Chapter 17.24 — PUBLIC USE DISTRICTS
Desert Hot Springs Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Desert Hot Springs
§ 17.24.010. Purpose. ¶
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for lands designated for public/quasi-public and institutional uses on the Zoning Map. The public uses designation applies to institutional uses, including fire and police stations, public schools, colleges, libraries, post offices, government service facilities, and public utility and infrastructure facilities.
(Prior code § 159.12.010; Ord. 786 9-19-23)
§ 17.24.020. Permitted uses. ¶
A. Table 17.24.01 lists the uses permitted in the public use districts using the following key:
“P” Use is permitted by right.
“A” Use is accessory to an established primary use.
“AUP” Use requires an Administrative Use Permit.
“CUP” Use requires a Conditional Use Permit.
“TUP” Use requires a Temporary Use Permit.
“—” Use is prohibited.
- B. The organization and numerical ordering of Table 17.24.01 is based on the Standard Industrial Classification System as defined in Section 17.04.050 of this Zoning Ordinance. It is not expected that the range of uses set forth below is all inclusive. Cases of uncertainty regarding whether a particular land use is permitted and by what process shall be determined by the Director.
| TABLE 17.24.01 PERMITTED USES – PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USE DISTRICTS |
TABLE 17.24.01 PERMITTED USES – PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USE DISTRICTS |
|---|---|
| Use | |
| Public and Institutional Related Facilities | |
| Schools, Public | P |
| Schools, Private | CUP |
| TABLE 17.24.01 PERMITTED USES – PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USE DISTRICTS |
TABLE 17.24.01 PERMITTED USES – PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USE DISTRICTS |
| --- | --- |
| Offce, Business and Professional | P |
| Public Assembly Facilities | P |
| Library, Public | P |
| Museums | P |
| Theaters, Performance Halls (Public) | P |
| Community/Senior Center | P |
| Accessory Structures | P |
| Public Safety | |
| Police Station | P |
| Fire Station | P |
| Ambulance Fleet | P |
| Recreation | |
| Parks, Public | P |
| Athletic or Sports Field | P |
| Stage and Amphitheatre | CUP |
| Snack Bar | P |
| Residential | |
| Caretaker’s Residence | P |
| Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure Uses | |
| Car Sharing – Parking | AUP |
| Parking Facility, Public | P |
| Vehicle Storage | AUP |
| Vehicle Service, Minor | AUP |
| Utility Facilities – Staffed | P |
| Utility Facilities – Unstaffed | P |
| Wireless Communication Facility – Minor | AUP |
| Wireless Communication Facility – Major | CUP |
| Wireless Communication Facilities – Satellite Dish Antennae | P |
| Other | |
| Corporate Yards | P |
| Maintenance Facilities | P |
| Animal Boarding/Kennels | AUP |
| Farmer’s Market (Permanent) | AUP |
| Temporary Uses | TUP |
(Prior code § 159.12.020; Ord. 786 9-19-23)
§ 17.24.030. Development standards. ¶
The following standards are minimum unless stated as maximum, except as otherwise provided for in this Zoning Ordinance:
A. Every parcel with an occupiable structure shall have a trash receptacle on the premises. The trash receptacle shall comply with adopted City standards and be of sufficient size to accommodate the trash generated by the use. The receptacle(s) shall be screened from public view on at least 3 sides by a solid wall 6 feet in height and on the fourth side by a solid gate not less than 5 feet in height. The gate shall be maintained in working order and shall remain closed except when in use. The wall and gate shall be designed in compliance with City standards.
B. All mechanical equipment should be screened from public view in a manner which is architecturally integrated with the main structure. Vents, ducts, chimneys, and steeples shall be exempt from this provision.
C. Elevations of all buildings shall be architecturally treated.
D. Outdoor paging systems shall not exceed 65 dBA at the property line.
E. All public use development shall incorporate alternative transportation and transit into its site planning. Alternative transportation shall include pedestrian connections to adjacent land uses, bicycle lanes and parking facilities (in conformance to Chapter 17.48 , Off-Street Parking Standards). Transit facilities shall be reviewed with SunLine Transit, to determine need and location for commuter facilities, bus stops and shelters, vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, and pedestrian access to transit stops shall be required where feasible.
F. When abutting residential development, landscaping and walls shall be integrated as barriers for the development(s).
| TABLE 17.24.02 PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
TABLE 17.24.02 PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
|---|---|
| Front setback | 10 feet |
| Rear setback | 10 feet |
| Side setback each | 10 |
| Side setback (street side) | 10 feet |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% |
| Maximum structure height (feet) | 30 1 |
| Maximum foor area ratio | 0.60 |
Note:
- 1 Gymnasiums, auditoriums, and athletic field grandstands are exempt from the height limit of 30 feet.
(Prior code § 159.12.030; Ord. 786 9-19-23)
§ 17.24.040. Applicable regulations. ¶
All uses shall be subject to the applicable regulations of this Zoning Ordinance, including, but not limited to, Chapters 17.64 through 17.140 , Administration Provisions. Development guidelines for all structures shall conform to Sections 17.12.260 through 17.12.370, commercial design guidelines. (Prior code § 159.12.040; Ord. 786 9-19-23)