Archives: FAQs

What are the different vacation rental permit types?

“General vacation rental permit” is a type of vacation rental permit that is neither a home share vacation rental permit nor a primary residence vacation rental permit. “Home share vacation rental permit” is a type of vacation rental permit whereby the owner hosts visitors in the owner’s vacation rental unit, for compensation, for periods of … Continued

Step 1:

Review the City of DHS ADU Handbook to familiarize yourself with the City’s ADU regulations. Talk to a Planner or Permit Technician if you have any questions about ADU’s or want information on the pre-approved ADU regulations.

Step 2:

Consult with an experienced design professional to help your vision come into a reality! Building designers, engineers or architects can draft the required plans (site plans, fire sprinklers, and grading plans if necessary) for your pre-approved ADU, and will work with the City’s Building and Planning Departments to ensure the plans are ready to be … Continued

Step 3:

Time to submit your new site-specific plans to the Planning and Building Departments for review! Your building designer or architect can do this for you. Once your plans are approved and a Building Permit is issued, construction can begin! Periodically during the construction process, your ADU will require a building inspection. Once the ADU is … Continued

What is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?

An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, which is located on the same lot as a single-family detached dwelling unit.

Why are ADU’s important?

California’s lack of housing production and large population growth have caused a housing shortage. In fact, only half the homes needed to keep up with population growth were constructed in California in the past ten years. That means that cities statewide need to build more housing. It also means that housing is unaffordable, particularly for renters in … Continued

How much are the permit fees for an ADU?

Construction cost such as materials, labor, and consultant fees will vary depending on rates set by the consultants and professionals you choose to retain. However, the City is making efforts to greatly reduce costs associated with building an ADU. On June 6, 2023, the City of Desert Hot Springs City Council approved to waive all … Continued

Where’s my ballot?

You can track your ballot here. If you have any problems locating your ballot, please contact the Riverside County Registrar of Voters at (951) 486-7200.

Are there specific rules for a designated cannabis consumption area?

a. Ensure that the consumption of cannabis or cannabis products is not visible from the outside of the business, and the smoking, inhalation, consumption or ingestion of cannabis or cannabis products shall not be visible from any public place or any area where minors may be present. b. Ensure that cannabis consumption areas shall have … Continued

Close window