Plan Check/Inspection Fees (Resolution No. 12-37)

These fees are collected on ALL building permits. 

• Fee Schedule

Construction Tax (Ordinance No. 216)

Charge $ .40 per sq ft on ALL new and additional square footage added to the building under roof (i.e. additional square footage for SFD additions, converting Garages, atriums or patio areas to living space and all commercial additions).

SMIP Fees (Strong Motion Instrumentation Program)

This is on NEW construction only, not tenant improvements.

• Residential: $.00013 of total valuation
• Commercial: $.00028 of total valuation

• Residential: $.25 of 1% of valuation of the structure
• Commercial: $.50 of 1% of valuation of the structure

*Individual single family dwelling not in a development is exempt for the first $100,000.

Job Valuation Fees

Charge $.25 per $1,000.00 of total construction cost on permits for:

• Swimming Pool contractors
• General Contractors (not for block walls or re-roof permits).

Microfilm Fees

The following fee(s) will be charged accordingly to EVERY permit:

• 8.5x11 up to 11x17: $.07 per page
• Plans Sheets (All): $.80 per page
• Color up to 8.5x11: $.11 per page

School Tax Fees 

This fee is paid to the appropriate school district on all new residential and commercial construction. Submit receipt for proof of payment.

TUMF Fees (Traffic Uniform Mitigation Fee) 

• Commercial Buildings Paid through the Building and Safety Department.

*See CVAG Transportation page.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - November 14, 2024

The CITY COUNCIL of the CITY OF PALM DESERT will hold a PUBLIC HEARING at its regular meeting scheduled at 4:00 PM, on November 14, 2024 to consider (1) the adoption of an addendum to the TUMF Nexus Study (the “Addendum”) relating to increased Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees for regional transportation facilities and program administration (collectively, the “TUMF”); and (2) adoption of the TUMF inflationary adjustment that will take effect January 1, 2025.

• Public Hearing Notice
• Addendum to CVAG 2018 TUMF Nexus Study(42697392.1)

Low Income Housing Mitigation Fee (Res. No. 90-130)

All commercial developments shall be assessed the following mitigation fees to be paid at the issuance of building permits. The fee shall be based on the following schedule:

• General Mixed Commercial: $1.00 sq. ft.
• Professional Office: $.50 sq. ft.
• Industrial: $.33 sq. ft.
• Resort Hotel: $1,000 per room
  •  *Including major amenities, golf course, multiple restaurants, large convention facilities, etc.
• Non-Resort Hotel: $620 per room
  • Limited amenities

Child Care Facilities Commercial Development Impact Mitigation Fee 

Fees will be collected for all new square footage for commercial (non-residential) developments within the City. The fees shall be based on the following schedule:

• Light Industrial: $.47 sq. ft.
• Hotel/Visitors Uses: $.77 sq. ft.
• Retail/Service Commercial $.90 sq. ft.
• Office Uses: $1.15 sq. ft.

*Mixed use projects shall be assessed a blended rate based on the anticipated uses. Uses not listed shall be assessed according to the nearest appropriate category.

Fire Facilities Impact

Fees will be based on Residential or Non-residential use as follows:

Residential

• $709 per unit - Low Density
• $306 per unit - Medium Density
• $182 per unit - High Density

Commercial 

• $.2200 per square foot for Commercial
• $.2100 per square foot for Industrial and Office

*This fee is charged to a designated area of development to supplement future fire protection needs.