Palm Springs Residents Have Until Wednesday to Weigh In on Major Zoning Overhaul

Palm Springs residents have just two more days to share their thoughts on the city's first zoning code overhaul since 1988, with public feedback closing Wednesday, March 4.

The city set up interactive boards where residents can comment on proposals covering building heights, parking requirements, affordable housing, and smart growth. Officials say it takes about a minute to leave feedback—just click anywhere on the board to add a comment.

The "Zone Palm Springs" project comes as the state requires the city to add 2,600 new housing units by 2029. So far, only 848 have been built. The city thinks the outdated code makes building housing, workplaces, and community spaces harder and more expensive.

Key proposals on the table include allowing buildings up to five stories along commercial corridors like Tahquitz Canyon and South Palm Canyon, increasing maximum downtown heights to seven stories, cutting back parking requirements, and consolidating single-family zoning districts from five down to two.

The city failing to meet state housing mandates could put funding at risk for roads, sewers, affordable housing programs, and public facilities like the library and swim center.

The city expects to release a full draft of the proposed zoning code this spring, followed by public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. Residents can explore the interactive boards and sign up for updates at engagepalmsprings.com/zoneps.