Chapter 2.38
Palm Desert Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Palm Desert
§ 2.38.010. Statutory authority for date held.¶
A. In accordance with Section 36503.3 of the California Government Code, the city changes the date of the general municipal election from November of odd-numbered years to be consolidated with the Statewide General Election held in November of even-numbered years.
B. The terms of officeholders shall be extended as necessary, but no more than twelve months. (Ord. 281 § 1, 1981; Ord. 740 § 1, 1994; Ord. 896 §§ 1, 2, 1999)
§ 2.38.020. Applicability.¶
The first general municipal election to which this chapter shall apply is the one to be held in the year 1995.
(Ord. 281 § 2, 1981; Ord. 740 § 2, 1994)
§ 2.38.030. Declaration of election and selection of mayor.¶
The city council shall meet at the next regularly scheduled meeting following presentation of the twenty-eight-day canvass of the returns of the most recent municipal election and shall declare the results thereof and install newly elected officers, pursuant to Sections 10262 and 10263 of the California Elections Code, and, following such declaration and installation, at the same meeting choose one of its members as mayor and one of its members as mayor pro-tempore, pursuant to Section 36801 of the California Government Code.
(Ord. 1095 § 1, 2005)
§ 2.38.040. Election of city council.¶
A. By-District Elections. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 34886, members of the city council of the city of Palm Desert shall be elected by-district in five singlemember districts.
Members of the city council shall be elected in the electoral districts established by subsection B of this section and subsequently reapportioned as provided by state law. Elections shall take place "by-district" as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 34871, meaning one councilmember shall be elected from each district, by the voters of that district alone.
A councilmember elected or appointed to represent a district must reside in that district and be a registered voter in that district, and any candidate for city council must reside in, and be a registered voter in, the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued.
Termination of residency in a district by a councilmember shall create a vacancy for that city council district unless a substitute residence within the district is immediately declared and established within thirty days after the termination of residency.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the councilmembers in office at the time this section takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of the
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City of Palm Desert, CA § 2.38.040
PALM DESERT CODE
§ 2.38.070
term to which he or she was elected. In the event a vacancy occurs in District 1 before the expiration of the term of a councilmember in office at the time this section takes effect, a person who is appointed or elected by special election to fill such vacancy must reside within the boundaries of District 1 as constituted when the councilmember creating the vacancy was elected. In the event a vacancy occurs in District 2 before the expiration of the term of a councilmember in office at the time this section takes effect, a person who is appointed or elected by special election to fill such vacancy must reside within the boundaries of District 2 as constituted when the councilmember creating the vacancy was elected. A person(s) appointed or elected to fill such a vacancy(ies) shall hold the office in accordance with state law.
B. City Council Districts and District Elections. All five councilmembers shall be elected on a "by-district" basis from the council districts shown and numbered on the map titled "City of Palm Desert District Map - Map 109 Renumbered B" attached to the ordinance codified in this section as Exhibit A, a copy of which shall be on file in the city clerk's office. In 2024, and every four years thereafter, the following three city council districts shall be elected by-district: District 1; District 2; and District 3. In 2026, and every four years thereafter, the following two city council districts shall be elected by-district: District 4 and District 5.
C. Amendment of District Boundaries. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 21601, as it may be amended from time to time, the city council shall adjust the boundaries of any or all of the districts following each decennial federal census to ensure that the districts are in compliance with all applicable provisions of law.
(Ord. 1356 § 2, 2020; Ord. 1406, 1/25/2024)
§ 2.38.050. Reserved.¶
§ 2.38.060. Local campaign contribution limits.¶
A. Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, the city imposes an unlimited campaign contribution limit on candidates to elective office within the city.
B. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to exempt any person from complying with applicable provisions of any other laws of this state.
(Ord. 1362 § 2, 2021)
§ 2.38.070. Campaign finance disclosure statements—Electronic filing system.¶
A. Required Use of Electronic Filing System.
- Except as set forth in subsection B of this Section 2.38.070, any elected officer, candidate, committee, other person required to file specified statements, reports, forms, or other documents with the city clerk as required by Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100 of Title 9 of the California Government Code, also known as the Political Reform Act), and that has received contributions or made expenditures of two thousand dollars or more in a calendar year, may electronically file such statements using the city's online system according to procedures established by the city clerk. However, to ensure reporting continuity, once a statement, report, form, or other document is filed electronically on behalf of any elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person, all future statements, reports, forms, and other documents
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City of Palm Desert, CA
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
§ 2.38.070
§ 2.38.070
filed on behalf of that officer, candidate, committee, or other person must be filed electronically.
- An elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person may choose not to use the electronic filing system by filing all original statements, reports, forms, or other documents in paper format with the city clerk, until such time as the city council determines that electronic filing is mandatory for all filers.
B. Paper Filing Not Required After Electronic Filing. Any elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person who has electronically filed a statement, report, form, or other document using the city's online system is not required to file a copy of that document in a paper format with the city clerk.
C. Filing Options When a Copy Must Be Filed with the City Clerk. In any instance in which an original statement, report, form, or other document must be filed with the Secretary of State or other agency, and a copy of that document is required to be filed with the city clerk, the filer may electronically file a copy with the city clerk or may file in a paper format.
D. Paper Filing When Cannot File Electronically. If, for technical reasons, the city's system is not capable of accepting a particular type of statement, report, form, or other document, an elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person shall timely file that document in paper format with the city clerk.
E. Internet Posting of Data. The city clerk shall ensure that the city's system makes all electronically filed statements, reports, forms, or other documents available on the internet in an easily understood format that provides the greatest public access. The data shall be made available free of charge and as soon as possible after receipt/deadline. The data made available on the internet shall not contain the street name of the persons or entity representatives listed on the electronically filed forms or any bank account number required to be disclosed by the filer. The city clerk's office shall also make a complete, unredacted copy of the statement, report, form, or other document available to the Fair Political Practices Commission for Government Code Section 87200 filers.
F. Records Retention. The city clerk's office shall maintain records according to the city's records retention schedule and applicable state law commencing from the date filed, a secured, official version of each online or electronic statement, report, form, or other document, which shall serve as the official version of that record.
(Ord. 1414, 5/23/2024)
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City of Palm Desert, CA
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
§ 2.44.010
§ 2.44.020
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Palm Desert Municipal Code
- Article 1 — MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
- Article 2 — FORM OF GOVERNMENT
- Article 3 — REVENUE, SAVINGS AND GENERATION
- Article 4 — REVENUE RETENTION
- Article 5 — GENERAL LAWS
- Article 6 — INTERPRETATION
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.04 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY TREASURER—FINANCE DIRECTOR
- Chapter 2.12 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
- Chapter 2.14 — (RESERVED)
- Chapter 2.16 — FINANCE COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.18 — BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
- Chapter 2.20 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.22 — ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.24 — REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
- Chapter 2.28 — CITY COUNCIL SALARIES
- Chapter 2.32 — OFFICIAL BONDS
- Chapter 2.34 — BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCE…
- Chapter 2.36 — PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
- Chapter 2.38
- Chapter 2.44 — PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.48 — DISASTER RELIEF
- Article I — Governing Provisions
- Article II — Recruitment and Selection
- Article III
- Article IV — Compensation
- Article V — Workplace Policies
- Article VI — Hours of Work
- Article VIII — Leaves
- Article IX — Disciplinary Actions
- Article X — Grievances
- Article XI — Personnel Files
- Chapter 2.53 — EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
- Chapter 2.56 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
- Chapter 2.58 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.60 — PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.62 — CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.64 — HOUSING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.66 — ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.68 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.70 — HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE
- Chapter 2.72
- Chapter 2.74 — PUBLIC LIBRARY
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.30 — Chapter 3.40 PURCHASING SYSTEM AND PUBLIC PARKI…
- Chapter 3.45 — CHILDCARE FACILITIES IMPACT MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 3.04
- Chapter 3.08 — INVESTMENT OF MONEYS AND FUNDS
- Chapter 3.12 — ORDINARY CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.14 — DISPUTED CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.20
- Chapter 3.26 — GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.30
- Chapter 3.36 — FIRE PROTECTION FUND
- Chapter 3.44 — TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 3.45 — CHILDCARE FACILITIES IMPACT MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 3.46
- Chapter 3.50 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Title 4
- Chapter 4.10 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Title 5
- Chapter 5.04 — BUSINESS LICENSING AND TAXING
- Chapter 5.06 — CATEGORIES AND RATES
- Chapter 5.08 — DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
- Chapter 5.10 — SHORT-TERM RENTALS
- Chapter 5.11
- Chapter 5.12
- Chapter 5.80 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.82 — REGULATION OF SPECIAL EVENT SALES
- Chapter 5.84
- Chapter 5.86 — BATHHOUSE, ESCORT BUREAU AND INTRODUCTORY SERVICE
- Chapter 5.87 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.88 — OPERATION OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.89 — LICENSING OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS…
- Chapter 5.91 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
- Chapter 5.92 — SOUND TRUCKS
- Chapter 5.94
- Chapter 5.95
- Chapter 5.96 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.97 — FOOD VENDING VEHICLES
- Chapter 5.98 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.99 — FOOD SALE FROM PUSHCARTS
- Chapter 5.100 — ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 5.101 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESS REGULATORY PERMITS
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 6.08 — ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER[1 ]
- Chapter 6.16 — BITING
- Article 6.18
- Title 8
- Chapter 8.04 — FOOD HANDLERS
- Chapter 8.08 — RESTAURANTS
- Chapter 8.12 — DISCARDED MATERIAL ENCLOSURES
- Chapter 8.17 — RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
- Chapter 8.19
- Chapter 8.21 — MAINTENANCE OF ABANDONED PROPERTIES
- Chapter 8.23 — FIREWORKS
- Chapter 8.32
- Chapter 8.34 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
- Chapter 8.36
- Chapter 8.38 — PERSONAL USE OF CANNABIS
- Chapter 8.40 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 8.44 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION
- Chapter 8.50
- Chapter 8.55
- Chapter 8.60 — SEWER CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO PROPERTY…
- Chapter 8.70 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
- Chapter 8.80 — ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES
- Chapter 8.81 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 8.85 — SKATE PARK REGULATIONS
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.58 — PUBLIC DRINKING AND LIQUOR POSSESSION
- Chapter 9.12 — DISPLAY AND SALE OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.20 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
- Chapter 9.24
- Chapter 9.25
- Chapter 9.26 — UNLAWFUL CAMPING
- Chapter 9.30
- Chapter 9.40 — GRAFFITI
- Chapter 9.48
- Chapter 9.50 — MOBILE HOME PARK RENT REVIEW
- Chapter 9.52
- Chapter 9.56 — CURFEW AND TRUANCY OF MINORS
- Chapter 9.58 — PUBLIC DRINKING AND LIQUOR POSSESSION
- Chapter 9.68 — DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.69 — LASER POINTERS
- Chapter 9.70
- Chapter 9.71
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.16 — TRAFFIC REGULATIONS—ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC ENGINEER AND COMMITTEE
- Chapter 10.24 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.78 — ELECTRONIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 10.84 — AMBULANCE SERVICE
- Chapter 10.92 — INTERSTATE TRUCKS
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC ENGINEER AND COMMITTEE
- Chapter 10.16
- Chapter 10.20 — TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND REPORTS
- Chapter 10.24 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.25 — VEHICLE IMPOUND COST RECOVERY FEE
- Chapter 10.28 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 10.32 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.40 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.44 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.48 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.50 — VALET PARKING
- Chapter 10.52 — SPECIAL STOPS
- Chapter 10.56 — LOADING AND UNLOADING
- Chapter 10.64 — PARADE PERMITS
- Chapter 10.68 — RESTRICTED USE OF CERTAIN STREETS
- Chapter 10.78 — ELECTRONIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 10.80 — PRIVATELY OWNED AND MAINTAINED ROADS
- Chapter 10.84 — AMBULANCE SERVICE
- Chapter 10.88 — OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.96 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.98 — COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.99 — MOBILITY SHARING SERVICES
- Title 11
- Chapter 11.04 — PARK RESERVATIONS AND PARK USE PERMIT
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES
- Chapter 12.12 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 12.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES
- Chapter 12.18 — PUBLIC ACQUISITION
- Chapter 12.20 — STREET IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 12.22 — STREET CUT AND TRENCH REPAIRS
- Chapter 12.24 — SKATEBOARDING AND ROLLER SKATING
- Chapter 12.26 — PUBLIC SIDEWALK REPAIRS
- Chapter 12.28 — STREETS AND ROADS ACCEPTANCE
- Chapter 12.32 — TREE PRUNING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 12.36 — PROCEDURES FOR VACATING CITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY OR …
- Title 14
- Chapter 14.01
- Article 1
- Article 2
- Article 3 — Open Video Systems
- Article 4
- Article 5 — Definitions
- Article 6
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.02 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.06 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.08 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.10 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.12 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.14 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.16 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE[1 ]
- Chapter 15.17
- Chapter 15.18 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 15.20 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.22 — HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 15.24 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.26 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 15.28 — ADDRESS NUMBERING
- Chapter 15.30 — CONSTRUCTION SITE SECURITY
- Chapter 15.32 — MOVED BUILDINGS, AND TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
- Chapter 15.34 — SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
- Chapter 15.36
- Article 15.40
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.01 — FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION TAX
- Title 17
- Chapter 17.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.02
- Chapter 17.03 — ISSUANCE OF BONDS
- Chapter 17.04 — FORM AND CONTENT OF BONDS
- Chapter 17.05 — VARIABLE INTEREST RATE BONDS
- Chapter 17.06 — BOND RECORDS AND PAYMENTS
- Chapter 17.07 — BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES
- Chapter 17.08 — ADVANCE RETIREMENT OF BONDS
- Chapter 17.09 — REDEMPTION FUND DEFICIENCIES
- Chapter 17.10 — SPECIAL RESERVE FUND
- Chapter 17.11 — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
- Title 23
- Chapter 23.04 — MUNICIPAL UTILITY—DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Title 24
- Chapter 24.04 — WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
- Chapter 24.04 — WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
- Chapter 24.08
- Chapter 24.12 — FUGITIVE DUST (PM10) CONTROL
- Chapter 24.16 — OUTDOOR LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 24.20 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
- Title 25
- Chapter 25.02 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.18 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 25.20 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DESIGN GUIDELINES
- Chapter 25.28 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.02 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.04 — ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.10 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.16 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.18 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 25.20 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DESIGN GUIDELINES
- Chapter 25.22 — SPECIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.28 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.34 — SPECIAL USE PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.40 — SITE DEVELOPMENT PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.42 — MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STA…
- Chapter 25.46 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
- Chapter 25.52 — LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 25.56 — SIGNS
- Chapter 25.60 — PROCEDURES
- Chapter 25.62 — NONCONFORMING PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.64 — DECISIONS BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
- Chapter 25.68 — DECISIONS BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
- Chapter 25.72 — DECISIONS BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 25.78 — DECISIONS BY THE CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 25.99 — DEFINITIONS
- Title 26
- Chapter 26.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 26.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 26.12 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 26.16 — PROCESSING—RESPONSIBILITIES
- Chapter 26.40 — DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 26.48 — NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY PUBLIC FACILITIES
- Chapter 26.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 26.16 — PROCESSING—RESPONSIBILITIES
- Chapter 26.30 — URBAN LOT SPLITS
- Chapter 26.40 — DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 26.48
- Chapter 26.49 — DRAINAGE FACILITIES
- Chapter 26.52 — LIMITATION ON FINAL DECISIONS
- Chapter 26.54 — CONVERSION TO CONDOMINIUMS
- Title 27
- Chapter 27.04 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 27.12
- Chapter 27.20 — EXEMPTIONS
- Title 28
- Chapter 28.02
- Chapter 28.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 28.06 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 28.08 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 28.10 — PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
- Chapter 28.12 — VARIANCE PROCEDURE
- Title 29
- Chapter 29.50 — HISTORIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 29.30 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
- Chapter 29.60 — CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS PROCESS
- Chapter 29.10 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 29.20 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 29.30 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
- Chapter 29.40 — LANDMARKS
- Chapter 29.50 — HISTORIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 29.60 — CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS PROCESS
- Chapter 29.70 — PRESERVATION INCENTIVES
- Chapter 29.80 — ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
- Chapter 29.90 — SEVERABILITY
- Title 30
- Chapter 30.01 — RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING AREAS
- Title OL