Cathedral City has a permit fee and ordinance for home/business security system For more information and FAQs go here.

The Cathedral City Fire Department currently provides ambulance transport (ALS and BLS) to its residents, businesses and visitors. The cost for this service varies depending on the level of care provided and distance to the nearest available hospital (we transport to Desert Regional Medical Center/Trauma Center and Eisenhower Medical Center). If you've received notification of fees due for this service, and would like to discuss payment arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact us at 760-770-8200.   Call 760-770-8208. Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency.

You can find construction standards at the link below.  Building standards are guides to assist you in your construction project. Following these standards will assure that your project is built to meet current codes and requirements. For more information about construction standards, visit our website.

For information on Bulky Item Pickup and other waste and recycling programs, click here.

Anyone doing business in the City of Cathedral City must have a business license. This includes contractors (and subcontractors) and those working out of their home. You can submit applications in person at City Hall or download them from this site and mail them to us. Home Occupations Applicants must apply in person. Licenses expire one year from date of issue and are not prorated. Home Occupations and out of-city businesses are activated within 7-14 business days of receipt of payment. All other businesses must not operate until their license is approved. The approval process usually takes between 7 to 28 business days, depending upon the type of business.

The Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce is located at 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Suite A, Cathedral City, CA 92234. Their telephone # is 760-328-1213. info@cathedralcitycc.com.

Administrative Citations are issued under circumstances where a violation exists, or in the event that a Notice of Public Nuisance has been ineffective. The first violation fine is $100, and should a second citation be issued, an additional fine of $250 is imposed. Typically, ten days are provided between the first and second citations to allow time for the violation to be abated. Should the need arise for a third citation, the fine jumps to $500, and subsequent violations may be issued daily at a cost of $500 per day until the violation is abated.

Our residents really get involved. With nearly 50 unpaid volunteers, the Cathedral City Police Department's Citizens On Patrol is a tremendous help to the police department and the community. You may see our COP car driving through your neighborhood looking for graffiti, towing abandoned vehicles, or directing traffic at a traffic collision.

Our COPs receive training from the sworn police officers, and attend monthly meetings. Not only are they extra eyes and ears for the police department, but they are a tremendous help in many other ways. If you'd like more information on the Citizens On Patrol, please call Sgt. Ed Colon at (760) 770-0300.

On the city website, there is a history section.   The city received it's name from an explorer from the Army Corps of Engineers located in the mountains and canyons near the city. They reminded him of great stone cathedrals and he named the area Cathedral Canyon. Later the City took its name from this.

To appeal Code Compliance activities, please refer to the Cathedral City Municipal Code, Chapter 13 or contact the City Clerk's Office at 760-770-0385.

Municipal Code 6.08.045 Disturbances by Construction Noises. A. It is a nuisance and it is unlawful, for any person to be engaged or employed, or for any person to cause any other person to be engaged or employed, in any work of construction, erection, alteration, repair, addition to, or improvement to realty, except between the hours set forth as follows, if the noise or other sound produced by the work is of such intensity or quality that it disturbs the peace and quiet of any other person of normal sensitivity. The permitted hours for such work are as follows:   October 1st through April 30th:Monday - Friday: 7:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.Saturday: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.Sunday: NoneGovernment Code Holidays: None   May 1st through September 30th:Monday - Friday: 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.Saturday: 8:00 A.m. to 5:00 P.M.Sunday: NoneGovernment Code Holidays: None   B. No person doing or causing work prohibited by Subsection A of this section, after being informed orally or in writing that the work has caused noise or sounds which disturb any other person's peace and quiet, shall fail, refuse or neglect to take whatever steps or use whatever means are necessary to assure that the work does not again disturb the other person’s peace and quiet.   Exceptions Emergency repair of existing installations or equipment or appliances; Construction work complying with the terms of a written early work permit which may be issued by the City Manager or his designee, upon a showing of sufficient need due to hot or inclement weather, or the use of an unusually long process material, or other circumstances of unusual and compelling nature. (Ord. 18 §1, 1982)

City Council agendas are posted in a glass case outside the doors of City Hall at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting. Copies of the agenda and the agenda book are available in City hall for viewing.   Download a copy of the current or archived City Council agendas or subscribe to get an e-mail notification when each City Council agenda is available.

Any person can attend scheduled City Council meetings which are generally held (unless there is posted notification of a change) on the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesday of the month. The Study Session of the Council generally begins in the third floor Council Chamber at 5 PM. The actual council meeting begins at 6:30 PM.   You can watch live streaming videos of the council meetings or view streaming videos of past meetings. You don't have to watch the entire meeting. After you choose a Council Meeting to watch, you can click the ""jump to"" button to watch a specific council item.   Council meetings are also viewable on TV on the Time Warner Government Channel 127.

City Hall is open 6:30 am - 6 pm Monday through Thursday. Phone # 760-770-0340. However, we are closed between 11:45AM and 1:15PM for lunch.    Closed New Years Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.   The Police Department is open 6 am - 6 pm Monday - Thursday. 760-770-0300 Non-emergency   City Hall Directions:   From the East: Take East Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111) into Cathedral City and turn right at Robert Montgomery Trail at the Bell Tower. Town Square is directly in front of you and the Civic Center is the large yellow building directly ahead. Proceed to Avenida Lalo Guerrero and turn left. The parking structure is on the right. the Police are on the left side of the Civic Center. City Hall is on the Right.   From the West: Take East Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111) into Cathedral City and turn left at Robert Montgomery Trail at the Bell Tower. Town Square is directly in front of you and the Civic Center is the large yellow building directly ahead. Proceed to Avenida Lalo Guerrero and turn left. The parking structure is on the right. the Police are on the left side of the Civic Center. City Hall is on the Right.   From I-10 either direction: Take Date Palm Canyon exit and go south on Date Palm Drive until you reach East Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111). Turn right and turn right again at Robert Montgomery Trail at the Bell Tower. Town Square is directly in front of you and the Civic Center is the large yellow building directly ahead. Proceed to Avenida Lalo Guerrero and turn left. The parking structure is on the right. the Police are on the left side of the Civic Center. City Hall is on the Right. There is plenty of covered free parking in the Parking Structure west of the Civic Center.   

The address of City Hall is:

68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
A Google Map link is included here Map

Cathedral City Police Department
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
(760) 770-0300 non-emergency

Cathedral City City Hall
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
(760) 770-0340
Hours: 6:00am - 6:00pm
Monday - Thursday

Hours: 6:30am - 6:00pm
Monday - Thursday
Closed 11:45AM - 1:15PM for lunch

Election results can be found on the Riverside County Registrar of Voters website. 

www.VoteInfo.net

Questions about power and electricity should be directed to Southern California Edison. Visit their website for specific contact information.

https://www.sce.com/ 

Find out more information on Cathedral City's Electronic Waste Recycling Program .  Electronic and Tire Recycling Programs

The Cathedral City Police Explorer Program is a program to assist our young adults by training, educating and preparing them for a career in law enforcement. Strict policies are in place to develop responsibility and professionalism while also instilling strong morals and ethics with our young adults. Candidates who wish to become Explorers must successfully complete and pass the testing and background process to become Explorers. Explorers assist Police Officers and Police Personnel in a variety of assignments such as Patrol, DUI Check Points, Dispatch, Records as well as attending the Annual Chandler Police Explorer Competition. Explorers must attend a one week training academy in August where they are educated on laws, arrest and control, physical fitness and training scenarios. The Explorer Post also has weekly meetings which are held every Thursday at 6:30 pm at The Cathedral City Police Department. Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 21 years old, maintain a 2.0 GPA if in school and attend special details and functions mandated by the Explorer Post Advisors. If you are interested in participating or would like to find out more about the Cathedral City Police Explorer Program, please contact Sergeant Julio Luna at (760) 770-0320 or Officer Al Holloway at (760) 770-0300 ext. 712.

Waste disposal for Cathedral is handled by Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC. You can contact them at 760-340-2113 or visit their website.   Burrtec observes the following Holidays: New Year's Day/ Memorial Day/ Independence Day/ Labor Day/ Thanksgiving Day/ Christmas Day.   When one of the Holidays is observed on a weekday, collections for the remainder of the week will be delayed one day.

California Law requires cities to adopt a general plan, which is a document that is required to address land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, safety, noise and the general needs of the city. These subjects areas are known as "elements". A general plan defines the city's vision for the quality of life of the average person within the community. Once the community has defined the city's vision, through the adoption of its General Plan, other documents and tools are created to implement this defined vision.   A general plan is not intended to be a static document. As a city grows or as technology changes, a city's needs and vision may change. Therefore, State Law recommends that a general plan be updated every five years. Additionally, periodic amendments to the general plan may occur to address timely matters. However, Stat law limits such amendments to no more than four amendments per element per year. 

Download a copy of the City's General Plan.

It is illegal for Golf Carts to drive on the streets in Cathedral City.

Even in Palm Desert, gold carts are limited to separate Golf Cart lanes and are not allowed on the general streets. Golf carts are defined as a motor vehicle with an unladed weight less than 1300 pounds, designed to be and operated at not more than 15 SPAN and designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two people. Golf carts cannot be registered with DMV as motor vehicles. It is illegal to operate golf carts on California streets and highways including Cathedral City. The city and/or City Council has not adopted a golf cart transportation plan or passed a resolution/ordinance to allow golf carts driven on designated streets. Golf carts cannot be driven on any sidewalk in the Cathedral City because there is no ordinance to allow this. When a local jurisdiction adopts a golf cart transportation plan, it does so by resolution or ordinance, and it must establish design criteria for the separated golf cart lanes. The local government also must cooperate with the California Department of Transportation to establish uniform signs and traffic control devices that: control golf cart traffic, designate right-of-way between golf carts, other vehicles, and bicycles, and warn pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists of the presence of golf carts. Under a golf cart plan, a local government must require that golf cart operators on the public street have a valid driver's license.

There are multiple ways to get information about job openings at the City of Cathedral City by:   Going to the City Hall lobby and getting information on job openings. Calling the City's Job Line at 760-770-0365. Going to the City's Human Relations Webpage.

You may request a copy of City Council minutes from the City Clerk's office located at City Hall or by calling 760-770-0322.   You may also download copies of current and archived minutes.

Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance Applies only to: non-Indian-lease land (does not apply to parks on Indian-owned land). Residents with no long-term lease or rental agreement (if tenants have a long-term lease, the lease agreement controls the amount of rent increase that is allowed each year.  Rent increases for tenants with no lease agreement (on a month-to-month space rental) are limited to 75% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Riverside County.  Special ""hardship rent increases"" may be granted by the Mobile Home Fair Parks and Fair Practices Commission to park owners if their Net Operating Income falls below certain levels due to increased operating expenses of the park compared to rental income.   For further information, contact the City of Cathedral City Housing Office at (760) 770-0376, Monday through Thursday between 7 am and 6 p.m.  Spanish speaking staff is available.

You can view the City's Municipal Code (that includes regulations and ordinances) by coming to City Hall or viewing the ordinance online.   Please note: Although the information contained in the online version of the Cathedral City Municipal Code is kept as up to date as possible, the most recent changes may not be included. Before making decisions based on this document [or map], you should check with the City Clerk's Office of the City of Cathedral City.

The best way to contact us about a potential noise violation is to call the Police Dispatch line at 760-770-0303.   Noise Ordinance   Other more pressing emergencies may keep officers from responding immediately.

Costs for permits vary by type. Some have a set price while others vary because of various fees that are related to the scope of construction.   Driveways, Sidewalks, Flatwork and Patios Driveways and sidewalks located in the right-of-way, that portion of land located between the street and your property line, is required to have an encroachment permit from the Engineering Department. Driveways, sidewalks and other flatwork in private property do not require a permit, but the CC Municipal Code does require that residents maintain at least 50% landscaping in the front yard. The front yard is considered to be the first 20 feet into your property from the front yard property line.   Patio Covers require a building permit.   Re-roof and Roof Repair Re-roofing does require a permit. Along with a completed application, the Building Department requires a copy of the contract from the roofing contractor; or if pulled owner/builder, an itemized list of materials and receipts are sufficient. Minor roof repair does not require a permit. If the repair area of the roof is substantial or the scope of the repair is structural, a building permit is required. Like the re-roof permit, a contract or itemized list is required with the permit application.   Water Heater Replacement Water heater replacement and air conditioners require building permits.   Fences and Gates Building, adding or replacing a fence requires a permit; however, minor repairs and maintenance do not. The City does not typically permit chain link fencing with the exception of temporary fencing related to construction activities. The construction of new wood fencing may be allowed if the dwelling was constructed prior to May 3, 1989. Depending on the size of a gate, a building permit may be required. This is because the Building Department has to inspect the footings of the posts or other material used to anchor the gate. Gates are included with a fence permit when constructed at the same time and does not have to be pulled separately.   Construction without a Permit Code Enforcement issues citations to residents for illegal construction and/or structures. The citation will list all violations and the fine amount for each violation that must be paid if the resident doesn't’t comply within the allotted time frame indicated on the citation.   If unpermitted construction is in progress, Code Enforcement will contact the Building Department to send an inspector out to the jobsite to issue a Stop Work Notice. If the construction or structures may be permitted, then the resident will be directed to the Building Department for permits which incur an investigation fee equal to the permit fee; hence, the fee is actually double. When a Building Inspector encounters illegal construction out in the field, they will issue a Stop Work Notice and give the property owner direction on how to proceed.   In some cases, the unpermitted construction is required to be removed and the structure returned to its original condition.   In other cases, the construction is halted until all required approvals and permits have been attained. Failure to comply with the City's notices could eventually lead to costly court cases that may not end in favor of the property owner.   PLEASE NOTE: Prior to commencement of any construction activity, please contact the City regarding the specific work to be performed and whether a permit will be required.   Driveways, Sidewalks, Flatwork and Patios Driveways and sidewalks located in the right-of-way, that portion of land located between the street and your property line, is required to have an encroachment permit from the Engineering Department. Driveways, sidewalks and other flatwork in private property do not require a permit, but the CC Municipal Code does require that residents maintain at least 50% landscaping in the front yard. The front yard is considered to be the first 20 feet into your property from the front yard property line.   Patio Covers require a building permit. Re-roof and Roof Repair Re-roofing does require a permit. Along with a completed application, the Building Department requires a copy of the contract from the roofing contractor; or if pulled owner/builder, an itemized list of materials and receipts are sufficient. Minor roof repair does not require a permit. If the repair area of the roof is substantial or the scope of the repair is structural, a building permit is required. Like the re-roof permit, a contract or itemized list is required with the permit application.   Water Heater Replacement Water heater replacement and air conditioners require building permits.   Fences and Gates Building, adding or replacing a fence requires a permit; however, minor repairs and maintenance do not. The City does not typically permit. 

You can contact the Planning Department at 770-0340 with your neighbors address and ask if a building permit has been issued. If a permit has not been issued, you may ask for a building inspector to visit the property.

You can come to City hall to obtain building or swimming pool permits, or you can download them online here.   Unfortunately, at this current time we cannot process the forms online or via mail. However, some forms can be filled out on-screen and printed. Therefore, please bring the completed form with you on your visit to the Building Department. Thank you for using Forms Online!

Transportation permits are required when transporting large vehicles through the city. For more information and to download an application, visit our website.  

To find your polling place, you may contact the City Clerks office or you may call the Registrar of Voters at 951-426-7200, 1-800-773-8583 or for the deaf TTY 951-652-3718.

Notices of Public Nuisance are sent to residents, property owners of record and business owners when a municipal code violation exists. The Notice is a legal document wherein the nature of the violation is described (including the municipal code section) and action that is required to bring the property into compliance. Depending on the type of violation, recipients are given ten to thirty days to abate the violation before more extensive action is taken by the department.

You can request copies of documents by contacting the City Clerk's office at 760-770-0385. There is a processing fee for copying documents.

You may request a copy in person at the front counter f the police department or via mail. Mail to: Cathedral City Police Department Records, 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, Ca 92234. Include with your request, a check, your name, the case number, your involvement or the involvement of the person you represent your address and a day time phone number.   Gov. Code 6254 states we have 10 days from the date of the request to supply a copy of the report. The ten days begin when the request is received with the funds to pay for the copy of the report.   Copies of police reports are .25 cents per black and white page and .50 cents per colored page. Photos prints are $5.00 each for 8 x 10 and $5.00 per CD from digital. Photos from 35 mm 4 x 6 are $1.00 each.

Cathedral City Police Department Reserve Officers work a variety of details such as Patrol, Gang Suppression, DUI Checkpoints and assist Investigator, just to name a few. With all these options, you are assured of a job that is always new and exciting with room to grow. And at the same time, you can keep the job you already have.   Assist full time specialty officersIf your idea of real police work is just hitting the streets, then Patrol is the place for you. You will be right in the middle of the action. If you choose, you can work with an officer who has a specialty assignment such as K-9, DUI enforcement, or the Neighborhood Improvement Teams which target specific problem areas. Unlike other departments where reserves donate their time, we compensate you for your hours of service. We also work with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and Field of Dreams to host a variety of events from Bicycle Safety Rodeos for kids to national sports competitions. Give something back to the community Maybe you just feel that you want to give something back to the community. Whatever your reasons, and if you have always wondered what it would be like, we have the job for you!

A Police Reserve Officer is a peace officer as defined in the California Penal Code, section 832.6, and is a vital and integral link in the operational structure of the Police Department.   REQUIREMENTS Age: Minimum 21 years Physical: Height and weight proportional Hearing: Normal Vision: 20/20 corrected, normal color vision Education: High School Graduate / G.E.D. Good moral character Sound Financial record Physically fit MINIMUM TRAINING Completion of Arrest and Firearms (P.C. 832) Level II reserve academy certificate SELECTION PROCEDURE Oral examination Medical examination Psychological examination Polygraph examination Extensive background check Contact Detective Alberto Ruiz at 760-578-1694 or Email for more information.

In order to run for office, a candidate must be 18 years of age, live within the city limits, and must be registered to vote (registration can be at the time of the interview with the City Clerk).  Cathedral City specific election information may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 760-770-0385.   Prior to raising any funds for a campaign, the potential candidate must file with the City Clerk two forms, a FPFC Form 501-Candidate Intention Statement and FPPC Form  410  - Statement of Organization.  These forms may be obtained through the City Clerk's Office or may be found on the website of the Fair Political Practices Commission.   Any other forms must be obtained by making an appointment with the City Clerk during the Nomination period.  This meeting will take approximately one hour, and everything needed to run for officer will be furnished to the candidate at that time.  No other form may be filed prior to the Nomination period - this information again can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office, will be advertised in the newspapers, on the Cathedral City Web-site.  More information may be found at the Registrar of Voters in Riverside or on the Registrars website.   Cathedral City holds municipal elections in the even years i.e. 2012, 2014, etc.

View the Cathedral City Municipal Code online.   You can find the current ordinances about parking recreational vehicle on private property in Chapter 11, Peace, Morals And Safety, Chapter 74. Note especially 11.74.040, 11.74.050 and 11.74.060.   Recreational vehicles must be parked in a garage, or on a driveway or designated parking area. A designated parking area requires the approval of the city's Planning Department.   A new city ordinance regarding parking for commercial vehicles and recreational vehicles is being considered by the City Council at this time. The impact of the new ordinance would focus primarily on commercial and recreational vehicles parking on the street.   For more information about your question regarding the parking code on private property, contact our code enforcement department at 760-770-8200. To learn more about creating a designated parking area, contact our Planning Department at 760-770-0370.

The City has a Sign Ordinance that is available online.

 

A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required if you wish to hold any of the above events. You need to submit your SUP request at least 60 days prior to the event to be sure the City has adequate time to review your application. If you have any questions while completing this application, please ask a member of the Planning Department for assistance. In order for the City to process your application, the application fees must be submitted with the completed application. For recurring events, a schedule must be submitted every three months. Incomplete applications will not be accepted (or process may be delayed) Carnivals and Circuses are not allowed in Town Square. All applicants for events in Town Square must be Non-Profit Groups -- see application for more details.   You can pick up a Special Use Permit Application or download a copy from the following links here.

From time to time, the City or private developer may want to create a plan that addresses design/development standards for a specific area of land. The specific plan either replaces the standards of the City's zoning ordinance and design guidelines, or may provide standards that enhance the City's existing regulations. For more information, contact the City's Planning Department at 760-770-0344.

From time to time, the City or private developer may want to create a plan that addresses design/development standards for a specific area of land. The specific plan either replaces the standards of the City's zoning ordinance and design guidelines, or may provide standards that enhance the City's existing regulations. For more information, contact the City's Planning Department at 760-770-0344.

The City usually holds tire recycling events in November and March. For more information on this and other waste and recycling programs visit the Refuse and recycling guide.

If your vehicle has been towed, come to the police department lobby Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. Vehicles are only released to the registered owner according to the Department of Motor Vehicles vehicle registration information. You will need a valid California drivers license, the vehicle registration information and any fees to obtain the vehicle release.   If you do not have a valid driver's license you must bring a government photo identification and a person with a valid driver's license.   If your vehicle was towed because it was abandoned or the driver was arrested, the current fee is $225.00. If your vehicle was towed because the driver was unlicensed or had their driving privileges suspended your vehicle may be subject to a 30-day hold and the current fee is $225.00.   NOTE: After hours vehicle release fees are cash only and exact change.   If your vehicle has a 30-day hold and you wish to schedule a release hearing, please contact the on duty Watch Commander at 770-0313.

Monthly TOT Tax Returns are mailed out each month to all registered hotels/individuals doing business within the City. Returns and any tax due the City must be received by the last day of the following month. For any reporting month where there is no rental income, a return must still be submitted stating zero revenue. This allows for us to account for all persons on our mailing list.   To be added to our list, please contact Ann Marie Quintanilla at (760) 202--2406 or email him at aquintanilla@cathedralcity.gov with contact name and address and additional information will be sent.   The number of days used in determining whether TOT Tax applies varies from City to City. In Cathedral City, our code states that TOT Tax is applied to all stays of 30 consecutive days or less regardless of the number of calendar days in any given month.

Spectrum is the cable provider in Cathedral City. Their customer service telephone # is 760-340-1312.

Cathedral City does not provide water service.   If you live east of the Whitewater Channel your water service is provided by the Coachella Valley Water District. Call 1-800-262-2651.   If you live west of the Whitewater Channel, your water service is provided by the Desert Water Agency. Call 760-323-4971.

The implementation of the General Plan and the General Plan Update are primary functions of the Planning Department. The Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Design Guidelines and Specific Plans are all planning tools available to implement the General Plan. To that end, staff also utilizes capital improvement planning, the establishment of development related policies, development agreements, environmental review and processing of private development applications for public hearings.   The department administers the Zoning Ordinance and interacts with other agencies, public groups and task forces, to promote beneficial planning for the community. The Planning Department is staff to the Development Services Committee, the Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Commission. The Planning Department coordinates project design review through these Committees and City Council. 

 To read the City's Zoning Ordinance view Chapter 9.