CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MAY 12, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY SAGEWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FOR
HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION OF SAGEWOOD CONDOMINIUMS
LOCATED SOUTH OF NORTH SUNRISE WAY AND EAST VISTA CHINO, (APN 507-421-033) CASE: HSPB #166 / HD-13
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
Sagewood Condominiums is an 18-acre residential condominium complex completed in 1972. The buildings were designed by architect Donald Wexler and the landscape design is attributed to landscape architect David Hamilton. The complex consists of 27 detached buildings and a total of 107 individual units. All buildings have been identified as contributing to the proposed historic district. This request for designation was initiated by the Sagewood Homeowners Association with 70% owner support. If designated as a historic district, the site would be subject to the regulations outlined in Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC).
The Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) and staff evaluated the application in accordance with the historic designation ordinance and applicable state/federal regulations, and determined this property qualifies as a historic district.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
DESIGNATING THE SAGEWOOD CONDOMINIUMS LOCATED SOUTH OF
NORTH SUNRISE WAY AND EAST VISTA CHINO, (HSPB #166 / HD-13), SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, APN FOR ALL UNITS: 507-422-001 TO 507-422- 076, 507-421-001 TO 507-421-032, AND 507-421-033.”
BACKGROUND:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by the Palm Springs Preservation
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 -- Page 2
Historic Designation – Sagewood Condominiums
Foundation (“the report”) and site visits with HSPB members are the basis of this staff report.
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
September 20, 2023
September 27, 2023
October 4, 2023
Three (3) neighborhood outreach meetings conducted with property owners and City staff pursuant to PSMC 8.05.090.B.1 January 5, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
January 6, 2026 HSPB considered the case at a public hearing and voted 7-0 to recommend Historic District designation.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN WITH PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
AND SWIMMING POOL. PHOTO CREDIT: CLAUDE PECK AERIAL VIEW OF DRIVEWAY TO WALKWAY CONNECTION The proposed district boundaries follow the existing property lines for the 18-acre development. The design of the buildings are low-slug one-story structures with flat roofs and cantilevered overhangs. Sandalwood Drive bisects the development into two parts with 8 buildings to the north and 19 buildings to the south. This is not a gated community, but the substantial open green space feels private due to the layout of the buildings on the site. Amenities include swimming pools and a tennis court for resident use.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The analysis of the application relative to the criteria for the designation is detailed in the attached HSPB resolution and staff report dated January 6, 2026. In order to be designated a historic district, the site must exhibit exceptional historic significance and meet one or more of the criteria listed in PSMC Section 8.05.090.C.1. The Board made findings supporting historic district designation based on the following criteria:
PSMC 8.05.090.C.1.a. The site, structure, building, or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 -- Page 3
Historic Designation – Sagewood Condominiums
(Criterion c) Reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history;
(Criterion e) Presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or that possesses high artistic value;
(Criterion f) Represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, as used in evaluating applications for designation of historic districts, for parcels on which more than one entity exists;
Pursuant to PSMC 8.05.090.C.2; “Historic Integrity”, the HSPB made findings that the Sagewood Condominium possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a local historic district.
During the January 6, 2026 HSPB meeting, the Board expressed their support of the application for historic district designation based on the criteria and integrity findings with a 7-0 vote. The HSPB recommendation to the City Council reflects these findings which are outlined in the attached draft City Council resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The proposed historic resource designation is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly or indirectly.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Economic Development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
While this action would have no direct fiscal impact, it would make the property eligible for a Mills Act contract in the future. That could reduce property tax revenue at that time, if authorized by Council. The Riverside County Tax Assessor has not shared detailed information on the amount of property tax rebate applied to Mills Act properties; however, County staff have said the rebate can range from 40 to 70 % and that amount is based upon several factors including length of ownership, annual income of property, annual operating expenses, capitalization rate, etc. Currently, there are 179 Mills Act properties in the City, and the median residential tax bill is $4,250 per year. Based on these figures, City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 -- Page 4
Historic Designation – Sagewood Condominiums
the potential loss in revenue to the City could range from approximately $300,000 to over $530,000 annually. It should be noted that the Mills Act contract is one of few tools available to incentivize reinvestment into restoration and ongoing maintenance of historic resources, and that properly maintained Mills Act properties likely have a net positive effect on surrounding property values that may offset the loss in direct revenue over time.
Council would evaluate the merits of any Mills Act contract application at such time that one is sought.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Christopher Hadwin
Assistant City Manager: Flinn Fagg
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Draft Resolution.
C. Application, related background materials, photos.
D. HSPB resolution, staff report, minute excerpt.