Palm Desert, CA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Section 25.34.210 carries the history note Ord. 1405 § 4, 2023. Its stated purpose is to allow the establishment, expansion and improved performance of animal clinics within allowed commercial areas while setting minimum standards so the use is compatible with existing businesses in the area. The Title 25 land use table lists Animal Clinic and points to § 25.34.210 as the specific use standard. Chapter 25.99 defines an animal clinic as a place where animals no larger than the largest breed of dogs are given medical or surgical treatment, a facility primarily for treatment of outpatients where, for only a short time, critical patients are kept longer than 24 hours. Boarding can be incidental, and the terms veterinary clinic and animal hospital are used interchangeably with animal clinic.

The standards in subsection B are physical. Building space is restricted to medical treatment and incidental care such as bathing and the trimming of common household pets on an outpatient basis only, except that temporary boarding in connection with medical treatment is permitted. The entire use must be conducted within a totally enclosed and air-conditioned building, and outdoor run areas are prohibited. The space must be soundproofed so no noise carries beyond the building or space the use occupies, and the application for a discretionary permit must include evidence that the facility is designed to meet California Building Code requirements for interior decibel levels.

Every application for a veterinary use must provide a detailed plan for pet waste and medical waste disposal that will prevent odor issues. In downtown districts, animal clinics are permitted only on properties with frontage along Highway 111. These standards apply in the City of Palm Desert; Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Cathedral City and unincorporated Riverside County are separate jurisdictions with their own codes.