Council adopts code changes to expand mailed notice radius and require developer‑led community meetings for large projects

The City Council on June 25 adopted an ordinance amending Cathedral City Municipal Code to expand mailed notification requirements for public‑hearing development projects and to require developer‑led community meetings for larger projects.

Deputy Director Sandra Molina told the council the change responds to planning-commission recommendations and local practices in nearby cities. The new chapter, 9.09, increases the standard mailed notification radius for most public‑hearing projects to 500 feet (up from the state-minimum 300 feet) and raises the radius to 750 feet for projects of five acres or greater. The amendment also requires applicants for discretionary projects of five acres or more to hold a developer‑led community meeting, provide project materials and a sign‑in sheet, and submit a meeting summary for commission/council packets. Molina said the city would still use mailed notices to property owners outside the city limits but would notify business tenants and residents of multi‑unit properties when possible.

Planning Commissioner Danielle Mead, who appeared during public comment, supported the stronger outreach rules and said the commission sought better early engagement so issues are raised before hearings. Council members praised the change as improving transparency and reducing late‑breaking opposition; the ordinance passed unanimously.