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Title 19 — Development Code›Chapter 19.80 — Noise Control›Article 7 — Subdivision Regulations

§ 19.172

Twentynine Palms Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Twentynine Palms

19.172.010 - Intent and Purpose of the Overlay

The overlay shall be that area depicted on Figure 19.172.010-1 (Overlay District for the Mesquite Dunes, Mesquite Dunes Bosque, and Playa Lakebed). The intent and purpose of this overlay district is to establish development regulations to protect the natural beauty and biological resources of the Mesquite Dunes, Mesquite Dunes Bosque, and Playa Lakebed.

19.172.020 - Development Requirements

Proposed developments having portions of areas within the overlay may credit this area for requirements related to landscaping and permeable surface. To preserve the open space resources and prevent destruction of the Mesquite Dunes, Mesquite Dunes Bosque, and Playa Lakebed, the following restrictions shall apply:

A.

Grading shall be limited to that necessary for approved building foundations, parking, and access driveways. A Grading Permit for grading of land in excess of this limitation shall not be issued unless specifically approved by the Planning Commission, at a noticed public hearing, with specific findings that the proposed permit will not degrade the integrity of the open space resources.

B.

Proposed developments with views of the dunes shall be encouraged to be designed so that the configuration and placement of buildings benefit from views of the dunes (e.g., orientation of windows, main building entries, major drive aisles and courtyards).

C.

Development shall be designed and located to avoid or minimize disturbance to the dunes and other prominent natural features.

D.

Sand extraction is not permitted.

E.

A comprehensive hydrogeological investigation addressing historic depth of the water table shall be performed prior to the approval of any Use Permit in the Overlay District, with minimum separation of 40 feet from the historic water table to the bottom of any leaching trench or pit.

19.172.030 - Biological Resources

The Mesquite Bosque on the southwestern shore of Mesquite Lake represents an important habitat, due to the limited nature of such woodland habitat in this region. Although the site has been severely devastated by woodcutting, sufficient tree cover persists to constitute a sensitive habitat.

The flat playa of Playa Lakebed represents a wetland habitat. The desert playa wetlands are unusual in that they contain fairy shrimp, clam shrimp, tadpole shrimp and water fleas. These animals are adapted to the cyclic wet and dry conditions of this habitat—a condition similar to that of the vernal pool habitat of more coastal areas.

The following planning measures shall be implemented to maintain the Mesquite Bosque and Playa Wetlands sensitive habitat:

A.

Parcel sizes for land subdivisions shall be no smaller than 20 net acres in area.

B.

Development shall provide for the preservation of existing trees. Specific measures to be implemented will be determined as part of the development review process. Such measures may include but are not limited to biological studies and clearance surveys, structure setbacks from trees with trunks 8 inches or greater in diameter, replanting plants or other measures designed to preserve or replace trees.

C.

Prior to the issuance of any Building Permit or Grading Permit, a detailed clearance survey must be provided by the applicant to indicate honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees.

D.

No removal of the honey mesquite trees may be permitted without approval of the Planning Commission.

E.

A detailed clearance survey for the presence of desert tortoises shall be required prior to issuance of any Grading Permit or Building Permit.

F.

Any Conditional Use Permit in the Overlay District requires approval by the Planning Commission at a noticed public hearing and shall only be approved if the Planning Commission makes the following findings in addition to any findings that may normally be required:

1.

The proposal will not result in a significant adverse environmental impact on endangered species or sensitive habitats, plants or animals.

2.

The design and physical improvements associated with the proposal minimize disturbance to the Mesquite Dunes, Mesquite Bosque or Playa Lakebed.

3.

The proposal will not degrade the scenic and open space resources of the site or areas in the vicinity of the site.

Figure 19.172.010-1

Chapter 19.174 - Specific Plans 1-4

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▸ Contents — Twentynine Palms Zoning Code
Twentynine Palms Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title 19 — Development Code
    Overview
    1. § 19.02
    2. § 19.020
    3. § 19.04
    4. § 19.06
    5. § 19.08
    6. § 19.10
    7. § 19.12
    8. § 19.14
    9. § 19.16
    10. § 19.18
    11. § 19.20
    12. § 19.22
    13. § 19.26
    14. § 19.28
    15. § 19.29
    16. § 19.30
    17. § 19.32
    18. § 19.34
    19. § 19.35
    20. § 19.36
    21. § 19.37
    22. § 19.38
    23. § 19.40
    24. § 19.41
    25. § 19.42
    26. § 19.43
    27. § 19.44
    28. § 19.46
    29. § 19.48
    30. § 19.50
    31. § 19.52
    32. § 19.54
    33. § 19.55
    34. § 19.56
    35. § 19.57
    36. § 19.58
    37. § 19.60
    38. § 19.62
    39. § 19.64
    40. § 19.66
    41. § 19.68
    42. § 19.69
    43. § 19.70
    44. § 19.72
    45. § 19.73
    46. § 19.74
    47. § 19.78
    48. ▸ Chapter 19.80 — Noise Control
      Overview
      1. § 19.82
      2. § 19.88
      3. 88.080 Freestanding Signs
      4. § 19.90
      5. § 19.92
      6. § 19.94
      7. § 19.96
      8. § 19.98
      9. § 19.100
      10. § 19.102
      11. § 19.104
      12. § 19.106
      13. § 19.108
      14. § 19.110
      15. § 19.112
      16. § 19.114
      17. § 19.116
      18. § 19.124
      19. § 19.128
      20. § 19.130
      21. § 19.132
      22. § 19.134
      23. § 19.136
      24. § 19.138
      25. § 19.140
      26. § 19.142
      27. § 19.144
      28. § 19.146
      29. § 19.147
      30. § 19.148
      31. ▸ Article 7 — Subdivision Regulations
        Overview
        1. § 19.150
        2. § 19.152
        3. § 19.154
        4. § 19.156
        5. § 19.158
        6. § 19.160
        7. § 19.162
        8. § 19.164
        9. § 19.166
        10. § 19.168
        11. § 19.170
        12. § 19.172
        13. § 19.174
        14. § 19.176

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