This title is and shall be cited as the City of Rancho Mirage Zoning Ordinance, Title 17 of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code, hereafter referred to as this zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 777 § 1 (Exh. A, 2002))
This title implements the policies of the Rancho Mirage general plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the city of Rancho Mirage. This title is adopted to protect and to promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of residents, and businesses in the city. Additional purposes of this title are to:
A. 
Implement the goals, objectives, policies and programs of the Rancho Mirage general plan, and to manage future growth and development in compliance with that plan;
B. 
Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the city that will maintain the community's unique characteristics in appropriate locations;
C. 
Require high quality planning and design for development, that enhances the visual character of the city, avoids conflicts between land uses, and preserves the scenic qualities of the city;
D. 
Conserve and protect the natural resources of the city, its natural beauty and significant environmental amenities; and
E. 
Create a comprehensive and stable pattern of land uses upon which to plan transportation, water supply, sewerage and other public facilities and utilities.
(Ord. 777 § 1 (Exh. A, 2002))
A. 
Authority. This title is enacted based on the authority vested in the city of Rancho Mirage by the state of California, including but not limited to the State Constitution; 65800 and subsequent sections of the California Government Code; the California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, and the Health and Safety Code.
B. 
Implement General Plan Consistency. This title is the primary tool used by the city of Rancho Mirage to implement the goals, objectives, policies, and programs of the Rancho Mirage general plan. The Rancho Mirage city council intends that this title be consistent with the Rancho Mirage general plan, and that any land use, subdivision, or development approved in compliance with this title will also be consistent with the Rancho Mirage general plan. A proposed use is considered to be consistent with the general plan when the following conditions exist:
1. 
The proposed use is compatible with the description of the land use element designation in which the use is located, as shown by the land use element map, and as described in the text of the general plan;
2. 
The proposed use is in conformance with the goals, objectives, policies, plans, programs, maps, and guidelines and the intent of the Rancho Mirage general plan; and
3. 
The proposed use is to be established and maintained in a manner which is consistent with all elements of the general plan and all applicable provisions contained therein.
(Ord. 777 § 1 (Exh. A, 2002))
This title applies to all land uses, structures, subdivisions, lot line adjustments, and development within the city of Rancho Mirage, as follows.
A. 
New Land Uses or Structures, Changes to Land Uses or Structures. It shall be unlawful, and a violation of this title, for any person to establish, construct, reconstruct, alter, or replace any use of land or structure, except in compliance with the requirements of Section 17.04.020 (Requirements for Development and New Land Uses), and Chapter 17.70 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).
B. 
Issuance of Construction Permits. Building, grading, or other construction permits may be issued by the department only when the proposed land use and/or structure satisfy the requirements of subsection A above, and the director determines that the site was subdivided in compliance with Municipal Code Title 16 (Subdivisions).
C. 
Subdivision of Land. Any subdivision of land proposed within the city of Rancho Mirage after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be consistent with the minimum parcel size requirements of Division II (Zoning Districts), the subdivision requirements of Municipal Code Title 16 (Subdivisions), and all other applicable requirements of this title.
D. 
Continuation of an Existing Land Use. An existing land use is lawful and not in violation only when operated and maintained in compliance with all applicable provisions of this title. The requirements of this title are not retroactive in their effect on a land use that was lawfully established before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title or any applicable amendment. A use that was legally established but does not fully comply with all of the requirements of this title may be maintained in compliance with Chapter 17.70 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).
E. 
Effect of Zoning Ordinance Changes on Projects in Progress. The requirements imposed through this title or amendments to those requirements are applicable to subsequent or pending applications, unless rights to develop in a manner inconsistent with those requirements have vested in compliance with state law.
F. 
Other Requirements May Still Apply. Nothing in this title eliminates the need for obtaining any other approvals required by the city, or approvals required by other provisions of the Municipal Code or the regulations of a city department, or county, regional, state, or federal agency.
G. 
Conflicting Approvals and Licenses to Be Void. From and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, any approvals issued in conflict with the provisions of this title shall be void.
(Ord. 777 § 1 (Exh. A, 2002))
This title shall be administered by the Rancho Mirage city council, planning commission, community development director, and the community development department, in compliance with Chapter 17.66 (Administrative Responsibility).
(Ord. 777 § 1 (Exh. A, 2002))
If any title, article, chapter, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this title is held to be invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, these decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this title. The Rancho Mirage city council hereby declares that this title and each title, article, chapter, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion would have been adopted irrespective of the fact that one or more portions of this title may be declared invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable.
(Ord. 777 § (Exh. A, 2002))