[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6595376,"mediaKeyId","3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a","parentId",3034071,"title","Commission hears limits on temporary shade structures; zoning update flagged for possible changes","audioSeconds",238,"startMs",6340000,"endMs",6578000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a&start=6340&end=6578","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a/thumbnail_6340000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6595376/Cathedral-City/Riverside-County/California/Commission-hears-limits-on-temporary-shade-structures-zoning-update-flagged-for-possible-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595376-487ac0c3e8553986b1c119b7f85b3011/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148376&Signature=n9k9W0h8uh3fN9H-LqNcLaddCHTPJdNEMr1x3yrgD~Np0y5MNk~KWjHvfVrfVoSioB50bgIFwbRz2X~9PoW~kNsSLUFe5Y6R2WH94Y21FDvWMBWfVrbhjsYnN3eGulPXCojMHbdagjPviwWmDZOQsnMAeNqDEG0ZxYKf50v1IlKqpG89B2fDPwQmI-JKYyApoQnGyuOBol5MPzN0k999LPZERGYG0AUdnRZw7EnVy0XslIfDCfEguxG-KXcBudLbYHc0ZrHFPCWQli5ERbt6WE9uEX84ZFeZJLXALOnvgzq2GN8yLtEyaIkAiC99r0lVLWO1XaH8YMgMMo~7602lfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Discover Cathedral City","date","2025-04-17T03:50:56.227Z","article","Planning staff presented an overview of Cathedral City’s current rules for accessory and temporary structures on April 16 and told the Planning Commission that temporary shade structures are permitted only for short durations and that permanent covered parking remains constrained by front‑yard setback rules.

The staff slide deck summarized the R‑1 zoning district building envelope and accessory structure setback rules. Staff said accessory structures (for example, a detached carport or garage) may encroach into side or rear setbacks (commonly to five feet) but may not be located within the front yard setback. “Temporary structures are intended to be up for a period of time of 90 days or less,” staff said, and cautioned that pop‑up shade materials degrade in sun and wind, can become dangerous projectiles and commonly create long‑term code‑compliance issues when left in place.

Commissioner Bedard and others flagged equity and practical concerns for households without garages or where front setbacks are narrow. Commissioners noted many older neighborhoods already contain carports or shade structures built decades ago under previous rules. Staff explained those preexisting improvements are likely legal nonconforming features; they are allowed to remain but generally must meet current standards if damaged beyond a standard rehabilitation threshold.

Several commissioners asked staff to evaluate options during the city’s zoning code update. Staff outlined approaches used in other jurisdictions, such as creating subdistricts or targeted standards for older neighborhoods, allowing limited front yard carports that remain open on three sides, or establishing design and materials requirements so shade structures do not become long‑term compliance hazards. Planning staff said the zoning code update process can assess neighborhood character and propose tools—reduced setbacks for specific subdistricts, tailored lot‑coverage rules or design standards—to balance property rights, safety and neighborhood aesthetics.

Ending: Commissioners asked that the project be added to the zoning update work program for more detailed policy development. Staff said they will return with options and recommended language as the update proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission - Regular Meeting - April 16, 2025 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff told the commission temporary shade structures are allowed only short-term and that accessory covered parking in the front yard is constrained by current setbacks; commissioners asked staff to explore zoning-update options to address equity and practicality.","taxTitle","Cathedral City, Riverside County, California","taxId",5539,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6595382,"Planning commission debates broader public-notice rules; signs deferred for now",2592,2824000,5416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a&start=2824&end=5416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a/thumbnail_2824000.jpg","/articles/6595382/Cathedral-City/Riverside-County/California/Planning-commission-debates-broader-public-notice-rules-signs-deferred-for-now","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595382-05fb62f03f6b48fe5d0572e5ea98ca91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148376&Signature=jeRkX12DUAbbsoJZMKamKeQ2zJOAUcysYCk9S5zoj7Aq175pWV4CyCHhhPy-rZVx-RoxFG~8p1BFmZwuOTfuSJPfzd1nNPQVnM2UQ~YuJkFIzXqMrIffLqTUAPUQP~OHzlMTpdshZH0EolVxJMrfjKSmgsjThsvwII6cjDlfxBlmc41CLn1q9MWMntGHzwY9azlFsYV1WgEseGoMJ99qPjF9gqShl2YjRhmlvhYPMIExthwQlN7BsrHaDNIjCHclLl5kkmpllTyGH~SjP1mHYf14WPvVFS9UdcurrlZIvl6DtUUZNuGy3ti71u9tsSa-FChySEQKATMRUpnPDjaWmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff presented proposed changes to Cathedral City’s public-noticing procedures at the April 16 Planning Commission meeting, recommending expanded mailed notice for more inclusive outreach and a structured community‑engagement step for larger projects.

The staff report said state law requires direct mailing to real property owners within a 300‑foot radius as a minimum; staff proposed increasing that radius to 500 feet for typical projects and to 750–1,000 feet for larger sites (for example, projects of 10 acres or more). The packet also suggested notifying occupants of rentals and commercial tenants in addition to property owners and adding a community‑meeting requirement for projects that meet a size or impact threshold.

Staff noted costs and practical issues with on‑site signs and recommended deferring a mandatory sign requirement for now. “A sign is about just under $1,000 for fabrication,” staff said, and added that the installation and removal costs would further increase expense; commissioners agreed the visual clutter and limited readability from fast-moving streets reduce signs’ utility compared with broader mailed notice and tenant notification.

How to reach non‑owner occupants was a frequent practical question. Staff said assessor tax rolls provide owner mailing addresses and that planning and GIS can pull supplemental lists (business license addresses, parcel records) to reach tenants in apartment complexes, mobile home parks and commercial suites. Commissioners asked staff to clarify language that currently anchors mailing lists to assessor records so that applicants notify occupants as well as owners.

On the community‑engagement proposal, staff recommended that applicants hold a neighborhood meeting after initial submittal and before the public hearing so applicants can vet issues and, where feasible, modify designs in response. The commission discussed whether to require follow‑up meetings if a project changed substantially between the community meeting and hearing; staff said the development director could require an additional outreach meeting where appropriate.

Next steps: staff will draft ordinance language for the commission’s recommendation. Planning staff said the proposal will return to the commission for a recommendation before forwarding to City Council for introduction and adoption. Commissioners generally supported expanded mailed notice and tenant notification, asked staff to refine the technical language for assembling mailing lists, and supported deferring mandatory on‑site signage to evaluate the expanded notification program first.","Staff proposed expanding mailed notice beyond current 300-foot minimum, notifying occupants as well as property owners and holding community meetings for larger projects. Commissioners agreed on broader mailed notice but recommended deferring mandatory on-site signage and refining how tenants and businesses are reached.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6595386,"Cathedral City building official outlines permitting, inspections, EV and accessibility rules",3771,500000,4271000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a&start=500&end=4271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034071-5a79c2d5d49d1cfb1f31fdd4b723c36a/thumbnail_500000.jpg","/articles/6595386/Cathedral-City/Riverside-County/California/Cathedral-City-building-official-outlines-permitting-inspections-EV-and-accessibility-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595386-eb5e64fdb33e2a8eb0c980d3233e4a39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148376&Signature=OcSU-egka7zIO-8LAFT1EWriTu1N8Eun6oe7ycFTf1h4~p6OhoatnwZweVzHLZDctwOQOUBvZzUYs62WwAleCKHrX1kQaw9faBUTV1qWibI-Fp7D1L~5Js66MVqa~Ri1uVQ0PF8WjBRbXNNEZz1WfIp1saSdyfRy6kycDs4IRlckX~32y5SnWz4fT0Z1xf2Iad8-o3MZIYrP9jX1fF7wJeZGhNkwUyv8wNcF47PwsGakjjND5FhZAW2VmXH67CiwNgnmgrz80pTdUiamKBtIK1soifLeFbAZ-dQfN6s-s8x-3W2eg0NworuFNt-h7FJeMipGrQFFUV5dK4icuWOQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeremy Fry, Cathedral City’s chief building official, told the Planning Commission on April 16 that the Building and Safety Department’s primary duties are to “observe, assess, document, and then educate” during permit review and construction inspections.

Fry gave commissioners a short walkthrough of the department’s workflow—from permit technician quality control and plan review to field inspections—and described changes intended to speed approvals and improve customer service. “When permit techs deem [an application] complete, it moves forward into a plan review process,” Fry said. He described the department’s goal of a single inspector following a project “from start to finish” when possible and summarized technical rules the department enforces, including accessibility, energy and solar provisions, and EV-charging requirements for new construction.

The presentation matters because the department’s procedures determine how fast repairs, remodels and new construction start, and because recent changes in state and local codes increase requirements for solar-ready roof areas, energy storage readiness and EV infrastructure on many new projects. Fry said the department completed a shift to an all-digital customer self-service (CSS) portal in the last year: “Here, you can pretty much do anything, licensing wise, permitting wise, throughout city hall,” he said, adding that some expedited permits can be approved within a business day.

Most important technical points Fry highlighted:
- Inspections and turnaround: a typical new single-family home requires about nine milestone inspections from footing to final; Fry said the department’s current target is a 24-hour turnaround for inspection requests and that inspectors work longer field days (Monday–Thursday) to achieve this.
- Expedited permits: seven permit categories (including water heaters, HVAC change-outs, residential reroofs and sewer connections) are treated as expedited; applicants frequently receive approval within the next business day.
- Accessibility: Fry referenced California Building Code chapters 11A and 11B and reviewed parking and accessible route requirements (for example, a van-accessible parking stall minimum width of 12 feet, an access aisle of 5 feet, and a standard accessible stall width of 9 feet; required accessible stalls scale with total parking counts).
- Solar and energy: under current state energy rules Fry summarized, new single-family and some multi‑family projects must provide 250 square feet of designated rooftop solar zone where solar is not already proposed; he also described “battery-ready” requirements including conduit and a circuit space sized to accommodate future ESS (energy storage system) breakers.
- EV infrastructure: Fry outlined the three common categories enforced by the California Green Building Standards—EV-capable (conduit and panel capacity), EV-ready (conduit plus wiring and a parking box), and EVSE (installed charging station). Multifamily projects over 20 units must provide a higher share of EV-capable and EV-ready spaces; Fry repeated that the code distinguishes EV-capable, EV-ready, and EV supply equipment.

On utility capacity and discretionary relief, Fry said developers typically receive a utility assessment early in the process and that the building official can work with applicants and utilities if upgrades would drastically increase project costs. “It'll start with me and then it'll climb up the ladder,” he said, describing coordination with utilities when capacity is limited.

Commissioners asked about who must pull permits, owner‑builder liability and education. Fry said homeowners may pull permits as owner‑builders but that liability rests with the homeowner; he recommended licensed contractors pull permits for most work to avoid delays. He also told commissioners the department is considering public outreach such as how‑to videos and workshops to reduce common permitting mistakes and increase compliance.

Staffing and operations: Fry credited the department’s inspections improvement to staffing changes and said the city manager’s recommended budget proposes converting a vacant FTE to a second full‑time building inspector to sustain the 24‑hour inspection target. Planning staff later confirmed that conversion is included in the recommended budget.

Ending: Commissioners praised the presentation and asked that the department’s outreach products be distributed in the city’s regular mailings and web materials. Fry and planning staff said they will return with details as the department implements the 2025 building code adoption and expands public education on permit types and when they are required.","Chief Building Official Jeremy Fry told the Planning Commission how the building and safety division processes permits, enforces accessibility and energy rules, and is working to keep inspection turnaround at 24 hours while moving to a fully digital permitting portal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears limits on temporary shade structures; zoning update flagged for possible changes

Planning commission debates broader public-notice rules; signs deferred for now

Cathedral City building official outlines permitting, inspections, EV and accessibility rules