Chapter 92.00 — Zoning Regulations
§ 92.20
Palm Springs Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · 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. ¶
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.
"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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