Hillside Residential Design Standards

Upcoming Public Hearing - January 8, 2026

Please scroll down to learn about this hearing and how you can participate in the meeting.

Overview

The City of Palm Desert is in the process of developing Hillside Residential Design Standards to guide future development within the City’s hillside neighborhoods. These standards will apply to new residential structures, additions, grading, and landscaping in areas adjacent to the City’s natural open spaces and sloped terrain.

The purpose of these standards is to preserve the scenic beauty, natural features, and overall character of Palm Desert’s hillside areas while providing clear and consistent guidelines for property owners and developers. This page serves as a central resource for project updates, meeting notices, and opportunities to provide public input.

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Why it Matters

Palm Desert values the visual and environmental importance of its hillside areas, including the Santa Rosa Mountains and Cahuilla Hills. These areas provide open space, recreational opportunities, and scenic views for residents and visitors. Thoughtful hillside design standards will help maintain this unique character while supporting appropriate and well-integrated residential development.

Project Goals

• Maintain visual harmony between hillside development and the natural landscape
• Preserve scenic views and topographic features
• Ensure sensitive grading and site design
• Promote sustainable development practices
• Provide clear and consistent guidance to property owners and applicants

January 8, 2026 - City Council Public Hearing

The Palm Desert City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adopting the Hillside Residential Objective Design Standards and related amendments to Title 25 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.

• Thursday, January 8, 2026
• 4:00 p.m.
• City Hall, Council Chamber
• 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260

The meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting, allowing the public to participate in person or remotely. Instructions for virtual participation can be found on this page of the city's website: https://www.palmdesert.gov/connect/city-council.

Past Meetings & Civic Engagement

At a public hearing on December 16, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed Hillside Residential Design Standards and found the project exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

On June 18, 2025, the City hosted a community meeting to engage residents and stakeholders in the Hillside Residential Design Standards update process. The meeting provided an opportunity to learn more about the project and share feedback on preliminary concepts. City staff reviewed existing hillside conditions, summarized relevant General Plan policies and zoning regulations, and presented initial findings and considerations for the proposed standards. The meeting concluded with a public question-and-answer session and open discussion, allowing participants to provide input and help inform the next phase of the project.

Earlier in the process, on March 27, 2025, the Palm Desert City Council held a study session to review existing conditions in hillside residential areas and discuss goals for future design standards. The session included a presentation by City staff and the City’s consultant, JKA, and helped lay the groundwork for subsequent public engagement and policy development.

Project Materials

• Presentation from March 27, 2025, Study Session
• Presentation from December 16, 2025, Planning Commission
• Upcoming - Public Hearing January 8, 2026

Get Involved

Your input is important. The City encourages all interested community members to attend the meeting or share their feedback directly with the Planning Division.

• Email: planning@palmdesert.gov

You may also submit comments or questions through the form below.