Indian Wells Municipal Code Ch. 21.40 Golf and Recreation Zone Development Standards

(a) This Chapter contains the regulations for the Golf and Recreation Zone established by the City. The regulations of this Chapter shall apply to all properties within the Golf and Recreation Zones within the City, except as modified by standards and regulations pertaining to the planning area in which the development is located, in accordance with Section 21.12.010(b) of this Title.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, development within the Golf and Recreation Zone shall comply with the development standards of Chapter 21.23, including, but not limited to, lot dimensions, setbacks, and building height. In the event of any conflict between Chapter 21.23 and this Chapter, the provisions of this Chapter shall govern. Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted to authorize residential uses prohibited by Section 21.40.030.

(c) Except as provided in this Chapter, development standards, performance standards, and all other applicable provisions of the Municipal Code shall continue to apply.

(Ord. 387 § 1, 1996; Ord. 770, 6/18/2026)

The purpose of the Golf and Recreation Zone is to ensure the long-term continuity of the various golf courses within the City as operating golf courses, to allow both public and private golf course operations, inclusive of accessory structures and ancillary facilities associated with the operation and maintenance of a golf course, and to allow compatible, supportive recreational uses customarily associated with golf and recreation facilities while maintaining compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and planned development patterns. The Golf and Recreation Zone may only be applied to land that is part of an established or approved golf course or country club site. A lot that does not share a boundary with a lot that has an established or approved golf course or country club site is not eligible for the Golf and Recreation Zone unless it is independently approved by the City as a new golf course or country club site. The future siting of telecommunications facilities shall not, by itself, constitute a sufficient basis for applying or approving a Zone Change designating any property as Golf and Recreation Zone.

(Ord. 387 § 1, 1996; Ord. 770, 6/18/2026)

Only primary golf course uses and country club clubhouse facilities, and the accessory uses and facilities directly related to, customarily incidental to, and operated in conjunction with the primary golf course or country club clubhouse facility, shall be permitted within the Golf and Recreation Zone, subject to Section 21.40.040 of this Chapter, and are limited to the following:

(a) Primary Uses.

(1) Public or private golf courses, as defined by Section 21.08.260.

(2) Country club clubhouse facilities.

(b) Accessory Uses.

(1) Ancillary golf facilities as defined by Section 21.08.062.

(2) Tennis or pickleball courts.

(3) Maintenance or operations facilities.

(4) Golf practice area, as defined by Section 21.08.261.

(5) Country club and golf recreational uses as defined by Section 21.08.171.

(6) Bocce ball and similar low-intensity outdoor recreation amenities.

(7) Fitness, wellness, and similar recreation-support facilities customarily associated with golf and recreation operations.

(8) Passive recreation amenities such as walking paths, seating/view areas, and landscape and open-space features, or similar uses.

(9) Commercial antenna and wireless communications facilities pursuant to Section 21.48.080.

(c) Prohibited Uses.

(1) Gamified commercial entertainment enterprises, including, but not limited to, Topgolf-type facilities, miniature golf, and other golf-themed commercial entertainment venues, are prohibited.

(2) Residential uses.

(Ord. 387 § 1, 1996; Ord. 770, 6/18/2026)

All new development, redevelopment, remodeling, exterior modification, or change in use within the Golf and Recreation Zone shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with this Section and any other applicable provisions of this Title. Existing golf courses and related facilities shall be deemed to have complied with this Section if they were approved in conjunction with a development with an approved Master Development Plan, Conditional Use Permit and/or Variance, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21.06.030, 21.06.040, or 21.06.050. Any subsequent development, remodeling, or modification shall comply with Chapter 21.60 and any applicable conditions of approval, and shall be subject to the review and approval requirements set forth in subsections (a) through (d) below.

(a) Ministerial Review. In-kind repair, ordinary maintenance, and restoration of existing, lawfully established improvements that do not expand building footprints, intensify a use, or materially alter site design may be processed ministerially, subject to any required permits issued by the Planning or Building Departments.

(b) Architecture and Landscape Review.

(1) Before commencing construction, exterior modification, or other activities subject to Chapter 21.60 (Architecture and Landscape Review), the owner/applicant shall obtain Design Review approval by the appropriate Review Authority in accordance with Chapter 21.60.

(2) Design Review approval shall be required prior to issuance of building permits for any structures or site improvements that are subject to Chapter 21.60.

(c) Conditional Use Permit ("CUP"). A CUP in accordance with Section 21.06.040 shall be required for any of the following:

(1) Establishment of a new golf course, or modification to the layout of an existing golf course or its customary golf features as described in Section 21.08.260; or

(2) Conversion of all or a portion of a golf course play area or golf practice area, as defined by Sections 21.08.260 and 21.08.261, to any accessory golf course use permitted by Section 21.40.030(b); or

(3) Construction, expansion, relocation, or replacement of any ancillary golf facility, maintenance or operations facility, clubhouse facility, golf practice area, or accessory use, other than work eligible for Ministerial Review in accordance with subsection (a); or

(4) Any expansion or operational change determined by the Director of Community Development to be a major revision or modification that warrants discretionary review for compatibility, operational impacts, or public welfare considerations.

Minor revisions or modifications to an approved CUP may be approved administratively where eligible in accordance with Section 21.06.040(g).

(d) Where both Design Review and a CUP are required, the CUP shall be obtained first or concurrently, and final building permit plans shall be consistent with both the approved CUP and the approved Design Review application.

(Ord. 387 § 1, 1996; Ord. 770, 6/18/2026)