than 2” in depth.
e. Use of metal-clad, thermally-broken
metal or steel, and/or wood windows
or doors at all openings.
f. Exterior shades.
4.8.2. Windows, storage, utilities, and screening.
Interior or exterior screening for windows
that open onto a utility or storage use
or occupancy.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.9. BUILDING BALCONIES AND STAIRWELLS 4.9. BUILDING BALCONIES
AND STAIRWELLS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.9.1. Balcony depth. Min. 6’ in clear depth.
4.9.2. Balcony design. Recessed or shaded by
balconies or roof projections immediately
above and/or by min. 4’ deep awnings,
canopies, ramadas, recesses, and/or trellises.
4.9.3. Stairwells. Internal to the building, screened
by materials with a 50% opacity.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
96 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
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CITY USE ONLY
4.10. BUILDING UTILITIES 4.10. BUILDING UTILITIES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOTAPPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.10.1. Electrical utilities. Electrical utility equipment, electrical meters, and junction boxes placed
within a utility room.
4.10.2. Mechanical and electrical equipment
screening. Except for ground-mounted
transformers, all mechanical equipment
is fully screened from all views by one of
the following:
a. Solid parapets and/or walls
that are a min. 1’ taller than the
mechanical equipment.
b. Louvers equipment boxes
incorporated into a wall.
c. Min. 50% opaque walls that are set
within landscape areas, that in plan
provide a min. 18” wide landscape
border around the perimeter of at
least 2 sides of the equipment pad.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.11. BUILDING FACADE COLORS 4.11. BUILDING FACADE COLORS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.11.1. Color palette. Neutral, earth tone, and/or
neutral or earth tone Sonoran Desert regional
colors, samples or printouts of which attached
to the application and key to color use on
elevation drawings.
4.11.2. Accent colors. Max. 10% building facade may
be a color not considered neutral, earth tone,
and/or Sonoran Desert color choice.
4.11.3. Prohibited colors. Black is only used as an
accent color or a window, trim, fence, or
gate color.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 97 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
BUILDING WATER DRAINAGE DEVICES BUILDING WATER DRAINAGE DEVICES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.37. Water drainage devices. Gutters, downspouts,
and other water drainage components, with
the exception of required overflow devices, are
not visible from the exterior building walls
facing public streets.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
4.13. BUILDING TRASH/RECYCLING BINS AND ENCLOSURES 4.13. BUILDING TRASH/RECYCLING BINS
AND ENCLOSURES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.13.1. Trash/recycling bin placement. Select the
appropriate requirement per options below.
a. Lots < 7,500 SF: trash/recycling bins
are designated, open-to-the-sky
enclosures permitted, but no trash/
recycling bin or enclosure placed in
required setbacks or visible from the
public street.
b. Lots 22,500 SF > 7,500 SF: trash/
recycling bins placed within fully
enclosed structures that may be
open to the sky, are not visible from
a public street, may project into a
required side or rear yard setback
but not placed within 5’ of a property
line or within a setback adjacent to a
public street or single-family lot.
c. Lots > 22,500 SF: trash/recycling bins
are designated, fully enclosed, may
be open to the sky, but not placed
within required setbacks or visible
from a public street.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
98 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS 4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.14.1. Architectural continuity. Development projects
with multiple buildings maintain architectural
consistency through at least three of
the following.
a. Consistent use of roof forms and if
sloped, roof materials and coloring at
all buildings and accessory buildings.
b. Consistent use of building overhangs,
recesses, and architectural
projections including porches,
arcades, ramadas, galleries and
building screening that create
shade at south, east, and west
facing facades.
c. Consistent use of facade materials at
all buildings and accessory buildings.
d. Consistent use of color at all
buildings and accessory buildings.
e. Consistent use of proportions
and details at min. 60% of
building openings.
f. Consistent use of sun shading
architectural components at all
buildings visible from a public street.
BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 99 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS (CONT.) 4.14. BUILDING DESIGN COMPONENTS (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
4.14.2. Inclusion of Palm Desert architectural and
landscape components. Select at least four of
the following.
a. Buildings oriented on an east-west
axis such that the wall area of both
the east and west facades is a max.
60% of the area of the area of south
facing walls.
b. Site walls, building massing, and
landscape windbreaks that protect
project open spaces from west to
east prevailing summer winds.
c. Site walls, building massing,
and landscape windbreaks that
protect project open spaces from
north to south prevailing winds
that occur from mid-November
through mid-February.
d. Covered open-to-the-air arcades,
colonnades, galleries, or other
permanent coverings or projections
that provide shade at all building
walls visible from public streets.
e. Overhangs or recesses at building
entries that are a min. 4’ in
clear depth.
f. Min. 24” deep roof eaves.
g. Use of natural stone or veneer stone
at a min. 10% the total building
wall area.
h. Use of recessed windows at a min.
60% of openings.
i. Use of shade trees at varying
distances apart, but in no case more
than 30’ on center, to shade the
length of east-, south-, and westfacing building walls visible from a public street.
j. Public street frontages that are a
min. 20% greater than the otherwise
required frontage, front yard, and
street-facing side yard requirements.
Applicant comments and/or further explanations of compliance (optional). City comments (optional).
100 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
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MIXED-USE PARKING DESIGN
New mixed-use projects shall meet all of the below Parking standards per Chapter 5 of the City of Palm Desert Multifamily and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards policy.
CITY USE ONLY
5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN 5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.1.1. Surface parking placement. No surface parking
within a required public street frontage
setback or between primary building frontages
and the public street.
5.1.2. Surface parking visibility. Select one of the
following.
a. All surface parking lots are behind
buildings. When more than 1
building is placed on a lot and
the buildings screen the surface
parking, a max. 30’ wide separation
between buildings screening the
surface parking.
b. All surface parking lots behind a
fence or wall.
c. All surface lots behind a min. 10’
depth landscape buffer using bushes,
hedges, and trees.
5.1.3. Surface parking along side or rear property
lines. Min. 5’ width perimeter landscape strip
along surface parking areas adjacent to side or
rear property lines.
5.1.4. Landscape island dimensions. Min. 9’ length
and 7’ width, exclusive of curbs and landings.
5.1.5. End parking stalls, width. Increased in Cityrequired width by min. 18”.
5.1.6. Landscape islands, end parking stalls.
All end parking stalls are adjacent to a
landscaped island.
5.1.7. Landscape islands, surface parking with more
than 30 spaces. Min. 10% of lot is landscape
islands by one of the following.
a. Use of finger islands at endcaps
and a landscape island every 10
parking spaces.
b. Min. 5’ continuous landscape planter
located within the center of parking
rows, running between endcap
fingers and islands.
5.1.8. Canopy trees at on-site surface parking. Min.
1 canopy tree for every 3 uncovered parking
spaces and 1 canopy tree for every 8 covered
parking spaces.
SURFACE PARKING DESIGN CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 101 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN (CONT.) 5.1. SURFACE PARKING DESIGN (CONT.)
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.1.9. Canopy tree distribution at on-site surface
parking. Uniformly distributed across surface
are of lot so that no parking space is more
than 30’ from the center of a canopy tree.
5.1.10. Parking space building separation. Min.
5’ pedestrian sidewalk and min. 5’ wide
landscape strip measured from the curb face
separating parking spaces from buildings
5.1.11. Pathways, surface lots with more than 50
spaces. Min. 1 publicly-accessible pathway or
sidewalk that provides access across the lot
to a public sidewalk for each 200’ of surface
parking area fronting a public street.
5.1.12. Pathway enhancements, surface lots with
more than 50 spaces. Enhanced or textured
paving or striping included where pedestrian
crossing occurs.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
5.2. MECHANICAL PARKING 5.2. MECHANICAL PARKING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.2.1. Mechanical parking placement. Open-to-theair mechanical parking placed more than 20’ from a public street frontage.
5.2.2. Mechanical parking screening. Open-to-the-air
mechanical parking spaces placed between
20’-150’ from a street frontage are minimally
screened from view of the public street by
walls that are a min. 15% open/transparent
and max. 40% open/transparent.
5.2.3. Structures with mechanical parking. Fully
enclosed buildings with mechanical parking
meet the Building Architecture ODS in Chapter
4 of the Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective
Design Standards policy.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
102 Chapter 6: Compliance Checklists
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
5.3. PARKING SHELTERS 5.3. PARKING SHELTERS
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.3.1. Parking shelter placement. No parking shelters
within required setbacks.
5.3.2. Parking shelter materials and colors. When
visible from a public right-of-way, parking
shelters are the same colors and roof
materials as the main buildings of a site.
5.3.3. Parking shelter length. Max. 65’ in length.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
5.4. PARKING GARAGES 5.4. PARKING GARAGES
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.4.1. Architectural continuity, parking garages.
Parking garages are architecturally treated
and meet the Building Architecture ODS in
Chapter 4 of the Multifamily and Mixed-Use
Objective Design Standards policy.
5.4.2. Vehicular entry gates. Min. 20’ between gate
and back of the sidewalk.
5.4.3. Ground-floor openings at parking garages and
utility and mechanical areas. Screen parking
garages and utility/mechanical room openings
from public street frontages with one of
the following.
a. Vertical landscape and/or climbing
vines on metal screens, and/or
wires that cover a min. 60% of
the openings.
b. Decorative, non-reflective metal
grills, glass, or panels with a min.
50% opacity that covers a min. 60%
of the openings.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 103 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY USE ONLY
5.5. BICYCLE PARKING 5.5. BICYCLE PARKING
ODS DESCRIPTION NOT
APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NOT APPLICABLE COMPLIANT NONCOMPLIANT
5.5.1. Short-term bicycle parking. Required bicycle
racks located within 50’ of at least 1 public
building entrance.
5.5.2. Long-term bicycle parking. Required bicycle
racks are covered and secured, located within
150’ of at least one building entrance.
If “Not Applicable” was selected in the above section, provide an explanation for why the ODS does not apply to the proposed project (required).
This comment box may also be used for further explanations of compliance (optional).
City comments (optional).
CITY USE ONLY
FINAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) FINAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
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CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 105 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
7 GLOSSARY
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
106 Chapter 7: Glossary
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
A
Accessory Building or Structure. Any subordinate
building or structure located on the building
site, detached from or attached to the principle
structure, the use and architectural style of which
is customarily related to that of a main building.
Amenities, Active. Active amenities shall be
outdoors and include the following;
• Active water amenity, including but not
limited to a pool, spa, hot tub, splash pad,
and/or misting area
• Barbecue
• Clubhouse and/or recreation room that
opens onto an outdoor amenity area
• Community garden
• Court game facility exclusive of pickleball
• Exercise area and/or par course
• Jogging and/or par course
• Pet area and/or run and/or wash
• Play area, children’s
Amenities, Passive. Passive amenities shall be
outdoors and include the following;
• Gazebo
• Passive water amenity, including but not
limited to a fountain, waterfall, stream, or
pond
• Picnic shelter
• Seating area a minimum of 12 feet wide in
one dimension and 144 square feet in area
• Seating walls
• Secured package lockers
Alley. A roadway that provides access to the rear
or sides of a parcel.
Arcade. A pedestrian walkway defined by columns,
pilasters, or short-length open-to-the-outside
walls supporting a roof that provides shelter
along its length.
B
Boulder(s). Using ISO 14688-1:2017, boulders
are defined as stones and rocks that are
approximately eight inches and larger in size.
Building. A structure having a roof supported by
columns or walls.
Building Area. The square footage of the total
footprint of the building, including all floors of
the building.
C
Canopy Tree. An evergreen or semi-deciduous
tree planted for the purposes of providing shade,
reducing glare, and heat build up. These trees
shall have a minimum 30-foot diameter canopy
potential.
Cobble(s). Using ISO 14688-1:2017, cobble is
defined as pebbles, stones, and rocks that are
approximately two and one-half to eight inches
in size.
D
Dark-Sky Compliant. Outdoor lighting that is
designed to prevent light pollution by directing
light towards the ground.
Decomposed Granite. Rock of granitic origin that
has weathered and fractured into smaller pieces
of weak rock. This rock crumbles into a mixture of
igneous silt, sand, and gravel with some clay. The
clay acts as a binder allowing the combination to
support use.
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 107 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
E
Earth Tone Color. An earth tone color is a warm
and muted or dull shade of brown, green, gray,
or beige.
Elevation, Building. The flat side or external face
of a building.
F
Facing a Public Street. A building wall, element,
or component shall be considered to be facing a
public street or right-of-way when a plane tangent
to the wall, element, or component is no greater
than 30 degrees in inclination from a line drawn
tangent to the public street or right-of-way.
Fence. A freestanding structure of brick, stone, face
stone, veneer stone, or any combination thereof
resting on or partially buried in the ground level,
and used for confinement, privacy, protection,
screening, or partition purposes.
Frontage, Building. The building elevation that
fronts on a public street, alley, driveway, parking
area, pedestrian plaza, courtyard, or arcade.
Frontage, Public Street. The property line that
adjoins a public street, alley, driveway, parking
area, pedestrian plaza, courtyard, or arcade.
G
Grade, Average. The average elevation of the
finished ground surface surrounding a building.
Gravel. Using ISO 14688-1:2017, gravel is defined
as fine, medium, and coarse rock material. Fine
gravel is typically one tenth of an inch to a quarter
inch in size. Medium gravel is typically a quarter
inch to three quarters of an inch in size. Coarse
gravel is typically three quarters of an inch to two
and one half inches in size.
M
Mass/Massing. The comprehensive bulk or threedimensional form of a building or portion of a building as viewed from the exterior.
Mixed-Use Building. A permanent building that
allows for a mix of uses, typically commercial
and residential.
Modulation, Facade Plane. Adjustment and
breaking of a facade plane(s) to realize variations
in massing, scale, materials, color, and/or
proportion, to introduce a sense of variety and
major and minor building plane rhythms.
Multifamily Building. A permanent building
containing three or more dwelling units.
N
Natural Metal Material. Natural metals include
unpainted aluminum, copper, stainless steel,
titanium, and zinc and natural metal finishes
utilizing the same materials.
Neutral Color. A Palm Desert neutral color is a
white, gray, or brown. Neutral colors include offwhite, light to dark gray, and light to dark brown colors.
O
Objective Design Standards. A toolbox of a broad
range of design approaches that assists project
proponents and their design teams in reaching
compliance with the desired character of the City
of Palm Desert.
Openings. Windows and doors set within
building planes.
Open to the sky. An uncovered outdoor area
exclusive of any encroachments below 12 feet
in height.
108 Chapter 7: Glossary
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
P
Parkway. A landscape strip adjoining a sidewalk
or pathway.
Project. A multifamily or mixed-use building(s)
planned and designed for a particular site,
requiring City approval for construction.
Project Entries. A door that allows access into
a project.
Public Art. A sculpture, mosaic, fountain, fine art
craft, mixed-media, murals, drawings, paintings,
monuments, or installations that are displayed in
a public place.
R
Right-Of-Way. The right of a pedestrian, bicyclist,
vehicle, or vessel to proceed over others in a
single place.
Roof, Flat. The angle of the roof is sloped less than
15 degrees.
S
Setback. The distance between the building line
and the property line or a distance between one
building plane and a second building plane.
Street Frontage, Public-Facing. The linear distance
of a site boundary that is generally parallel to a
public street.
Slope, Roof. The incline of a roof, expressed as a
ratio of the roof’s vertical rise to the horizontal
run. Other than conical roofs, curved roofs, barrel
roofs, or dome roofs, roof slope shall be no less
than 2:12 and no greater than 4:12.
Specimen Tree. A tree chosen as the focal point
in a landscape design, typically due to its distinct
shape, texture, color, or other feature that
distinguishes it from other trees and shrubs in the
landscape design.
Street, Public. A vehicular right-of-way in which
the public has a right of use.
W
Wall. A continuous, upright, and planar structure
that encloses, protects, and/or divides a site.
Wall, Building. The vertical face of a building or
the vertical outer envelope of the structure.
Wall Area. The total vertical area, in square feet, of
a wall.
Water Amenity, Active. A water-based attraction
for active recreation, such as a pool, spa, hot tub,
splash pad, or misting area.
Water Amenity, Passive. A decorative landscape
design element with water as the central
component, such as a fountain, waterfall, stream,
or pond.
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 109 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
Project Outreach
Image Sources
A APPENDIX
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
110 APPENDIX
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A-1 Project Outreach
The Consultant Team worked with the City of Palm Desert Staff to conduct a robust, 3-month community engagement process to support the development of multifamily and mixed-use objective design standards (Project). Three phases of outreach took place throughout the Project timeline.
• Phase 1: Project Introduction and Issue Identification (June 2023)
• Phase 2: Objective Design Standard Topics (July 2023) • Phase 3: Public Review Draft Discussions (August and
September 2023*)
*Phase 3 of the Project outreach was extended into the month of September due to Hurricane Hilary in August 2023.
OUTREACH PHASE 1 EVENTS
Community Open House (COH)
On June 19, 2023 from 11:00AM to 7:00PM, the Consultant facilitated a Community Open House (COH) hosted by the City of Palm Desert to listen to ideas from Palm Desert residents and stakeholders regarding multifamily and mixed-use development.
The COH was a temporary exhibition consisting of printed boards displayed at the Palm Desert iHub. The boards showcased examples of multifamily housing, mixed-use development, existing multifamily in Palm Desert, recently-approved projects in Palm Desert, and classic “desert architecture”. Stickers were given to attendees to place on the boards indicating their like or dislike of the illustrated design concepts and typologies. Throughout the entire COH, City Staff and/or the Consultant team were available to walk attendees through the exhibition and listen to their reactions to multifamily and mixed-use typologies.
At 1:00PM and 5:00PM, formal presentations were conducted to introduce the Project and present Open House materials. Nick Melloni introduced the Project and John Kaliski presented a set of slides that elaborated on multifamily and mixed-use developments in Palm Desert. The presentation concluded with a list of Consultant findings and considerations, which transitioned into a public forum for discussion, answering questions, and gathering feedback. The 1:00PM presentation garnered approximately 11 attendees and the 5:00PM presentation had 4 attendees. Ideas heard in the public forums included, but were not limited to, the following:
Date:
Location:
Time:
June 19, 2023
Palm Desert iHub
(37023 Cook St.
Suite 102, Palm
Desert, CA 92211)
11:00AM-7:00PM
PST (formal Project
presentations
at 1:00PM
and 5:00PM)
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 111 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
• Older Palm Desert buildings on boards feel dated and should be “diluted” with newer buildings.
• More mixed-use is needed in Palm Desert.
• Consider a “tree hierarchy” to get more landscape, driven by the existing plant palette.
• Conserve views to mountains and natural surrounds.
• Avoid building “building canyons”.
• “Superblock” scale is too big.
• Ensure existing entitlements and design and development opportunities.
• Prioritize environmental elements in design standards: solar, wind, shade, etc.
• There should be an architectural coherence of various buildings within a development.
• How can ODS prevent “design laziness” and be a “defense against by-right abuse”?
• Water usage and drainage, such as internal vs. external downspouts and water features.
• Resist desert architecture that is clearly of other deserts (specifically mentioned: Santa Fe).
• More options for project edge design to create human scale and avoid “tunnels”.
• Concentrate on design vs. planning factors.
Individual Developer Meetings
During the COH, Staff and the Consultant team met with four developers in individual, 30-minute Zoom meetings to hear about their experiences.
Date:
Location:
June 19, 2023
Virtual (via Zoom)
Time Contact Development
11:00 AM Kassie Inness Millennium Apartments
11:30 AM Mark Bigley Urban Crossings
2:00 PM Darren Berberian Vitalia Apartments
3:00 PM Mitch Slagerman Palm Villas
Each developer had recently gone through the design approval process. To guide the conversation, the following questions were prepared in advance of the meeting and asked at all the meetings:
112 APPENDIX
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
• Tell us about your relationship to Palm Desert development and design.
• What has worked well for you as you have gone through the development and design approval process?
• What has not worked well for you?
• What type of design standards do you think should be
implemented?
• Are there design standards that we should avoid in order to facilitate housing design and development?
Feedback heard from developers included, but was not limited to, the following:
• City Staff was generally (not exclusively) praised.
• Mechanical screening standards in Palm Desert are not clear. • Provide “solution-based” design standards.
• Concern (not exclusively) regarding the subjectivity of the design review process.
• Make distinction between affordable versus market-rate housing projects.
• Look for opportunities to speed up the approval process timeline, especially for affordable housing projects.
• Seek design and development “balance”.
Planning Commission (PC) Study Session
The day after the COH, Staff and the Consultant team participated in a study session with the PC. The Consultant team presented a condensed version of the slide deck presentation from the COH, and included a few slides that summarized what was heard and discussed at the COH. Following the presentation, the Commissioners provided additional feedback regarding multifamily and mixed-use development in Palm Desert. Topics of discussion included, but were not limited to, the following:
• The choice of architect who designs multifamily and mixeduse in Palm Desert is crucial to get better architecture in the City, particularly architects that understand the environment. • Landscape is important, but maintenance is not emphasized enough - many projects in Palm Desert have aging
landscaping.
• General approval of 3-story developments.
• University Park - an example of a neglected project during a time where more effort was put towards increased singlefamily housing.
Date:
Location:
Time:
June 20, 2023
Palm Desert City Hall
6:00PM-7:00PM PST
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 113 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
• Comparison to other cities - Santa Fe, Palm Springs,
Scottsdale, leading to the importance of inventing standards that build the landscape into the logic of the zoning code. • Use elements from the General Plan and convert “shoulds” to “shalls”.
• Design standards can be written as both “you shall” as well as “you shall not”.
• Continue to invite all members to public meetings about the project to avoid residents claiming to “not be knowledgeable” about the project (what happened during the General Plan update).
Planning Commission Small-Group Commissioner Meeting
The Consultant Team and City Staff had a breakout session with Planning Commissioners Gregory and Greenwood a week after the June 20th Planning Commission meeting to further gain insight on existing Palm Desert character and ideas regarding multifamily and mixed-use goals for the objective design standards. Topics discussed included the following:
• How do we find a balance to employ objective design
standards to receive a more architecturally diverse and rich project without a developer doing the bare minimum?
• Will the ODS allow architects the flexibility and tools to create good projects?
• Importance of transitional heights, “strategic variation” of housing types, sufficient amounts of open space and good open space requirements.
• Examples of good architectural design in Palm Desert. • Palm Desert-specific landscaping.
OUTREACH PHASE 2 EVENTS
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) Study Session
The Consultant and City Staff met with the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) for a study session regarding potential focus areas for the objective design standards. The Consultant made a presentation that summarized their research of objective design standards in other surrounding cities (Tucson, Sedona, Coachella, and Indian Wells) and introduced four topic areas in which standards would be categorized - Site ODS, Building ODS, Open Space ODS, and Parking ODS. The Consultant also shared with the ARC a narrative of the Project goals and objectives to set the tone of the Project and guide the discussion. Feedback from ARC included, but was not limited to, the following:
Date:
Location:
Time:
June 28, 2023
Virtual (via Zoom)
2:00PM-3:00PM PST
Date:
Location:
Time:
July 11, 2023
Palm Desert City Hall
12:30PM-3:30PM PST
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City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
• Ensuring quality-appropriate architecture that emphasized the desert.
• Recessing of apertures to create shadow lines and protection from the harsh environment.
• Standardizing building facade color to reflect the desert environment.
• Defining height to avoid towering multifamily, particularly in relation to single-family homes.
• Internal consistency of multiple buildings that make up a development project.
• Orientation of buildings to conserve views.
• Night standards, such as shielded fixtures and lighting. • Important that the ODS do not stifle creativity.
Landscape Input with ARC
As a follow-up to the ARC meeting on July 11, the Consultant team and City Staff spoke to the ARC Commissioners Colvard, McAuliffe, and Sanchez about additional landscaping goals for the ODS. Their feedback included, but was not limited to, the following:
• Align species of trees, scale of trees, and growth of trees that will support walkability and general enjoyment of the outdoors.
• Choose tree species that will thrive in the desert.
• Landscaping should be thought of as a natural extension of building ideas, such as shade and versatility.
• Not every inch of sidewalk and pathway need to have tree cover.
• Avoid species that do not establish well in wind conditions. • Consider standards that ensure dangerous plants (sporings, cactus, Madagascar palms) should not be close to sidewalks and open spaces, especially in developments where kids may be outdoors playing.
• Consider requiring high-branching trees deeper into fencing areas along pathways to avoid constant trimming and
hazards for pedestrians.
Date:
Location:
Time:
July 27, 2023
Virtual (via Zoom)
10:00AM-11:00AM PST
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 115 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
OUTREACH PHASE 3 EVENTS
City Council Study Session
The Consultant team and City Staff participated in a study session with the Palm Desert City Council (CC). CC was provided the draft of the Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards to review in advance of the meeting. The Consultant presented an overview of the Project, including several examples of ODS from each section of the document. During and after the presentation, CC provided comments that addressed the following concerns:
• The avoidance of an urban canyon as people are drawn to Palm Desert because of its sense of openness
• Mayor Kelly emphasized an approach to ODS that takes into consideration the status quo heights of downtown which
may be modified. Avoidance of “memorializing,” a status quo that is about to change.
• Careful consideration of what canopy trees will be planted.
Specifically, Mayor Pro Tem Quintanilla mentioned omitting eucalyptus trees from consideration.
• Due to the recent damage from Hurricane Hilary, emphasis should be placed on trees with more weather resistance. • Councilmember Harnik questioned why height was described in stories rather than in feet.
• Councilmember Nestande referenced the recent hurricane again in regards to the choice of ground cover. Is there a type that is better than another? The selection of ground cover should be able to withstand heavy rain or wind.
• The question of what mechanical parking is was raised by Mayor Pro Tem Quintanilla and was answered.
• The fit between state standards and the Palm Desert ODS.
Will the Palm Desert ODS comply with state standards?
• It was noted that Mayor Kelly would like to see more visuals in the next presentation.
• Specification of fences and wall heights and whether security fences are included in this specific standard.
• The utilization of plastic fences that resemble wood to be used since wooden fences are not permitted(?) since they are not reliable.
• Clarification of parking as an “amenity,” rather than a “necessity.”
• Due to the weather in the Coachella Valley, parking should be paid special attention to as Palm Desert is a car reliant town.
Date:
Location:
Time:
August 24, 2023
Palm Desert City Hall
2:30PM-3:30PM PST
116 APPENDIX
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
ARC/PC Joint Study Session
The Consultant and City Staff presented highlights from the public review draft of the Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards document to hear feedback from both the ARC and PC.
Similar to the CC presentation on August 24th, the presentation to the commissioners recapped the Project goals and objectives and shared examples of ODS in each section of the document, as well as summarized the feedback received from City Councilmembers. Input from the ARC and PC included, but was not limited to, the following:
• Increasing the length of roof eaves from a minimum of 18 inches to 24 inches.
• Is 30 feet on center enough separation for Desert Museum trees?
• Concern of trees that have fallen during Hurricane Hilary. • Confirm applicability requirements for ODS in SB 330. • How are the ODS addressing circulation and landscaping between buildings?
• Ensure that higher-density projects do not lose separation between buildings.
• Consider a certain percentage of the building that doesn’t require a canopy frontage in order to prioritize views of the architecture - balance architecture with pedestrian experience.
• Consider a maximum percentage of hardscape versus a
minimum percentage of shrubs.
• Is 50 percent of live plant material too high?
• Are there screening requirements for balconies?
• Should water features be a passive amenity choice?
• Consider open space near street frontages to take away from the bulk and scale of buildings.
Community Workshop
Following the Joint ARC/PC Study Session, the Consultant and City Staff held a workshop open to community members to gain their insight and perspective regarding the Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards document. The meeting was held at the Palm Desert City Hall but simultaneously streamed virtually to allow for in-person and virtual attendance. The Consultant team gave a presentation with slides similar to the decision-maker study sessions, yet spent more time explaining the intent behind the ODS and how the document should be read and utilized. The presentation was recorded and posted on the Project website.
Date:
Location:
Time:
September 7, 2023
Palm Desert City Hall
6:30PM-8:00PM PST
Date:
Location:
Time:
September 7, 2023
Palm Desert City Hall
12:30PM-3:30PM PST
CITY OF PALM DESERT MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS 117 City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
A-2 Image Sources
COVER
x Fred Waring Drive. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA.
1 x The Enclave Rental Condominiums. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. 3 x Golf course. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA.
5 x El Camino Triplex. San Mateo, CA. Photo via Todd Davis Architecture. x Mar Vista Four. Los Angeles, CA. Photo via KFA Architecture. x The E.R.B. Townhomes. Los Angeles, CA. Photo via KTGY. x Luminaira & Espaira At Parasol Park. Irvine, CA. Photo via KTGY. x Citron Apartments. Ventura, CA. Photo via KYGY.
6 x Santiago Lofts. Santa Ana, CA. Photo by JKA.
x iHub. Palm Desert, CA. Google Earth aerial photography. x Westgate Apartments. Pasadena, CA. Photo by JKA.
x The Earnest. San Diego, CA. Photo via FoundationForForm. 9 x Sombra De La Montana Townhomes. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. 10 x Roundhouse Place. San Luis Obispo, CA. Photo via roundhouseplace.com 13 x Mason on Mariposa. San Francisco, CA. Photo via David Baker Architects. 14 x 855 Brannan Apartments. San Francisco, CA. Photo via David Baker Architects.
15 x The Asher. Fremont, CA. Photo via TCA Architects.
17 x Catalina Garden Apartments. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. 18 x Desert Museum Palo Verde. Photo via https://waterwisegardenplanner. org/plants/parkinsonia-x-desert-museum/.
x Sweet Acadia. Photo via https://www.pinterest.com/
pin/341640321708500748/.
x Spanish Walk. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA.
19 x Texas Ebony. Photo via Gothic Landscape.
x Thornless Cascalote. Photo via Tuscan Clean and Beautiful, Inc. x Smoke Tree. Photo by Millicent Harvey.
x Honey Mesquite. Photo via Arid Zone Trees.
20 x Wild Marigold. Photo by Waterwise Garden Planner for Southern California.
21 x Flattop Buckwheat. Photo via Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. x El Rincon. Indio, CA. Photo by JKA.
x Desert River Estates. Indio, CA. Photo by JKA.
23 x Anton Landera Apartments. Mountain View, CA. Photo via https://www. antonladera.com/.
x Apex on Central Apartments. Phoenix, AZ. Photo via Turnstone Capital. 24 x Portico Apartments. Sunrise, FL. Photo via https://www. porticoaptssunrisefl.com/.
x The Rolland Curtis Gardens. Los Angeles, CA. Photo via Abode Communities.
x Catherine Santa Monica. Santa Monica, CA. Photo via KFA Architecture. x Six Oaks Apartments. Bothell, WA. Photo via Dahlin Group. 25 x Multifamily on San Gorgonio Way. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. 27 x LINC Fairview Heights. Inglewood, CA. Photo via KFA Architecture. 29 x Hancock Lofts. West Hollywood, CA. Photo via Koning Eizenberg Architecture.
x Abbot Kinney Lofts. Los Angeles, CA. Photo via Koning Eizenberg Architecture.
30 x Avalon Apartments. Glendora, CA. Photo by JKA.
31 x Kapolei Lofts. Oahu, HI. Photo via KTGY.
33 x Elevation on Central. Phoenix, AZ. Photo via Todd+Associates. x Wardelle Townhouses. Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Michael Tessler Photography.
34 x The Residences at Escaya. Chula Vista, CA. Photo via AO. x Five88. San Francisco, CA. Photo via David Baker Architects. x Valencia Vista. San Bernardino, CA. Photo via Humphreys & Partners Architects.
35 x 1447 Lincoln. Santa Monica, CA. Photo via KFA Architecture. x 512 Rose. Venice, CA. Photo via KFA Architecture. x 300 Ivy. San Francisco, CA. David Baker Architects. 36 x Residences at Sweetbay. Panama City, FL. Photo via Humphreys & Partners Architects.
x Desert Willow Golf Resort mechanical screening. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA.
37 x Kalon. Phoenix, AZ. Photo via Todd+Associates. x The Mews Lofts. Venice, CA. Photo via EYRC. x Perch. Dublin, CA. Photo via KYGY. 38 x Trash enclosure. Photo via City of Escondido.
x Camden North End II. Phoenix, AZ. Photo via Todd+Associates. x Elan Menlo Park Apartments. Menlo Park, CA. Photo via KYGY. 39 x Camden Sotelo. Tempe, AZ. Photo via Todd+Associates. x Tanager Apartments. Summerlin, NV. Photo via Humphreys & Partners Architects.
x Compass Rose. Fullerton, CA. Photo by Humphreys & Partners Architects. 41 x 40215 Harris Lane. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA.
43 x Charles Paddock Zoo Green Parking Lot. Atascadero, CA. Photo via Central Coast LIDI.
x St. Mary’s Hospital Parking Lot. Photo via Savor the Southwest Blog. x Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Parking Lot. Palm Desert, CA. Photo via Married to Plants Blog.
x Stacker Parking System. Photo via MHE.
44 x Desert Willow Golf Resort parking shelter. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. x Prado West. Dana Point, CA. Photo via AO. x A2 Apartments. Baltimore, MD. Photo via David Baker Architects. 45 x Skye at McClintock Station. Tempe, AZ. Photo va https://www. skyeatmcclintockstation.com/.
x Higby Apartments. Berkeley, CA. Photo via https://livehigby.com/gallery/. 47 x 73430 San Gorgonio Way. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. 103
x Laguna Palms Apartments. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA. 107
x 73-535 Santa Rosa. Palm Desert, CA. Photo by JKA.
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Palm Desert CA, Draft March 2024
CITY OF PALM DESERT
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
TEL: 760-346-0611
[email protected]
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
CASE NO. ZOA24-0001
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, TO CONSIDER ADOPTING A
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), CITYWIDE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS, AND A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO REFER TO THE STANDARDS
The City of Palm Desert (City), in its capacity as the Lead Agency for this project and pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has determined the project to be exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section §15061(b)(3).
PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The consideration is a request to adopt Citywide Residential Objective Design Standards. The standards will apply objective design requirements for qualifying housing developments including housing consisting of four or greater units, mixed use project comprised of 2/3rds or greater floor area for residential, and transitional and supportive housing.
The zoning ordinance will include text providing reference to the standards.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission for the City of Palm Desert did hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the aforementioned Project on February 6, 2024 and adopted Resolution 2852 recommending approval of the project to the City Council.
PUBLIC HEARING: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, March 14, 2024. The City Council meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting, allowing public access via teleconference or in person. Options for remote participation will be listed on the Posted Agenda for the meeting at: https://www.palmdesert.gov/our-city/mayor-and-citycouncil-/city-council-meeting-information-center REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION: Information concerning the proposed Change of Zone is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California during regular business hours and on the City’s website at https://www.palmdesert.gov/our-city/mayor-and-city-council-/city-council-meeting-informationcenter COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made as follows:
Written comments may be submitted to the City Council by letter to the address below or email at [email protected]. Transmittal prior to the start of the meeting is required. Any correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the City Council as soon as practicable and retained for the official record.
Any challenge of the proposed project in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior, to the public hearing. (Government Code Section 65009[b][2]).
Si necesita ayuda con esta notificación, por favor llame a la Ciudad de Palm Desert y comuníquese con Gloria Sanchez (760) 346-0611 ext. 354
PUBLISH: THE DESERT SUN ANTHONY J. MEJIA, MMC, CITY CLERK MARCH 1, 2024 CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA