Frequently Asked Questions

City of Desert Hot Springs Code Compliance staff members are part of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. Code Compliance Officers are responsible for enforcing Municipal Codes, Building Codes, and Zoning Regulations to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of all City residents. These codes are different than laws enforced by the Police and Fire Departments because they mostly relate to property issues rather than issues directly related to a person. However, an individual can be held responsible if their property, whether it is owned or leased, is in violation.

The Code Compliance process is typically initiated in several ways:

1) Observation of a code violation by City staff as they patrol the community and do their jobs;

2) Triggered by an action, request, or application (for example, an application for a building permit or a request for a zoning variance); or

3) In response to a complaint by an individual.

City residents can report suspected code violations via our website to REPORT A CODE VIOLATION or by calling the Code Compliance Hotline at (760) 329-6411, ext. 265.

Once City staff has observed a violation on your property you will be issued a Courtesy Notice of Violation. This gives a specific time frame, depending on the violation, in which you are required to bring your property into compliance. If the violation is not corrected within the time frame given, you will be subject to fees and/or citations until compliance is achieved. You can view a Code Compliance Process flow chart on our website for more details.

City staff responds to Code Compliance complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

For all types of code complaints, the first step in the follow-up procedure is personal contact by a City staff member to ascertain if a code violation exists, and to request remediation. If the individual responsible for the situation is not available or appears unwilling to voluntarily correct the code violation in a timely manner, a Notice of Violation or a Citation may be issued. The City may also take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored previous notices/citations.

The role of Code Compliance is to interpret and apply the municipal code applicable to each specific case. Code Compliance officers have the discretion to grant time extensions and work collaboratively with residents on correcting violations.

The goal of enforcement is to ensure city-wide conformity to Building and Zoning Regulations to maintain safety and enhance the quality of life for all residents. The quality of life in Desert Hot Springs is tied to the character and conditions of its neighborhoods. Enforcing violations stops unsafe issues from continuing and prevents future violations from occurring. Specifically, enforcing property maintenance standards protects the appearance, integrity, and character of the community, as well as helping maintain property values for owners.

Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc. (FHCRC) offers services to both landlords and tenants in an effort to resolve disputes arising from the individual’s tenancy. FHCRC receives complaints, investigates them, and then attempts to mediate the dispute between the landlord and tenant. FHCRC also hosts educational workshops for both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities under Fair Housing laws.

Please contact the Fair Housing Council if you are experiencing a tenant, landlord, or roommate dispute.

Palm Springs Office:
190 W. Amado Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 864-1541
By appointment only: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm