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Chapter 93.00 — General Conditions

§ 93.07

Palm Springs Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Palm Springs

§ 93.07.00. Off-street loading and trash enclosures.

Sections 93.07.01 and 93.07.02 contain the off-street loading regulations and trash enclosures regulations, respectively.

(Ord. 1294, 1988; Editorially amended during codification)

§ 93.07.01. Off-street loading.

A. General Provisions.

Every hospital, institution, hotel, commercial or industrial building hereafter erected or established shall have and maintain loading spaces as provided in Section 93.07.01(B) and (C), subject to conditions herein and constructed to the minimum standards established by the department of community development.

  1. Loading spaces shall be not less than 12 feet in width, 40 feet in length, and with 14 feet in vertical clearance. Loading areas shall be screened from view from adjacent properties and streets.

  2. When the lot upon which the loading spaces are located abuts upon an alley, such loading spaces shall have access from the alley. The length of the loading space may be measured perpendicular to or parallel with the alley. Where such loading area is parallel with the alley and the lot is 50 feet or less in width, the loading area shall extend across the full width of the lot.

  3. There shall be no more than one entry or exit to 80 feet of lot frontage or fractions thereof, except as otherwise provided in the zone regulations.

  4. Loading spaces shall be so located and designed that trucks need not back into a street or alley.

  5. No part of an alley or street shall be used for loading excepting areas designated by the city for loading.

  6. Loading space being maintained in connection with any existing main building existing on the effective date of this Zoning Code shall thereafter be maintained so long as such building remains, unless an equivalent number of such spaces are provided on a contiguous lot in conformity with the requirements of this section; provided, however, that this regulation shall not require the maintenance of more loading space than is required for a new building, nor the maintenance of such space for any type of main building other than those specified above.

  7. No loading space which is provided for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this Zoning Code shall hereafter be eliminated, reduced, or converted in any manner below the requirements established in this Zoning Code, unless equivalent facilities are provided elsewhere, conforming to this Zoning Code.

  8. Parking and drive areas may be used to satisfy the requirements of the required loading spaces, if approved by the planning commission.

  • B. Loading Spaces Required.

The following off-street loading spaces shall be provided for all hospitals, institutions, hotels, commercial and industrial uses unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.

Gross Floor Area Loading Spaces Required
1. Commercial and Industrial Buildings
3,000—15,000 1
15,001—40,000 2
40,001—and over 3
2. Hospitals and Institutions
10,000—50,000 1
50,001—100,000 2
100,001—and over 3
3. Hotels and Restaurants 1
  • C. Mixed Occupancies.

In the case of mixed uses, the total number of required loading spaces shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately. Loading space facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing required loading space facilities for any other use. (Ord. 1294, 1988; Ord. 1347, 1990; Ord. 1553, 1998)

§ 93.07.02. Trash enclosures.

  • A. A trash enclosure shall be provided for all uses in each zone district, except single-family zones. The requirements of this section shall not apply in the C-M, M-1, M-1-P and M-2 zones when a property is completely enclosed by walls and buildings. The trash enclosure shall be constructed so that the contents, including trash containers, recycling containers, and organic waste containers, shall not be visible from a height of five feet above ground level on any street frontage.

The construction of the trash enclosure shall be constructed to the minimum standards established by the department of planning and building, shall be subject to architectural review (Section 94.04.00), and shall conform to the following general standards:

  1. The enclosure shall be constructed of masonry block or decorative block or other durable material. Texture and color shall blend with the architecture of the building.

  2. Height of the enclosure shall be sufficient to conceal the contents of the enclosure, including containers, but in no case, less than six feet (for bins) or three feet six inches (for cans) measured from finish grade at the exterior of the enclosure.

  3. Baffled openings to the enclosure are suggested; provided that, if all or a portion of the contents are stored in mechanically unloaded steel bins of the dumpster type, a gate with a clear opening of nine feet shall be provided for access to the enclosure. Gate height shall be equal to enclosure height, and the gate shall be equipped with a latch or other device to ensure the gate remains closed when not in use. The gate shall be of a durable material, color and design which will blend with the enclosure. Contents of the enclosure shall not be visible when the gate is closed.

  4. The enclosure shall be so oriented on the property that convenient access is provided for waste disposal service approved by the planning commission. If mechanically unloaded bins are utilized, paved access to the gate opening shall be provided which will allow entry of the waste disposal truck without excessive maneuvering.

  5. The enclosure shall be constructed with a concrete floor and designed so that it can be washed out and kept in a sanitary condition.

  • B. Single-family Zones.

Trash containers shall be stored so that they are concealed from public view and located within 50 feet of the street, alley or access way from which trash removal service is delivered.

  • C. Recyclable Material Enclosures.

    1. At least one recyclable materials enclosure, accommodating a minimum three cubic yard bin, shall be provided for all uses as stated in Section 93.07.02 including single-family residential developments which include a trash collection area serving five or more units. Such enclosure shall adhere to all requirements set forth in Section 93.07.02(A).

    2. Recyclable material enclosures shall be incorporated into the required trash and organic waste enclosure structure or located in proximity to these enclosures.

  1. Each enclosure shall include a sign, identifying the use of the bin for storage or recyclable materials, placed on the enclosure entrance gates and shall be no larger than two square feet in size.
  • D. Organic Waste Material Enclosures.

    1. At least one organic waste material enclosure shall be provided for all uses as stated in Section 93.07.02 including single-family residential developments which include a trash collection area serving five or more units. Such enclosure shall adhere to all requirements set forth in Section 93.07.02(A). The size of the organic waste material enclosure shall be based on the anticipated needs of the building or buildings being served.

    2. Organic waste material enclosures shall be incorporated into the required trash and recyclable material enclosure structure or located in proximity to this structure.

    3. Each enclosure shall include a sign, identifying the use of the bin for storage of organic waste materials, placed on the enclosure entrance gates and shall be no larger than two square feet in size.

(Ord. 1294, 1988; Ord. 1347, 1990; Ord. 1457, 1993; Ord. 1553, 1998; Ord. 2020 § 47, 2020; Ord. 2063 § 21, 2022)

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