Palm Springs Zoning Code Section 93.23.20 provides the procedures for the City to consider applications for the conversion of golf courses to other uses. The City Council established a two-part process for the proposed conversion of an existing golf course:

Part 1: Intent to Convert Application. (Outlined in zoning code section 93.23.20(C).)

Part 2: Formal Conversion Application. (Outlined in zoning code section 93.23.20(D).)

* * * * The applicant for the Bel Air Greens project is completing Part 1 and is scheduled for an information study session with the Planning Commission on July 27, 2022.  The agenda for this study session  will be available soon. * * * *

Below is a diagram that provides an overview of the procedure for considering a proposed golf course conversion application:

Note: the above Roadmap should be used as a guide and not relied upon as a basis for satisfying all requirements of Section 93.23.20 of the Palm Springs Zoning Code. 

Part 1 - PROCEDURE AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INTENT TO CONVERT APPLICATION.

The applicant has submitted the following materials as required by the zoning code. These materials are available for public review by appointment with the Planning Department.

1. Title Report showing ownership, existing master leases covenants, easements and use restrictions if any. 
2. Project Description (goals and objectives) from the applicant:
   “The goal of the proposed project is to provide affordable and market rate rental apartments in a Palm Springs location near the town center.
   The primary objective is to have affordable housing in a location where employees will have a short commute by car or public transportation."
3. Project Alternatives. The applicant is required to provide at least four (4) alternatives as described below. The purpose of the Alternatives Statement is to encourage communication and cooperation between the applicant, community members, and the City. Each alternative shall be accompanied with an economic analysis that details its viability.
   
   • Alternative #1: No conversion.
   Through outreach, the applicant is to determine whether any of the property owners’ associations within 500 feet of the golf course are willing and able to purchase all or part of the golf course.
   
   • Alternative #2 Partial conversion.
   The applicant is to determine whether development of a 9-hole par 3 course is financially and operationally feasible or other approach to partial conversion such as a driving range, etc. (In the case of Bel Air Greens which is only a 9-hole course there are limited “partial conversion” options.)
   
   • Alternative #3 Donation or Purchase.
   The applicant is to coordinate with the City, local land conservancy agencies and abutting homeowners or homeowner’s associations to determine if there is interest on the applicant’s part to donate or sell, and the city’s, land conservancy’s, and/or homeowner’s associations’ part to accept a donation or purchase ownership, or maintain a portion or all of the property for a public or private use, such as a public or private park, open space, civic use, or other facility.
   
   • Alternative #4 Full conversion development plan.
   The applicant shall prepare one or more proposed conceptual development plans that are consistent with the development standards outlined in the golf course conversion ordnance (93.23.20, (F). The conceptual development plans must depict: the retained and proposed land uses, including residential, non-residential, and preserve areas; existing and proposed roadway and pedestrian systems; existing and proposed trees and landscaping, including the study and preservation of specimen trees; and the proposed location for the desert greenway, including any passive recreational uses. The narrative shall identify the intensity of the proposed land uses; how the proposed conversion is compatible with the existing surrounding land uses and any methods to provide benefits or mitigate impacts to the community members. It shall also identify any proposed deviations from the General Plan or Zoning Code.

Part 2 - Formal Conversion Application

An applicant shall not submit a conversion application until Part 1, the Intent to Convert application process is complete.

* * * There is no schedule for the Formal Conversion Application to be submitted for the Bel Air Greens Conversion.* * *

Please check back here for periodic updates and contact the case planner, Ken Lyon, if there are questions at 760-323-8245 or by email.