Palm Desert, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Palm Desert regulates erosion through its grading title, Title 27, and its stormwater chapter, Chapter 24.20. Section 27.12.065 is the core rule. Where a slope is planted for erosion control, the slope must be watered by a designed automatic irrigation system approved by the city engineer, and the irrigation system and the landscaping each need their own plans and specifications. Landscaping must complete a minimum ninety-day plant establishment period before anyone calls for final approval. The manner of erosion control has to be addressed in the report required by Section 7006 of the Uniform Building Code. After grading is done, the owner of the property, or any other person or agent in control of it, must maintain in good condition and repair the drainage structures, other protective devices and burrowing rodent control shown on the grading plans filed with the grading permit application.

Other sections add to that rule. Section 27.12.140 requires the permittee to take the steps reasonably necessary to prevent a nuisance, and it names spillage, dust, erosion and noise control. Section 27.12.059 requires drainage devices to convey drainage to an established water course, channel, storm drain or public street and to be designed to prevent erosion. Section 24.20.100 ties any person performing construction work in the City of Palm Desert to Section 27.12.065, and Section 24.20.120 requires a discharger associated with construction activity to comply with the construction activity stormwater general permit, with proof of compliance required in a form acceptable to the director before the city issues grading, building or occupancy permits. Section 8.70.090 separately bars maintaining or grading land so as to cause erosion, subsidence or surface water drainage problems that endanger public health or safety.

Permits control the timing. Under Section 27.12.180, no building permit issues until the city engineer has approved the grading plans and a current grading permit has been issued, with an exception for minor construction as defined by the city engineer. Section 27.12.200 holds the final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy until the city engineer gives final approval of the finished grading.