Palm Desert User Fee Update

The City of Palm Desert is updating its user and regulatory fees for development and construction services to more accurately reflect the true cost of providing these services. Most of these fees have not been comprehensively reviewed in more than a decade.

This update ensures that the City can continue delivering efficient, high-quality service to residents, businesses, and the development community, while maintaining fairness and transparency in how costs are shared.

These new fees will take effect on October 27, 2025.

Why We’re Making This Change

As Palm Desert continues to grow, so does the demand for timely permitting, plan review, and inspection services. Updating fees allows the City to keep pace with that demand and maintain the exceptional service levels our community expects.

The revised fees are based on a comprehensive study by ClearSource Financial Consulting and will be phased in over three years to help ease the transition. This update ensures that developers and applicants contribute appropriately for the services they directly benefit from, reducing reliance on general taxpayer funds to support private development activities.

The City’s goals with this change are to:

• Reflect the actual cost of service delivery
• Ensure fairness and transparency
• Reduce reliance on taxpayer subsidies
• Align fee responsibility with those who directly benefit from the services

Related Documents

• Public Hearing Notice
• User Fee Study Report

Palm Desert Launches New Permitting Software on October 27

The City of Palm Desert is upgrading to Clariti, a new online permitting system designed to make the process faster, easier, and more transparent for contractors, homeowners, and design professionals.

Starting October 27, 2025, all new permit applications will be processed through Clariti. This modern platform allows users to submit applications, upload plans, track progress, and pay fees—all in one convenient place.

As part of this transition, updated permitting fees will also take effect on October 27 to reflect the City’s current service costs and support continued efficiency improvements.

Apply for a Permit Using Clariti

• Apply for a Permit using our Clariti Portal
• Need Help?
  • Use our Clariti Guide for step-by-step instructions and a checklist of required materials

If you previously submitted a permit through eTRAKiT and would like an update on your application, please contact the Development Services Center:

• Phone: (760) 776-6430
• Email: dscinfo@palmdesert.gov

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you have questions about the updated fees or how they may apply to your project, our Development Services team is happy to assist.

• Phone: (760) 776-6430
• Send an email: dscinfo@palmdesert.gov

Our team can provide details about specific fee categories, timelines, and how the phased implementation works.