Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code Ch. 17.64 Administration

A. The purpose of Chapters 17.64 through 17.140 is to outline procedures for filing and processing the various land use permits, subdivision maps, variances and other regulatory review and approval responsibilities of the City. Chapters 17.64 through 17.140 also provide for the review and processing of development agreements, amendments to the general plan and this zoning ordinance.

B. The system of regulatory review and permit approval provides a full range of processing options gauged to the type of use and its intensity and appropriateness. Table 17.64.01 (Review Authority) identifies the full range of land use permit options and applicable final review authority. Appeals of Director determinations are to the Planning Commission and appeals of Planning Commission determinations are to the City Council.

Table 17.64.01 REVIEW AUTHORITY

Notes:

(Prior code § 159.31.010; Ord. 712 6-2-20)

A. CEQA Compliance. Environmental compliance pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act shall be approved or denied by the person/board who has “review authority” pursuant to Table 17.64.01, as may be amended. For development projects that do not need to go to Planning Commission or City Council, those development projects shall be approved or denied by the person having “review authority.” Any approval or denial of environmental review can be appealed pursuant to Chapter 17.104, “Hearings and Appeals,” of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code.

B. Multiple-Permit Applications. Development projects that require the filing of more than one land use permit application may file all related permits concurrently and pay appropriate fees. Processing and environmental review may be concurrent. The final decision on the project shall be made by the highest level of review authority.

(Prior code § 159.31.020; Ord. 730 2-16-21)

Applicants and/or their representatives may request a pre-application conference with the Department prior to formal submittal of a single land use permit application. Development projects involving multiple permit applications shall require a pre-application conference. This conference should take place prior to any substantial investment (i.e., land acquisition, site, engineering and construction plans) in the preparation of the proposed development project application. During the conference the Department representative(s) shall inform the applicant of applicable policies, plans, and requirements as they apply to the proposed development project, review the appropriate procedures outlined in this Zoning Ordinance, and examine possible alternatives or modifications relating to the proposed project.

(Prior code § 159.31.030)

Any application submitted by an applicant for any permit, license or otherwise, under Title 17, shall be considered abandoned and of no force and effect if the applicant is inactive for 180 days.

(Ord. 724 10-6-20)