Palm Desert, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Lots of 10 to 25 spaces
- 1 clean air space
- Lots of 51 to 75 spaces
- 6 clean air spaces
- Lots of 201 spaces and over
- At least 8 percent of total
- Residential uses
- No clean air requirement
- Stall marking
- Clean Air and Vehicle painted in stall striping paint
- Charger permit
- Expedited building official review under Chapter 15.36
Summary
In the City of Palm Desert, § 25.46.070 requires clean air vehicle parking, which includes electric vehicles, only for nonresidential uses: none for 0 to 9 spaces, 1 for 10 to 25, rising to 16 for 151 to 200 and at least 8 percent of the total at 201 and over. Residential uses have no requirement. Chargers go through the expedited permit process in Chapter 15.36.
A. Clean air vehicle parking for nonresidential uses. The following is required by Title 24, Part 11 (CALGreen) of the California Building Code. Of the required off-street parking requirements for nonresidential uses identified in Section 25.46.040 (Parking Requirements), approximately 8 percent of these spaces should be designated parking spaces for any combination of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and carpool/vanpool vehicles (including electric vehicles). There are no requirements for residential uses. ... Total Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces (as identified in § 25.46.040) Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces to Be Clean Air Vehicle Parking Spaces 0–9 0 10–25 1 26–50 3 51–75 6 76–100 8 101–150 11 151–200 16 201 and over At least 8 percent of total
Full Breakdown
Section 25.46.070(A) of the Palm Desert Municipal Code states that the clean air requirement comes from Title 24, Part 11 (CALGreen) of the California Building Code, and it applies to the off-street parking required for nonresidential uses under § 25.46.040. The text sets approximately 8 percent of those spaces for any combination of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and carpool/vanpool vehicles, including electric vehicles, and states there are no requirements for residential uses. Table 25.46-2 gives the counts: 0 spaces for a lot of 0 to 9, 1 for 10 to 25, 3 for 26 to 50, 6 for 51 to 75, 8 for 76 to 100, 11 for 101 to 150, 16 for 151 to 200, and at least 8 percent of the total for 201 and over. Subsection B requires the stall to be marked, in the paint used for stall striping, with the characters Clean Air and Vehicle, with the lower edge of the last word aligned with the end of the stall striping and visible beneath a parked vehicle.
Installing the charger is governed by Chapter 15.36, Streamlined Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permitting, adopted by Ord. 1439 on 1/8/2026 to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7. The building official runs an expedited process and publishes the checklist on the city's website. The applicant first verifies that the installation will not have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety, including electrical system capacity and loads. An application that satisfies the checklist is deemed complete and promptly processed, electronic submittal and signatures are accepted, and approval does not authorize energizing the station until the city grants approval. On substantial evidence of a specific adverse impact the city can require a use permit, and approval cannot be conditioned on an association as defined by Civil Code Section 4080. Section 15.36.070 requires Article 625 of the California Electrical Code compliance, treats charging equipment as a continuous load, and ties anchorage to the California Building or Residential Code.
Violations & Fines
A nonresidential lot that falls short of Table 25.46-2, or skips the stall marking, does not comply with the zoning title. Where no specific penalty is provided, § 1.12.010 sets a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, prosecuted as infractions unless the city attorney indicates otherwise, and § 1.12.040 makes each day a separate offense. Section 8.20.020(L) also lists any violation of a Municipal Code section as an unlawful property nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a house or apartment in Palm Desert have to provide EV parking?
How many clean air spaces does a nonresidential lot need in the City of Palm Desert?
Can my HOA block a charger permit in the City of Palm Desert?
What does the building official review for a charger?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Desert
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Desert to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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