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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 25, 2026 BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 11.82.130(j)(1)
OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING VEHICLE
STORAGE FACILITIES FOR NON-CONSENSUAL TOWS
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Jeffrey S. Ballinger, City Attorney
SUMMARY:
This agenda item provides the City Council with the opportunity to consider and introduce an ordinance that modifies the location requirements for vehicle storage facilities for non- consensual tows in Chapter 11.82 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. Specifically, the ordinance would amend Section 11.82.130(j)(1) to allow contractors providing official police tow services to have vehicle storage facilities within City limits or within ten miles of City limits. This Ordinance would broaden the universe of potential bidders for these services, which would create more competition and more competitive tow rates for the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
Introduce Ordinance amending Section 11.82.130(j)(1) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code regarding vehicle storage facilities for non-consensual tows and schedule the Ordinance for adoption at a subsequent meeting.
BACKGROUND AND STAFF ANALYSIS:
The City of Palm Springs, through its Police Department, is sometimes called upon to arrange for the towing of vehicles, for instance, when the owner/operator is arrested, detained, incapacitated, or physically unable to drive the vehicle (aka a “non-consensual tow”).
Chapter 11.82 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code currently requires contractors who provide the non-consensual tow services to have vehicle storage facilities located within the corporate city limits of the City. This limits the potential pool of bidders when the City issues requests for qualifications for these services.
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City Council Staff Report
March 11, 2026 -- Page 2
Location of Vehicle Storage Facilities for Non-Consensual Tows Under the proposed Ordinance, the City Council would amend Section 11.82.130(j)(1) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code regarding vehicle storage facilities for non-consensual tows by allowing vehicle storage facilities to be located in or within ten miles of the corporate city limits of the City of Palm Springs.
The proposed Ordinance modifies the location requirement in order to expand the pool of potential bidders who can provide all of the required services. Expanding the pool of potential bidders increases competition, thereby creating more competitive tow rates, and potential cost savings to those whose vehicles are towed.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The proposed Ordinance is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.) sections 15061(b)(3), and 15378(b)(5). Adoption of this Ordinance is an organizational and administrative activity of the City, does not have the potential to result in either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and is therefore not a project for purposes of CEQA. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15061(b)(3); 15378(b)(5).) ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This agenda item aligns with the City Council’s goal of focusing on items that impact quality of life by promoting traffic and pedestrian safety.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance would likely result in cost savings to vehicle owners as a result of increased competition, though the specific amount cannot be precisely determined at this time.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Andrew Mills, Police Chief
City Attorney: Jeffrey S. Ballinger
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Ordinance amending Section 11.82.130(j)(1) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code regarding vehicle storage facilities for non-consensual tows.