‘Party Homes’ Targeted By Palm Desert City Council

A zoning ordinance amendment that would attempt to eliminate “party homes” will be the topic of a public hearing today during the Palm Desert Planning Commission meeting.

The amendment would require conditional use permits for residential properties that are rented for 30 days or less, city spokesman David Hermann said.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Palm Desert City Hall.

If passed, the ordinance would create a process in which property owners within 300 feet of the planned rented home will be notified of a hearing if someone requests approval for a short-term vacation rental, Hermann said. Such a hearing would be a requirement for potential renters to be granted a permit.

Hermann said the change has been proposed because of issues with noise, parking and parties involving homes rented out for less than 30 days.

The proposed regulations would not apply to homes within gated communities, Hermann said.

If approved by the Planning Commission, the City Council will vote on the ordinance during its regular meeting March 10.

Hermann said any property owner who is using a residence as a short-term rental legally with a city-issued business license has 90 days to be grandfathered in by registering the property with the Community Development Department.