Palm Desert Objective Design Standards

The City of Palm Desert has traditionally relied on a combination of design guidelines and discretionary design review to shape buildings project by project, including single-family, multifamily and mixed-use projects. However, with new State legislation this type of review has been replaced by requirements that allow cities to only enforce objective design standards (ODS) for residential projects. JKA was retained by Palm Desert to develop new ODS and challenged by the City to develop design standards that reflect the City’s desert setting and character. The resulting ODS, both written and illustrated, were first and foremost written to generate alignment of new projects with Palm Desert’s unique topography. The new ODS emphasize the use of desert flora, landscape buffers and open space between commercial and residential projects, the production of shade by both landscape and built-form components, and the required use of a more limited material and color palette inspired by the natural setting. The final work product also includes a design standards checklist which outlines all design requirements and options. The checklist enhances the consistency and efficiency of staff design review, allowing for faster project approvals.