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Title 17 — Zoning

Chapter 17.24 — PUBLIC USE DISTRICTS

Desert Hot Springs Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · 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
Use
Public and Institutional Related Facilities
Schools, Public P
Schools, Private CUP
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
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)

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Contents — Desert Hot Springs Zoning Code
Desert Hot Springs Zoning Code
  1. Title 17 — Zoning
    Overview
    1. Chapter 17.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
    2. Chapter 17.08 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
    3. Chapter 17.12 — COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
    4. Chapter 17.14 — MIXED-USE DISTRICTS
    5. Chapter 17.16 — INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
    6. Chapter 17.18 — VISITOR-SERVING DISTRICTS
    7. Chapter 17.20 — OPEN SPACE
    8. Chapter 17.24 — PUBLIC USE DISTRICTS
    9. Chapter 17.28 — SPA-1-02 DISTRICT
    10. Chapter 17.30 — DESERT HOT SPRINGS RETAIL CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN
    11. Chapter 17.32 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
    12. Chapter 17.36 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) DISTRICT
    13. Chapter 17.40 — PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    14. Chapter 17.44 — SIGN REGULATIONS
    15. Chapter 17.45 — OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DISPLAYS § 17.45.010. Defi…
    16. Chapter 17.48 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS
    17. Chapter 17.52 — OFF-STREET LOADING STANDARDS
    18. Chapter 17.56 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
    19. Chapter 17.60 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
    20. Chapter 17.64 — ADMINISTRATION
    21. Chapter 17.68 — APPLICATIONS AND FEES
    22. Chapter 17.72 — CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
    23. Chapter 17.74 — ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMITS
    24. Chapter 17.76 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
    25. Chapter 17.80 — DESIGN REVIEW
    26. Chapter 17.84 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
    27. Chapter 17.88 — ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
    28. Chapter 17.92 — DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
    29. Chapter 17.96 — ENFORCEMENT OF PROVISIONS
    30. Chapter 17.100 — GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS
    31. Chapter 17.104 — HEARINGS AND APPEALS
    32. Chapter 17.108 — HOME OCCUPANCY PERMITS
    33. Chapter 17.112 — INTERPRETATION
    34. Chapter 17.116 — MINOR EXCEPTIONS
    35. Chapter 17.120 — MINOR MODIFICATIONS
    36. Chapter 17.124 — NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES AND USES
    37. Chapter 17.128 — SPECIFIC PLANS
    38. Chapter 17.132 — SURFACE MINING AND LAND RECLAMATION
    39. Chapter 17.136 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
    40. Chapter 17.140 — VARIANCES
    41. Chapter 17.144 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
    42. Chapter 17.148 — SERVICE AND REGULATORY FEES
    43. Chapter 17.152 — CARD CLUBS
    44. Chapter 17.156 — SPECIAL USES
    45. Chapter 17.164 — MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION
    46. Chapter 17.168 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
    47. Chapter 17.173 — GARAGE SALES
    48. Chapter 17.176 — PARADES
    49. Chapter 17.180 — MARIJUANA FACILITIES OPERATION AND LOCATION
    50. Chapter 17.190 — DESERT GATEWAY SPECIFIC PLAN
    51. Chapter 17.200 — COACHILLIN’ SPECIFIC PLAN
    52. Chapter 17.210 — DESERT LAND VENTURES SPECIFIC PLAN
    53. Chapter 17.220 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
    54. Chapter 17.230 — TWO BUNCH PALMS SPECIFIC PLAN
    55. Chapter 17.240 — RANCHO DESCANSO, AMD. NO. 1
    56. Chapter 17.250 — DESERT STORAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
    57. Chapter 17.260 — PIERSON COMMERCIAL SPECIFIC PLAN

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