The Department of Building and Safety is dedicated to providing the highest level of code compliance, inspection services, and plan review to every architect, engineer, developer, contractor, business, and property owner that resides or works within our community. The Department strives to demonstrate fairness, equality, and the highest standard of professional ethics in providing our services while enforcing state construction laws and local ordinances that protect our citizens. The City of Palm Desert adopted its first building code in 1973. Any structure built since that date (with some minor exceptions) is required to have a permit issued before work is started. The specific adoption and amendments are listed in the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
New 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards became effective January 1, 2010. Click here to see a summary of the changes.
Pool Safety a Year-Round Priority
Your swimming pool and spa should be a place of relaxation. Ensuring pool safety will give you peace of mind and allow you to keep your pool a safe place to enjoy.
The California Health and Safety Code requires minimum safety measures regarding child safety and drowning prevention. The City of Palm Desert, Pool Regulations, also provide for pool safety.
New and remodeled swimming pools, toddler pools, and spas must be isolated from the home by one of the following seven methods:
Most drowning fatalities occur when the child being out of sight less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents.
Drowning Pool Facts:
- Drowning is the number one killer of children under age 5
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Only a momentary lack of supervision puts the child at risk
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The majority of drowning occurs in residential swimming pools and spas
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Drowning is 100% preventable
Learn the ABC's of Pool Safety
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (Act) promotes the safe use of pools, spas, and hot tubs by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance and by establishing a voluntary grant program for states with laws that meet certain minimum requirements as outlined in the Act.
Summary Analysis Pool and Spa Safety Act
Interpretation of the Pool and Safety Act
Frequently Asked Questions for Pool and Spa Safety Act