Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 15 — Building and Construction
Palm Desert Municipal Code Ch. 15.28 Address Numbering
Palm Desert Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Palm Desert
Cite as: Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 15.28 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 15.28.010. Rules and regulations for street address numbers.¶
The building official shall adopt such reasonable rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the street address number provisions of this article, codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.020. Street address numbers, size, and height.¶
The city of Palm Desert, Building and Safety Division, shall provide a street address to all buildings used for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, or governmental purposes. New and existing buildings shall have approved street address numbers, building numbers, or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. The minimum dimensions of any street address number designated by the building official shall be as shown in Table 15.28.020A.
TABLE 15.28.020A
| Distance From Street to Building | Distance From Street to Building | Minimum Figure Size | Minimum Figure Size | Minimum Figure Size | Minimum Figure Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over | To | Height | Width | Stroke of Line | Building Placement (Maximum Height) |
| 0' | 10' | 6" | 2" | 1/2" | 8' |
| 11' | 25' | 6" | 2 1/4" | 1/2" | 10' |
| 26' | 35' | 7" | 2 1/2" | 1/2" | 12' |
| 36' | 45' | 10" | 3" | 5/8" | 14' |
| 46' | 55' | 10" | 3 1/2" | 3/4" | 16' |
| 56' | 65' | 10" | 4" | 3/4" | 18' |
| 66' | 75' | 10" | 4 1/2" | 7/8" | 20' |
| 76' | 85' | 12" | 5" | 1" | 22' |
| 86' | 95' | 12" | 5 1/2" | 1 1/8" | 24' |
| 96' | 200' | 12" | 6" | 1 1/4" | 26' |
Stroke of Line — Helvetica Bold or Equal. Design (including shape and style) as well as location of the street address numbers shall be such that they are legible and easily readable. The building official may prescribe a street address number larger in size than stated in Table 15.28.020A when determined that lighting conditions, building locations, shadows, background, or readable from the street or approach to the entrance. A street address number of unusual design or placement may not be employed without prior written approval of the building official.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.025. Entrance numbers.¶
All entrance numbers from the public streets or parking lots in the city to residential, commercial, or multiple tenant buildings shall be numbered as hereafter provided. Building address number and or suite unit number of each and every entrance shall be placed upon, or immediately above or adjacent to the door or gate closing of said entrance where multi-numbered street addresses exist on a site. Single numbered street addresses on a building will only require the suite number immediately above or adjacent to the door or gate of said entrance. Each figure of said number shall be no less than four inches in height and of corresponding width. (See Section 15.28.020.) The owner, agent or other person shall cause said building to be numbered in accordance with the building official or designee within thirty days. Results of the building official's decision shall be filed with each address record.
Exception: Numbers for single family residences less than thirty feet from the curb to front of building may be a minimum of four inches high by one and one-half inches wide. Notwithstanding the above, the building official may set forth different standards on a case-by-case consideration to comply with the intent of this chapter.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.030. Street address numbers responsibility.¶
Every person having ownership, possession, custody, control or charge of any building structure or parking lot shall have and maintain the established street address number thereon upon or near each entrance from a street of the city, and from any other public access way, in the manner and location designated by the building official or designee. "Access way" shall include, but not be limited to, any alley, stairway, driveway, or walkway.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.040. Street address numbers designation.¶
Installation, change, substitution, or removal of any existing or subsequently designated street address number shall be completed within thirty days after receipt by the owner, occupant, lessee, tenant, subtenant, fiduciary or custodian of such building, structure or parking lot, or any person or agent in charge thereof, of a written notice containing appropriate instructions therefor, from the building official.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.050. Correcting erroneous numbers.¶
In cases where incorrect numbers have been placed and remain or shall hereafter be placed on any house or building, the owner, agent, or other person shall, upon notification by the building official, correct the erroneous numbers within thirty days after official notification.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.060. Unnumbered buildings and obliterated/obstructed numbers.¶
In cases where a building or structure remains unnumbered or where a building or structure may have been numbered and the number since lost or destroyed or defaced as to be unintelligible from right-of-way, the owner, agent, or other person will cause said building or structure to be numbered in accordance with the official notification of the building official within thirty days. All numbered street addresses must be kept clear from all obstructions, including, but not limited to, vegetation, signs, banners, and vehicles.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
§ 15.28.070. Violation—Penalty.¶
It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of the chapter or failing to comply with any of the requirements is deemed guilty of a violation of Chapter 1.12 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1439, 1/8/2026)
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