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Title 21 — Zoning Code

Chapter 21.46 — WATERCOURSE ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Indian Wells Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Indian Wells

§ 21.46.010. General.

This Chapter contains the regulations for the Watercourse Zone established by the City. (Ord. 387 § 1, 1996)

§ 21.46.020. Purpose.

The purpose of the Watercourse Zone is to restrict development in identified flood- plain areas, and minimize increases in runoff, erosion, and siltation of watercourse areas that may adversely impact drainage requirements. (Ord. 387 § 1, 1996)

§ 21.46.030. Property development criteria.

No structure shall be located, constructed, or substantially improved; and no land form modifications may occur on properties which are within watercourse designations, unless such structures constitute flood control improvements approved by the flood control district and such improvements will not substantially impede the flow of water or result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the one hundred (100) year flood discharge. Non-habitable structures may be exempted from this requirement upon approval of the flood control district.

Pursuant to a Conditional Use Permit, the following uses may be authorized if it is deemed that they are compatible with maintaining the natural condition of the property and are consistent with the General Plan:

(a) Game preserve, scientific and educational facilities (public or private) or study programs. (Ord. 387 § 1, 1996; Ord. 414 § 2, 1998)

§ 21.46.040. Submittal requirements.

Prior to the issuance of any building permits or approval of a Conditional Use Permit, the applicant shall submit grading and erosion control plans, and a hydrology study which shall be approved by the City Engineer. The plans and study shall illustrate how the flood capacity of the watercourse will be preserved, and that there will not be any substantial increase in runoff, erosion or siltation. (Ord. 387 § 1, 1996)

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Contents — Indian Wells Zoning Code
Indian Wells Zoning Code
  1. Title 21 — Zoning Code
    Overview
    1. Chapter 21.04 — RESTRICTIONS – REGULATIONS
    2. Chapter 21.06 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
    3. Chapter 21.08 — DEFINITIONS
    4. Chapter 21.10 — DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
    5. Chapter 21.12 — ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND USE CATEGORIES, PLANNING…
    6. Chapter 21.14 — PLANNING AREAS
    7. Chapter 21.20 — RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, GENERAL
    8. Chapter 21.22 — NATURAL PRESERVE ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    9. Chapter 21.23 — VERY LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT …
    10. Chapter 21.24 — LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT STAND…
    11. Chapter 21.26 — MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT ST…
    12. Chapter 21.27 — MEDIUM HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE DEVELOPME…
    13. Chapter 21.28 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE DEVELOPMENT ST…
    14. Chapter 21.29 — SENIOR HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDA…
    15. Chapter 21.30 — COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    16. Chapter 21.32 — TIME-SHARE USES
    17. Chapter 21.33 — CONDOMINIUM HOTELS
    18. Chapter 21.34 — RESORT COMMERCIAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    19. Chapter 21.35 — SPORTS COMPLEX (SPX) ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    20. Chapter 21.36 — OFFICE PROFESSIONAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    21. Chapter 21.37 — PUBLIC BENEFIT ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    22. Chapter 21.38 — PUBLIC FACILITIES AND PUBLIC PARKS/RECREATION …
    23. Chapter 21.42 — COUNTRY CLUB OPEN SPACE ZONE STANDARDS
    24. Chapter 21.44 — PUBLIC OWNED OPEN SPACE ZONE DEVELOPMENT STAND…
    25. Chapter 21.45 — HIGHWAY 111 OVERLAY ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    26. Chapter 21.46 — WATERCOURSE ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    27. Chapter 21.47 — SPECIAL STUDY AREA OVERLAY ZONE DEVELOPMENT ST…
    28. Chapter 21.48 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS OVERLAY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    29. Chapter 21.60 — ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW
    30. Chapter 21.70 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
    31. Chapter 21.85 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
    32. Chapter 21.90 — ADDITIONAL USE REGULATIONS

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