Desert Hot Springs · Land use · Kennel
Where is a kennel (dog boarding) allowed in Desert Hot Springs?
In Desert Hot Springs, a kennel (dog boarding) is allowed in 4 base zones (C-G, C-H, C-BP and MU-C), needs a permit in 6 (C-N, C-D, MU-N, I-L, VS-C and 1 more) and not allowed in 6 (Desert Hot Springs use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-G, C-H, C-BP and MU-C
- Needs a permit: C-N, C-D, MU-N, I-L, VS-C and Public Use Districts
- Not allowed: R-RD, R-L, R-M, R-H, I-E and VS-M
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a kennel (dog boarding) can go
Desert Hot Springs's code calls this use “Animal Boarding/Kennels, Grooming”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| C-G Commercial General | Allowed | § 17.12.020 |
| C-H | Allowed | § 17.12.020 |
| C-BP | Allowed | § 17.12.020 |
| MU-C | Allowed | § 17.14.020 |
| C-N Commercial Neighborhood | Needs an administrative use permit | § 17.12.020 |
| C-D Downtown Commercial | Needs an administrative use permit | § 17.12.020 |
| MU-N | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.14.020 |
| I-L | Needs an administrative use permit | § 17.16.020 |
| VS-C Visitor-Serving Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.18.020 |
| Public Use Districts | Needs an administrative use permit | § 17.24.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Row also covers grooming (name "Animal Boarding/Kennels, Grooming"). The Public Use Districts zone code is not stated in the packet (chapter 17.24 title only).
- Not covered here: Specific plan tables (S13-S17: Desert Gateway, Coachillin', Planning areas PA-1/PA-2, Desert Storage, Pierson Commercial) treated as non-base; SPA-1-02 district (S8) and PD district (S9): uses by list or case by case; Public Use Districts: zone code not given in the text; Zone names for all base codes are not stated in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Desert Hot Springs
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the C-N zone in Desert Hot Springs?
Only with an administrative use permit. Desert Hot Springs's use table lists it that way in C-N (Commercial Neighborhood) (§ 17.12.020).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the R-RD zone in Desert Hot Springs?
No. Desert Hot Springs's use table does not allow it in R-RD (§ 17.08.030).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the C-G zone in Desert Hot Springs?
Yes. Desert Hot Springs's use table lists it as allowed in C-G (Commercial General) (§ 17.12.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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