Palm Springs residents voice concerns over proposed zoning changes as comment deadline approaches

With a deadline for public comment looming later this month, Palm Springs residents are voicing concerns about proposed building heights and neighborhood impacts as the city undertakes its first comprehensive zoning code update since 1988.

Among the draft changes are calls for taller buildings, smaller housing units, and more dense housing to address the city’s limited developable land. There is also a call for increasing building heights on commercial corridors near transit stops and relaxing parking requirements for new developments.

Most residents who have submitted comments on the latest maps at the Zone Palm Springs online site have so far expressed opposition to certain aspects of the plan.

One commenter, Thomas Kohn, argued that taller buildings would change “the spirit of Palm Springs” and suggested height restrictions based on proximity to the mountains, with a two-story maximum within three-quarters of a mile from the mountain base.

Concerns about allowing taller buildings near Sunrise Park prompted Jerry Braun and Larry Widel to warn of impacts on neighboring homes. They cited potential problems including “decreased light, severe shadow impacts, loss of privacy and quality of life” and blocked mountain views that could affect home values.

Michael Valdez raised legal concerns, arguing that allowing tall mixed-use development at Sunrise and Tahquitz Way would violate the city’s General Plan and could result in the city being sued. Valdez said he discussed the potential violation with the city attorney and disputed staff interpretations of state housing laws.

The city has extended the public comment period for the draft zoning districts and maps, with the deadline now set for 5 p.m. on Sept. 21.

Josh Zipperman, a project manager with the firm handling communications for the “Zone Palm Springs” project, said Tuesday that comments can be made on the maps that are posted on the city’s Engage Palm Springs website. They were first presented to the community at meetings earlier this year.

Zipperman acknowledged the controversial nature of some proposals but emphasized that the changes aim to comply with evolving state laws while furthering the city’s General Plan vision.

“These are very early draft documents,” Zipperman said. “So we really are there to spark conversation and discussion.”

The zoning code update comes as the city grapples with housing supply challenges on limited developable land. While there have been updates throughout the years, the last comprehensive revision occurred in 1988.

Additional engagement opportunities are planned for this fall, including a virtual meeting scheduled for October or early November. More open houses and community meetings will take place early next year, followed by opportunities when the proposals go before the Palm Springs Planning Commission and City Council in the spring.

Zipperman encouraged residents to review the materials and share information with others, noting that the changes could have significant impacts on the community.

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