Agenda packet, regular meeting — Palm Desert City Council, April 23, 2026 (part 2 of 2)

City of Palm Desert Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 26, 2026
Prepared By: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk’s Office
Subject: Study Session: Review of Requests for Action Process and Proposed Amendment to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 2.36.060
Recommendation
Provide direction regarding proposed amendments to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section

2.36.060 related to: (1) requiring Requests for Action to be submitted in writing before the meeting; (2) retaining the requirement that a Request for Action receive support from at least one additional Councilmember; and (3) simplifying outdated agenda administration language.

Background
On February 26, 2026, Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto, seconded by Councilmember Harnik, requested that staff review the City Council’s Request for Action process and return with options for possible revisions. Staff subsequently met with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to review the current process and discuss potential amendments to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 2.36.060.

This study session is intended to obtain City Council direction on whether to require written Requests for Action before the meeting, retain the current second-support requirement, and modernize outdated agenda administration language in Section 2.36.060 before staff returns with a draft ordinance for future consideration.

Analysis
Request for Action Process
The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem reviewed whether the current support threshold should remain in place and whether Requests for Action should be submitted in writing prior to the meeting.

After that review, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem expressed support for maintaining the current requirement that a Request for Action receive support from at least one additional Councilmember and for adding a requirement that the request be submitted in writing prior to the meeting.

The proposed written request requirement is intended to better inform the City Council before a Request for Action is presented during the meeting. Under the proposed process, the requesting Councilmember would still make the verbal request during the Request for Action item and would still need support from an additional Councilmember. 277

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The written request form would identify the proposed topic, provide a brief summary of the request, indicate the anticipated level of staff involvement, and indicate whether the matter is time sensitive.

The City Clerk currently sends the City Council an email on Monday before each Thursday meeting requesting any questions for inclusion in the consolidated Q&A memorandum. That email would also include a reminder and link for submitting a written Request for Action.

Modernization of Section 2.36.060 Agenda Language
In addition to the Council-directed review of the Request for Action process, staff reviewed Section 2.36.060 for clarity and usability.

Section 2.36.060 contains detailed administrative language regarding agenda preparation, internal deadlines, and distribution practices that are outdated and better addressed through administrative procedures than in the Municipal Code.

As part of the amendment, staff recommends clarifying the respective roles of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Council in the agenda process. The revised section would state that the City Clerk prepares the agenda, the City Manager determines the proposed agenda for matters relating to the business of the City, and Councilmembers may use the Request for Action process to seek future agenda consideration of a topic.

Because Section 2.36.060 is already being amended, staff also recommends simplifying the remaining language to focus on essential procedural requirements while allowing administrative practices to evolve without further code amendments.

Legal Review
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.

Financial Impact
There is no financial impact associated with this study session.

Attachments

1. Current Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 2.36.060

2. Draft Ordinance

3. Request for Action Form
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Conflict of Interest Awareness Checklist
Note: This checklist is informational only and does not constitute a legal determination. Each Councilmember remains responsible for identifying, disclosing, and evaluating any disqualifying interests under the Political Reform Act and applicable FPPC regulations.

1. Site-Specific Property Interest
Does this item involve a project site or other identifiable real property? ☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, identify the project site:

Councilmembers should consider whether they own, lease, or hold interests in real property within 1,000 feet of the project site. (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).

Councilmembers should review campaign contributions received within the prior 12 months from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500 from those parties for 12 months following the final decision. (Gov. Code § 84308). 279
280
§ 2.36.060. Council agenda.

In order to facilitate the orderly conduct of the business of the city council, the city clerk shall be notified no later than twelve noon Wednesday, eight days preceding a regular council meeting, of all reports, communications, ordinances, resolutions, contract documents or other matters to be submitted to the city council at such meeting. All matters shall be in proper form for city council action at the time they are submitted to the city clerk. Immediately thereafter, the city clerk shall arrange a list of such matters according to the order of business and furnish each member of the city council, the city manager and city attorney, and each department head, with a copy of the same prior to the council meeting and as far in advance of the meeting as time for preparation will permit. No matters other than those on the agenda shall be finally acted upon by the city council unless a member of the city council, the city manager, or city attorney so requests. Any matter to be acted on not otherwise on the agenda and not posted at least seventy-two hours before such regular meeting, shall be placed on the agenda for action only in accordance with Section 54954.2(b) of the Government Code. Any item upon which action is proposed to be taken and a request for consideration to place on the agenda in accordance with the aforementioned Government Code Section, shall be provided to all members of the city council, the city manager and city attorney, as early as possible prior to said meeting.

A topic will be included on the agenda upon request made by any council member in open meeting when supported by at least one other council member. Staff may seek clarification of topic scope from the requesting council members, to be supplied in writing. The item will normally be heard no sooner than the second meeting after the request and any needed clarification.
(Ord. 83 § 6, 1975; Ord. 610 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1371 § 1, 2021) City of Palm Desert, CA
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ORDINANCE NO. ____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.36.060 OF THE PALM

DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS

AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION
WHEREAS, Section 2.36.060 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code addresses preparation of City Council agendas and the process by which Councilmembers may request consideration of a future agenda item; and
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2026, Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto, seconded by Councilmember Harnik, requested review of the Request for Action process and evaluation of whether changes were needed; and
WHEREAS, staff met with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to review the current process and evaluate options for possible amendments; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend Section 2.36.060 to require written submission of Requests for Action prior to the meeting, retain the requirement that a Request for Action receive support from at least one additional Councilmember during the meeting, and simplify outdated administrative agenda language.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. Amendment to Section 2.36.060. Section 2.36.060 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
§ 2.36.060 Agenda Preparation and Requests for Action.

A. Agenda Preparation.

The City Clerk shall prepare the agenda for City Council meetings in accordance with applicable law and City procedures. The City Manager shall determine the proposed agenda for each meeting and place on the agenda matters relating to the business of the City, except as otherwise required by law or directed by the City Council. Items for consideration shall be submitted in proper form and within the time established by City procedures.

B. Requests for Action.

A Councilmember may request that a topic be considered for placement on a future City Council agenda by submitting a written Request for Action to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. The requesting Councilmember shall present the 283
Ordinance No. _____ Page 2
request during the meeting, and the request must receive support from at least one additional Councilmember. An item referred through this process will typically be scheduled no sooner than the second regular City Council meeting following submission of the request.

SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase would be declared invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable.

SECTION 6. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, is hereby directed to publish a summary of this Ordinance in the Desert Sun, a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the City of Palm Desert, California, and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.

ADOPTED ON ___________________.

EVAN TRUBEE
MAYOR
ATTEST:

ANTHONY J. MEJIA

CITY CLERK
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Ordinance No. _____ Page 3
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, do hereby certify that Ordinance No. ____ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was introduced at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert City Council on _____________, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on ______________, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

RECUSED:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Desert, California, on ____________________.

ANTHONY J. MEJIA

CITY CLERK
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City of Palm Desert
Request For Future Agenda Item
Submitted By: ____________________________

1. Proposed Agenda Topic
Provide a short title for the requested item.

2. Summary of Request
Briefly describe the issue or topic to be considered. Do not include arguments for or against the request.

3. Anticipated Staff Involvement
Check one:
[ ] Ceremonial / Presentation Item
[ ] Discussion Only, No Formal Staff Report
[ ] Brief Background Information
[ ] Formal Staff Report / Staff Research
[ ] Other: ______________________________________

4. Time Sensitivity
Is this request time sensitive?
[ ] No
[ ] Yes, because: ______________________________________ Procedural Note: Submission of this form does not place an item on a future agenda.

The requesting councilmember must still make the request during the City Council agenda item for future agenda requests, and the request must receive the level of Council support required by City policy.
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City of Palm Desert Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 23, 2026
Prepared By: Ivan Tenorio, Homeless and Supportive Services Manager Department: Development Services
Subject: Conduct a TEFRA Public Hearing and Approve Bond Issuance by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) for the Palm Desert Family Housing Project at Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive; Supersede Resolution No. 2026-010
Recommendation

1. Conduct the public hearing and receive public comments under the requirements of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act ("TEFRA") and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in connection with the proposed issuance, in one or more series, of exempt facility bonds for a qualified residential rental project pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Code by the California Municipal Finance Authority ("CMFA"), a joint exercise of powers authority and public entity of the State of California, in an amount not to exceed Eighty Million Dollars ($80,000,000) (the "Bonds"). The Bonds will finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of the Palm Desert Family Housing Project, a 298-unit multifamily affordable rental housing development (295 income restricted units and 3 manager units) located at the northwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive (APN 694-200-021) in Palm Desert, California.

2. Adopt a Resolution entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF PALM DESERT APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA

MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY EXEMPT FACILITY BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000,000 FOR THE

PURPOSE OF FINANCING OR REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION,

CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF PALM DESERT FAMILY HOUSING AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO," approving the issuance of the Bonds by CMFA for the benefit of Sinatra Family Housing, LP, or a related entity, to provide for the financing of the Project. Such adoption is solely for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code, and California Government Code Sections 6500 et seq. This action is intended to supersede Resolution No. 2026-010 solely for TEFRA public approval purposes with respect to the Bonds and Project.

3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Resolution and any related documents necessary to carry out the intent of the Resolution, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.

Executive Summary
The California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) is proposing to issue exempt facility bonds in an amount not to exceed $80,000,000 to finance the Palm Desert Family 289

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Housing Project, a 298-unit multifamily affordable rental housing development located at the northwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive. The developer, Sinatra Family Housing, LP (an affiliate of Affirmed Housing), has revised its financing plan, increasing the bond amount from the previously approved $50,000,000. Federal tax law requires the City to conduct a new TEFRA public hearing and adopt an updated resolution approving the higher not-to-exceed bond amount.

Need for Action
The City's role is procedural and non-financial. The Bonds will be issued solely by CMFA and all repayment obligations will remain with the Borrower. Approval of this item will allow CMFA to complete the bond issuance and enable the Project to move forward.

Background
The CMFA is a joint powers authority established to assist local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private developers in accessing exempt facility bonds for projects that provide public benefit.

The borrower, Sinatra Family Housing, LP, an affiliate of Affirmed Housing (the "Developer"), submitted an application to CMFA in connection with the proposed issuance of exempt facility bonds for a qualified residential rental project pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Project site is located at the northwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive (APN 694-200-021) in Palm Desert, California.

The proposed Project will provide affordable multifamily housing for households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Riverside County. The development will consist of 298 units in total, including 295 income restricted units and 3 manager units. The Project is being financed using 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and the issuance of exempt facility bonds through CMFA.

On February 12, 2026, the City Council conducted a TEFRA hearing and adopted Resolution No. 2026-010, approving the issuance of exempt facility bonds in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 for the Project.

Discussion
The Developer has updated the Project financing plan and is seeking additional taxexempt exempt facility bond financing, increasing the total bond amount from the previously approved $50,000,000 to approximately $80,000,000. Because TEFRA approval establishes the not-to-exceed amount of tax-exempt bonds for a project under Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Project must return to the City Council for an updated TEFRA hearing and approval of the higher amount. This request does not involve any change to the scope, location, or overall development program of the Project, and is required solely due to the revised financing structure and applicable federal TEFRA requirements.

The City’s role in this matter is procedural and non-financial. Approval of the proposed resolution will satisfy the federal requirement that the jurisdiction in which the Project is 290

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located hold a public hearing and approve the bond issuance. The Bonds will be issued solely by CMFA, and all repayment obligations will remain with the Borrower. The existing Indemnity Agreement remains in effect and continues to apply to the Project and the proposed bond issuance. Approval of this item will allow CMFA to complete the bond issuance and enable the Project to proceed.

Legal Review
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.

Financial Impact
The Bonds, if issued by CMFA for the Project, will be the sole responsibility of the Borrower and will not constitute a financial, legal, or moral obligation of the City. It is expected that a portion of the issuance fees charged by CMFA in connection with the bond transaction will be provided to the City by CMFA to help offset City administrative costs associated with processing this item, with any such funds deposited into the City’s General Fund.

Attachments

1. Draft Resolution

2. Public Hearing 10-day Notice
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Conflict of Interest Awareness Checklist
Note: This checklist is informational only and does not constitute a legal determination.

Each Councilmember remains responsible for identifying, disclosing, and evaluating any disqualifying interests under the Political Reform Act and applicable FPPC regulations.

1. Site-Specific Property Interest
Does this item involve a project site or other identifiable real property? ☒ Yes
☐ No
If yes, identify the project site: Northwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive (APN 694-200-021) in Palm Desert, California
Councilmembers should consider whether they own, lease, or hold interests in real property within 1,000 feet of the project site. (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).

2. SB 1439 / Gov. Code § 84308 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) Does this item involve a license, permit, other entitlement for use, or a contract or franchise agreement that is not competitively bid, a labor agreement, or a personal employment contract?
☒ Yes
☐ No
If yes, identify the applicant(s): Sinatra Family Housing, LP Councilmembers should review campaign contributions received within the prior 12 months from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500 from those parties for 12 months following the final decision. (Gov. Code § 84308).
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM

DESERT APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA

MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY EXEMPT FACILITY BONDS IN

AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$80,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING OR

REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION,

IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF PALM DESERT FAMILY

HOUSING AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING

THERETO
WHEREAS, Sinatra Family Housing, L.P. (the "Borrower") a partnership of which Affirmed Housing Group, Inc. (the "Developer") or a related person to the Developer is the general partner, has requested that the California Municipal Finance Authority (the "Authority") adopt a plan of financing providing for the issuance of exempt facility bonds for a qualified residential rental project pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") in one or more series issued from time to time, including bonds issued to refund such exempt facility bonds in one or more series from time to time, and at no time to exceed $80,000,000 in aggregate principal amount (the "Bonds"), to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of a multifamily rental housing project located at the northwest corner of Cook Street & Frank Sinatra Drive (APN 694-200-021), Palm Desert, California (the "Project"); and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code, the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority may be approved by the City of Palm Desert (the "City") because the Project is located within the territorial limits of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City (the "City Council") is the elected legislative body of the City and is one of the "applicable elected representatives" that may approve the issuance of the Bonds under Section 147(f) of the Code; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has requested that the City Council approve the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority in order to satisfy the public approval requirement of Section 147(f) of the Code and the requirements of Section 4 of that certain Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Relating to the California Municipal Finance Authority, dated as of January 1, 2004 (the "Agreement"), among certain local agencies, including the City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code, the City Council has, following notice duly given, held a public hearing regarding the issuance of the Bonds, and now desires to approve the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 2026-010 regarding approval of the Bonds for the Project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt this Resolution to supersede Resolution No. 2026-010 solely for purposes of satisfying the public approval requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code with respect to the Bonds and the Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert as follows:

SECTION 1. The foregoing resolutions are true and correct. The City Council hereby finds and determines that this Resolution supersedes Resolution No. 2026-010.

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority in an aggregate principal amount not-to-exceed $80,000,000 to finance the Project. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council that this resolution constitute approval of the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority, for the purposes of (a) Section 147(f) of the Code by the applicable 293 Resolution No. 2026-___
elected representative of the governmental unit having jurisdiction over the area in which the Project is located, in accordance with said Section 147(f) and (b) Section 4 of the Agreement; provided, however, that this Resolution shall not constitute an approval by the City Council of the Project for any other purpose.

SECTION 3. The issuance of the Bonds shall be subject to the approval of the Authority of all financing documents relating thereto to which the Authority is a party. The City shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

SECTION 4. The adoption of this Resolution shall not obligate the City or any department thereof to (i) provide any financing to acquire or construct the Project or any refinancing of the Project; (ii) approve any application or request for or take any other action in connection with any planning approval, permit or other action necessary for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, installation or operation of the Project; (iii) make any contribution or advance any funds whatsoever to the Authority; or (iv) take any further action with respect to the Authority or its membership therein.

SECTION 5. The officers of the City are hereby authorized and directed, jointly and severally, to do any and all things and to execute and deliver any and all documents which they deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out, give effect to and comply with the terms and intent of this resolution and the financing transaction approved hereby.

SECTION 6. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

ADOPTED ON ________________, 2026.

EVAN TRUBEE
MAYOR
ATTEST:

ANTHONY J. MEJIA

CITY CLERK
294
Resolution No. 2026-___
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that Resolution No. 2026-__ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on _______________________, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

RECUSED:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Desert, California, on ___________________.

ANTHONY J. MEJIA

CITY CLERK
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C I T Y O F P A L M
D E S E R T 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
TEL: 760-346-0611
[email protected]

CITY OF PALM DESERT

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING

THE ISSUANCE OF EXEMPT FACILITY BONDS (QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL

RENTAL PROJECT) FOR THE PALM DESERT FAMILY HOUSING PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, will hold a Public Hearing at its meeting on April 23, 2026. The City Council meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California. Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, 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/government/meetings no later than April 20, 2026.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

On April 23, 2026, a public hearing as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), will be held with respect to a proposed plan of financing providing for the issuance by the California Municipal Finance Authority (the "Authority") of exempt facility bonds for a qualified residential rental project pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Code in one or more series issued from time to time, including bonds issued to refund such exempt facility bonds in one or more series from time to time, in an amount not to exceed $80,000,000 in aggregate principal amount (the "Bonds"). The proceeds of the Bonds will be used to: (1) finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of Palm Desert Family Housing, a multifamily rental housing project located at the northwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive (APN 694-200-021), Palm Desert, California; and (2) pay certain expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Bonds. The facilities are to be owned by Sinatra Family Housing, LP (the "Borrower") or a partnership of which Compass for Affordable Housing (the "Developer") or a related person to the Developer is the general partner.

The Bonds and the obligation to pay principal of and interest thereon and any redemption premium with respect thereto do not constitute indebtedness or an obligation of the Authority, the State of California or any political subdivision thereof, within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitation, or a charge against the general credit or taxing powers of any of them. The Bonds shall be a limited 297
obligation of the Authority, payable solely from certain revenues duly pledged therefor and generally representing amounts paid by the Borrower.

COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION:

Those wishing to comment on this application may either appear in person at the public hearing or submit written comments, which must be received by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Written comments should be sent to the City of Palm Desert, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260, Attention: City Clerk, or emailed to [email protected].

Si necesita ayuda con esta notificación, por favor llame a la Ciudad de Palm Desert y comuníquese con Damian Olivares al (760) 346-0611.

Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk, City of Palm Desert
PUBLISH:

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City of Palm Desert Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 23, 2026
Prepared By: Sijifredo Fernandez, Senior Planner
Department: Development Services
Subject: Re-Introduce for First Reading the Hillside Residential Design Standards and an Ordinance Amending Title 25 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Recommendation
Re-introduce an Ordinance, by title only, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING HILLSIDE

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS, AMENDING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 25 AND MAKING A FINDING THE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.”
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to consider the re-introduction of the Hillside Residential Design Standards (“Hillside Standards”) applicable to residential development within the Hillside Planned Residential (“HPR”) Zoning district, along with necessary amendments to the Palm Desert Municipal Code (“PDMC”).

Following the City Council’s first reading approval on January 8, 2026, staff conducted a final implementation review and identified opportunities to refine building pad size limits, maximum building area thresholds, and code cross-references. The proposed revisions clarify language, ensure internal consistency, and align with prior direction from the Planning Commission and City Council.

The revised standards were unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and are now resubmitted to the City Council for first reading consideration.

Background
At the request of City Council, staff initiated an update to the Hillside Residential Design Standards to establish objective standards for single family development within the Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) zoning district. Additionally, a City Council subcommittee was establish to provide guidance throughout the process. The updated standards provide clear, objective regulations intended to protect hillside views, natural landforms, landscaping, and neighborhood character while creating a more predictable development review process.

Initially, on December 16, 2025, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2909 recommending City Council approval of the proposed standards and Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA). The City Council approved the ordinance for first reading on January 8, 2026. Following that action, staff completed a final implementation review and identified 299

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opportunities to refine building pad size limits, maximum building area thresholds, and internal code cross-references.

To address these items, the updated regulations were returned to the Planning Commission with a revised draft that refines development thresholds, clarifies procedural language, and includes technical edits to ensure the standards are internally consistent and administratively enforceable. On March 3, 2026, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the revised standards.

Key clarifications include:
 Previously approved building pads can proceed without a public hearing if established prior to City incorporation, subject to established limits.  Total building area is limited to 35 percent of the building pad area or 3,150 square feet, whichever is less.
 Subject to approval by the Architectural Review Commission, the allowable buildable area may be increased to the lesser of 50 percent of the existing pad area or 6,300 square feet.

These refinements and clarifications, consistent with prior direction from the Planning Commission and City Council, are documented in the January 30, 2026, memorandum (Attachment 4).

Appointed Body Recommendation
The City of Palm Desert Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 2916 on March 3, 2026, recommending that the City Council approve the proposed Hillside Standards and corresponding Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA).

Environmental Review
Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) because it does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA. The State CEQA Guidelines provide that “[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if … the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).)
Section 15378 defines a project as an activity that “has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(a).) Here, the ZOA adopts and clarifies objective Hillside Residential Design Standards applicable to properties within the existing Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) zoning district and corrects internal inconsistencies within the Palm Desert Municipal Code. The ZOA does not increase allowable density or expand the geographic area subject to development.

Rather, it refines and implements development standards governing building pad size, allowable building area, grading, and design requirements intended to protect hillside views, natural landforms, and neighborhood character, while improving clarity and consistency in the City’s development review process. Because the ZOA does not authorize new development or increase the intensity of development beyond that already 300

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allowed under existing regulations, it will not result in a reasonably foreseeable significant physical change in the environment and therefore does not constitute a “project” under CEQA. (Id., §§ 15060(c), 15378(a).) In addition, the ZOA constitutes an organizational and administrative activity of government that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and is therefore excluded from the definition of a “project.” (Id., § 15378(b)(5).)
Even if the ZOA is considered a “project” subject to CEQA, it is exempt from environmental review. The ZOA is exempt pursuant to the “common sense” exemption under State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. As described above, the ZOA does not increase development intensity or density and instead imposes objective standards that limit and regulate development within an existing zoning designation.

In addition, the ZOA is categorically exempt pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15320 (Class 20), which applies to changes in the organization of local agencies. The ZOA clarifies and refines procedures and standards governing the review of development within the existing HPR zoning district and does not change the geographic area in which the City’s existing land use regulatory authority is exercised, nor does it increase allowable density or authorize new land uses. Finally, none of the exceptions to the use of categorical exemptions set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply. The ZOA will not result in cumulative impacts, does not present unusual circumstances that would result in a significant environmental effect, will not damage scenic resources within a designated scenic highway, is not located on a hazardous waste site pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, and will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption for this ZOA with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines.

Legal Review
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.

Financial Impact
There is no financial impact with this action.

Attachments

1. Draft Ordinance
a) Exhibit A Hillside Residential Standards
b) Exhibit B Zoning Ordinance Amendment

2. Zoning Ordinance Amendment Clean

3. Public Hearing Notice ZOA25-5001

4. JKA Memorandum dated January 30, 2026
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Page 4 ends

5. Presentation
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Page 5 ends

Conflict of Interest Awareness Checklist
Note: This checklist is informational only and does not constitute a legal determination.

Each Councilmember remains responsible for identifying, disclosing, and evaluating any disqualifying interests under the Political Reform Act and applicable FPPC regulations.

1. Site-Specific Property Interest
Does this item involve a project site or other identifiable real property? ☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, identify the project site:

Councilmembers should consider whether they own, lease, or hold interests in real property within 1,000 feet of the project site. (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM

DESERT, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS, AMENDING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 25

AND MAKING A FINDING THE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CASE NO. ZOA 25-5001
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65800 et seq. provides for the amendment of any and all adopted City of Palm Desert (“City”) zoning laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) is initiated by the City of Palm Desert to adopt Hillside Residential Design Standards and modifiy sections of the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Title 25 (Zoning) to incorporate objective standards and processes for new residential developments within the Hillside Residential zoning district; and
WHEREAS, the City has complied with the requirements of the Local Planning and Zoning Law (Government Code section 65100 et seq.), and the City’s applicable ordinances and resolutions with respect to approval of amendments to Title 25 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code (“Zoning Ordinance”); and
WHEREAS, under Section 21067 of the Public Resources Code, Section 15367 of the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), and the City of Palm Desert’s (“City’s”) Local CEQA Guidelines, the City is the lead agency for this ZOA; and
WHEREAS, the ZOA has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of CEQA” Resolution No. 2024-035, in that the Director of Development Services has determined that the ZOAis not a project subject to CEQA under section 15378, or in the alternative, is exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) and categorically exempt under section 15320; and WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this ZOA have occurred; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on December 16, 2025, hold a duly noticed public hearing to previously consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approval of ZOA 25-5001 and adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 2909 recommending that the City Council approve the ZOA; and
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ORDINANCE NO _
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on January 8, 2026, hold a duly noticed public hearing to previously consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approval of ZOA 25-5001; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on March 3, 2026, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider revised ZOA 25-5001, and unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the revised ZOA; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on April 23, 2026, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the revised ZOA 25-5001 as recommended by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, at the said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the City Council did find the following facts and reasons, which are outlined in the staff report, to exist to justify approval of said request.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council of the City of Palm Desert hereby finds that:

1. The City of Palm Desert, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and

2. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to establish by ordinance the regulations for land use and development.

3. The Hillside Residential Design Standards and ZOA adopted by this Ordinance are intended to constitute objective development standards as defined by Government Code section 65589.5.

SECTION 2. CEQA. The City Council finds that adoption of this ZOA is not a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines section 15378. The ZOA adopts and clarifies objective Hillside Residential Design Standards applicable to properties within the existing HPR zoning district and corrects internal inconsistencies within the Palm Desert Municipal Code. The ZOA does not increase allowable density or expand the geographic area subject to development. Rather, it refines and implements development standards governing building pad size, allowable building area, grading, and design requirements intended to protect hillside views, natural landforms, and neighborhood character, while improving clarity and consistency in the City’s development review process. Because the ZOA does not authorize new development or increase the intensity of development beyond that already allowed under existing 306
ORDINANCE NO _
regulations, it will not result in a reasonably foreseeable significant physical change in the environment and therefore does not constitute a “project” under CEQA. In addition, the ZOA constitutes an organizational and administrative activity of government that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and is therefore excluded from the definition of a “project.”
Even if adoption of this ZOA were a “project” under CEQA, it would be exempt from environmental review. The ZOA is exempt pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment, as the ZOA does not increase development intensity or density and instead imposes standards that limit and regulate development within an existing zoning designation.

In addition, the ZOA is categorically exempt pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15320 because it does not change the geographic area in which the City’s existing land use regulatory authority is exercised and instead refines the manner in which such authority is implemented within the existing HPR zoning district. Finally, none of the exceptions to the use of categorical exemptions set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 applies, as the ordinance will not result in cumulative impacts, does not present unusual circumstances that would result in a significant environmental effect, will not damage scenic resources within a designated scenic highway, is not located on a hazardous waste site pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, and will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

The City Council directs staff to file a Notice of Exemption for this ZOA with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 3. Adoption of Hillside Residential Design Standards. The City Council approves and adopts the Hillside Residential Design Standards as attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A.

SECTION 4. Zoning Ordinance Amendment. and The City Council adopts ZOA 25-5001, as attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit B. The PDMC Sections and Subsections amended by this ZOA include Subsection (A) of Section 25.10.050, Section 25.72.080 in its entirety, and Section 25.78.020 in its entirety.

SECTION 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days after its adoption.

SECTION 6. Publication. The City Clerk is directed to certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and post or publish this Ordinance as required by law. 307
ORDINANCE NO _
SECTION 7. Custodian of Records. The custodian of records for this Ordinance is the City Clerk and the records comprising the administrative record are located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA.

SECTION 8. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity has no effect on the other provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED ON ________.

EVAN TRUBEE
MAYOR
ATTEST:

ANTHONY J. MEJIA

CITY CLERK
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, do hereby certify that Ordinance No. ____ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was introduced at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert City Council on _________, 2026, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on __________, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

RECUSED:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Desert, California, on ____________________.

ANTHONY J. MEJIA

CITY CLERK
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§ 25.10.050 Development Standards.

The development standards on Table 25.10-3 (Residential Zoning District Development Standards) are applicable to the residential zoning districts. These standards, along with other development standards (e.g., landscaping requirements, signs, and parking standards) in this title, are intended to assist property owners and project designers in understanding the City's minimum requirements and expectations for high-quality development.

A. Hillside Pplanned Rresidential District development standards. The following standards must be met prior to the approval of a hillside development plan as described in Section

25.78.020:

1. Density. Each lot shall be limited to a maximum of 1 unit per 5 acres. All lots will be entitled to at least 1 unit.

2. Hillside Objective Design Standards. Hillside dDevelopment Pplans shall be consistent comply with the standards and process identified in the City’s adopted Hillside Residential Design Standards document.

Grading. Location of building pads and access roads shall be evaluated, approved, or adjusted based on consistency with the following:
a. Preserved natural contours of the land to avoid extensive cut and fill slopes to reduce the need for a staircase effect within developments.
b. Architecture and landscape design which blends with the natural terrain to the greatest practical extent.
c. Retention and protection of undisturbed viewsheds, natural landmarks, and features including vistas and the natural skyline as integral elements. d. Building Pad Area. The maximum area permanently disturbed by grading shall not exceed 10,000 square feet.
e. Access Road or Driveway. Maximum permanent grading disturbance of natural terrain for development of access to the approved building pad shall be 3,000 square feet. Roads shall be located and designed to blend with the natural terrain to the greatest practical extent consistent with the grading provisions listed in this subsection (A)(2). f. Renaturalization. All cuts, fills, or other areas temporarily disturbed by grading shall be renaturalized, colored, and landscaped to blend with the adjacent undisturbed natural terrain to the satisfaction of the city council.
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g. Maximum Dwelling Unit Size. Total dwelling unit, garage and accessory building size on any 1 lot shall not exceed 4,000 square feet.

3. Exception. The standards of subsections (A)(1) through (A)(3) of this section shall be required unless modified by one of the following:
a. Precise Plan. Upon recommendation of the Architectural Review Commission, Tthe Planning Commission and Council may approve a precise plan of design through public hearing process that modifies up to a maximum of three (3) standards from the Hillside Residential Design Standards. the standards in subsections (A)(1) through (A)(3). Said precise plan shall take into consideration any and all circumstances, including, but not limited to, viewshed, topography, color, texture, and profile of any structure that the Commission or Council may determine to be in conformity with the purposes set forth in this section. b. Previously Approved Existing Building Pads. If a property owner can demonstrate that a previous building pad was approved by the City or County before incorporation, a home and accessory structure(s) may be built on a previously approved building pad without a public hearing. The building size shall be limited to 35 percent of the lot approved building pad, which may be increased up to 50 percent with ARC approval. Enlarging a previously approved existing building pad shall require a new public hearing subject to the provisions of this chapter.

4. Previously approved existing building pads shall be subject to the standard coverage limitations of 35 percent, which may be increased up to 50 percent with ARC approval. Any change to an existing approved building pad shall require a new public hearing subject to the provisions of this chapter.

5.4. Development on or across ridges is prohibited.

6. 5. Building pads and architecture shall be designed to eliminate or minimize any visual impact on the City to the maximum extent feasible.

7. All common open space shall be preserved for that purpose as shown in the development plan. The developer shall choose one or a combination of the following 3 methods of administering common open space:
a. Dedication of common open space to the City, which is subject to formal acceptance. b. Establishment of an association or nonprofit corporation of all property owners or corporations within the project area to ensure perpetual maintenance of all common open space.
c. Retention of ownership, control, and maintenance of all common open space by the developer; all privately owned common open space shall continue as such and shall only be 358
used in accordance with the development plan; appropriate land use restrictions shall be contained in all deeds to ensure that the common open space is permanently preserved according to the development plan; said deed restrictions shall run with the land and be for the benefit of present as well as future property owners, and shall contain a prohibition against partition of common open space.

8. Design Criteria. The following design criteria are established:
a. The overall plan shall achieve an integrated land and building relationship. b. Open spaces, pedestrian and vehicular circulation facilities, parking facilities, and other pertinent amenities shall be an integral part of the landscape and particular attention shall be given to the retention of natural landscape features of the site. c. The layout of structures and other facilities shall affect a conservation in street and utility improvements.
d. Recreational areas, active and passive, shall be generally dispersed throughout the development and shall be easily accessible from all dwelling units. e. Architectural unity and harmony within the development and with the surrounding properties shall be attained.
§ 25.72.080 Hillside Development Plan, Commission Role.

A. Purpose and applicability. The purpose of a Hhillside Ddevelopment Pplan is to provide for the review of projects within the hillside planned residential district to ensure that the design of projects is consistent with the hillside conditions on each development site. A Precise Plan may be used as a Hillside Development Plan. Within the hillside planned residential district, no building permit shall be issued for any new building or structure unless a Hhillside Ddevelopment Pplan has been approved by the Council according to Section 25.78.020 (Hillside Development Plan).

B. Procedure and required Planning Commission action.

1. Hillside Ddevelopment Pplan shall be reviewed and processed according to Section 25.78.020 (Hillside Development Plan) and the City’s adopted Hillside Residential Design Standards. Final approval by the Council is required, but the Commission may deny a hillside development plan.

2. If the Hillside Development Plan is consistent with the Hillside Residential Design Standards, the Planning Commission shall be the final and only approval authority, without Architectural Review Commission recommendation required. Decision of the Planning Commission to approve or deny the development plan shall be final unless appealed to the Council. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and approve if the following findings are met:
359
i. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan is consistent with the City’s Hillside Residential Design Standards and all other applicable sections of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, including Section 25.78.020
ii. That the proposed location of Hillside Development Plan under which it would be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity. iii. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments. iv. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's General Plan.

Prior to Commission action, the ARC shall hold a public hearing on such application and consider a recommendation to the Commission.

3. A Hillside Development Plan may propose to modify a maximum of three (3) standards from the Hillside Residential Design Standards. If a modification is proposed, the Hillside Development Plan shall be recommended for approval by the Architectural Review Commission.

If the Architectural review Commission approves, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to recommend the City Council approve or deny the proposed Hillside Development Plan. Recommendation shall be based upon the findings identified in Section 25.72.080(B).

4. Notice. All public hearings for Hillside Development Plans shall require notice of a public hearing not less than 10 days or more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the newspaper of general circulation in the City and mailing notices via United States Postal Service to parties whose name appear on the latest adopted tax rolls of Riverside County as owning property within 4,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property that is the subject of the hearing, and by notification to all homeowners associations within the City south of Highway 111.

The Commission shall hold a public hearing and either:
i. Recommend to the Council that the development plan is approved if it finds the criteria set forth in Section 25.78.020 (Hillside Development Plan) have been satisfied subject to such conditions as it deems necessary.
ii. Deny the application if it finds the criteria are not being satisfied or that such application would be detrimental to the public peace, health, safety, or welfare.

4. Decision of the Commission to deny the development plan shall be final unless appealed to the Council.
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§ 25.78.020 Hillside Development Plan.

A. Purpose and applicability. The purpose of a Hhillside Ddevelopment Pplan is to provide for the review of projects within the hillside planned residential district to ensure that the design of projects is consistent with the hillside conditions on each development site. Within the hillside planned residential district, no building permit shall be issued for any new building or structure unless a Hhillside Ddevelopment Pplan covering the area has been approved. Hillside Development Plans require City Council approval if they are proposing to modify up to three (3) standards from the Hillside Residential Design Standards.

B. Hillside Ddevelopment Pplan. In addition to application forms and materials required by the Director, the following additional application information is required within the hillside planned residential district.

C. Procedure for Hhillside Ddevelopment Pplan application.

1. Application. The owner, authorized agent, or the purchaser with the consent of the owner may submit an application for development plan approval to the Department.

2. Notice. All public hearings for Hillside Development Plans shall require notice of a public hearing not less than 10 days or more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the newspaper of general circulation in the City and mailing notices via United States Postal Service to parties whose name appear on the latest adopted tax rolls of Riverside County as owning property within 4,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property that is the subject of the hearing, and by notification to all homeowners associations within the City south of Highway 111.

Notice. All development of parcels within the Hillside Planned Residential Zoning District that do not meet the exception's requirement as described in Section 25.10.050 shall require notice of a public hearing not less than 10 days or more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the newspaper of general circulation in the City and mailing notices via United States Postal Service to parties whose name appear on the latest adopted tax rolls of Riverside County as owning property within 4,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property that is the subject of the hearing, and by notification to all homeowners associations within the City south of Highway 111.

3. If a Hillside Development Plan requires City Council approval per the process outlined in the Hillside Residential Design Standards and 25.72.080, tThe Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to Council to approve the development plan if it finds the criteria set forth in this chapter have been satisfied subject to such conditions as it deems necessary. The Council shall then hold a public hearing and approve if the following findings are met:
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i. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan is consistent with the City’s Hillside Residential Design Standards and all other applicable sections of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, including Section 25.78.020
ii. That the proposed location of Hillside Development Plan under which it would be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity. iii. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments. iv. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's General Plan.

The Commission may deny the application if it finds the criteria are not being satisfied or that such application would be detrimental to the public peace, health, safety, or welfare. The decision of the Commission to deny the development plan shall be final unless appealed to the Council.

D. Public hearing and appeal. Public hearing and appeal procedure shall be governed by Chapter 25.60 (Procedures).
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§ 25.10.050 Development Standards.

A. Hillside Planned Residential District Development standards. The following standards must be met prior to the approval of a Hillside Development Plan as described in Section 25.78.020:

1. Density. Each lot shall be limited to a maximum of 1 unit per 5 acres. All lots will be entitled to at least 1 unit.

2. Hillside Objective Design Standards. Hillside development plans shall comply with the standards and process identified in the City’s adopted Hillside Residential Design Standards document.

3. Exception. The standards of subsections (A)(1) through (A)(3) of this section shall be required unless modified by one of the following:
a. Precise Plan. Upon recommendation of the Architectural Review Commission, The Planning Commission and Council may approve a precise plan of design through public hearing process that modifies up to a maximum of three (3) standards from the Hillside Residential Design Standards. Said precise plan shall take into consideration any and all circumstances, including, but not limited to, viewshed, topography, color, texture, and profile of any structure that the Commission or Council may determine to be in conformity with the purposes set forth in this section.
b. Previously Approved Existing Building Pads. If a property owner can demonstrate that a previous building pad was approved by the City or County before incorporation, a home and accessory structure(s) may be built on a previously approved building pad without a public hearing. The building size shall be limited to 35 percent of the approved building pad, which may be increased up to 50 percent with ARC approval. Enlarging a previously approved existing building pad shall require a new public hearing subject to the provisions of this chapter.

4. Development on or across ridges is prohibited.

5. Building pads and architecture shall be designed to eliminate or minimize any visual impact on the City to the maximum extent feasible.
§ 25.72.080 Hillside Development Plan, Commission Role. 363
A. Purpose and applicability. The purpose of a Hillside Development Plan is to provide for the review of projects within the hillside planned residential district to ensure that the design of projects is consistent with the hillside conditions on each development site. A Precise Plan may be used as a Hillside Development Plan. Within the hillside planned residential district, no building permit shall be issued for any new building or structure unless a Hillside Development Plan has been approved by the Council according to Section 25.78.020 (Hillside Development Plan).

B. Procedure and required Planning Commission action.

1. Hillside Development Plan shall be reviewed and processed according to Section 25.78.020 (Hillside Development Plan) and the City’s adopted Hillside Residential Design Standards.

2. If the Hillside Development Plan is consistent with the Hillside Residential Design Standards, the Planning Commission shall be the final and only approval authority, without Architectural Review Commission recommendation required. Decision of the Planning Commission to approve or deny the development plan shall be final unless appealed to the Council. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and approve if the following findings are met:
i. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan is consistent with the City’s Hillside Residential Design Standards and all other applicable sections of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, including Sections 25.10.050 and 25.78.020
ii. That the proposed location of Hillside Development Plan under which it would be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity. iii. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments. iv. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's General Plan.

4. Notice. All public hearings for Hillside Development Plans shall require notice of a public hearing not less than 10 days or more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the newspaper of general circulation in the City and mailing notices via United 364
States Postal Service to parties whose name appear on the latest adopted tax rolls of Riverside County as owning property within 4,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property that is the subject of the hearing, and by notification to all homeowners associations within the City south of Highway 111.
§ 25.78.020 Hillside Development Plan.

A. Purpose and applicability. The purpose of a Hillside Development Plan is to provide for the review of projects within the hillside planned residential district to ensure that the design of projects is consistent with the hillside conditions on each development site. Within the hillside planned residential district, no building permit shall be issued for any new building or structure unless a hillside development plan covering the area has been approved. Hillside Development Plans require City Council approval if they are proposing to modify up to three (3) standards from the Hillside Residential Design Standards.

B. Hillside development plans. In addition to application forms and materials required by the Director, the following additional application information is required within the hillside planned residential district.

C. Procedure for hillside development plan application.

1. Application. The owner, authorized agent, or the purchaser with the consent of the owner may submit an application for development plan approval to the Department.

3. If a Hillside Development Plan requires City Council approval per the process outlined in the Hillside Residential Design Standards and 25.72.080, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to Council to approve the development plan if it finds the criteria set forth in this chapter have been satisfied subject to such conditions as it deems necessary. The Council shall then hold a public hearing and approve if the following findings are met:
i. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan is consistent with the City’s Hillside Residential Design Standards and all other applicable sections of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, including Section 25.78.020
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ii. That the proposed location of Hillside Development Plan under which it would be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity. iii. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments. iv. That the proposed Hillside Development Plan complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's General Plan.

D. Public hearing and appeal. Public hearing and appeal procedure shall be governed by Chapter 25.60 (Procedures).
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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. ZOA25-5001

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA TO CONSIDER A ZONING

ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ADOPT HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN

STANDARDS AND FINDING THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL

REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT 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 project is a continuation from the City Council meeting of January 8, 2026, regarding a request to adopt Objective Design Standards for new residential projects in the Hillside Planned Residential District. The proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment would amend multiple sections of Title 25 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code to incorporate and reference the adopted Hillside Objective Design Standards, which would establish objective design requirements applicable to qualifying residential housing developments within the Hillside Planned Residential zoning district.

Planning Commission Recommendation: At a duly noticed public hearing on March 3, 2026, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert adopted Planning Commission Resolution 2909 recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance to adopt Hillside residential design standards, modify sections of Palm desert Municipal Code Title 25, and finding the action is exempt from CEQA.

PUBLIC HEARING: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, will hold a Public Hearing at its meeting on April 23, 2026. The City Council meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, 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/government/meetings COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Those wishing to comment on this application may either appear in person at the public hearing or submit written comments, which must be received by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Written comments should be sent to the City of Palm Desert at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260, Attention: City Clerk, or emailed to:

[email protected].

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 Damian Olivares (760) 346-0611.

PUBLISH: THE DESERT SUN ANTHONY J. MEJIA, MMC, CITY CLERK APRIL 2, 2026 CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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MEMORANDUM
January 30, 2026
To: City of Palm Desert
Attention: Rosie Lua, Carlos Flores

JOHN KALISKI ARCHITECTS
3780 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 383.7980 PH I www.jka -la.com
John Kaliski, FAIA C17945
ma
Re: City of Palm Desert Hillside Residential Design Standards Comments On November 26, 2025, John Kaliski Architects (JKA) submitted a draft of the City of Palm Desert Hillside Residential Design Standards for input and comments. The Design Standards document was reviewed by City staff and discussed at the December 15, 2025 Planning Commission meeting and the January 8, 2026 City Council meeting.

JKA has implemented Staff, Commissioner, and Councilmember comments into a revised document dated January 2026, also attached to this memorandum. The revisions to the November 25, 2025 document are as follows, in red.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

DECISION-MAKER COMMENT I DOCUMENT REVISION
Staff:

Ensure consistency between the
values in Section 1.1. and the standards
in Chapter 2. Implement maximum
building area recommended at the
9/23/25 Joint Study Session.

1.1 Applicability & Exceptions
The design standards of this policy shall only apply to single-family housing developments located in the Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Palm Desert zoning designation. This policy does not apply to multi-family developments, mixed-use developments, or single-family developments outside of the HPR zone. The design standards are also not applicable to non-residential development.

If a property owner can demonstrate that an existing building pad in the HPR zone was approved by the City or County before incorporation of the City of Palm Desert, a residential building and accessory structure(s) may be built on a previously approved building pad without a public hearing. The total area of buildings shall be limited to 35 percent of the existing building pad area or a maximum of 3,150 r;6r5 square feet, whichever is less. The total building square footage may be increased up to 50 percent of the existing building pad area and a maximum of 6,300 5;r5& square feet, whichever is less, with Architectural Review Commission approval, appealable to the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission, upon the recommendation of the Architectural Review Commission, may approve a precise plan of design through a public hearing process that modifies the standards of this Section. Said precise plan shall take into consideration any and all circumstances of the project including, but not limited to, viewshed, existing and proposed topography, landscape and site improvements, color, texture, profile, and components of buildings and structures on the lot with the exception that no building pad shall be approved that exceeds 14,520 square feet in size and the total area of buildings on a lot shall not exceed 6,300 ~ square feet in size.
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CHAPTER 2: HPR DESIGN STANDARDS

DECISION-MAKER COMMENT I DOCUMENT REVISION
Planning Commission:

Consider requiring the provision of a
survey by a licensed surveyor with each
application that confirms the elevation of
major and minor ridgelines as noted in
Figure 1, Ridgeline Map.

JKA revision, proofreading.

Staff:

Ensure consistency between the values
in Section 1.1. and the standards in
No revision to document. Staff to determine if this should be incorporated into applicant submittal requirements.

Standard 2.1.1. Grading. No grading, inclusive of cuts and fills, in excess of one cubic yard of earth per four square feet of total building pad area shall be permitted without the prior written approval of the Director of Development Services. The Director may approve grading up to two additional cubic yards per four square feet of lot area per lot after making all of the following findings.

Standard 2.2.7. Building pad area at new building pads. The maximum area permanently disturbed by grading for a new building pad shall not exceed 9,000 r,56-& square feet.

Chapter 2. Implement maximum building 1---------------------------------1 area recommended at the 9/23/25 Joint
Study Session.

Planning Commission:

Consider distinct allowances for
guardrails vs. fences or walls to ensure
provisions for safety where changes in
level occur.

Planning Commission:

Section 2.3 Trees & Plants.

Consider adding plants that attract
migratory butterflies native to the locale.

Response to above PC comment from
TODO (landscape consultant): Desert
Milkweed is added for the Monarch
caterpillars. The mallows - Desert
Globemallow and Rosy Apricot Mallow
- are known to host Painted Lady
Butterfly larvae. Many plants on the list
are nectar plants for Monarchs, while
the Desert Lavender and buckwheats
are known to provide nectar to the
adult Painted Ladies. Gray Hairstreak
Butterflies and Queen Butterflies also
use the plants in our list for laying eggs
and nectar in Palm Desert.

Standard 2.2.8. Building pad area at existing building pads. An existing building pad that is less than 9,000 r,5&8 square feet may be added to such that the maximum area permanently disturbed by grading shall not exceed 9,000 ~ square feet.

Standard 2.2.11. Fences and walls, location. Fences and walls shall only be located on building pads. Notwithstanding this requirement, retaining walls, guardrails, and other City requirements are permitted at any location on a lot.

Shrubs and perennials, species. Where shrubs and perennials are planted, utilize species from the following list. All other shrub and perennial species are prohibited.
a. Perennials:
i. Desert Sand Verbena. Abronia villosa.
ii. Desert Milkweed. Asclepias subulata.
iii. Wild Marigold. Baileya multiradiata.
iv. Interior California Buckwheat. Eriogonum fasciculatum v. poliofolium. v. Whitestem Paperflower. Psilotrophe cooperi.
vi. Desert Globemallow. Sphaeralcea ambigua.
vii. Rosy Apricot Mallow. Sphaeralcea ambigua var. rosacea. b. Shrubs:
i. White Bursage. Ambrosia dumosa.
ii. Shadscale. A triplex canescens.
iii. Brittlebush. Encelia farinosa.
iv. Flattop Buckwheat. Eriogonum fasciculatum v. poliofolium. v. Desert Lavender. Hyptis emoryii.
vi. Chuparosa. Justicia californica.
vii. Creosote Bush. Larrea tridentata.
viii. Paperflower. Psilotrophe cooperi.
ix. Jojoba. Simmondsia chinensis.
370

DECISION-MAKER COMMENT I DOCUMENT REVISION
City Council:

Standard 2.3.10. Synthetic turf.

Discourage the use of synthetic turf in
standard 2.3.10.

Staff:

Ensure consistency between the values
in Section 1.1. and the standards in
Chapter 2. Implement maximum building
area recommended at the 9/23/25 Joint
Study Session.

Planning Commission:

Consider adding language to the
document that reinforces that the color
of structures should blend with the color
of the existing hillside land and
landscape.

Standard 2.3.10. Synthetic turf. Synthetic turf is highly discouraged, but if incorporated, ::J=the total area of synthetic turf within the boundaries of a building pad shall not exceed 500 square feet. Use of synthetic turf at any location outside of the area of an approved building pad is prohibited.

Standard 2.4.2. Main and accessory structures, maximum area. The total area of a dwelling unit and associated above-grade accessory structures, including carports and garages on any one lot, shall not exceed 35 percent of the building pad area or 3,150 ~ square feet, whichever is less.

2.6 COLORS AND MATERIALS
The following earth-toned and desert-hued colors, intended to blend with the color of the existing hillside landscape, represent a range of compliant colors that are annotated with a HEX color code. Applicants shall use these HEX color code numbers to identify compliant colors from their chosen manufacturer of a color or material that most similarly matches the colors provided in this Section. 1-------------------1 All colors and materials selected by an applicant will be reviewed and approved Planning Commission:

Clarify that existing colors and materials
at existing structures are grandfathered
and may be repainted and replaced
in-kind.

Planning Commission:

Standard 2.6.1. Primary wall color,
painted or integral color.

Consider reducing the number of light
colors allowed to reduce the contrast
between the colors of the hillsides and
the primary color of structures.

Planning Commission:

Section 2.6.5. Roof materials and colors
for roof slopes 2:12 and greater.

Consider allowing standing seam metal
roofs and provide standard color
allowances for this type of installation.

Planning Commission:

Section 2.6.6. Roof materials and
colors for roof slopes less than 2:12.

Consider allowing standing seam metal
roofs and provide standard color
allowances for this type of installation.
for match with the compliant colors and materials of this section by the Director of Development Services or their designee. Existing structures do not need to comply with the colors and materials of this Section if an existing color or material is replaced in-kind.

Standard 2.6.1. Primary wall color, painted or integral color.

Removed #F3E6CE and #FOEADC.

Standard 2.6.5. Roof materials and colors for roof slopes 2:12 and greater. The following roof materials are allowed on roofs with a slope of 2:12 and greater. The roof color shall match one of the compliant colors noted in Standard 2.6.1. a. Clay tiles.
b. Composite shingles and tiles that simulate shake, slate, concrete, and clay. c. Concrete tiles.
d. Metal roofing and standard seam metal roofing that matches one of the compliant colors noted in Standard 2.6.1.
e. Slate and stone.

Standard 2.6.6. Roof materials and colors for roof slopes less than 2:12. The following roof materials are allowed on roofs with a slope less than 2:12. The roofing color shall match one of the compliant colors noted in Standard 2.6.1 or be covered in gravel.
a. Built-up roofing (BUR).
b. Thermoplastic olefin roofing (TPO).
c. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer roofing (EPDM).
d. Modified Bitumen roofing.
e. Metal roofing and standard seam metal roofing that matches one of the compliant colors noted in Standard 2.6.1.
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CHAPTER 3: HPR COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
All revisions to the standards in Chapter 2: HPR Design Standards have been repeated in the compliance checklist.

CHAPTER4:GLOSSARY
No revisions were made to the Glossary.
372
ZOA 25-0001 Hillside
Objective Design
Standards

CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 23, 2026
373
Project Request
Case No. ZOA 25-5001
Project Applicant: City of Palm Desert
Project Description: A City-initiated proposal to establish Hillside Residential Design Standards (“Hillside
Standards”) applicable to residential development
within the Hillside Planned Residential (“HPR”)
Zoning district
Project Location: Hillside Planned Residential (“HPR”) Zoning district April 23, 2026 2
374
Timeline
Joint ARC and Planning Commission September 23, 2025
Planning Commission December 16, 2025
City Council January 8, 2026
Planning Commission March 3, 2026
This item is being presented today solely to address technical corrections and to clarify development thresholds, while maintaining the direction provided by ARC, Planning Commission, and City Council
April 23, 2026 3
375
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve an ordinance establishing Hillside Residential Design Standards, amend applicable provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Title 25 to implement such standards, and determine that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), or alternatively, is exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).

April 23, 2026 4
376

Palm Desert City CouncilApril 23, 2026

Palm Desert City Council
April 23, 2026