Palm Desert, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Street trees
- Approved type, in the planting strip between sidewalk and street
- Plant materials
- Water conserving plant materials in parkways
- Commercial uses
- Parkway can be omitted; trees in tree wells
- Parking in parkway
- Prohibited at all times under § 10.48.020
- City property plantings
- No invasive, noxious or nuisance species in parkway areas
- Front yard shade trees
- Two 24-inch box trees for single-family homes
Summary
In the City of Palm Desert, California, the downtown design guidelines say street trees of an approved type should be provided in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the street, with water conserving plants. Parkways at commercial uses can be omitted for pedestrian access, with trees in tree wells.
2. Parkway planting. The parkway between the sidewalk and the street should be landscaped and maintained as shown in Figure 25.20-7 and as follows: a. Street trees of an approved type should be provided in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the street. b. Parkways should be planted with water conserving plant materials. c. Parkways at commercial uses may be omitted to allow for pedestrian access. Trees should be accommodated in tree wells.
Full Breakdown
Section 25.20.051(C)(2) of the Palm Desert Municipal Code covers parkway planting in the downtown districts of the City of Palm Desert. The parkway between the sidewalk and the street should be landscaped and maintained as shown in Figure 25.20-7. Street trees of an approved type should be provided in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the street, and parkways should be planted with water conserving plant materials. At commercial uses the parkway can be omitted to allow for pedestrian access, and trees should be accommodated in tree wells.
The wording is a guideline, not a command. Section 25.20.010 says the materials, methods, and forms of Chapter 25.20 are recommended, and alternative forms can be permitted when approved in writing by the Director. The figure caption for Figure 25.20-7 labels the shaded area as required to be landscaped and maintained by the owner or homeowners association.
Other sections of the Palm Desert code touch the same strip. Section 10.04.090 defines a parkway as that portion of a street other than a roadway or a sidewalk, and the subdivision code in § 26.08.340 describes it as the area adjoining the outer edge of the roadbed, extending to the right-of-way line, in which sidewalks, plantings, utilities, bank slopes and related facilities can be located. Section 10.48.020 flatly bars vehicles: no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle within any parkway.
Plant choice is limited by § 24.04.060. All plant species categorized as invasive, noxious and nuisance are prohibited within the City's jurisdiction, and subsection (C)(2) specifically bars installing them on city property, including parks, parkway areas, and rights-of-way. On private lots, § 25.52.030(E) requires a minimum of two 24-inch box shade trees within the front yard setback of all single-family residences, and § 25.20.051(C)(1) says front yards should be planted in their entirety, except for walkways, with trees, shrubs, ground cover and water conserving plant materials.
Violations & Fines
Parking in a parkway violates § 10.48.020. Where a provision carries no specific penalty, § 1.12.010 sets a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, and violations are prosecuted as infractions unless the city attorney moves otherwise. Under § 1.12.040 each day is a separate offense. The planting guideline in § 25.20.051 itself prints no penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are street trees required in the parkway in the downtown area of the City of Palm Desert?
Can a commercial property in the City of Palm Desert skip the parkway planting?
Can I park on the parkway in the City of Palm Desert?
Which plants are banned in Palm Desert parkway areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Desert
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Desert to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle parkway planting.