HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - 2023-08-24 Study Session
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL,
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY,
AND HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING
REGULAR MEETING POST-MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, August 24, 2023
2:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Palm Desert City Council will convene for a Study Session on
Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Palm Desert Civic Center, 73510
Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Said Study Session will be to review topics listed on the agenda
below. No action will be taken at this study session.
NOTE: Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted by teleconference. Study
Session is accessible in person or on the City’s website: www.palmdesert.gov under the Council
Agenda link at the top of the page.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION
2.STUDY SESSION TOPICS
2.a Provide input on the public review draft of the Objective Design Standards
for Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use Development
3
2.b Survey of State Housing Law Updates (2017 through 2022)155
3.ADJOURNMENT
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 24, 2023
PREPARED BY: Nick Melloni, Principal Planner
REQUEST: STUDY SESSION TO PROVIDE INPUT ON THE PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
OF THE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider and provide input on the public review draft of the Palm Desert Objective Design
Standards (ODS) for multifamily residential and mixed-use residential development
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
In response to recent state laws enacted to bolster the State’s Housing Accountability Act,
including Senate Bill (SB) 35, and SB 330/SB 8, the City Council approved a Professional
Services Agreement with John Kaliski Architects (JKA) to assist the City in the development of
Objective Design Standards (ODS) for multifamily and mixed-use. ODS are architectural design
and review standards, which are measurable, quantifiable, clear, and enforceable; they provide
specific guidance on design qualities such as building orientation, façade articulation, exterior
building materials, and roof height variation.
In preparation of the standards, JKA has reviewed policies of the general plan, reviewed existing
and recently approved multi-family residential projects, and current design guidelines
procedures. The City has also conducted a community workshop with residents and developers
on June 19, 2023, and held study sessions with the Architectural Review Commission (ARC)
and Planning Commission (PC) on the topic. The Public Review Draft is the result of work
completed to date and covers topics including, but not limited to:
Site Design – Parking, building placement, open space, etc.
Landscape – Paving, plant material, shade coverage, etc.
Built elements – Fences, trash enclosures, utility boxes
Building Design – Massing, scale, and proportion
The goal of this session is to provide opportunities to feedback and input on the Draft. The next
steps for staff will be to incorporate feedback into the standards, bring the item to Planning
Commission for adoption (September 2023), and Council for adoption (September 28, 2023).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Palm Desert ODS – Public Review Draft – August 15, 2023
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Palm Desert City Council
Mayor Kathleen Kelly
Mayor Pro Tem Karina Quintanilla
Council Member Gina Nestande
Council Member Jan Harnik
Council Member Evan Trubee
Palm Desert Planning Commission
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna
Commissioner John Greenwood
Commissioner Ron Gregory
Commissioner Lindsay Holt
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto
Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission
Commissioner James Blakely
Commissioner Dean Wallace Colvard
Commissioner Nicholas Latkovic
Commissioner Michael McAuli e
Commissioner James McIntosh
Commissioner Francisco Sanchez
Commissioner John Vuksic
City of Palm Desert
Richard D.Cannone,AICP,Director of Development
Services
Nick Melloni,Principal Planner
Carlos Flores,Senior Planner
Consultant Team
JOHN KALISKI ARCHITECTS (JKA)
John Kaliski,FAIA,NCARB,Principal
Amee Bhatt,LEED AP,Project Manager
Amanda Lee,Job Captain
German Diaz,Designer
TAJIMA OPEN DESIGN OFFICE (TODO)
Takako Tajima,AIA,NCARB,PLA,Principal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 What are Objective Design Standards?
1.2 Palm Desert Setting and Character
1.3 Multifamily and Mixed-Use ODS Goals and
Objectives
1.4 Multifamily and Mixed-Use Housing in Palm
Desert
1.5 Applicability
1.6 How to Use the Standards
2.0 OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (ODS)
2.1 Project Site Objective Design Standards
2.2 Landscape and Open Space Objective
Design Standards
2.3 Building Architecture Objective Design
Standards
2.4 Parking Objective Design Standards
3.0 ODS COMPLIANCE CHECKLISTS
3.1 City of Palm Desert Multifamily Compliance
Checklist
3.2 City of Palm Desert Mixed-Use Compliance
Checklist
4.0 GLOSSARY
A.APPENDICES
A.1 Outreach Phase I
A.2 Outreach Phase II
A.3 Outreach Phase III
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 What are Objective Design Standards?
Traditionally,the City of Palm Desert (City or Palm Desert)has used design guidelines with “shoulds”to
shape new project designs.An example of a design guideline that follows this type of logic is,“long,
unbroken facades and unarticulated box-like forms should be avoided.”Palm Desert traditionally relied
on its Architectural Review Commission at regularly scheduled public meetings to interpret these design
requirements and,as appropriate,approve projects that incorporated these requirements to ensure that
the character and quality of new developments,including multifamily and mixed-use projects,met
community design expectations.
Recent State of California legislation has been adopted to reduce obstacles to housing production and
streamline the approval of projects that include multifamily housing -projects with buildings that contain
three or more dwelling units,apartments,and mixed-use projects that include a residential component.
Senate Bill 35 and Senate Bill 330,gone into e ect in 2018 and 2020 respectively,have disallowed the
use of “should”statements that require additional discretionary review,such as the review of an
architectural review body,if the project otherwise meets all of the City’s zoning standards.
Since the adoption of this legislation,multifamily and mixed-use developments may now only be
approved utilizing quantifiable,measurable,and objective design standards (ODS)or “shall”policies.For
instance,a design standard that states “no facade shall exceed 36 feet in length without at least a
two-foot planar o set that is a minimum of six feet in in length”establishes a “yes”or “no”evaluative
criteria for both the applicant or City of Palm Desert Sta (Sta )that respectively design or review a
prospective project.Per State legislation,if a project with a multifamily or mixed-use residential
component meets the criteria of the design standard,all other objective planning criteria are met,and
the project does not otherwise trigger a discretionary review,for example a tract map review and
approval,Sta must approve the project.
Given the requirements described above and that many projects are by-right and do not require
discretionary actions,it is key that the design values and policies of a city be reflected in quantifiable
design standards that are utilized by Sta to ministerially approve projects.The ODS of this policy align
with Palm Desert’s design goals and establish a measurable and quantifiable basis for ministerial design
approvals that help designers,applicants,and City reviewers ensure that new multifamily and mixed-use
developments conserve and enhance this community’s setting and character.
1.2 Palm Desert Setting and Character
The City of Palm Desert (‘City’or ‘Palm Desert’)is situated on a gently downward sloping,north-to-south
geographic plane in the Coachella Valley.Set in a low north-western extension of the Sonoran Desert,the
City’s climate is warm throughout the year and hottest from May through October.Days are typically
clear and cloudless with bright sunshine.There is little rain but often strong winds,particularly from
mid-March through mid-July.Strong prevailing winds typically blow in from west to east during the
summer,and from north to south from mid-November through mid-February.The City enjoys views of
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high mountains to the south,west,and north,with snow caps visible at the highest elevations during the
winter months.While water-intensive lawns and non-native plants do well in the sunny environment,
given increasing water scarcity and long-term predictions of drought,drought-tolerant and native fauna
increasingly define newer landscapes.
The City’s General Plan,adopted in 2016,defines and establishes many guiding themes regarding the
design character of future development in this City’s desert environment.Design-centric goals that
shape this overarching planning policy document include:
●The protection and enhancement of natural surroundings.
●Accessibility and connectivity.
●Planning and designing at a moderate density and scale so that the pedestrian experience is the
primary focus.
More specific General Plan design-oriented goals,such as high-quality landscaping,walkable block
lengths,neighborhood transitions and scale,and shaded sidewalks are also addressed by the objective
design standards (ODS)found within this policy.
1.3 Multifamily and Mixed-Use ODS Goals and Objectives
To achieve a best,safe,comfortable,and energy e cient fit between the natural desert circumstance of
Palm Desert and its newer buildings,landscapes,and human environments,new multifamily and
mixed-use projects shall be shaped by design standards that incorporate understandings of this
community’s unique environmental,geographic and climatic place factors.
The following objectives,based upon this environmental design goal,shape the development of new
multifamily and mixed-use design standards.
1.Link new multifamily and mixed-use structures to the natural environment through optimized
building design that conserves or opens onto mountain views from public open spaces and
rights-of-way.
2.Create human-scale connectivity between new multifamily and mixed-use projects,the outdoor
environment,and existing buildings and neighborhoods through project design that supports
walkability,alternative transit uses including bicycles and transit stops,and safe,
pedestrian-oriented sidewalks and pathways.
3.Design building environments with open space,landscape,and architecture that provides shade
and protection from desert sun and prevailing winds.
4.Orient new multifamily and mixed-use structures to existing and new street frontages,sidewalks,
and the prevailing settings of existing districts,neighborhoods,and buildings.
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5.Utilize native and/or drought-tolerant landscape as an integral design component of new
multifamily and mixed-use projects,particularly within passive and active recreational open
spaces,along parkways,pathways and public sidewalks,at bu ers abutting adjacent sites,and at
parking areas.
6.Plant shade trees with each new multifamily and mixed use project to reduce the impact of
urbanized heat islands,foster walkability,outdoor gathering,and comfort.
7.Reflect the local desert environment through use of architectural details that provide shelter
from direct sunlight and prevailing winds,as well as use of materials and colors that are seen in
local natural settings.
The multifamily and mixed-use design standards of this policy are based upon the above goal and
objectives.Use of this policy’s design standards by applicants as they plan and design projects will foster,
new building by new building,a consistently applicable design quality related to General Plan policies,a
greater desert-oriented integration of architecture with the City’s desert setting,and increased
project-by-project identity that enhances the value of Palm Desert’s built environment.
1.4 Multifamily and Mixed-Use Housing in Palm Desert
The Palm Desert Municipal Code defines any project that includes three or more units as a multifamily
development.Home to a range of multifamily housing types,from triplexes surrounding the downtown
area to medium-density apartments and higher-intensity planned developments to the north of the
City’s core,future multifamily residential developments will best maintain a high-quality standard of
design through use of massing and scale,architectural components,details,landscape,materials and
colors that grow out of an appreciation of and fit with the Sonoran Desert surrounds.
The Multifamily Typology Transect (TBD)illustrates a range of housing types that fit the Palm Desert
context,from the Downtown area with its infill parcels to larger undeveloped parcels.The transect begins
with triplexes and increases incrementally to include quadplexes,attached townhomes,then courtyard,
garden and tuck-under apartments,and finally higher-intensity residential multiplexes that are no taller
than three stories.Any multifamily typology of higher density is not generally applicable in Palm Desert
unless achieved through allowed housing bonuses that provide for a ordable housing.
Mixed-use developments,while not a prevalent typology in Palm Desert,are allowed in multiple land uses
per the City’s General Plan,including all of the City’s “Centers”,the “Town Center Neighborhood”,and
the “Regional Retail District”designations.The Mixed-Use Typology Transect (TBD)defines a range of
typical mixed-use building types that may be approved in Palm Desert starting with lower intensity
live-work projects followed by horizontal and vertical mixed-use typologies.In Palm Desert,the tallest
vertical mixed-use precedent shown is a five-story design only permitted at key intersections in the City
Center/Downtown area.
1.5 Applicability
The objective design standards in this document shall apply to specific housing developments,including:
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●Residential-only projects with three or more units
●Mixed-use projects with at least two-thirds (⅔)of the gross floor area square footage dedicated
to housing
●Supportive/transitional housing projects
If one of the above residential development projects is located in a Specific Plan area,this document
shall apply only if objective design standards particular to the Specific Plan area have not been adopted.
The objective design standards in this document do not apply to other residential uses not listed above,
such as single-family homes,duplexes,accessory dwelling units,or two-unit projects approved pursuant
to Senate Bill 9.This document does not apply to non-residential development.
1.6 How to Use the Standards
This document is a primary design reference and tool to use when designing new multifamily or
mixed-use projects in Palm Desert.The design standards of this policy assist project applicants and their
designer’s understanding of the minimum design standards that shall be met.The ODS are described in
Chapter 2 and are organized as follows:
●2.1 Project Site Objective Design Standards,consisting of project orientation and frontage
requirements.
●2.2 Open Space Objective Design Standards,defining landscape requirements,open space
amenities,and fencing and walls bordering project sites.
●2.3 Building Architecture Objective Design Standards focusing on building form,roofscapes,
architectural components,and exterior materials and colors.
●2.4 Parking Design Standards,setting criteria for surface parking lots and parking garages.
The ODS shall apply to all zones in the Palm Desert Municipal Code that allow multifamily and mixed-use
uses.All multifamily and mixed-use projects that are by-right developments shall be in compliance with
these standards.Compliance with the standards will help ensure a streamlined and consistent review and
approval process by Sta .The below steps should be followed at the start of designing new projects:
1.Review the Palm Desert General Plan to understand the goals and policies for new development.
2.Review the Palm Desert Municipal Code to determine the applicable zoning code land use
requirements that will shape the site and building design.
3.Review Chapter 2 in this document,Objective Design Standards,to identify the applicable design
standards for a multifamily or mixed-use project.
4.Throughout the design process utilize the applicable checklist in Chapter 3,Objective Design
Standards Compliance Checklists,to ensure that all design criteria are met before submittal to
the City for approval.
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To determine compliance with the ODS,Sta will use the same checklists to consistently review the
City’s design standards in relation to by-right multifamily and mixed-use residential project applications.
If a project application is determined to be in compliance with the objective design standards,Sta will
approve or recommend approval of the project design.An approved project design will still be subject to
all other applicable code requirements before a building permit may be issued.
Should a multifamily or mixed-use project not comply with one or more of the objective design
standards,the project applicant may 1)receive an explanation from Sta regarding the non-compliance,
revise the building design to be in compliance,and resubmit their application for approval,2)choose a
discretionary review process and meet with the Architectural Review Commission for project design
approval,or 3)withdraw their application.Discretionary projects require approval from the Architectural
Review Commission.
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2.0 OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (ODS)
2.1 Project Site Objective Design Standards
The following design standards shall be utilized for the site design of all new multifamily and mixed-use
projects,as well as additions to projects that are on sites and that increase the onsite building area by
more than 50 percent.
2.1.1.Maximum Frontage Length without Break.Public-facing street frontages longer than 450 feet
in length shall be separated by a public or private street,alley,or right-of-way.In lieu of a public
or private street,alley,or right-of-way,a minimum 30-foot wide and open-to-the-sky landscaped
open space inclusive of pedestrian pathways and parkways may be provided.
2.1.2.Project Orientation.Except within Downtown Districts,multifamily and mixed-use projects shall
be oriented toward and overlook public streets.To determine that a multifamily or mixed-use
project overlooks the public street,such projects shall incorporate a minimum of three of the
following project orientation components:
a.A landscaped setback a minimum of 20 feet deep as measured from the frontage
property line,or greater as determined by the setback requirements of the Zoning Code.
The landscaped setback shall be generally parallel to the project frontage and
incorporate shade trees,planted a maximum of 30 feet on center,within the first 20 feet
of depth along the property frontage line.
b.At least one open space that is a minimum of 20 feet in depth as measured
perpendicular to the public street,the size of which is in relation to the project’s total
street frontage length per the table below:
Street Frontage (feet)Minimum Open Space (square feet)
<150 feet 600 SF
151 >450 feet 1,500 SF
>450 feet 20%of the total frontage length times 25 feet
c.No fences,walls,and/or permanent planter boxes greater than 42 inches in height
placed along a minimum of 20 percent of the total length of frontage along public streets
and rights-of-way.
d.At least one publicly-accessible pedestrian entrance to the project for each 450 feet of
total frontage along public streets.
e.At the ground level of buildings generally parallel to and located within ten feet of a
public-street-facing frontage setback:street-facing and covered pedestrian entities,
stoops,and/or a minimum eight-foot clear width and depth porches,open-to-the-air
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galleries,recesses,ramadas,and/or open arcades along a minimum of 20 percent of the
total frontage that faces a public street.
2.1.3.Project Orientation,Downtown Districts.Notwithstanding 2.1.2 above,all new multifamily and
mixed-use projects shall be oriented toward and overlook public sidewalks and/or rights-of-way.
Project orientation shall incorporate a minimum of two of the following landscape and/or
architectural components:
a.At least one building entry and doorway per 150 feet of public street frontage.The
building entry and door shall face the adjoining frontage and have an angle of 30
degrees or less from the frontage.
b.Minimum eight-foot clear width and depth porches,open-to the air galleries,recesses,
ramadas,and open arcades at the ground level along a minimum of 45 percent of the
total street frontage,and/or a minimum four-foot clear depth awning,canopy,marque,or
similar projecting overhang at each ground-floor building opening facing or visible from
the public street frontage.
c.An on-site walkway and landscaped setback,a minimum of 20 feet wide as measured
from the front property line,that is generally parallel to the building frontage and
incorporates shade trees that are planted a maximum of 30 feet on center.
d.At least one open space that is a minimum of 20 feet in depth as measured
perpendicular to the public street,the size of which is in relation to the project’s total
street frontage length per the table below:
Street Frontage (feet)Minimum Open Space (square feet)
<150 feet 600 SF
151 >450 feet 1,500 SF
>450 feet 20%of the total frontage length times 25 feet
2.1.4.Driveway access and sidewalks.Vehicular driveways that access any public right-of-way shall
be adjoined by sidewalks on at least one side of the vehicular access drive.
2.1.5.Site Fences and Walls.Along public streets and rights-of-way,adjoining fences and walls shall
be constructed to meet the following standards.
a.On lots fronting public streets that are equal to or less than 15,000 square feet in size,no
fence,wall,or gate greater than 42 inches in height shall be placed within the required
front yard setback.
b.On lots fronting public streets that are greater than 15,000 SF in size and less than or
equal to one acre in size,no fence,wall,or gate shall be placed within the frontage
setback along public streets.Fences,walls,and gates,placed to the rear of the frontage
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setback and greater than 42 inches in height,shall not exceed 60 percent of the total
frontage length as measured along the setback line.
c.On lots that are greater than one acre in size,no fence,wall,or gate greater than 42
inches in height shall be placed within the frontage setback along public streets.Fences,
walls,and gates,placed to the rear of the frontage setback and greater than 42 inches in
height,shall not exceed 80 percent of the total frontage length as measured along the
setback line.
d.Fences and walls shall either:
i.Change in material for every 150 lineal feet of fence or wall
ii.O set at least 18 inches or incorporate a pilaster for every 30 lineal feet of fence
or wall
e.Fences and walls adjoining public streets or rights-of-way shall be constructed of the
following materials.
i.Brick
ii.Concrete
iii.Metal
iv.Stone,face stone,and/or veneer stone
v.Any combination of the above
2.1.6.Project finish grade,average.The average finish grade of a new project shall not exceed the
average grade of a site as existing upon the date of submission of a project application and as
established by a topographic survey by a licensed surveyor.See also ODS 2.3.1,Building height
measurement along public streets and ODS 2.3.2,Building height measurement ad joining a
single-family designated lot.
2.1.7.Project entries.Multifamily and mixed-use projects shall meet the following entry requirements:
a.At least one project entry shall be a publicly-visible door or gate that provides direct
entry to a building or open space,open-to-the-air plaza,patio,or courtyard.This project
entry shall be within 60 feet of the curb of a public street or public vehicular dropo
point.
b.On sites with total public street frontages equal to or less than 150 feet in length,at least
one project entry to an indoor or outdoor area,lobby,and/or dwelling unit(s)that is
visible from the public street frontage shall be provided.
c.On sites with total public street frontages greater than 150 feet in length and less than or
equal to 450 feet in length,a minimum of two project entries leading to an indoor or
outdoor area,lobby,and/or dwelling unit(s)that are visible from the public street
frontage shall be provided.
d.On sites with total public street frontages greater than 450 feet in length,a minimum of
two project entries leading to an indoor or outdoor area,lobby,and/or dwelling unit(s)
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that are visible from the public street frontage shall be provided for each 450 feet of
total length up to a total length of 1,350 feet,after which there is no additional project
entry requirement.
2.1.8.Project sidewalks and pathways.
a.All on-site buildings,entries,facilities,amenities,and vehicular and bicycle parking areas
shall be internally connected by on-site sidewalks as-needed pathways that may include
use of the public sidewalk.Where crossing public and private streets,access drives,drive
aisles,alleys,and marked crosswalks shall link to all public streets adjoining a project.
b.On-site sidewalks shall be at least five feet in unobstructed width.
c.A minimum five-foot width parkway shall be provided along at least one side of all onsite
sidewalks and pathways.
d.When an onsite sidewalk or pathway is provided within a required public street frontage
or setback that is 20 feet or greater in depth,a minimum five-foot width landscape
parkway shall be provided along both sides of the sidewalk or pathway.
e.Notwithstanding (d.)above,only one parkway is required at a project when at least one
of the following architectural components is placed along 60 percent of the ground floor
building frontage that adjoins a public street,required front yard,or public street
frontage setback:stoops;minimum eight-foot clear depth porches;arcades,galleries,
and ramadas;eight-foot minimum depth recesses;and 30-inch minimum depth
overhangs,trellises,and/or awnings.
2.1.9.Curb cuts,vehicular.Project curb cuts shall be designed as follows:
a.At sites with frontages greater than 50 feet in length and less than or equal to 150 feet in
length,only one curb cut shall be permitted.At sites greater than 150 feet in length,no
more than one curb cut shall be permitted for each 450 feet of street frontage.
b.On sites where the public street frontage is less than 450 feet in length,the maximum
width of a curb cut shall be no greater than 36 feet.
c.Any site that requires more than a 36-foot curb cut shall divide the curb cut with a
minimum five-foot width median such that no segment of the cut is more than 36 feet in
width.
d.Any curb cut that leads to a parking area with less than 25 spaces shall be no more than
24 feet in width.
2.1.10.Alleys.When alleys exist or are provided they shall be designed as follows:
a.Projects abutting an alley shall provide all vehicular access,including service access,
from the alley.
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b.Notwithstanding 2.1.8 above,if a new alley greater than 30 feet in width is provided,at
least one minimum five foot landscaped parkway shall be provided along 70 percent of
the total length of the alley,exclusive of the length of curb cuts for driveways,garages,
required red curbs for fire access,and vehicular access aisles.
2.2 Landscape and Open Space Objective Design Standards
The intent of the following landscape and open space objective design standards is to cultivate over time
a pedestrian-oriented open space along the public rights-of-way adjacent to multifamily and mixed-use
developments,with a visual and natural identity inspired by the surrounding native landscape of the
California Sonoran Desert.
2.2.1.Frontages.All frontages adjoining public and private streets shall be landscaped.
2.2.2.Setbacks.All front yard,side yard,street-facing side yard,and rear yard setbacks shall be
landscaped.
2.2.3.Canopy trees at public street-adjoining frontages and front yards.A minimum of one irrigated,
24-inch box tree shall be planted a maximum of 30 feet on center along frontages ad joining
public streets.
2.2.4.Canopy trees at front yards.Where a front yard setback is required,a minimum of one irrigated,
24-inch box tree shall be planted for each 900 square feet of setback area,less the area of any
driveways and sidewalks that cross and/or are within the front yard area.
2.2.5.Landscape islands.
a.Landscape islands shall be no less than five feet in length or width.
b.For surface parking lots with more than 30 parking spaces,a minimum 10 percent of the
area of a surface parking lot shall be landscape islands.The landscape islands shall be
located at the ends of parking rows and evenly distributed between parking spaces in
each row.
2.2.6.Canopy trees at surface parking lots.
a.One canopy tree is required for every three uncovered parking spaces.
b.One canopy tree is required for every eight covered parking spaces.
c.Canopy trees at surface parking lots shall be uniformly distributed across the surface
area of the lot,so that no parking space is more than 40 feet from the center of a canopy
tree.
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2.2.7.Canopy tree selection.Along frontages adjoining public streets and public rights-of-way and
yards where canopy trees are required,utilize a minimum of three species from the following list
and /or approved list of drought resistant canopy trees with no more than 50 percent of all
selected canopy trees comprising the same species.
a.‘Desert Museum’Palo Verde.Parkinsonia (Cercidium)x ‘Desert Museum.’
b.Palo Brea.Parkinsonia praecox.
c.Velvet Mesquite.Prosopis velutina.
d.Ironwood.Olneya tesota.
2.2.8.Canopy tree shade on sidewalks.Within required frontages and front yard setbacks with
sidewalks and pathways,all canopy trees shall be planted to cast shade onto the sidewalk for a
minimum of three hours a day during the months of June,July,and August within five years of
planting.
2.2.9.Specimen trees at frontage areas.In addition to canopy trees,a minimum of one irrigated,
24-inch box specimen tree shall be planted for each 900 square feet of frontage adjoining a
public street and/or right-of-way,less the area of driveways and sidewalks.
2.2.10.Specimen tree selection.Select a minimum of two species from the following and/or approved
list of drought resistant specimen trees with no more than 50 percent of all specimen trees
planted in required frontages ad joining public streets and public rights-of-way comprising the
same species.
a.Smoke Tree.Psorothamnus (Dalea)spinosus.
b.Honey Mesquite.Prosopis glandulosa.
i.Must be a thornless cultivar inclusive of Prosopis glandulosa ‘Maverick’or
Prosopis glandulosa 'AZT.'
c.Other plant materials TBD
2.2.11.Shrub and perennial groundcover at required frontages,public rights-of-way,and front
yards.For each continuous area of required frontage and/or required front yard area,a minimum
of 50 percent of the surface area shall be covered by live plant material within five years of
planting.
2.2.12.Shrub and perennial groundcover selection.Select a minimum of five species from the
following and/or approved list of drought resistant shrub and perennial ground cover with no
more than 30 percent of all live plant material in required frontage areas and/or front yards
comprising the same species.A minimum of three of the selected species shall be woody plants.
a.Shrub and perennial list TBD
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2.2.13.Use of thorned,serrated-edged,sharp-toothed,or sharp-edged plant materials.Thorned,
serrated-edged,sharp-toothed,or sharp-edged plant materials shall not be planted so as to
grow within two feet of a sidewalk or pathway and five feet from a children’s play area.
2.2.14.Inorganic ground cover.Within required frontages adjoining public streets and rights-of-way
and front setbacks,all ground surfaces not covered in live plant material shall be covered with
gravel,cobble,or boulders.
a.Select a minimum of one type of gravel and one type of cobble with no more than fifty
percent of all surfaces covered in inorganic ground cover comprising the same material.
b.Shrub and perennial groundcovers shall be planted next to and not within a bed of
cobble.
c.Any inorganic material utilized within a required frontage adjoining a public street or
right-of-way shall be of a color and value (light v.dark)that reflects more light than it
absorbs.
2.2.15.Boulders.For each continuous area of parkway and landscaped setback,locate a minimum of
one boulder for each five hundred square feet of landscaped setback area,less driveways and
sidewalks.
a.Boulders shall be spaced irregularly.
b.The bottom third of boulders shall be buried below grade.
2.2.16.On-site lighting.All exterior lighting shall be dark sky compliant and/or fully shielded and meet
the following design standards.1
a.Fully shielded.Exterior lighting shall be fully shielded and arranged so that the source
of the light can not be viewed directly.
b.Uplighting.Exterior uplighting is prohibited,unless used as architectural outdoor
lighting pursuant to Section 24.16.020 of the Palm Desert Code.
c.Lighting angle below the horizon.Exterior lighting shall restrain light from the source to
a minimum 30 degrees below the horizontal plane of the light source.
d.Pedestrian-oriented lighting.
i.Pedestrian-oriented lighting shall be provided along all on-site sidewalks and
pathways and exterior amenity spaces.
ii.On-site sidewalks,walkways,pathways,and paseos shall be illuminated to a
minimum of 1 foot-candle to ensure safe nighttime conditions.
1 See Section 24.16 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code for additional outdoor lighting requirements.
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iii.Stand-alone exterior lighting fixtures shall be a minimum of three feet and a
maximum of 14 feet in height.
iv.Light fixtures shall be placed along all on-site sidewalks and pathways at a
spacing of no more than 30 lineal feet on center.
2.2.17.Passive amenities.Projects shall incorporate passive amenities from the list below and/or a
City-approved list.
a.At least one passive amenity for projects under 20 units.
b.At least two passive amenities for projects between 20 to 50 units.
c.At least three passive amenities for projects over 50 units.
d.At least four passive amenities for projects over 100 units
e.Passive amenities;an amenity may be used multiple times and each passive amenity
provided counts as one amenity.
i.Gazebo
ii.Picnic Shelter
iii.Play Area,Children’s
iv.Water feature
v.Seating area(s)with benches and/or loose single chairs a minimum of 12 feet
wide in one dimension and 144 square feet in area per the following
requirements.
1.At least one seating area for projects under 20 units.
2.At least two seating areas for projects between 20 to 50 units.
3.At least three seating areas for projects over 50 units.
4.At least four seating areas for projects over 100 units
vi.Seating walls a minimum of eight feet in length per the following requirements.
1.At least one seating wall for projects under 20 units.
2.At least two seating walls for projects between 20 to 50 units.
3.At least three seating walls for projects over 50 units.
4.At least four seating walls for projects over 100 units
vii.Secured Package Lockers
2.2.18.Active amenities.Development projects shall incorporate active amenities as follows:
a.At least one active amenity for projects with greater than 20 units and less than 50
units.
b.At least two active amenities for projects with greater than 50 units and less than 100
units.
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c.For projects with 100 or more units,a minimum of three active amenities for the first 100
units,one additional amenity for projects greater than 100 units and less than 150 units,
and for projects 150 units and larger,one additional active amenity for each additional
100 units.
d.Active amenities shall be from the list below and/or a City-approved list.An active
amenity may be used multiple times and each passive amenity provided counts as one
amenity.
i.Barbeque
ii.Clubhouse and/or recreation room that opens onto an outdoor amenity area
iii.Community garden
iv.Court game facility exclusive of pickleball courts
v.Exercise area and/or par course
vi.Hot tub
vii.Jogging and/or par course
viii.Pet area and/or run and/or wash
ix.Play Area,Children’s
x.Pools
xi.Spas
2.2.19.Decorative art.Development projects shall include decorative outdoor art elements visible from
a public street or public right-of-way as follows.
a.At least one decorative art element for projects with 20 or more units and less than 50
units.
b.At least two decorative art elements for projects with 50 or more units and fewer than
100 units.
c.For projects with 100 or more units,a minimum of three decorative art elements for the
first 100 units,one additional decorative art element for projects greater than 100 units
and less than 150 units,and for projects of 150 units and larger,one additional
decorative art element for each additional 100 units.
2.3 Building Architecture Objective Design Standards
The following design standards shall be utilized for the design and architecture of new multifamily and
mixed-use buildings,as well as additions to buildings that increase the existing building area by more
than 50 percent.
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2.3.1.Building height measurement along public streets.The maximum building height of a
multifamily and mixed-use structure within 150 feet of the curb of a public street shall be
established by a vertical measurement from the elevation of the finished grade at the edge of the
right-of-way abutting the property line to the highest point of the structure,provided that a roof
shall be measured to the highest point of the roof.
2.3.2.Building height measurement adjoining a R-1,R-1M,R-E,R-2,and for PR regulation-based
properties which are at a density of PR-10 or lower.The maximum building height of a
multifamily and mixed use structure within 150 feet of a R-1,R-1M,R-E,R-2,or PR regulation
properties with a density of PR-10 or lower property line shall be established by a vertical
measurement from the elevation of the finished grade along the property line of the
single-family zoned property to the highest point of the structure,provided that a roof shall be
measured to the highest point of the roof.
2.3.3.Transitional height abutting R-1,R-1M,R-E,R-2,and for PR regulation-based properties
which are at a density of PR-10 or lower.When a multifamily or mixed-use building is placed on
a lot that abuts or is across an alley or right-of-way from a R-1,R-1M,R-E,R-2,or PR regulation
properties with a density of PR-10 or lower property line,the otherwise allowed building height
shall be modulated by an inward leaning 45-degree angled plane inclined towards the
multifamily or mixed-use building at a 45-degree angle as measured from a horizontal plane
originating 24 feet above grade at the abutting property line.
2.3.4.Maximum building height at public street-facing frontages.In addition to the minimum
horizontal setbacks otherwise required by the Municipal Code,and with the exception of parcels
designated Downtown (D)District,Downtown Edge (DE)District,Downtown Core Overlay (D-O),
Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DE-O),and Civic/Open Space,building heights abutting
public street frontages shall not exceed the following:
Distance from Street-Facing
Setback (feet)
Multifamily Maximum Building
Height (feet/stories)
Mixed-Use Building Height
(feet/stories)
0-30 feet 24’/2 Stories w/Flat Roof 24’w/Flat Roof
>30 feet per Municipal Code per Municipal Code
2.3.5.Building wall,maximum length.For both new structures and existing structures with an
addition,no building wall shall exceed 425 feet in length.
2.3.6.Building breaks,open to the sky.When building walls exceed the maximum building length
defined in 2.3.5 above,a minimum 30-foot open-to-the-sky separation shall be provided
between resulting structures.These open-to-the-sky building breaks shall provide for
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landscaped public and private rights-of-way,courts,passageways,paseos,and/or other active
and/or passive landscaped open spaces.
2.3.7.Building modulation.Buildings shall be broken into major and minor masses and/or feature
architectural modulation utilizing at least two of the following:
a.Utilization of minimum 6-foot clear width ground level arcades,open-to-the-air galleries,
colonnades,porches,recesses,ramadas and trellis structures placed along a minimum of
80 percent of the ground floor length of two building faces.Within the Downtown (D)
District,Downtown Core Overlay (D-O),and Downtown Edge Transition Overlay districts,
the minimum clear width of ground level arcades,open-to-the-air galleries,colonnades,
porches,recesses,ramadas and trellis structures shall be no less than 8-feet.
b.For each 50-feet of building wall length incorporation of open-to-the-sky recesses in
mass and bulk,or projections of mass and bulk,that are a minimum of 8 feet in length
and 3 feet in depth.
c.Use of minor building masses contrasted with major building masses where the wall area
of the minor masses is a maximum of 40 percent of the total wall area.
d.At the top floor of the building,a minimum 6-foot clear width setback from the floor
immediately below along at least two sides of the building.
e.Utilization of sun-screening elements including sunshades,awnings,canopies,windows,
doors,and openings at south-and west-facing building walls.
f.Covered and open to the air balconies where the area of the projections or recesses of
the balconies constitute a minimum of 15 percent of the building walls.
g.Roof overhangs or projections that provide a minimum of 8’of vertical shaded wall at
noon on the summer solstice.
h.Vertical and irrigated landscape within five feet of walls that achieves per specification a
minimum 20 feet of height after five years of growth screening at least two walls and 30
percent of the perimeter of a structure.
i.Utilization of two or more building wall materials where the first material constitutes a
maximum of 30 percent of the building’s total wall area less openings and is
non-cementitious,and a second material constitutes no more than 70 percent of the
total wall area less openings.
j.Buildings where the building footprint immediately below the top floor constitutes no
more than 80 percent of the building footprint immediately below.
k.Inclusion of a tower element(s)that is no more than half the height of the floor-to-floor
height of the tallest building story.The tower element shall be recessed or projected
from the rest of the building mass by a minimum of two feet.
Two-story buildings that do not front a public street or public right-of-way are not required to
meet the modulation requirements of this section.
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2.3.8.Vehicle entrances.Where vehicle entries are incorporated into a building wall facing a public
street,the facade shall incorporate two of the following three components:
a.A vehicle entrance that is set back a minimum of 20 feet from the back of sidewalk or
required setback,whichever is more.
b.Where a person entrance is provided adjacent to the garage opening,a minimum
five-foot wide sidewalk leading to the public street and sidewalk.
c.At least one minimum five foot in width landscape area adjoining the vehicle access
drive and leading from the public street to the garage entrance.
2.3.9.Upper story floor area limit.The gross area of the top story of buildings including exterior walls
and roof projections sand overhangs hall be a maximum of 80 percent of the floor immediately
below,inclusive of required stair structures,mechanical and utility penthouses,elevator
overrides,towers,and rooftop common area structures including trellises and overhangs.
2.3.10.Roof types.The following roof types shall be utilized:
a.Butterfly roof
b.Clearstory roof
c.Conical roof
d.Cross-hipped roof
e.Curved/barrel vaulted roof
f.Dome roof
g.Flat roof
h.Gable roof
i.Hexagonal roof
j.Hip and valley roof
k.Intersecting gable roof
l.Hip roof
m.M -shaped roof
n.Monitor roof
o.Pyramid hip roof
p.Sawtooth roof
q.Skillion roof
r.Shed roof
s.Combination of any of the above
No other roof types or forms are permitted.
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2.3.11.Roof slopes.The pitch of sloped roofs,other than conical roofs,curved or barrel roofs,or dome
roofs shall be no less than 2:12 and no greater than 4:12.
2.3.12.Sloped roof materials.Sloped roofs shall utilize one of the following materials:
a.Concrete or lightweight concrete tile.
b.Metal that is non-reflective.
c.Solar panel tiles,solar roof tiles,or solar shingles.
d.Natural tone or slate tile.
e.Terracotta tile or simulated terracotta tile.
2.3.13.Prohibited roof materials.
a.Asphalt-shingle roofs.
b.Glass roofs or skylights that comprise more than 10 percent of the total gross area of the
floor below.
c.Corrugated metal roofing.
2.3.14.Flat roof vertical modulation,mixed-use buildings.Flat roofs shall be modulated a minimum of
42 inches vertically at least once every 50 feet.
2.3.15.Flat roof vertical modulation,multifamily buildings.Flat roofs shall be modulated a minimum
of 42 inches vertically at least once every 36 feet.
2.3.16.Flat roof horizontal modulation,mixed-use buildings.Flat roofs shall be modulated a minimum
of five feet horizontally at least once every 50 feet.Alternatively,when the length of ground level
arcades,colonnades,galleries,porches,ramadas,recesses,and/or overhangs,are a minimum of
80 percent of the total length of the perimeter length facing public streets,no flat roof horizontal
modulation needs be provided.
2.3.17.Flat roof horizontal modulation,multifamily buildings.Flat roofs shall be modulated a
minimum of 18 inches horizontally at least once every 36 feet.Alternatively,when the length of
arcades,porches,ramadas,colonnades,recesses,balconies,and upper level terraces at the
perimeter of the structure are a minimum of 60 percent of the total perimeter,no flat roof
horizontal modulation needs be provided.
2.3.18.Greenhouses.Greenhouses that are incorporated into a mixed-use or multifamily structure and
whose total floor area is 10 percent or less of the total gross floor area of the building are exempt
from the roof type,slope,modulation,and materials requirements of these design standards.
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2.3.19.Building wall materials.A building shall utilize at least two of the following exterior wall
materials:
a.Cementitious or acrylic stucco or an exterior insulating and finish system with a
cementitious finish.
b.Two stucco textures.If a float finish is utilized for one of the stucco textures,the second
stucco texture shall be a float or dash finish stucco and shall be utilized at a minimum of
10 percent of the total wall area.
c.Two stucco colors with at least one of the stucco colors utilized at a minimum of 10
percent of the total wall area.
d.Metal panels that are non-reflective.
e.Natural stone or manufactured stone veneer at a minimum of 10 percent of the total wall
area.
f.Terra cotta tile and/or rain screens.
g.Colored precision block,glazed block,face brick,face stone,split face block,shot blast
block,or slump stone at a minimum of 10 percent of the total wall area.
2.3.20.Wall material transitions.Transitions between di ering material and colors on the walls of a
building facade shall utilize at least one of the following design methodologies.
a.An inside corner where planes intersect.
b.Utilization of a reveal,projecting band,and or planar o set to mark the transition
between the base,middle,and top of the building.
c.Use of a building detail,such as a cornice,belt course,roof projection or eave,and/or
habitable or decorative projections.
d.Utilization of recesses or projections at windows a minimum of 3 inches in depth at all
windows and openings.
e.An o set in plane where the material transition or color occurs with a minimum depth of
five inches.
2.3.21.Prohibited building wall materials.100 percent glass buildings are prohibited.
2.3.22.Openings,multifamily buildings.For multifamily buildings,the area of openings in walls above
the first level,inclusive of doors and windows and exclusive of any floor-to-floor and
floor-to-roof wall area shaded by porches,verandas,arcades,galleries,ramadas,trellises,
open-to-the-air recesses,continuous brise-soleil and other open-to-the-air architectural
screening elements,shall constitute a minimum of 15 percent and a maximum of 40 percent of
the total wall area above the first level.
2.3.23.Openings,mixed-use buildings.
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a.Glazing at the ground level of walls that face a public street shall constitute a minimum
of 60 percent of the total wall length and such glazing shall be a minimum of 8-feet in
height.
b.Notwithstanding (a.)above,no glazing shall be required at the ground floors of buildings
fronted by a porch,veranda,arcade,gallery,ramada,projecting trellis,open-to-the-air
recess,or permanent overhang that is a minimum of eight feet in clear depth along at
least 80 percent of the length of any wall that faces a public street.
c.At upper levels of mixed-use buildings,the total area of glazing shall be a minimum of 15
percent of the total wall area.
d.The combined surface area of windows,doors,or other openings inclusive of continuous
glass systems shall comprise no more than 60 percent of the total wall area of any
individual mixed-use building face.
2.3.24.Ground-level transparency,multifamily buildings.
a.Multifamily buildings facing public streets shall provide ground floor porches,ramadas,
colonnades,or recesses that are a minimum of six feet in clear depth and seven feet in
height along a minimum of 30 percent of the building length.
b.Multifamily buildings shall provide a minimum 15 percent and a maximum of 30 percent
transparent glazing and/or openings at building walls above the ground level as
measured from the finish floor level to the underside of the floor or roof above.
2.3.25.Ground-level transparency,mixed-use buildings.The design of mixed-use building walls facing
public streets shall either provide openings at arcades,galleries,colonnades,or recesses that are
a minimum of 8-feet in clear depth and height along a minimum of 80 percent of the ground
level,and/or provide glazing set back a minimum of one foot from the building face for a
minimum of 40 percent of the ground level building wall area as measured from the finish floor
level to the underside of the floor or roof above.
2.3.26.Ground-floor openings at parking garages and utility and mechanical areas except in the
Downtown (D)District,Downtown Edge (DE)District,Downtown Core Overlay (D-O),and
Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DE-)land use designations.Openings at parking garages,
utility and mechanical rooms adjoining public street frontages shall be screened from view by at
least one of the following:
a.Vertical landscape and/or climbing vines on metal screens,and/or wires that cover at
least 60 percent of the openings of any parking deck,and/or mechanical or utility room
opening.
b.Use of decorative,non-reflective metal grills,glass,or panels with a minimum opacity of
50 percent that cover at least 60 percent of the openings of any parking deck,and/or
mechanical or utility room opening.
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2.3.27.Window details.Building windows and doors shall utilize at least two of the following:
a.Three distinct sizes of windows.
b.Shading devices including shutters,exterior blinds,awnings,brise-soleil,sun screens
and/or decorative architectural details that create a distinct shadow line at a minimum
60 percent of openings.
c.Recesses or projections a minimum of 3 inches in depth at a minimum of 60 percent of
all openings.
d.Trim around the opening that is no less than four inches in width and creates a projection
or recess no less than two inches in depth.
e.Use of metal-clad,thermally-broken metal or steel,and/or wood windows or doors at all
openings.
f.Exterior shades.
2.3.28.Windows,storage,utilities,and screening.Where windows open onto a utility or storage use or
occupancy,the window opening shall be provided with interior or exterior screening including an
interior or exterior shade,and/or decorative and/or obscuring glass.
2.3.29.Balcony design.
a.Balconies shall be a minimum of six feet in clear depth.
b.Balconies shall be recessed or shaded by balconies or roof projections immediately
above and/or by minimum four-foot deep awnings,canopies,ramadas,recesses,and/or
trellises.
2.3.30.Electrical Utilities.All electrical utility equipment,electrical meters,and junction boxes shall be
placed within a utility room.
2.3.31.Mechanical and electrical equipment screening.With the exception of ground-mounted
transformers that shall meet the requirements of the utility provider,all mechanical equipment,
including new and replacement equipment that is free-standing,and wall mounted equipment,
shall be fully screened from all views by one of the following:
a.Solid parapets and/or walls that are a minimum of one foot taller than the mechanical
equipment as measured from the roof deck to the highest point of the equipment.
b.Louvers equipment boxes that are incorporated into a wall.
c.Walls that are a minimum 50 percent opaque and that are set within landscape areas
that in plan provide a landscape border a minimum 18 inches wide around the perimeter
of at least two sides of the equipment pad.
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Window mounted equipment is permitted at existing buildings that include an addition if not
visible from any public street.
2.3.32.Facade colors.
a.Color palette.Building exteriors shall utilize neutral and/or earth tone and/or or neutral
or earth tone Sonoran Desert regional colors as published by third parties or the City of
Palm Desert.To demonstrate compliance with this requirement,applicants shall include
samples or printouts of selected exterior colors with their application,provide a key to
color use on elevation drawings,and provide third party material and/or color chart(s),
brochure(s),web page(s)addresses,or other publication(s)materials that relate the
proposed building color(s)to a neutral,earth tone,and/or neutral and/or earth tone
Sonoran Desert color choice.
b.Accent colors.A maximum of ten percent of the building facade area,including but not
limited to walls,doors,window details,cornices,and belt courses,may be with accent
colors not considered a neutral,earth tone,and/or Sonoran Desert color choice.
c.Prohibited Colors.Except as an accent color or a window,trim,fence,or gate color,the
use of black color on buildings is prohibited.
2.3.33.Water drainage devices.
a.At mixed use buildings,gutters,downspouts,and other water drainage components,with
the exception of required overflow devices,shall not be visible from the exterior of the
building walls facing public streets.
b.At multifamily buildings,gutters,downspouts,and other water drainage components
shall shall not be visible from the exterior of the building walls facing public streets,or be
painted or have the same same color as the color of the facade immediately adjoining,or
if not painted,be an unpainted natural metal material.
2.3.34.Trash and Recycling Bins and Enclosures.
a.On sites less than or equal to 7,500 SF in size,trash and recycling bins and enclosures
shall be designated,open-to-the-sky trash enclosures shall be permitted,but no trash
and recycling bin or enclosure shall be placed in required setbacks or visible from a
public street.
b.On sites greater than 7,500 SF in size,trash and recycling bins shall be placed within
fully enclosed structures which may be open to the sky.Trash enclosures on these sites
may not be visible from a public street,may project into a required side or rear yard
setback,but may not be placed within 5’-0”of a property line or within a setback
ad jacent to a public street or single-family designated lot.
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c.On sites greater than 22,500 SF,trash and recycling bins shall be designated,fully
enclosed,may be open to the sky,and may not be placed within required setbacks or
visible from a public street.
2.3.35.Architectural continuity.A development project with multiple buildings shall maintain
architectural consistency at all building and accessory building facades or implement at least
three of the following architectural components consistently throughout all buildings and
accessory buildings in the project:
a.Consistent use of roof forms and if sloped,roof materials and coloring at all buildings
and accessory buildings.
b.Consistent use of building overhangs,recesses,and architectural projections including
porches,arcades,ramadas,galleries and building screening that create shade at south,
east,and west facing facades.
c.Consistent use of facade materials at all buildings and accessory buildings.
d.Consistent use of color at all buildings and accessory buildings.
e.Consistent use of proportions and details at 60 percent of building openings.
f.Consistent use of sun shading architectural components at all buildings visible from a
public street.
2.3.36.Inclusion of Palm Desert Architectural and Landscape Components.In consideration of the
desert landscape,buildings shall incorporate at least four of the following design components:
a.Buildings oriented on an east-west axis such that the wall area of both the east and west
facades is not more than 60 percent of the area of the area of south facing walls.
b.Site walls,building massing,and landscape windbreaks that protect project open spaces
from west to east prevailing summer winds.
c.Site walls,building massing,and landscape windbreaks that protect project open spaces
from north to south prevailing winds that occur from mid-November through
mid-February.
d.Covered open-to-the-air arcades,colonnades,galleries,or other permanent coverings or
projections that provide shade at all building walls visible from public streets.
e.Overhangs or recesses at building entries that are a minimum of four feet in clear depth.
f.Minimum 18-inch deep roof eaves.
g.Use of natural stone or veneer stone at a minimum of 10 percent of the total building wall
area.
h.Use of recessed windows at a minimum 60 percent of openings.
i.Use of shade trees at varying distances apart,but in no case more than 30’on center,to
shade the length of east,south,and west facing building walls visible from a public
street.
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j.Use of native plants at all frontages ad joining public streets.
k.With the exception of projects in the Downtown (D)District,Downtown Edge (DE)District,
Downtown Core Overlay (D-O),and Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DE-O)districts,
provision of public street frontages that are minimum 20 percent greater than the
otherwise required frontage,front yard,and street-facing side yard requirements.
2.4 Parking Objective Design Standards
The following design standards shall be utilized for the parking design at new multifamily and mixed-use
projects,as well as additions to projects that increase the onsite building area by more than 50 percent.
2.4.1.Surface parking design.
a.Surface parking shall not be located between primary building frontages and the public
street.
b.No surface parking shall be placed within a required public street frontage setback.
Within the Downtown (D)District,Downtown Edge (DE)District,Downtown Core Overlay
(D-O),and Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DE-O)districts,where a required public
street frontage setback is not required,surface parking shall be set back from the
frontage property line by a minimum 10-foot in depth irrigated and landscaped bu er
inclusive of shade trees a maximum of 30 feet on center.
c.All surface parking lots shall be hidden from the public right-of-way using one of the
following techniques:
i.Locating all surface parking lots behind buildings.Where more than one building
is placed on a lot and the buildings screen the surface parking,no separation
between buildings screening the surface parking may be more than 30 feet wide.
ii.Locating all surface parking lots behind a fence or wall that complies with Site
ODS 2.1.5.
iii.Locating all surface parking lots behind a landscape bu er a minimum of ten
feet in depth that creates a vegetation screen through the use of bushes,hedges,
and trees.
d.End parking stalls.All end parking stalls shall be ad jacent to landscape planters that
are a minimum of four feet in width.End parking stalls shall be increased in City-required
width by minimum of 18 inches.
2.4.2.Parking space building separation.Parking spaces shall be separated from buildings by a
minimum five-foot wide pedestrian sidewalk and a minimum five-foot wide landscape strip,as
measured from curb face.
2.4.3.Surface parking pathways.The following criteria applies to surface parking lots with more than
50 parking spaces:
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a.A minimum of one publicly-accessible pathway or sidewalk that provides access across
the lot to a public sidewalk is required for each 200 feet of surface parking lot frontage
along a public street.
b.Enhanced or textured paving or stripping shall be included where pedestrian crossing
occurs in parking areas.
2.4.4.Mechanical parking.
a.Open-to-the-air mechanical parking spaces shall not be placed within 20 feet of a public
street frontage.
b.Open-to-the-air mechanical parking spaces placed 20 feet or more and less than or
equal to 150 feet from a street frontage shall be minimally screened from the view of the
public street by walls that are equal to or more than 15 percent open or transparent and
no more than 40 percent open or transparent.
c.The design of fully enclosed buildings or structures that contain mechanical parking shall
meet the Building Architecture Objective Design Standards of Section 2.3.
2.4.5.Parking shelters.
a.No parking shelter shall be placed within a required setback.
b.When visible from a public right-of-way,parking shelters shall utilize the same colors and
roof materials as the main buildings of a site.
c.No individual parking shelter shall exceed 65 feet in length.
2.4.6.Parking garages.
a.Parking garages and those portions of buildings that incorporate a parking garage
occupancy shall be architecturally treated and meet the building architecture design
standards of Section 2.3.
b.Any vehicular entry gate to a parking structure shall provide a minimum of 20 feet
between the gate and the back of the sidewalk to minimize conflicts between sidewalks
and vehicle queuing.
c.Openings at parking garages and utility and mechanical areas at the Downtown (D)
District,Downtown Edge (DE)District,Downtown Core Overlay (D-O),and Downtown
Edge Transition Overlay (DE-)land use designations.Parking garages shall be
architecturally treated with windows that cover at least 60 percent of the openings of
any parking deck,and/or mechanical or utility room opening.
2.4.7.Bicycle parking.
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a.Required bicycle racks for short-term parking shall be located within 50 feet of at least
one public entrance to a multifamily or mixed-use building.
b.Required long-term bicycle parking must be covered and secured and shall be located
within 150 feet of at least one entrance to multifamily or mixed-use building.
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3.0 ODS COMPLIANCE CHECKLISTS
3.1 City of Palm Desert Multifamily Compliance Checklist
To be developed upon confirmation of standards in Section 2.0.
3.2 City of Palm Desert Mixed-Use Compliance Checklist
To be developed upon confirmation of standards in Section 2.0.
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4.0 GLOSSARY
Accessory building or structure.Any subordinate building or structure located on the building site,
detached from or attached to the principle structure,the use and architectural style of which is
customarily related to that of a main building.
Amenities,Active.Active amenities shall be outdoors and include the following;
●Barbeque
●Clubhouse and/or recreation room that opens onto an outdoor amenity area
●Community garden
●Court game facility exclusive of pickleball
●Exercise area and/or par course
●Hot tub
●Jogging and/or par course
●Pet area and/or run and/or wash
●Play Area,Children’s
●Pools
●Spas
Amenities,Passive.Passive amenities shall be outdoors and include the following;
●Gazebo
●Picnic Shelter
●Seating area a minimum of 12 feet wide in one dimension and 144 square feet in area.
●Seating walls
●Secured Package Lockers
Arcade.A pedestrian walkway defined by columns,pilasters,or short-length open-to-the-outside walls
supporting a roof that provides shelter along its length.
Boulder(s).Using ISO 14688-1:2017,boulders are defined as stones and rocks that are approximately
eight inches and larger in size.
Building Frontage.The building elevation that fronts on a public street,alley,driveway,parking area,
pedestrian plaza,courtyard,or arcade.
Canopy Tree.An evergreen or semi-deciduous tree planted for the purposes of providing shade,
reducing glare,and heat build up.These trees shall have a minimum 30-foot diameter canopy potential.
Cobble(s).Using ISO 14688-1:2017,cobble is defined as pebbles,stones,and rocks that are
approximately two and one-half to eight inches in size.
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Dark-Sky Lighting.Outdoor lighting that is designed to prevent light pollution by directing light towards
the ground.2
Decomposed granite.Rock of granitic origin that has weathered and fractured into smaller pieces of
weak rock.This rock crumbles into a mixture of igneous silt,sand,and gravel with some clay.The
clay acts as a binder allowing the combination to support use.3
Earth Tone Color.An earth tone color is a warm and muted or dull shade of brown,green,gray,or beige.
Elevation,Building.The flat side or external face of a building.
Facing a Public Street or Right-of-Way.A building wall,element,or component shall be considered to
be facing a public street or right-of-way when a plane tangent to the wall,element,or component is no
greater than 30 degrees in inclination from a line drawn tangent to the public street or right-of-way.
Fence.A freestanding structure of brick,stone,face stone,veneer stone,or any combination thereof
resting on or partially buried in the ground level,and used for confinement,privacy,protection,
screening,or partition purposes.
Grade,average.The average elevation of the finished ground surface surrounding a building.
Gravel.Using ISO 14688-1:2017,gravel is defined as fine,medium,and coarse rock material.FIne gravel
is typically one tenth of an inch to a quarter inch in size.Medium gravel is typically a quarter inch to
three quarters of an inch in size.Coarse gravel is typically three quarters of an inch to two and one half
inches in size.
Mass/Massing.The comprehensive bulk or three-dimensional form of a building or portion of a building
as viewed from the exterior.
Mixed-Use Building.A permanent building that allows for a mix of uses,typically commercial and
residential.
Modulation,Facade Plane.Adjustment and breaking of a facade plane(s)to realize variations in
massing,scale,materials,color,and/or proportion,to introduce a sense of variety and ma jor and minor
building plane rhythms.
Multifamily Building.A permanent building containing three or more dwelling units.
Natural Metal Material.Natural metals include unpainted aluminum,copper,stainless steel,titanium,
and zinc and natural metal finishes utilizing the same materials.
3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decomposed_granite
2 https://www.lampsplus.com/ideas-and-advice/a-guide-to-dark-sky-outdoor-lighting
/#:~:text=Outdoor%20Lights,to%20your%20home%20lighting%20scheme.
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Neutral Color.A Palm Desert neutral color is a white,gray,or brown.Neutral colors include o -white,
light to dark gray,and light to dark brown colors.
Objective design standards.A toolbox of a broad range of design approaches that assists project
proponents and their design teams in reaching compliance with the desired character of the City of Palm
Desert.
Openings.Windows and doors set within building planes.
Open to the sky.An uncovered outdoor area exclusive of any encroachments below 12 feet in height.
Parkway.A landscape strip ad joining a sidewalk or pathway.
Project.A multifamily or mixed-use building(s)planned and designed for a particular site,requiring City
approval for construction.
Setback.The distance between the building line and the property line or a distance between one
building plane and a second building plane.
Street frontage,public-facing.The linear distance of a site boundary that is generally parallel to a
public street.
Roof slope.The incline of a roof,expressed as a ratio of the roof’s vertical rise to the horizontal run.
Other than conical roofs,curved roofs,barrel roofs,or dome roofs,roof slope shall be no less than 2:12
and no greater than 4:12.
Specimen Tree.A tree chosen as the focal point in a landscape design,typically due to its distinct shape,
texture,color,or other feature that distinguishes it from other trees and shrubs in the landscape design.4
Street,public.A vehicular right-of-way in which the public has a right of use.
Wall.A continuous,upright,and planar structure that encloses,protects,and/or divides a site.5
Wall,Building.The vertical face of a building or the vertical outer envelope of the structure.
Wall Area.The total vertical area,in square feet,of a wall.
5 https://www.thefreedictionary.com/wall#:~:text=(w%C3%B4l),exterior%20siding%20of%20a%20building.
4 https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-specimen-tree-5214547
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A.APPENDICES
To be developed as part of the Public Hearing Draft (after the completion of all outreach).
A.1 Outreach Phase I
A.1.1 PHASE I SUMMARY
A.1.2 PHASE I PRESENTATIONS AND MATERIALS
A.2 Outreach Phase II
A.2.1 PHASE II SUMMARY
A.2.2 PHASE II PRESENTATIONS AND MATERIALS
A.3 Outreach Phase III
A.3.1 PHASE III SUMMARY
A.3.2 PHASE III PRESENTATIONS AND MATERIALS
City of Palm Desert:Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards 32
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MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-
USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS
August 24, 2023
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 2
INTRODUCTIONS
Palm Desert
City Council
Planning
Commission
Architectural
Review CommissionDECISION-MAKERS
Richard Cannone, AICP
Director of Development Services
Nick Melloni
Principal Planner
Carlos Flores
Senior Planner
CITY STAFF
John Kaliski, FAIA, NCARB
Principal, JKA
Amee Bhatt, LEED AP
Project Manager, JKA
CONSULTANT
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND TASKS
3
⬩Explore and define Palm Desert built form
and environmental design character.
⬩Optimize engagement with stakeholders,
City Staff, and decision-makers to
understand the expectations and
aspirations of multifamily and mixed-use
development in Palm Desert.
⬩Translate community values into objective
design standards that foster the City’s
identity and character.
EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS REPORT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (3 PHASES)
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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PROJECT TIMELINE
4
WE ARE
HERE
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
IN THIS PRESENTATION
⬩What are Objective Design
Standards (ODS)?
⬩Who We’ve Spoken To
⬩Multifamily and Mixed-Use ODS
Goals and Objectives
⬩Applicability
⬩ODS Sections
⬩ODS Examples
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 6
objective
design
standards
measurable and
quantifiable design
requirements for any
project that shall be
affirmatively
addressed by project
applicants
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OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
7
⬩SB 330 -Housing Crisis Act of 2019
⬩Prohibits imposing or enforcing non-
objective design standards
⬩Promotes more timely reviews and
facilitates the project application approval
process
⬩Opportunities: Start with the General Plan
⬩Ensure the approval of projects is
consistent with City planning design goals
and objectives
⬩Set measurable design parameters to
ensure design builds upon and contributes
to the environmental design qualities
sought by the community
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
WHO WE’VE SPOKEN TO
8
⬩6/19 Community Open House
⬩6/19 Zoom Sessions with Developers
⬩6/20 Planning Commission Study Session
⬩6/28 PC Commissioner Breakout Session
⬩7/11 ARC Study Session
⬩7/27 ARC Breakout Session (Landscape
Input)
UPCOMING:
⬩Community Workshop (early Sept)
⬩ARC/PC Study Sessions (early Sept)
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE ODS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
9
1.Link new multifamily and mixed-use structures to the natural environment through optimized building design that
conserves or opens onto mountain views from public open spaces and rights-of-way.
2.Create human-scale connectivity between new multifamily and mixed-use projects, the outdoor environment, and
existing buildings and neighborhoods through project design that supports walkability, alternative transit uses
including bicycles and transit stops, and safe, pedestrian-oriented sidewalks and pathways.
3.Design building environments with open space, landscape, and architecture that provides shade and protection from
desert sun and prevailing winds.
4.Orient new multifamily and mixed-use structures to existing and new street frontages, sidewalks, and the
prevailing settings of existing districts, neighborhoods, and buildings.
5.Utilize native and/or drought-tolerant landscape as an integral design component of new multifamily and mixed-use
projects, particularly within passive and active recreational open spaces, along parkways, pathways and public sidewalks,
at buffers abutting adjacent sites, and at parking areas.
6.Plant shade trees with each new multifamily and mixed use project to reduce the impact of urbanized heat islands,
foster walkability, outdoor gathering, and comfort.
7.Reflect the local desert environment through use of architectural details that provide shelter from direct sunlight and
prevailing winds, as well as use of materials and colors that are seen in local natural settings.
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ODS APPLICABILITY
10
⬩Residential-only projects with three or
more units
⬩Mixed-use projects with at least two-
thirds of the gross floor area square
footage dedicated to housing
⬩Supportive/transitional housing
projects
⬩Any of the above in a Specific Plan area
or Overlay District, as long as ODS
particular to the Specific Plan or
Overlay District have not been adopted
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
ODS SECTIONS
11
2.1 Project Site Objective Design
Standards
2.2 Landscape and Open Space
Objective Design Standards
2.3 Building Architecture Objective
Design Standards
2.4 Parking Objective Design
Standards
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 12
Project Site
ODS
enhance the pedestrian
experience between
multifamily and mixed-use
developments and their
public-facing frontages
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 13
Project Site
ODS
FRONTAGE
ORIENTATION
FINISH GRADE
FENCES AND WALLS
ENTRIES
SIDEWALKS AND PATHWAYS
VEHICULAR CURB CUTS
ALLEYS
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2.1.1 Maximum frontage length without a break.
Public-facing street
frontages longer than 450
feet in length shall be
separated by a public or
private street, alley or a
minimum 30-foot wide and
open-to-the-sky landscaped
open space inclusive of
pedestrian pathways and
parkways may be provided.
min. 30’
STREET
min. 450’
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Landscape
and Open
Space ODS
cultivate over time a
pedestrian-oriented open
space with a visual and
natural identity inspired by
the surrounding native
landscape
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 16
Landscape
and Open
Space ODS
SITE LANDSCAPING
CANOPY TREES
SPECIMEN TREES
SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS
LANDSCAPED ISLANDS
INORGANIC GROUND COVER
BOULDERS
ON-SITE LIGHTING
PASSIVE & ACTIVE AMENITIES
PUBLIC ART
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2.2.7 Canopy trees selection.
Along frontages adjoining public streets and
public rights-of-way and yards where canopy
trees are required, utilize a minimum of three
species from the following list and /or approved
list of drought resistant canopy trees with no
more than 50 percent of all selected canopy
trees comprising the same species.
1.‘Desert Museum’ Palo Verde. Parkinsonia
(Cercidium)x ‘Desert Museum.’
2.Palo Brea. Parkinsonia praecox.
3.Velvet Mesquite. Prosopis velutina.
4.Ironwood. Olneya tesota.
Additional canopy tree choices?
1 2
3 4
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 18
Building
Architecture
ODS
connect multifamily and
mixed-use projects to
existing natural and
physical surrounds using
building modulation,
design components, and
desert-appropriate
materials and colors
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 19
Building
Architecture
ODS
HEIGHT
LENGTH
MODULATION
ROOFS
MATERIALS
OPENINGS
WINDOWS
BALCONIES AND STAIRWELLS
UTILITIES
FACADE COLORS
WATER DRAINAGE DEVICES
TRASH/RECYCLING BINS AND ENCLOSURES
DESIGN COMPONENTS
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2.3.1 Building height measurement along public streets.
The maximum building height
of a multifamily and mixed-use
structure within 150 feet of the
curb of a public street shall be
established by a vertical
measurement from the average
elevation of the street curb
adjacent to the property to the
highest point of the structure,
provided that a roof shall be
measured to the highest point
of the roof.
max. 150’
PUBLIC STREET PROPERTY LINEmax.
building
height
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2.3.2 Building height measurement adjoining a R-1, R-1M, R-E,
R-2, and for PR regulation-based properties which are at a
density of PR-10 or lower.
The maximum building height of a
multifamily and mixed use structure within
50 feet of a R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2, or PR
regulation properties with a density of PR-
10 or lower property line shall be
established by a vertical measurement
from the elevation of the finished grade
along the property line of the single-family
zoned property to the highest point of the
structure, provided that a roof shall be
measured to the highest point of the roof.
MULTIFAMILY / MIXED-USE PARCEL PROPERTY LINEmax.
building
height
R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2,
PR-10 or lower
max. 50’
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2.3.3 Transitional height abutting R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2, and for PR
regulation-based properties which are at a density of PR-10 or
lower.
When a multifamily or mixed-use building is
placed on a lot that abuts or is across a right-
of-way from a R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2, or PR
regulation properties with a density of PR-10 or
lower property line, the otherwise allowed
building height shall be modulated by an
inward leaning 45-degree angled plane inclined
towards the multifamily or mixed-use building
at a 45-degree angle as measured from a
horizontal plane originating 18 feet above
grade at the abutting property line.
MULTIFAMILY / MIXED-
USE PARCEL
R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2,
PR-10 or lower
PROPERTY LINE45°18’-0”Page 116 of 182
DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 23
Parking
ODS
create landscaping, shade,
and pedestrian circulation
at surface parking lots and
architectural continuity
between project buildings
and parking garages
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 24
Parking
ODS
SURFACE PARKING DESIGN
MECHANICAL PARKING
PARKING SHELTERS
PARKING GARAGES
BICYCLE PARKING
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
2.4.1.e Landscape islands at on-site surface parking.
●Landscape islands shall be no less than five feet
in length or width, exclusive of curbs and
landings.
●For surface parking lots with more than 30
parking spaces, a minimum 10 percent of the
area of a surface parking lot shall be landscape
islands, achieved by either:
○The use of finger islands at endcaps and a
landscape island every ten parking spaces
○A minimum five-foot continuous
landscape planter located within the
center of parking rows, running between
endcap finger islands
max. 10
spaces
min. 5’
excluding curbs/landings
Page 119 of 182
Thank you!
Questions, Comments,
and Discussion
August 24, 2023
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
Page 120 of 182
DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023 27
back-up slides
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TYPICAL MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING TYPES
28
DUPLEX
⬩Two (2) dwelling units on a lot
⬩1-2 stories
⬩Units may be side-by-side or one
over the other
⬩Not considered “multifamily” in
Palm Desert
TRIPLEX
⬩Three (3) dwelling units on a lot
⬩2-3 stories
⬩Units may be side-by-side and/or
one over the other
QUADPLEX
⬩Four (4) dwelling units on a lot
⬩2-4 stories
⬩Units may be side-by-side and/or one over the other
LOW
INTENSITY
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TYPICAL MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING TYPES
29
COURTYARD, TUCK-UNDER,
AND GARDEN APARTMENTS
⬩2-3 stories
⬩Parking typically underneath a
portion of living spaces in both
open and closed configurations or
underground
RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLEX,
LOW
⬩3 stories maximum, up to 35 ft.
⬩Parking typically at-grade, units
may be wrapped in front of parking
to hide automobiles
HIGH INTENSITY
HIGH-INTENSITY
MULTIFAMILY
NOT APPLICABLE
IN PALM DESERT
TOWNHOMES
⬩5+ dwelling units
⬩2-3 stories
⬩Separate single-family dwellings
that are closely spaced, semi-
attached, or attached
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TYPICAL MIXED-USE BUILDING TYPES
30
MEDIUM INTENSITY
LIVE/WORK
⬩5+ dwelling units on a lot
⬩2-3 stories
⬩A single unit consisting of
both a commercial/office
and a residential component
occupied by the same
resident
HORIZONTAL MIXED-
USE
⬩2-3 stories
⬩A development consisting
of 2+ attached or detached
buildings of different uses
within the same project area
VERTICAL MIXED-USE,
LOW
⬩3-4 stories, maximum 35 ft.
⬩Subterranean parking or
above-grade parking with
architectural treatments to
screen cars
VERTICAL MIXED-USE,
MEDIUM
⬩5 stories, maximum 60 ft.
⬩Subterranean parking or
above-grade parking with
architectural treatments to
screen cars
HIGH INTENSITY
HIGH-INTENSITY
MIXED-USE NOT
APPLICABLE IN
PALM DESERT
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN: VISION & DEVELOPMENT GOALS
31
⬩Safe and stable community
⬩Protect and enhance natural surroundings
⬩Diverse and high-quality neighborhoods
⬩Human-scale design:planning and designing Palm
Desert at a moderate density and scale so that
people are the primary focus
⬩Create places for residents and visitors to
congregate
⬩Accessibility and connectivity
⬩Parking should not dominate street frontages and
are screened from public views
⬩High-quality landscaping to enhance the green
space network
⬩Short, walkable block lengths
⬩Homes where entries and windows face the
street
⬩Diversity of architectural styles
⬩Diversity of housing types
⬩Minimize curb cuts, encourage shared driveways
⬩Shaded sidewalks on streets within a project
⬩Neighborhood transitions in scale,building type,
and density between different General Plan
designations
⬩Preserve and enhance the existing
neighborhood character
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WHAT WE HEARD:
DEVELOPERS
32
⬩Generally (not exclusively) praised City staff work
⬩Mechanical screening standards not clear
⬩Provide “solution-based” design standards
⬩Concern (not exclusively) re: subjectivity of design review process
⬩Make distinction between affordable vs. market rate housing projects
⬩Look for opportunities to speed up the approval process timeline, especially for
affordable housing projects
⬩Seeking design and development “balance”
DEVELOPER ZOOM MEETINGS
June 19, 2023
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WHAT WE HEARD:
PLANNING COMMISSION
33
⬩Important to invent standards that build the landscape into the logic of the zoning
code
⬩Use elements from the General Plan and convert “shoulds” into “shalls”, also
incorporate “shall nots” to clearly articulate what isn’t appropriate for Palm Desert
⬩General approval of three-story developments
⬩“Strategic variation” -how to prevent the repetition of architecture while
maintaining design continuity
⬩Ways to force vertical and horizontal modulation (percentage relationship between
top floor and floors below, shading elements)
PC STUDY SESSION
June 20, 2023
PC COMMISSIONERS MEETING
June 28, 2023
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WHAT WE HEARD:
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
34
⬩Define height with more specificity
⬩Quality-appropriate architecture that emphasizes
desert architecture -use of colors, relief from harsh
environment (sun/wind)
⬩Orientation, preservation of views
ARC STUDY SESSION
July 11, 2023
ARC LANDSCAPE INPUT
July 27, 2023
⬩Desire for more open space between projects
⬩Night standards: shielded fixtures
⬩The balance between ODS and stifling
architectural creativity
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2.1.1 Maximum frontage length without a break.
Public-facing street
frontages longer than 450
feet in length shall be
separated by a public or
private street, alley or a
minimum 30-foot wide and
open-to-the-sky landscaped
open space inclusive of
pedestrian pathways and
parkways may be provided.
min. 30’
STREET
min. 450’
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2.1.2 Project orientation.
b. At least one open space that is a minimum of 20 feet in depth as measured
perpendicular to the public street, the size of which is in relation to the project’s total
street frontage length per the table below:
Street Frontage (feet)Minimum Open Space (square feet)
<150 feet 600 SF
151 >450 feet 1,500 SF
> 450 feet 20% of the total frontage length times 25 feet
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2.1.4 Pedestrian entrances.
A minimum of one pedestrian
entrance to the project shall
be provided for each 450 feet
of total frontage along public
streets.
min. 450’
STREET
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2.1.7 Project finish grade, average.
The average finish grade of a new project shall not exceed the average grade of a site
as existing upon the date of submission of a project application and as established by a
topographic survey by a licensed surveyor.
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2.2.3 Canopy trees at public street-adjoining frontages.
A minimum of one
irrigated, 24-inch box tree
shall be planted a
maximum of 30 feet on
center along frontages
adjoining public streets.
max. 30’
STREET
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2.2.7 Canopy trees selection.
Along frontages adjoining public streets and
public rights-of-way and yards where canopy
trees are required, utilize a minimum of three
species from the following list and /or approved
list of drought resistant canopy trees with no
more than 50 percent of all selected canopy
trees comprising the same species.
1.‘Desert Museum’ Palo Verde. Parkinsonia
(Cercidium)x ‘Desert Museum.’
2.Palo Brea. Parkinsonia praecox.
3.Velvet Mesquite. Prosopis velutina.
4.Ironwood. Olneya tesota.
Additional canopy tree choices?
1 2
3 4
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2.2.10 Specimen tree selection.
Select a minimum of two species from the
following and/or approved list of drought
resistant specimen trees with no more than 50
percent of all specimen trees planted in required
frontages adjoining public streets and public
rights-of-way comprising the same species.
1.Smoke Tree. Psorothamnus (Dalea) spinosus.
2.Honey Mesquite. Prosopis glandulosa.
○Must be a thornless cultivar inclusive
of Prosopis glandulosa ‘Maverick’ or
Prosopis glandulosa 'AZT.'
Additional specimen tree choices?
1
2
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2.2.17 Passive amenities.
An amenity may be used multiple times and each passive amenity provided counts as
one amenity.
●Gazebo
●Picnic Shelter
●Water feature
●Seating area(s) with benches and/or loose single chairs a minimum of 12 feet
wide in one dimension and 144 square feet in area per the following
requirements.
○At least one seating area for projects under 20 units.
○At least two seating areas for projects between 20 to 50 units.
○At least three seating areas for projects over 50 units.
○At least four seating areas for projects over 100 units
●Seating walls a minimum of eight feet in length per the following
requirements.
○At least one seating wall for projects under 20 units.
○At least two seating walls for projects between 20 to 50 units.
○At least three seating walls for projects over 50 units.
○At least four seating walls for projects over 100 units
●Secured package lockers contained within an outdoor shelter.
Number of
Dwelling Units
Minimum Number
of Required
Passive Amenities
<20 1
20 >50 2
51 >99 3
>100 4
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2.2.18 Active amenities.
Active amenities shall be from the list below and/or a City-approved list. An active
amenity may be used multiple times and each passive amenity provided counts as one
amenity.
●Barbeque
●Clubhouse and/or recreation room that opens onto an outdoor amenity area
●Community garden
●Court game facility
●Exercise area and/or par course
●Jogging and/or par course
●Pet area and/or run and/or wash
●Play Area, Children’s
●Pools
●Spas or Hot Tubs
Number of
Dwelling Units
Minimum Number
of Required
Passive Amenities
20 >50 2
51 >99 3
100 4
101 >149 5
>150 5 plus one
additional
amenity for each
100 units
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2.3.1 Building height measurement along public streets.
The maximum building height of a
multifamily and mixed-use structure
within 150 feet of the curb of a public
street shall be established by a vertical
measurement from the average elevation
of the street curb adjacent to the property
to the highest point of the structure,
provided that a roof shall be measured to
the highest point of the roof.
max. 150’
PUBLIC STREET PROPERTY LINEmax.
building
height
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2.3.2 Building height measurement adjoining a R-1, R-1M, R-E,
R-2, and for PR regulation-based properties which are at a
density of PR-10 or lower.
The maximum building height of a
multifamily and mixed use structure within
50 feet of a R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2, or PR
regulation properties with a density of PR-
10 or lower property line shall be
established by a vertical measurement
from the elevation of the finished grade
along the property line of the single-family
zoned property to the highest point of the
structure, provided that a roof shall be
measured to the highest point of the roof.
MULTIFAMILY / MIXED-USE PARCEL PROPERTY LINEmax.
building
height
R-1 ,R-1M, R-E, R-2,
PR-10 or lower
max. 50’
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2.3.3 Transitional height abutting R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2, and for PR
regulation-based properties which are at a density of PR-10 or
lower.
When a multifamily or mixed-use building is
placed on a lot that abuts or is across an alley
or right-of-way from a R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2, or
PR regulation properties with a density of PR-
10 or lower property line, the otherwise
allowed building height shall be modulated by
an inward leaning 45-degree angled plane
inclined towards the multifamily or mixed -use
building at a 45-degree angle as measured
from a horizontal plane originating 18 feet
above grade at the abutting property line.
MULTIFAMILY / MIXED-
USE PARCEL
R-1, R-1M, R-E, R-2,
PR-10 or lower
PROPERTY LINE45°18’-0”Page 140 of 182
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2.3.4 Maximum building height at public street-facing frontages.
In addition to the minimum horizontal setbacks otherwise required by the Municipal Code, and
with the exception of parcels designated Downtown (D) District, Downtown Edge (DE) District,
Downtown Core Overlay (D-O), Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DE-O), and Civic/Open Space,
building heights abutting public street frontages shall not exceed the following:
Distance from
Street-Facing
Setback (feet)
Multifamily
Maximum Building
Height (feet/stories)
Mixed-Use Building
Height (feet/stories)
0-30 feet 24’ / 2 Stories w/Flat
Roof
24’ w/Flat Roof
>30 feet per Municipal Code per Municipal Code
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2.3.7 Building modulation.
Buildings shall be broken into major and minor masses and/or feature
architectural modulation utilizing at least two of the following:
●Utilization of minimum 6-foot clear width ground level arcades,
open-to-the-air galleries, colonnades, porches, recesses, ramadas and
trellis structures placed along a minimum of 80 percent of the ground
floor length of two building faces. Within the Downtown (D) District,
Downtown Core Overlay (D-O), and Downtown Edge Transition
Overlay districts, the minimum clear width of ground level arcades,
open-to-the-air galleries, colonnades, porches, recesses, ramadas and
trellis structures shall be no less than 8-feet.
●For each 50-feet of building wall length, incorporation of open-to-
the-sky recesses in mass and bulk, or projections of mass and bulk,
that are a minimum of 8 feet in length and 3 feet in depth.
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2.3.7 Building modulation.
●Use of minor building masses contrasted with major building masses
where the wall area of the minor masses is a maximum of 40 percent
of the total wall area.
●At the top floor of the building, a minimum 6-foot clear width setback
from the floor immediately below along at least two sides of the
building.
●Utilization of sun-screening elements including sunshades, awnings,
canopies, windows, doors, and openings at south-and west-facing
building walls.
●Covered and open to the air balconies where the area of the
projections or recesses of the balconies constitute a minimum of 15
percent of the building walls.
●Roof overhangs or projections that provide a minimum of 8’ of
vertical shaded wall at noon on the summer solstice.
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2.3.7 Building modulation.
●Vertical and irrigated landscape within five feet of walls that achieves per
specification a minimum 20 feet of height after five years of growth screening at
least two walls and 30 percent of the perimeter of a structure.
●Utilization of two or more building wall materials where the first material
constitutes a maximum of 30 percent of the building’s total wall area less
openings and is non-cementitious, and a second material constitutes no more
than 70 percent of the total wall area less openings.
●Buildings where the building footprint immediately below the top floor
constitutes no more than 80 percent of the building footprint immediately below.
●Inclusion of a tower element(s) that is no more than half the height of the floor-
to-floor height of the tallest building story. The tower element shall be recessed
or projected from the rest of the building mass by a minimum of two feet.
Two-story buildings that do not front a public street or public right-of-way are not
required to meet the modulation requirements of this section.
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Flat roof vertical modulation.
●2.3.14 Mixed-use buildings.Flat
roofs of mixed-use buildings
shall be modulated a minimum
of 42 inches vertically at least
once every 50 feet.
●2.3.15 Multifamily buildings.
Flat roofs of multifamily
buildings shall be modulated a
minimum of 42 inches vertically
at least once every 36 feet.
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2.3.21 Prohibited building wall materials.
100 percent glass buildings are prohibited.
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2.3.22 Openings, multifamily buildings.
For multifamily buildings, the area of openings
in walls above the first level, inclusive of doors
and windows and exclusive of any floor-to-
floor and floor-to-roof wall area shaded by
porches, verandas, arcades, galleries, ramadas,
trellises, open-to-the-air recesses, continuous
brise-soleil and other open-to-the-air
architectural screening elements, shall
constitute a minimum of 15 percent and a
maximum of 40 percent of the total wall area
above the first level.Page 147 of 182
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2.3.22 Openings, mixed-use buildings.
●Glazing at the ground level of walls that face a public street shall constitute a minimum of
60 percent of the total wall length and such glazing shall be a minimum of 8-feet in
height.
●Notwithstanding (a.) above, no glazing shall be required at the ground floors of buildings
fronted by a porch, veranda, arcade, gallery, ramada, projecting trellis, open -to-the-air
recess, or permanent overhang that is a minimum of eight feet in clear depth along at
least 80 percent of the length of any wall that faces a public street.
●At upper levels of mixed-use buildings, the total area of glazing shall be a minimum of 15
percent of the total wall area.
●The combined surface area of windows, doors, or other openings inclusive of continuous
glass systems shall comprise no more than 60 percent of the total wall area of any
individual mixed-use building face.
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
2.3.27 Window details.
Building windows and doors shall utilize at least two of the following:
●Three distinct sizes of windows.
●Shading devices including shutters, exterior blinds, awnings, brise-
soleil, sun screens and/or decorative architectural details that create
a distinct shadow line at a minimum 60 percent of openings.
●Recesses or projections a minimum of 3 inches in depth at a
minimum of 60 percent of all openings.
●Trim around the opening that is no less than four inches in width and
creates a projection or recess no less than two inches in depth.
●Use of metal-clad, thermally-broken metal or steel, and/or wood
windows or doors at all openings.
●Exterior shades.
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2.3.37 Inclusion of Palm Desert Architectural and Landscape
Components.
In consideration of the desert landscape, buildings shall incorporate at least four of the following
design components:
●Buildings oriented on an east-west axis such that the wall area of both the east and west
facades is not more than 60 percent of the area of the area of south facing walls.
●Site walls, building massing, and landscape windbreaks that protect project open spaces from
west to east prevailing summer winds.
●Site walls, building massing, and landscape windbreaks that protect project open spaces from
north to south prevailing winds that occur from mid-November through mid-February.
●Covered open-to-the-air arcades, colonnades, galleries, or other permanent coverings or
projections that provide shade at all building walls visible from public streets.
●Overhangs or recesses at building entries that are a minimum of four feet in clear depth.
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
2.3.37 Inclusion of Palm Desert Architectural and Landscape
Components.
●Minimum 18-inch deep roof eaves.
●Use of natural stone or veneer stone at a minimum of 10 percent of the total building wall
area.
●Use of recessed windows at a minimum 60 percent of openings.
●Use of shade trees at varying distances apart, but in no case more than 30’ on center, to
shade the length of east, south, and west facing building walls visible from a public street.
●Use of native plants at all frontages adjoining public streets.
●With the exception of projects in the Downtown (D) District, Downtown Edge (DE) District,
Downtown Core Overlay (D-O), and Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DE-O) districts,
provision of public street frontages that are minimum 20 percent greater than the otherwise
required frontage, front yard, and street-facing side yard requirements.
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
2.4.1.e Landscape islands at on-site surface parking.
●Landscape islands shall be no less than five feet in length or width,
exclusive of curbs and landings.
●For surface parking lots with more than 30 parking spaces, a minimum 10
percent of the area of a surface parking lot shall be landscape islands,
achieved by either:
○The use of finger islands at endcaps and a landscape island every ten
parking spaces
○A minimum five-foot continuous landscape planter located within the
center of parking rows, running between endcap finger islands
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DRAFT ODS –August 24, 2023
2.4.1.f Canopy trees at on-site surface parking.
●One canopy tree is required for every three
uncovered parking spaces.
●One canopy tree is required for every eight
covered parking spaces.
●Canopy trees at surface parking lots shall be
uniformly distributed across the surface area of
the lot so that no parking space is more than 30
feet from the center of a canopy tree.
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Page 1 of 1
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 24, 2023
PREPARED BY: Matthew Cody, City Attorney’s Office
Nick Melloni, Principal Planner
REQUEST: STUDY SESSION FOR SURVEY OF STATE HOUSING LAW UPDATES
(2017 THROUGH 2022)
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and discuss the legislative housing update and provide direction to staff to proceed with
drafting Permanent Ordinances to replace Urgency Ordinances in place for Accessory Dwelling
Units and Urban Lot Splits and Two Unit Projects.
BACKGROUND
As a result of new State of California Housing Laws, the City Attorney’s Office has provided a
comprehensive synopsis presentation summarizing the changes in the state housing laws of the
past five years (2017 through 2022). The presentation discusses how recent state laws have
amended and enacted new laws which establish processes the City must follow for reviewing
applications, limits the city’s local control of land uses, and updates regarding Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs), and SB-9 lot splits and two-unit projects (Attachment 1).
In response to legislative updates, the City has adopted Urgency Ordinances for ADUs
(Ordinance 1389) and SB 9 Urban Lot Splits and Two -Unit Projects (Ordinance 1373). It is
recommended that the City implement permanent ordinances for these laws. These updates
would occur as zoning ordinance amendments which will require approval by the Planning
Commission and City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Survey of State Housing Law Updates Presentation
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