§ 92.20
Palm Springs Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Palm Springs
§ 92.20.00. "W" watercourse zone.¶
A. In instances where properties shall be used as floodways, drainage channels, debris basins, and other flood protection facilities, or where information is not available or is not sufficiently accurate, a designation of "W" without suffix shall be used.
B. A "W" watercourse zone classification symbol will be placed as a prefix before the zoning designation on all properties in the city of Palm Springs, which under present conditions fall within the 100 year floodway fringe and are, at present, subject to sporadic flooding and other hazards in the event of a 100 year flood as established by the adoption of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps.
C. In general, the "W" prefix zoning may be temporary in nature and shall apply so long as inundation by floodwater from a 100 year event is possible. In the event that flood protection structures remove the threat of overflow by a 100 year flood, then the "W" prefix will be removed. Any property lying within the 100 year flood fringe area will be subject to all construction and development standards and procedures of Chapter 8.68, Flood Damage Prevention.
(Ord. 1294, 1998; Ord. 1739 § 3, 2008)
§ 92.20.01. Uses permitted.¶
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City of Palm Springs, CA § 92.20.01
PALM SPRINGS CODE
§ 92.20.01
A. Uses Permitted.
- "W" Watercourse Zone Without a Suffix Zone Classification.
Growing of plants, shrubs and trees for the purpose of propagating and cultivating only; provided, no commercial or business activities shall be carried on upon the site. There shall be no structures or buildings permitted nor shall there be any storage or other soil conditioners, boxes, crates or any other outdoor storage. All applicable development standards of Section 93.17.00 shall apply to any improvements or changes in land contours and elevations.
- "W" Watercourse Zone With a Suffix Zone Classification.
If approved by the city engineer, a development can be approved in a zone district which has a "W" prefix; provided, all conditions required by Chapter 8.68 are complied with and a hold harmless agreement, approved by the city attorney, is signed by the owner of the property releasing the city from any liability incurred by flood waters. In no case shall the "W" prefix be eliminated from the zoning map until the property is no longer classified as a fringe area of a 100 year event. Such a reclassification will occur automatically following recognition and incorporation in the city's flood insurance rate maps by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
B. Uses Permitted by Conditional Use Permit.
"W" Watercourse Zone With a Suffix Zone Classification.
a. Any use permitted by conditional use in the underlying zone;
b. Energy.
i. Solar collectors,
ii. Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) subject to the requirements and standards contained in Section 94.02.00(H)(8);
c. Golf courses and driving ranges;
d. Plant nurseries, including retail sales, as a temporary use until the "W" prefix is eliminated.
- i. Hours.
The hours of operation shall be regulated by the commission in such a manner to be compatible with surrounding uses.
- ii. Emission of Odors.
No emission of odors of any kind shall be noticeable at the property line.
- iii. Screening.
All outside storage of equipment and material except growing plant materials shall be completely screened from view.
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City of Palm Springs, CA
ZONING REGULATIONS
§ 92.20.01
§ 92.21.01
"W" Watercourse Zone Without a Suffix Zone Classification.
a. Energy Uses.
i. Solar energy facility,
ii. Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) subject to the requirements and standards contained in Section 94.02.00(H)(8),
iii. Co-generation facilities;
b. Farming;
c. Golf courses and driving ranges;
d. Plant nurseries;
e. Public riding stables;
f. Quarries, sand pits and gravel pits, subject to the standards of Section 94.02.00(H)(5).
(Ord. 1294, 1988; Ord. 1447, 1993; Ord. 1551, 1998; Ord. 1553, 1998; Ord. 1739 § 3, 2008; Ord. 2004 § 2, 2019)
§ 92.20.02. Uses prohibited.¶
All uses and structures not permitted in Section 92.20.01 are deemed to be specifically prohibited.
(Ord. 1294, 1988)
§ 92.20.03. Property development standards.¶
The property development standards of the underlying zone and Sections 92.01.03 and Chapter 8.68 shall apply insofar as these pertain to the uses permitted in this zone. (Ord. 1294, 1988; Ord. 1739 § 3, 2008)
§ 92.20.04. Property maintenance standards.¶
All properties shall be subject to property maintenance standards established in Section 93.19.00. (Ord. 1294, 1988)
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Palm Springs Municipal Code
- Article IV — CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED OFFICERS; CITY MANAGER AND…
- Article V — OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
- Article VII — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.02 — MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.05 — APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.06
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.12
- Chapter 2.16
- Chapter 2.18 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.20 — DISASTER COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.22 — VILLAGEFEST BOARD
- Chapter 2.24 — PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.28 — SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.29 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.32 — PUBLIC LIBRARY
- Chapter 2.40 — PERSONNEL
- Chapter 2.45 — HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.50 — ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 2.55 — OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOODS
- Chapter 2.59
- Chapter 2.60 — PUBLIC INTEGRITY
- Chapter 2.65 — COMMERCIAL DISTRICT FORMATION
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.35 — CANNABIS AND MARIJUANA TAX
- Chapter 3.04 — FUNDS
- Chapter 3.08 — INVESTMENT OF MONEYS AND FUNDS
- Chapter 3.16
- Chapter 3.22 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Article II — Transactions and Use Tax (Measure D)
- Chapter 3.24 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.29
- Chapter 3.30
- Chapter 3.32 — UTILITY USER TAX
- Chapter 3.34 — PARKING TAX
- Chapter 3.36
- Chapter 3.37 — PUBLIC ARTS FEE, FUND AND PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.38 — JOB CREATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.40 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 3.48 — REQUIREMENTS—EXEMPTIONS
- Chapter 3.52 — ISSUANCE OF LICENSES
- Chapter 3.56 — PAYMENT—COLLECTION
- Chapter 3.60 — ASSESSMENTS IN CERTAIN CASES
- Chapter 3.64 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 3.72 — RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL
- Chapter 3.76 — VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 3.80 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX RATES—GENERALLY
- Chapter 3.84 — FIXED LICENSE RATES
- Chapter 3.88 — GRADUATED SCALE TAX RATES
- Chapter 3.90 — GRADUATED SCALE WITH MINIMUM TAX
- Chapter 3.94
- Chapter 3.96 — LICENSE TAXES COMPUTED ON GROSS RECEIPTS BASIS
- Title 4
- Chapter 4.04 — RENT REVIEW COMMISSION
- Chapter 4.10 — RENT STABILIZATION
- Title 5
- Chapter 5.02 — SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.03
- Chapter 5.04 — AUCTION SALES
- Chapter 5.08 — CABARETS
- Chapter 5.20 — HANDBILLS
- Chapter 5.22 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
- Chapter 5.24 — HOTEL REGISTRATION
- Chapter 5.25 — VACATION RENTALS
- Chapter 5.26 — HOTEL OPERATIONS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
- Chapter 5.27 — HOTEL OPERATIONS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
- Chapter 5.28 — ICE VENDING MACHINES
- Chapter 5.36 — NOVELTY SALES AT SPECIAL EVENTS
- Chapter 5.38 — MANAGED PARKING
- Chapter 5.40 — PASSENGER CARRIERS
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Pedicab Owners
- Article III — Pedicab Drivers
- Article IV — Pedicab Vehicles
- Article V
- Article VI
- Article VII — Enforcement
- Article VIII
- Chapter 5.42 — ESCORTS AND ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.44
- Chapter 5.48
- Chapter 5.52 — PRIVATE PATROLS
- Chapter 5.55
- Chapter 5.56 — PSYCHIC ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 5.58 — GARAGE, PATIO AND YARD SALES
- Chapter 5.60 — BUSINESS CLOSING SALES
- Chapter 5.64 — SEARCHLIGHT OPERATIONS
- Chapter 5.68 — SOUND TRUCKS
- Chapter 5.72 — MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES REGULATED
- Chapter 5.75 — EVENT HOUSES
- Chapter 5.76
- Chapter 5.77
- Chapter 5.78 — LANDSCAPE RELATED BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.79 — STATE VIDEO FRANCHISE HOLDERS
- Chapter 5.81
- Chapter 5.83
- Chapter 5.85
- Chapter 5.87
- Chapter 5.89 — SIDEWALK VENDING
- Chapter 5.91
- Chapter 5.92 — CO-OWNED MANAGED HOUSING
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.04 — WASTE DISPOSAL AND DIVERSION
- Chapter 6.05
- Chapter 6.06 — RESTAURANT INSPECTION AND GRADING
- Chapter 6.07 — REGULATION OF FOOD HANDLERS
- Chapter 6.08 — NUISANCES
- Chapter 6.09
- Chapter 6.10
- Chapter 6.11 — TOBACCO RETAILER PERMITS
- Chapter 6.12
- Chapter 6.14 — PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
- Chapter 6.15 — MOBILE FOOD VENDING VEHICLES
- Title 7
- Chapter 7.07 — CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 7.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 7.03 — PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 7.04 — PROCUREMENT EXEMPTIONS
- Chapter 7.05 — CONTRACTS
- Chapter 7.06 — CONTRACT CHANGES
- Chapter 7.07 — CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 7.08 — DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
- Title 8
- Article I — Building Codes
- Article II — Building Security Regulations
- Article III
- Article IV — Palm Springs Building Administrative Code
- Article V — Undergrounding of Utilities
- Article VI — Fire Code
- Article VIII — Displacement Payments to Tenants
- Article IX
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II
- Article III
- Article IV
- Article V — Historic Preservation on Tribal Lands
- Chapter 8.30 — MUNICIPAL SOLAR UTILITY
- Chapter 8.32 — MSU LEASEHOLD MARKETING
- Chapter 8.40
- Chapter 8.50 — FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL
- Chapter 8.60 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 8.68 — FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
- Chapter 8.70 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROLS
- Chapter 8.80 — VACANT BUILDINGS AND BOARDING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 8.90 — TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 8.95 — MSHCP MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 8.100
- Chapter 8.105 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION STREAMLINED …
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.60 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 9.65 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
- Chapter 9.66 — REVERSIONS
- Chapter 9.67 — ENFORCEMENT—JUDICIAL REVIEW
- Chapter 9.68 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 9.69 — CANYON AREA IMPACT FEES
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.18 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
- Chapter 10.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
- Chapter 10.18 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
- Chapter 10.22 — UNATTENDED ANIMALS IN ENCLOSED VEHICLES
- Title 11
- Chapter 11.08 — DISORDERLY CONDUCT
- Chapter 11.76 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 11.03 — PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM COVERAGE
- Chapter 11.04 — UNSAFE CONDUCT
- Chapter 11.06
- Chapter 11.08 — DISORDERLY CONDUCT
- Chapter 11.10 — PUBLIC NUDITY
- Chapter 11.13 — BINGO PERMITS
- Chapter 11.20 — EXPLOSIVES
- Chapter 11.28 — CIVIL DISPUTES
- Chapter 11.30 — MUNICIPAL BUS SYSTEM
- Chapter 11.32 — MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
- Chapter 11.36 — WILDLIFE PROTECTION
- Chapter 11.40 — ENCAMPMENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 11.44 — PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS
- Chapter 11.48 — SCHOOL GROUNDS
- Chapter 11.56 — CURFEW AND TRUANCY
- Chapter 11.60 — OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL ROOMS BY MINORS
- Chapter 11.64 — TRESPASS
- Chapter 11.70 — GRAFFITI
- Chapter 11.72 — PUBLIC NUISANCES
- Chapter 11.74 — NOISE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 11.76 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 11.80 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 11.82 — POLICE TOW SERVICES STANDARDS
- Chapter 11.84 — FALSE STATEMENTS
- Chapter 11.88 — TAPPING TELEVISION CABLES
- Chapter 11.90
- Chapter 11.96
- Chapter 11.100 — ABANDONMENT OF SHOPPING CARTS
- Chapter 11.102
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.08 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 12.24 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 12.12 — ENFORCEMENT—OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 12.16 — TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 12.20 — SPECIAL SPEED ZONES
- Chapter 12.24 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 12.28 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 12.40 — MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LOT NO. 3
- Chapter 12.44 — STOP INTERSECTIONS
- Chapter 12.48 — YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY SIGNS
- Chapter 12.52 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 12.56 — RESTRICTED USE OF CERTAIN STREETS
- Chapter 12.60 — LOADING ZONES
- Chapter 12.64 — DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 12.68 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 12.80 — TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE NECESSITATED BY ASSEM…
- Chapter 12.84 — GOLF CARTS
- Chapter 12.90
- Title 14
- Chapter 14.04 — STREET NUMBERS
- Chapter 14.08 — STREET NAME CHANGES
- Chapter 14.12 — STREET NAMES FOR TRAILER PARKS
- Chapter 14.16 — ENCROACHMENTS
- Chapter 14.20 — MOVING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 14.24 — WATER AND RUBBISH IN STREETS
- Chapter 14.26
- Chapter 14.28 — WIRELESS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 15.14 — REQUIRED USE OF SEWERS
- Chapter 15.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 15.12 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 15.14 — REQUIRED USE OF SEWERS
- Chapter 15.28 — SEWER USE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 15.32 — REGULATION OF WATER WELLS
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.02
- Chapter 16.04 — GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 16.06
- Chapter 16.08 — FIXED BASE OPERATOR
- Chapter 16.10
- Chapter 16.12
- Chapter 16.14
- Chapter 16.16
- Chapter 16.18
- Chapter 16.20 — AIRCRAFT STORAGE OPERATOR (SASO)
- Chapter 16.22
- Chapter 16.24
- Chapter 16.26
- Chapter 16.28
- Chapter 16.30 — PRIVATE FLYING CLUB
- Chapter 16.32
- Chapter 16.34
- Chapter 16.36
- Chapter 16.37
- Chapter 16.38
- Chapter 16.39
- Chapter 16.40
- Title CR
- Chapter 91.00
- Chapter 93.00
- Chapter 94.00