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Chapter 93.00

§ 93.02

Palm Springs Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Palm Springs

§ 93.02.00. Walls, fences and landscaping.

This section is intended to provide for the regulation of location and height for walls, fences and landscaping so as to permit the maximum of enjoyment of the use of property and for the maximum of safety for persons using sidewalks and streets related thereto.

  • A. Hazardous Areas.

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City of Palm Springs, CA § 93.02.00

GENERAL CONDITIONS

§ 93.02.00

A fence or wall may be required along the perimeter of any area which, by reason of the conditions on the property or physical hazards, such as frequent inundation, noise, erosion, excavation or grade differential, are considered by the director of planning and building to be dangerous. Such fence or wall may exceed six feet in height.

  • B.

  • Security Fencing.

Security fencing, including swimming pool safety enclosure fencing, as required by any governmental agency of jurisdiction shall be permitted, notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Code.

  • C. Prohibited Materials.

No barbed wire, razor wire or similar material shall be permitted, except for use by governmental or quasigovernmental agencies, or unless otherwise approved by the planning commission. Except as elsewhere permitted or for use by governmental or quasigovernmental agencies, chain-link fences may not be used in front or side front yards.

  • D. Protection of Intersection Visibility.

The following regulations shall apply to the intersection of streets:

  1. There shall be no visual obstructions as defined in this Zoning Code within the corner cutback area. The corner cutback area is defined as the triangular area created by a 45 degree angle line on a horizontal plane connecting two points on intersecting property lines, as further defined below in subsections (D)(4) and (D)(5) of this section and as shown on Exhibit "A" located at the end of this section.

  2. In the corner cutback area, visual obstructions are defined as any object that may block the view of motorists including utility vents, hills, walls, signs, street furniture or landscaping which exceeds a height of three and one-half (3½) feet above the nearest street pavement surface.

  3. Exceptions: visual obstructions shall not include existing or future permanent buildings, which are otherwise constructed or maintained in accordance with applicable zoning and building regulations; public utility poles, trees trimmed at the trunk at least eight feet above the level of the reference point as defined in this Zoning Code; provided, trees are spaced so that trunks do no create a visual barrier to official traffic or other governmental signs.

  4. In residential zones, the corner cutback area shall consist of a triangular area created by the diagonal connection of two points measured 30 feet back from the intersection of the prolongation of the front and side front property lines.

  5. In commercial and industrial zones, the corner cutback area shall consist of a triangular area created by the diagonal connection of two points measured 10 feet back from the intersection of the prolongation of the front and side front property lines.

    1. In unusual conditions, the traffic engineer or the planning commission may establish additional or altered corner cutback areas.

  • E.

  • Height Standards.

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City of Palm Springs, CA § 93.02.00

PALM SPRINGS CODE

§ 93.02.00

  1. Walls and fences not exceeding six feet in height shall be permitted in all side and rear yards and alongside and rear lot lines, except as otherwise permitted by the "CM," "M-1P," "M-1" and "M-2" zones, Sections 92.15.03(E), 92.16.03(E), 92.17.03(E) and 92.17.1.03(E). Where two such walls or fences, or one such wall and one such fence are provided along each property line separating two lots, there shall be no gap between said walls and/or fences.

  2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all walls and fences in any front yard and side front yard may not exceed four and one-half feet in height (Exhibit D), except as otherwise permitted by the "C-M," "M-1-P," "M-1" and "M-2" zones, Sections 92.15.03(E), 92.16.03(E), 92.17.03(E), and 92.17.1.03(E). In the corner cutback area, the height of walls, fences and landscaping may not exceed three and one-half feet above the nearest street pavement surface (Exhibit A).

    • a. In residential zones, except for the R-1 zones, and except for properties which front on a secondary or major thoroughfare as indicated by the general plan, walls and fences not exceeding six feet in height may be permitted in front yard and side front yards pursuant to Section 94.04.00 (Architectural review); provided, such wall or fence is constructed of decorative masonry or metal, is no closer than five feet to the property line; and provided that, the area between the wall and the property line is landscaped and maintained by the property owner. Such walls and fences may be permitted on the property line where the subject property is located within a block wherein lots comprising 50% or more of the block frontage are developed with property line walls in excess of four and one-half (4 ½) feet in height, or if, in the opinion of the director of planning and building, a hardship exists in setting back the wall or fence from the property line.

    • b. On properties in residential zones, except for the R-1 zones, which front on a secondary or major thoroughfare as indicated by the general plan, walls and fences not exceeding six feet in height may be permitted in front yard, and side front yards pursuant to Section 94.04.00 (Architectural review); provided, such wall or fence is constructed of decorative masonry or metal; provided that, the total length of all portions of the wall parallel with the front and/or side front property line is no longer than 60% of that property line; provided, such wall is no closer than 15 feet to the property line; and provided that, the area between the wall and the property line is landscaped and maintained by the property owner.

    • c. In the R-1 zones, walls and fences not exceeding five feet in height may be permitted in front yard and side front yards; provided, such wall or fence is constructed of decorative masonry or metal; provided, such wall is no closer than five feet to the property line; and provide that, the area between the wall and the property line is landscaped and maintained by the property owner. Such walls and fences may be permitted on the property line where the subject property is located within a block wherein lots comprising 50% or more of the block frontage are developed with property line walls in excess of four and onehalf (4 ½) feet in height, or if, in the opinion of the director of planning and building, a hardship exists in setting back the wall or fence from the property line.

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City of Palm Springs, CA

GENERAL CONDITIONS

§ 93.02.00

§ 93.02.00

  • d. In the R-1 zones, walls and fences not exceeding six feet in height may be permitted in front yard and side front yards provided such wall or fence is constructed of decorative masonry or metal, provided that the total length of all portions of the wall parallel with the front and/or side front property line is no longer than 60% of that property line, provided such wall is no closer than 15 feet to the property line, and provided that the area between the wall and the property line is landscaped and maintained by the property owner.

  1. Where homes on corner lots back up to each other, as shown on Exhibit "B" (found at the end of this section), a six foot high fence or wall may be constructed within five feet of the side street property line. The five foot area between the wall and the property line is to be landscaped and maintained.

  2. Where double frontage lots (lots having street frontages along both the front and rear property lines) exist, as shown on Exhibit "C" (found at the end of this section), and all houses face a common street, a six foot high wall may be constructed within five feet of the street property line in the common rear yard. The five foot area between the wall and the property line is to be landscaped and maintained pursuant to Section 94.04.00.

  3. Where lots back up to or side on a fairway, walls, fences or hedges not to exceed a height of five feet may be installed on the rear or side property line. When a lot sides on an entrance to a fairway in such a manner that the normal private yards are exposed to the street, a six-foot-high wall, fence or hedge may be constructed; provided, it is reduced to a maximum of five feet in height within 20 feet of the rear property line.

  4. In order to protect private property, the director may approve a fence over six feet in height along a golf course fairway at the setback line, provided the fence complies with the following regulations:

    • a. In no case shall the fence be higher than 15 feet, or the height of the main building on the subject property. Whichever is less shall apply;

    • b. The fence shall be composed of chain-link or other appropriate material completely open for light and air;

    • c. The fence shall be set back from all buildings on adjoining property a distance equal to its height;

    • d. The fence shall be painted a color that will cause it to become a part of the background. To further soften its appearance, the base of such fence shall be landscaped with screen-type shrubs for a height of at least three feet.

  • Method of Height Measurement.

The height of walls, fences and landscaping, as permitted, shall be measured from the top of the existing curb grade or crown of abutting road, or natural grade or finished grade established by the planning commission or director of planning and building. In the event of adjacent properties having an elevation differential at the property line, the height shall be measured from the average grade at the property line. In the event that practical difficulties and problems of abutting street, slope of property, or other site conditions, the applicant requesting a building permit may apply for a minor

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City of Palm Springs, CA

PALM SPRINGS CODE

§ 93.02.00

§ 93.02.00

modification as provided in Section 94.06.01.

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City of Palm Springs, CA

GENERAL CONDITIONS

§ 93.02.00

§ 93.02.00

Exhibit A

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Exhibit B

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Exhibit C. Double-frontage Lots

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City of Palm Springs, CA

PALM SPRINGS CODE

§ 93.02.00

§ 93.03.00

Exhibit D

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(Ord. 1294, 1988; Ord. 1347, 1990; Ord. 1418, 1992; Ord. 1502, 1995; Ord. 1551, 1998; Ord. 1930 § 2, 2017; Ord. 2041 § 28, 2021; Ord. 2063 § 20, 2022; Ord. 2088, 11/9/2023)

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▸Contents — Palm Springs Municipal Code
Palm Springs Municipal Code
  1. Article IV — CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED OFFICERS; CITY MANAGER AND…
  2. Article V — OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
  3. Article VII — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  4. Title 1
  5. Title 2
  6. Chapter 2.02 — MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
  7. Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL
  8. Chapter 2.05 — APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL
  9. Chapter 2.06
  10. Chapter 2.08 — CITY MANAGER
  11. Chapter 2.12
  12. Chapter 2.16
  13. Chapter 2.18 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
  14. Chapter 2.20 — DISASTER COUNCIL
  15. Chapter 2.22 — VILLAGEFEST BOARD
  16. Chapter 2.24 — PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
  17. Chapter 2.28 — SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
  18. Chapter 2.29 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  19. Chapter 2.32 — PUBLIC LIBRARY
  20. Chapter 2.40 — PERSONNEL
  21. Chapter 2.45 — HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
  22. Chapter 2.50 — ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD
  23. Chapter 2.55 — OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOODS
  24. Chapter 2.59
  25. Chapter 2.60 — PUBLIC INTEGRITY
  26. Chapter 2.65 — COMMERCIAL DISTRICT FORMATION
  27. Title 3
  28. Chapter 3.35 — CANNABIS AND MARIJUANA TAX
  29. Chapter 3.04 — FUNDS
  30. Chapter 3.08 — INVESTMENT OF MONEYS AND FUNDS
  31. Chapter 3.16
  32. Chapter 3.22 — SALES AND USE TAX
  33. Article II — Transactions and Use Tax (Measure D)
  34. Chapter 3.24 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  35. Chapter 3.29
  36. Chapter 3.30
  37. Chapter 3.32 — UTILITY USER TAX
  38. Chapter 3.34 — PARKING TAX
  39. Chapter 3.36
  40. Chapter 3.37 — PUBLIC ARTS FEE, FUND AND PROGRAM
  41. Chapter 3.38 — JOB CREATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
  42. Chapter 3.40 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  43. Chapter 3.48 — REQUIREMENTS—EXEMPTIONS
  44. Chapter 3.52 — ISSUANCE OF LICENSES
  45. Chapter 3.56 — PAYMENT—COLLECTION
  46. Chapter 3.60 — ASSESSMENTS IN CERTAIN CASES
  47. Chapter 3.64 — ENFORCEMENT
  48. Chapter 3.72 — RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL
  49. Chapter 3.76 — VIOLATIONS
  50. Chapter 3.80 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX RATES—GENERALLY
  51. Chapter 3.84 — FIXED LICENSE RATES
  52. Chapter 3.88 — GRADUATED SCALE TAX RATES
  53. Chapter 3.90 — GRADUATED SCALE WITH MINIMUM TAX
  54. Chapter 3.94
  55. Chapter 3.96 — LICENSE TAXES COMPUTED ON GROSS RECEIPTS BASIS
  56. Title 4
  57. Chapter 4.04 — RENT REVIEW COMMISSION
  58. Chapter 4.10 — RENT STABILIZATION
  59. Title 5
  60. Chapter 5.02 — SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS
  61. Chapter 5.03
  62. Chapter 5.04 — AUCTION SALES
  63. Chapter 5.08 — CABARETS
  64. Chapter 5.20 — HANDBILLS
  65. Chapter 5.22 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
  66. Chapter 5.24 — HOTEL REGISTRATION
  67. Chapter 5.25 — VACATION RENTALS
  68. Chapter 5.26 — HOTEL OPERATIONS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
  69. Chapter 5.27 — HOTEL OPERATIONS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
  70. Chapter 5.28 — ICE VENDING MACHINES
  71. Chapter 5.36 — NOVELTY SALES AT SPECIAL EVENTS
  72. Chapter 5.38 — MANAGED PARKING
  73. Chapter 5.40 — PASSENGER CARRIERS
  74. Article I — General Provisions
  75. Article II — Pedicab Owners
  76. Article III — Pedicab Drivers
  77. Article IV — Pedicab Vehicles
  78. Article V
  79. Article VI
  80. Article VII — Enforcement
  81. Article VIII
  82. Chapter 5.42 — ESCORTS AND ESCORT BUREAUS
  83. Chapter 5.44
  84. Chapter 5.48
  85. Chapter 5.52 — PRIVATE PATROLS
  86. Chapter 5.55
  87. Chapter 5.56 — PSYCHIC ACTIVITIES
  88. Chapter 5.58 — GARAGE, PATIO AND YARD SALES
  89. Chapter 5.60 — BUSINESS CLOSING SALES
  90. Chapter 5.64 — SEARCHLIGHT OPERATIONS
  91. Chapter 5.68 — SOUND TRUCKS
  92. Chapter 5.72 — MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES REGULATED
  93. Chapter 5.75 — EVENT HOUSES
  94. Chapter 5.76
  95. Chapter 5.77
  96. Chapter 5.78 — LANDSCAPE RELATED BUSINESSES
  97. Chapter 5.79 — STATE VIDEO FRANCHISE HOLDERS
  98. Chapter 5.81
  99. Chapter 5.83
  100. Chapter 5.85
  101. Chapter 5.87
  102. Chapter 5.89 — SIDEWALK VENDING
  103. Chapter 5.91
  104. Chapter 5.92 — CO-OWNED MANAGED HOUSING
  105. Title 6
  106. Chapter 6.04 — WASTE DISPOSAL AND DIVERSION
  107. Chapter 6.05
  108. Chapter 6.06 — RESTAURANT INSPECTION AND GRADING
  109. Chapter 6.07 — REGULATION OF FOOD HANDLERS
  110. Chapter 6.08 — NUISANCES
  111. Chapter 6.09
  112. Chapter 6.10
  113. Chapter 6.11 — TOBACCO RETAILER PERMITS
  114. Chapter 6.12
  115. Chapter 6.14 — PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
  116. Chapter 6.15 — MOBILE FOOD VENDING VEHICLES
  117. Title 7
  118. Chapter 7.07 — CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
  119. Chapter 7.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  120. Chapter 7.03 — PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS
  121. Chapter 7.04 — PROCUREMENT EXEMPTIONS
  122. Chapter 7.05 — CONTRACTS
  123. Chapter 7.06 — CONTRACT CHANGES
  124. Chapter 7.07 — CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
  125. Chapter 7.08 — DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
  126. Title 8
  127. Article I — Building Codes
  128. Article II — Building Security Regulations
  129. Article III
  130. Article IV — Palm Springs Building Administrative Code
  131. Article V — Undergrounding of Utilities
  132. Article VI — Fire Code
  133. Article VIII — Displacement Payments to Tenants
  134. Article IX
  135. Article I — General Provisions
  136. Article II
  137. Article III
  138. Article IV
  139. Article V — Historic Preservation on Tribal Lands
  140. Chapter 8.30 — MUNICIPAL SOLAR UTILITY
  141. Chapter 8.32 — MSU LEASEHOLD MARKETING
  142. Chapter 8.40
  143. Chapter 8.50 — FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL
  144. Chapter 8.60 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
  145. Chapter 8.68 — FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
  146. Chapter 8.70 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROLS
  147. Chapter 8.80 — VACANT BUILDINGS AND BOARDING REGULATIONS
  148. Chapter 8.90 — TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM MITIGATION FEE
  149. Chapter 8.95 — MSHCP MITIGATION FEE
  150. Chapter 8.100
  151. Chapter 8.105 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION STREAMLINED …
  152. Title 9
  153. Chapter 9.60 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  154. Chapter 9.65 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
  155. Chapter 9.66 — REVERSIONS
  156. Chapter 9.67 — ENFORCEMENT—JUDICIAL REVIEW
  157. Chapter 9.68 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
  158. Chapter 9.69 — CANYON AREA IMPACT FEES
  159. Title 10
  160. Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
  161. Chapter 10.18 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
  162. Chapter 10.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
  163. Chapter 10.18 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
  164. Chapter 10.22 — UNATTENDED ANIMALS IN ENCLOSED VEHICLES
  165. Title 11
  166. Chapter 11.08 — DISORDERLY CONDUCT
  167. Chapter 11.76 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
  168. Chapter 11.03 — PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM COVERAGE
  169. Chapter 11.04 — UNSAFE CONDUCT
  170. Chapter 11.06
  171. Chapter 11.08 — DISORDERLY CONDUCT
  172. Chapter 11.10 — PUBLIC NUDITY
  173. Chapter 11.13 — BINGO PERMITS
  174. Chapter 11.20 — EXPLOSIVES
  175. Chapter 11.28 — CIVIL DISPUTES
  176. Chapter 11.30 — MUNICIPAL BUS SYSTEM
  177. Chapter 11.32 — MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
  178. Chapter 11.36 — WILDLIFE PROTECTION
  179. Chapter 11.40 — ENCAMPMENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
  180. Chapter 11.44 — PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS
  181. Chapter 11.48 — SCHOOL GROUNDS
  182. Chapter 11.56 — CURFEW AND TRUANCY
  183. Chapter 11.60 — OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL ROOMS BY MINORS
  184. Chapter 11.64 — TRESPASS
  185. Chapter 11.70 — GRAFFITI
  186. Chapter 11.72 — PUBLIC NUISANCES
  187. Chapter 11.74 — NOISE ORDINANCE
  188. Chapter 11.76 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
  189. Chapter 11.80 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  190. Chapter 11.82 — POLICE TOW SERVICES STANDARDS
  191. Chapter 11.84 — FALSE STATEMENTS
  192. Chapter 11.88 — TAPPING TELEVISION CABLES
  193. Chapter 11.90
  194. Chapter 11.96
  195. Chapter 11.100 — ABANDONMENT OF SHOPPING CARTS
  196. Chapter 11.102
  197. Title 12
  198. Chapter 12.08 — ADMINISTRATION
  199. Chapter 12.24 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
  200. Chapter 12.12 — ENFORCEMENT—OBEDIENCE
  201. Chapter 12.16 — TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
  202. Chapter 12.20 — SPECIAL SPEED ZONES
  203. Chapter 12.24 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
  204. Chapter 12.28 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  205. Chapter 12.40 — MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LOT NO. 3
  206. Chapter 12.44 — STOP INTERSECTIONS
  207. Chapter 12.48 — YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY SIGNS
  208. Chapter 12.52 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
  209. Chapter 12.56 — RESTRICTED USE OF CERTAIN STREETS
  210. Chapter 12.60 — LOADING ZONES
  211. Chapter 12.64 — DRIVING RULES
  212. Chapter 12.68 — PEDESTRIANS
  213. Chapter 12.80 — TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE NECESSITATED BY ASSEM…
  214. Chapter 12.84 — GOLF CARTS
  215. Chapter 12.90
  216. Title 14
  217. Chapter 14.04 — STREET NUMBERS
  218. Chapter 14.08 — STREET NAME CHANGES
  219. Chapter 14.12 — STREET NAMES FOR TRAILER PARKS
  220. Chapter 14.16 — ENCROACHMENTS
  221. Chapter 14.20 — MOVING BUILDINGS
  222. Chapter 14.24 — WATER AND RUBBISH IN STREETS
  223. Chapter 14.26
  224. Chapter 14.28 — WIRELESS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY
  225. Title 15
  226. Chapter 15.08 — DEFINITIONS
  227. Chapter 15.14 — REQUIRED USE OF SEWERS
  228. Chapter 15.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  229. Chapter 15.12 — ENFORCEMENT
  230. Chapter 15.14 — REQUIRED USE OF SEWERS
  231. Chapter 15.28 — SEWER USE REGULATIONS
  232. Chapter 15.32 — REGULATION OF WATER WELLS
  233. Title 16
  234. Chapter 16.02
  235. Chapter 16.04 — GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
  236. Chapter 16.06
  237. Chapter 16.08 — FIXED BASE OPERATOR
  238. Chapter 16.10
  239. Chapter 16.12
  240. Chapter 16.14
  241. Chapter 16.16
  242. Chapter 16.18
  243. Chapter 16.20 — AIRCRAFT STORAGE OPERATOR (SASO)
  244. Chapter 16.22
  245. Chapter 16.24
  246. Chapter 16.26
  247. Chapter 16.28
  248. Chapter 16.30 — PRIVATE FLYING CLUB
  249. Chapter 16.32
  250. Chapter 16.34
  251. Chapter 16.36
  252. Chapter 16.37
  253. Chapter 16.38
  254. Chapter 16.39
  255. Chapter 16.40
  256. Title CR
  257. Chapter 91.00
  258. Chapter 92.00
  259. ▸Chapter 93.00
    Overview
    1. § 93.01
    2. § 93.02
    3. § 93.03
    4. § 93.04
    5. § 93.05
    6. § 93.06
    7. § 93.07
    8. § 93.09
    9. § 93.10
    10. § 93.13
    11. § 93.16
    12. § 93.19
    13. § 93.20
    14. § 93.21
    15. § 93.23
  260. Chapter 94.00

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