Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert, California

Population: 52,932
Type of Requirement: Ordinance

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Contact Information

Physical Address:
Public Art Department
73510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Main Contact:
Amy Lawrence, Management Analyst
Email Amy | 760.837.1664

Program Summary

The Code establishes that all individual residential units to be constructed on a lot located in an existing subdivision with a valuation in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) and all private commercial development within the city are subject to a mandatory public art requirement.

Projects may satisfy the requirement by including an on-site work of public art, donating an approved artwork to the city, or paying an in-lieu fee to the art in public places fund. Maintenance and conservation of on-site artwork is the responsibility of the property owner. The value of the artwork or contribution shall be as follows:

  • Individual residential units: one quarter of a percent (0.25%) of the total building valuation in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00);

  • All other residential developments, including two (2) or more single-family dwellings being built concurrently in the same tract by the same owner or contractor: one quarter of a percent (0.25%) of the total building valuation; and

  • Commercial developments: half of a percent (0.5%) of the total valuation, excluding land acquisition and off-site improvement costs.

View Ordinance

Fat Happies (2007). By Barrett C DeBusk. City of Palm Desert, CA, Collection. Courtesy: Barrett C DeBusk

Fat Happies (2007). By Barrett C DeBusk. City of Palm Desert, CA, Collection. Courtesy: Barrett C DeBusk