On October 2, 2008, the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP or “Plan”) became effective, and the City of Palm Springs, along with Riverside County and other Coachella Valley cities, is now implementing the Plan. This page has important information about the Plan that may affect your project.

The CVMSHCP is a comprehensive approach to conserving protected species and their habitats. Without the Plan, development projects could be subject to lengthy and costly environmental review by State and Federal Wildlife agencies. Instead, the Plan establishes a simple and uniform mechanism for mitigating the effects of development through the payment of a Local Development Mitigation Fee (“Fee”). The Fee applies to all projects within the Plan’s jurisdiction, including all of the City of Palm Springs. The amount of the Fee will vary based on the type and size of your project.

You should also note that certain areas within the City of Palm Springs have been identified in the Plan as Conservation Areas – these are generally hillsides and open desert. Development in Conservation Areas is subject to additional review, and certain limits on the amount and location of development will apply.

Payment of the Fee is required prior to Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection. The City of Palm Springs encourages you to review the status of your project with your Planner so that you fully understand the MSHCP Fee and the amount to be collected on your project.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. For more information, please contact the Palm Springs Planning Department at 760 323 8245. For information about the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, including current Fee cost, go on-line to www.cvmshcp.org.