HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-15 Q&A Memo
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: December 15, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers
From: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk
Subject: City Council Meeting of December 15, 2022
Below you will find questions received from the Mayor and/or Councilmembers and answers provided
by City staff regarding tonight’s City Council meeting:
ITEM 3A: CONSIDERATION FOR ADOPTION OF AN URGENCY ORDINANCE (ZOA 22-0005)
AMENDING SECTION 25.34.030 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE (PDMC)
RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Q1. Would the adoption of the urgency ordinance expose our city to litigation or penalties
from the state?
A1: The State’s ADU law allows local jurisdictions limited authority to modify their own ADU
ordinances. Staff worked with the City Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance that met the
City’s goal while staying within the new ADU state mandate. After adoption of the ordinance by
the City, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will review
and submit written findings to the City as to whether the ordinance complies with state ADU
law. If the City’s ordinance does not comply, HCD must provide a reasonable time, no longer
than 30 days, for the City to respond, and consider HCD’s findings to amend the ordinance to
become compliant.
If the City does not make changes and implements an ordinance that is not compliant with
state law, HCD may refer the matter to the Attorney General. Examples of penalties may
include de-certification of the housing element leading to fines, mandated compliance,
moratoriums on building permits, avenues for lawsuit by State, and suspension of local land
use power.
ITEM 3E: RESOLUTION TO CONSIDER REVOCATION OF BUSINESS LICENSE CERTIFICATE
NO. 13709873 FOR THE SWEET SPOT CLUB LOCATED AT 73338 HIGHWAY 111, #O,
PALM DESERT, PURSUANT TO PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE §?5.04.160
Q1: What dates were the screenshots taken on pages 3E-61 to 3E-69?
A1: The screenshots on pages 61-67 were taken on 11/18/2022 and pages 68-69 were taken on
11/21/2022.