Palm Desert Municipal Code Ch. 15.06 Residential Code

Except as provided in this chapter, the California Residential Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 2.5, 2025 Edition, including Chapter 1, Division II, and Appendix BF, as adopted by the state of California, and based on the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference and shall be and become the "Palm Desert Residential Code" of the city of Palm Desert, regulating construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwelling and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height. The California Residential Code is on file for public examination in the office of the building official.

(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)

A. Section R105.2 is amended by modifying Item 1 under Building, to read as follows:

1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached light-framed structures accessory to a Group R-3 or U occupancy used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, trellis structures, gazebos, arbors, greenhouses, and similar uses where the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet as measured to the outside walls or support posts. It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Part 7, the California Wildland Urban-Interface Code, despite the exemption from a permit.

B. Section R105.2 is amended by modifying Item 2 under Building, to read as follows:

1. Wood, vinyl, or open wrought iron fences; block walls, pilasters, and gravity interlocking walls (landscaping only), that are not over 3 feet 6 inches (1,066.8 mm) high and not associated with a swimming pool or spa safety barrier. The City's Planning Division must approve the material and location.

C. Section R105.2 is amended by modifying Item 4 under Building, to read as follows:

R105.2, Work exempt from permit. Building: 4. Retaining walls of any type that are not over 3 feet 6 inches (1,066.8 mm) in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a structure or landscaping surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids. The City's Planning Division must approve the location and materials of all retaining walls.

D. Section R112 is amended to read as follows:

R112, Board of Appeals. Provisions for the means of appeal shall be set forth in Chapter 2.18 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, Building Board of Appeals.

E. Section R113.4 is amended to read as follows:

R113.4, Violation Penalties, to read as follows: Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions, regulations, requirements, additions, amendments, and/or deletions of this code is guilty of a misdemeanor and the penalty for such a misdemeanor shall be as set forth in Chapter 1.12 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.

F. Section R301.1.3.2 is amended to read as follows:

R301.1.3.2, Woodframe Structures. The building official shall require structural construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe construction more than one story in height or with a basement.

G. Section R318.1 is amended to add the following paragraph:

R318.1 Means of Egress. Dwelling units shall be provided with a means of egress in accordance with this section. The means of egress shall provide a continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from all portions of the dwelling to the required egress door without requiring travel through other sleeping areas, a garage, toilet rooms, bathrooms, or laundry areas.

The required egress door shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

H. The title of Section R325, Light, Ventilation, and Heating, is amended to read as follows:

"SECTION R325 Light, Ventilation, Heating, and Air Conditioning."

I. Section R325.10 is added to read as follows:

R325.10 Required air conditioning. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with air conditioning facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of not more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms.

(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)