CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MAY 27, 2026 BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED, “AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.45 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION”
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Jeremy Hammond, Deputy City Manager
SUMMARY:
The City of Palm Springs has adopted Chapter 2.45 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to establish and define the actions of a Human Rights Commission. This report provides the City Council with the opportunity to review and consider adopting updates to this Chapter of the Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDATION:
Waive the reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and read by title only, and introduce on first reading Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.45 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION”.
BACKGROUND:
This item was brought before the City Council on February 22, 2025, where the City Council provided additional feedback on the proposed ordinance and asked the Human Rights Commission to perform additional work on the revisions. The Commission spent substantial time working on the revisions including a presentation and working session with the City Attorney’s Office to better understand the interplay between domestic partnerships and marriage.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
These updated revisions presented to the City Council make reference to the landmark Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges that recognized that the fundamental right to marriage is guaranteed to same-sex couples. Noting the changing political landscape
City Council Staff Report
May 27, 2026 -- Page 2
Human Rights Commission - Ordinance
that is hostile to that decision, the proposed revisions ensure that the domestic partnership benefits within the Code that were available through the City before the Obergefell decision will become operative should the right to same-sex marriage be overruled.
During Council’s prior review, an interest was expressed in language confirming the Commission’s work directly supporting the established priorities and goals of the City Council. Staff is currently working on a revision to Chapter 2.06 of the Municipal Code, Boards and Commissions – General Provisions, to include this language and its applicability to all Boards and Commissions, not just the Human Rights Commission.
Staff have worked with the City Attorney to prepare Attachment A, an ordinance to amend Section 2.45 of the City of Palm Springs Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The requested City Council action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organization or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This action meets the City Council’s Strategic Plan Overarching Principle of Social Equity.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action is not anticipated to have any significant fiscal impact.
REVIEWED BY:
Deputy City Manager: Jeremy Hammond
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Proposed Ordinance to Revise Municipal Code Section 2.45 Human Rights Commission