Palm Springs, California Development News
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City Council Adopts Modified Palm Tree Trimming Policy Amidst Public Input on Safety and Heritage
The City Council considered a resolution to adopt a new palm tree trimming policy, superseding prior policies to allow the removal of dry frond skirts from California fan palms in public right-of-ways, parks, and city property. David McAbee, Director of Public Works, presented the policy, citing public safety as the primary motivation due to the unpredictable and dangerous falling of heavy skirts, with 11 claims and one lawsuit settlement ($100,000) related to falling skirts from 2019-2026, and 15 falls recorded year-to-date in 2026. Secondary concerns include public health risks from pests and allergens within the skirts. While acknowledging the aesthetic and heritage value, staff noted that historical images from the 1960s show trimmed palms without skirts. The policy would involve a four-year, tree-by-tree trimming process, starting with high-pedestrian commercial areas like Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon, with exceptions for designated historic sites, legacy landscapes, and low-risk conservation zones, with city manager discretion for specific exclusions. Wildlife protection protocols, including biologist inspections during nesting seasons (year-round, with peak April-June), are incorporated. Public testimony largely opposed the blanket removal, advocating for a case-by-case approach, focusing on high-risk areas, and preserving skirts in lower-risk zones, historic sites, and wildlife habitats. Councilmember DeHart proposed amendments to exempt historical sites, legacy landscapes, and low-risk conservation zones, with authority given to the city manager for specific exclusions, and recommended signage. Councilmember Bernstein supported focusing on high-risk areas and exploring deterrents like landscaping buffers. A motion was made and passed to adopt a modified policy emphasizing high-pedestrian commercial areas for trimming, with specific exceptions and community/expert engagement.
Psychedelic Society Requests Decriminalization and Deprioritization of Entheogenic Plant Use
During public testimony, Dr. Bill Bastion, representing the Palm Springs Psychedelic Society, requested the city consider decriminalizing and deprioritizing enforcement of entheogenic plant medicine and fungi use. He clarified this is not a request for commercialization or broad legalization but for the city to recognize that current drug policies do not reflect expert assessments of relative harms and to classify personal adult use as a low law enforcement priority. He noted Palm Springs' history as a health and wellness destination and asked for the resolution to be placed on an upcoming agenda (potentially September) for further discussion.
City Council Approves Ordinance Amendments for Cannabis Lounges, Allowing Outdoor Events with Permit Requirement
The City Council discussed Item 3A regarding amendments to Chapter 5.55 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code concerning cannabis consumption lounges. Veronica Goodhart, Director of Special Program Compliance, presented the ordinance, emphasizing a balanced approach between state law allowances and local public safety. Key changes authorized by AB 1775 include food service, live entertainment, and ticketed events, all subject to local approval. Staff recommended retaining safeguards against outdoor events adjacent to liquor and smoke shops, citing state law separation of cannabis from alcohol/tobacco and potential enforcement conflicts. However, during council discussion, Councilmember Bernstein and others questioned the public safety rationale, noting that customers can already move between businesses and that lounges are heavily regulated. Concerns were raised about impeding business growth and the lack of clear data supporting the prohibition. Councilmember DeHart proposed allowing outdoor events adjacent to liquor/smoke shops but requiring a land use permit for evaluation and rule-setting, a motion that ultimately passed 5-0 after modifications by the City Attorney to include 'directly adjacent' and a land use permit requirement for outdoor events. This allows for case-by-case assessment rather than a blanket prohibition.
Two Properties Granted Class 1 Historic Site Designation
The City Council considered applications for historic site designations. The first, item 2A, was for the Lawrence Harvey Residence at 300 West Murray Place, a Class 3 site proposed for reclassification to Class 1 historic property. Sarah Yoon, Historic Preservation Officer, presented the property's late modern architecture by Buff and Hensman, completed around 1969. Jade Nelson, a historian and author of the nomination, spoke in support, emphasizing its rarity as a Buff and Hensman design in the valley and its pristine condition post-2017 restoration. The HSPB recommended Class 1 status, finding it met criteria for integrity and historical significance. The council unanimously approved the designation. Item 2B concerned Temple Isaiah at 332 West Alejo Road, seeking Class 1 historic status. Sarah Yoon described its evolution from a 1950 modernist design by Easter Williams to its current late modern brutalist style by David Christian, noting its continued role as a cultural center. Robert Weinstein, president of Temple Isaiah, explained that as a religious institution, it's not subject to property taxes, thus the Mills Act would not provide direct financial savings, but designation could open opportunities for grants. He stressed the desire to preserve the building for future generations. The HSPB found criteria and integrity met, recommending Class 1 status. Councilmember Bernstein noted the importance of interior elements and Yakov Agam's art, questioning grant availability. The council unanimously approved the designation for Temple Isaiah.
Council Addresses Spectrum Outages and Explores Utility Support Discussions
The City Council discussed potential improvements to the city's IT infrastructure, particularly regarding internet service outages impacting businesses. Councilmember Garner raised concerns about frequent Spectrum outages downtown and requested staff initiate conversations with Spectrum to emphasize the impact on businesses. Councilmember Bernstein suggested inviting Spectrum and SCE representatives for public presentations to discuss outages, processes, and community support. Staff confirmed ongoing conversations with SCE regarding planned and unplanned outages, focusing on scheduling non-business hours for maintenance. They agreed to contact Spectrum to explore similar outreach and information sharing, acknowledging the significant economic impact of internet disruptions on local businesses. The council also discussed the need for a discussion item on available utility support and community resources for both residents and businesses facing such issues.
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The Palm Springs News archive
City Council Meeting Closed Session | July 8th, 2026
City Council Meeting | July 8th, 2026
Historic Site Preservation Board | July 7, 2026
Special City Council Meeting
City Council Meeting Closed Session | July 7th, 2026
Architectural Review Committee | July 6, 2026
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