Preliminary Review
Preliminary review is initiated in the Planning Department with the submittal of a Preliminary Review Application. At this stage of a proposed development, the developer (or their representative) often presents a conceptual plan for a residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial project to the City’s Planning Department. A preliminary meeting can be scheduled to review with the developer the following issues:

• Proposed scope and extent of the proposed project;
• City processes for entitlement, plan check and inspection of public infrastructure;
• Applicable standards for public works improvements;
• Probable exactions anticipated;
• Regulatory requirements affecting the development; and
• Applicable fees based on the City’s current adopted fee schedule.

During preliminary meetings, the developer has an opportunity to ask specific and detailed questions regarding their project and is welcome to ask follow-up questions of members of the Development Services Division. View the Planning Department Entitlement Application Completeness Review Process Flow Chart. 

CEQA Compliance
The City of La Quinta requires environmental review for subdivision projects, site development permits, lot line adjustments, conditional use permits and other development activities as per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and locally adopted implementation measures. The Public Works Department’s role is to assist the Planning Department in its evaluation of prospective projects relating to those environmental issues involving public works, such as traffic, noise, parking, grading, drainage, nuisance water runoff, water quality, utilities and fugitive dust (PM10). In conjunction with the Planning Department, the Public Works Department identifies any potential environmental issues and reviews the applicant’s reports relative to potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Planning Department determines whether or not an Environmental Assessment (EA) must accompany applications for proposed entitlements. If so, CEQA provisions and locally adopted implementation measures govern the process.

Pre-Entitlement Review & Conditions of Approval
When a project is subject to a permit process, including, but not limited to, Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Site Development Permit (SDP), Village Use Permit (VUP), Tentative Tract Map (TTM) or a Tentative Parcel Map (TPM), the Public Works Department coordinates with the Planning Department to review the preliminary hydrology report (if applicable), preliminary traffic study (if applicable), preliminary precise grading plan and the preliminary Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) (if applicable). When these items are approved, Conditions of Approval are drafted that are applicable to the proposed project based on its potential impact on the City’s public infrastructure and existing and anticipated surrounding improvements. Cities in the State of California are granted the right to regulate and control the design and improvements of subdivisions under the Subdivision Map Act, and through city municipal codes, including zoning ordinances. Right of Entry agreements are required for work on adjacent properties not owned by the applicant.

Government Code Section 66411 (Subdivision Map Act) specifies the following for the regulation and control of subdivision designs and improvements:

Regulation and control of the design and improvement of subdivisions are vested in the legislative bodies of local agencies. Each local agency shall, by ordinance, regulate and control the initial design and improvement of common interest developments as defined in Section 1351 of the Civil Code and subdivisions for which this division requires a tentative and final or parcel map. In the development, adoption, revision, and application of such ordinance, the local agency shall comply with the provisions of Section 65913.2. The ordinance shall specifically provide for proper grading and erosion control, including the prevention of sedimentation or damage to offsite property. Each local agency may by ordinance regulate and control other subdivisions, provided that the regulations are not more restrictive than the regulations for those subdivisions for which a tentative and final or parcel map are required by this division, and provided further that the regulations shall not be applied to short-term leases (terminable by either party on not more than 30 days' notice in writing) of a portion of the operating right-of-way of a railroad corporation as defined by Section 230 of the Public Utilities Code unless a showing is made in individual cases, under substantial evidence, that public policy necessitates the application of the regulations to those short-term leases in individual cases.

Government Code Section 66418 (Subdivision Map Act) specifies the following for “Design”:

"Design" means: (1) street alignments, grades and widths; (2) drainage and sanitary facilities and utilities, including alignments and grades thereof; (3) location and size of all required easements and rights-of-way; (4) fire roads and firebreaks; (5) lot size and configuration; (6) traffic access; (7) grading; (8) land to be dedicated for park or recreational purposes; and (9) other specific physical requirements in the plan and configuration of the entire subdivision that are necessary to ensure consistency with, or implementation of, the general plan or any applicable specific plan as required pursuant to Section 66473.5.

Government Code Section 66419 (Subdivision Map Act) specifies the following for “Improvements”:

(a) "Improvement" refers to any street work and utilities to be installed, or agreed to be installed, by the subdivider on the land to be used for public or private streets, highways, ways, and easements, as are necessary for the general use of the lot owners in the subdivision and local neighborhood traffic and drainage needs as a condition precedent to the approval and acceptance of the final map thereof.

(b) "Improvement" also refers to any other specific improvements or types of improvements, the installation of which, either by the subdivider, by public agencies, by private utilities, by any other entity approved by the local agency, or by a combination thereof, is necessary to ensure consistency with, or implementation of, the general plan or any applicable specific plan. 

Lot Line Adjustments
Lot Line Adjustments covered under Section 66412 of the Government Code are only available between existing adjacent legal lots of record. Under the City of La Quinta Municipal Code, the City Engineer is responsible for certifying Lot Line Adjustments; however, the Lot Line Adjustment process is initiated with the Planning Department.

Conditional Use Permits (CUP), Specific Plan (SP), Village Use Permit (VUP), Site Development Permit (SDP) and Tentative Tract Map (TTM)
Administered by the City’s Planning Department, these processes involve application of the Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code and State law requirements to development projects. Specific conditions that are specific to public infrastructure elements are applied to the proposed developments by the Public Works Department, such as, but not limited to:

• Public street improvements (paving, sidewalk, curb and gutter);
• On-site grading, material handling and erosion control requirements (NPDES) and improvements not reviewed by the Building Department;
• Storm drainage systems and water quality requirements;
• Traffic signal installations and modifications;
• Mapping, survey monumentation, easements, etc.;
• Park and landscaping improvements, parkways, medians; and
• Air quality requirements as regulated by AQMD, such as PM10.

The applicant has an opportunity to discuss the proposed mitigation and development conditions with the Development Services Division staff prior to the public hearing. The City staff will meet with the project proponent or the project’s architectural professional, landscape architect and engineer to review the specifics of the proposed project and the potential conditions of approval that will be proposed by the City staff for the project. Following review of the project by the Development Services Division staff, a report is sent to the Planning Department’s project planner who will add these recommended conditions to those of the other applicable departments, and other public and private agencies. The combined draft conditions are then included within a project staff report provided to the City Planning Commission and City Council, when applicable. A review by the City’s Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee (ALRC) and Historic Preservation Commission may also take place, prior to the Planning Commission consideration. The Planning Commission makes the final determination as to the applicability of specific conditions of approval as proposed by the City staff on a proposed project, unless City Council approval is required or an appeal is filed by the project proponent.

Certain fees, bonds and permits may be required by the Public Works Department in order for the applicant to obtain a building permit or for recordation of a related final map. Specific fees may apply to specific aspects of each project, which include plan check, bonding for PM10, grading, Subdivision Improvement Agreements (SIA) and inspection. These fees are payable at the time of service or in certain cases prior to final inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Encroachment Permits are required for all work to be conducted within the public right-of-way (areas that are not private property), but which are associated with the proposed project. The Encroachment Permit application is available on the City’s website. 

Tentative Parcel Map Processing
Tentative Parcel Maps (TPM) are required on subdivisions of land that result in a total of four (4) or fewer residential parcels and for commercial and industrial subdivisions, as specified in the Subdivision Map Act. Tentative Parcel Maps are approved by the Planning Department Director following a Director’s Public Hearing.

An application “completeness” review is conducted by the Project Planner. This milestone triggers a “completeness” letter from the Planning Department and starts many clocks associated with the map approval process.

The process is outlined in the Planning Department Entitlement Application Completeness Review Process. 

Tentative Tract Map Processing Procedures
All development projects must be on legally established lots or parcels of land as defined in the Subdivision Map Act (SMA) of the State of California Government Code. Tentative and Final Tract Maps are required where there is a subdivision of land that results in a total of five (5) or more parcels, unless otherwise identified within the SMA. This applies not only to the division of land itself but also to special financing districts, consolidation of lots, condominiums, apartments or the conversion of a dwelling to five or more units.

The Section 66424 of the SMA defines a subdivision as:

“ . . . the division, by any subdivider, of any unit or units of improved or unimproved land, or any portion thereof, shown on the latest equalized county assessment roll as a unit or as contiguous units, for the purpose of sale, lease or financing, whether immediate or future. Property shall be considered as contiguous units, even if it is separated by roads, streets, utility easement or railroad rights-of-way. ‘Subdivision’ includes a condominium project, as defined in subdivision (f) of Section 1351 of the Civil Code, a community apartment project, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 1351 of the Civil Code, or the conversion of five or more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative, as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 1351 of the Civil Code.”

The processing involves the filing of either a “Tentative Map” or a “Vesting Tentative Map” of the subdivision of land with the Planning Department.

Section 66498.1 defines Vesting Tentative Maps:

“(a) Whenever a provision of this division requires that a tentative map be filed, a vesting tentative map may instead be filed.

(b) When a local agency approves or conditionally approves a vesting tentative map, that approval shall confer a vested right to proceed with development in substantial compliance with the ordinances, policies, and standards described in Section 66474.2. However, if Section 66474.2 is repealed, that approval shall confer a vested right to proceed with development in substantial compliance with the ordinances, policies, and standards in effect at the time the vesting tentative map is approved or conditionally approved.”

The City’s Municipal Code, Title 13, La Quinta Municipal Code requires that the City Engineer exercise the following responsibilities relative to Parcel Map and Tract Map Processing:

1.    Determining if the proposed subdivision improvements comply with the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act and Title 13 of the Municipal Code.

2.    Processing and certification of final maps, reversion to acreage maps, and amended maps and the processing and approval of subdivision improvement plans.

3.    Examining and certifying that final maps are in substantial compliance with the approved tentative map.

The City submittal and review processes for Tentative Maps and Vesting Tentative Maps are set forth in the City’s Municipal Code, Chapters 13.12 and 13.16, respectively and begin with an application submitted to the Planning Department. Prior to preparing the Tentative Map, the applicant should become familiar with the City’s General Plan, applicable Specific Plans (if any), and Municipal Code requirements for developments. Information regarding the specific requirements for the preparation of Tentative Maps, including processing procedures for Tract and Parcel Maps and format for applicant submittals is available on the City’s website. Tentative Tract Maps are subject to approval by the City Council.

The process for the above described permits is shown on the Entitlement Process Flow Chart.

Final Tract and Parcel Map Procedures
The City of La Quinta is granted authority to approve subdivisions under the State Subdivision Map Act, Sections 66410 to 66499, inclusive, of the California State Government Code. Persons who wish to subdivide property should acquaint themselves with the provisions of the State Subdivision Map Act, and Title 13 of the City of La Quinta Subdivision Ordinance. Riverside County has a Map Preparation Manual dated July 2007 which can also be referenced by the applicant.

Subdivision Map Act

If a Tentative Tract Map application is approved by the City Council, the applicant may begin processing the Final Tract Map and related improvement drawings. If a Tentative Parcel Map application is approved by the Planning Director, and no appeal has been filed with the Planning Commission/City Council during the appeal period, the applicant may then begin processing the Final Parcel Map. A Registered Civil Engineer (Pre-1982 Registration) or Licensed Land Surveyor shall prepare and submit the Final Tract/Parcel Map together with evidence that all conditions of approval have been fulfilled. The map will be checked for conformance with the Tentative Map, the associated conditions of approval and technical accuracy, and when found to be acceptable by the City staff, will be transmitted to the City Council/City Engineer for acceptance. It may then be released to the Title Company for final technical checking and subsequent recordation with the County Recorder.

Upon recordation, the Final Tract/Parcel Map is deemed complete.

City Council must approve the Final Tract Map or Final Parcel Map within two (2) years from the date of Planning Commission or Planning Department Director approval. The tentative map may qualify for a number of time extensions. Please consult with Planning Department staff to get the most current information.

An application for time extension must be filed prior to the map expiration date. It is important to recognize these time limitations because failure to comply may result in the expiration of the tentative map. City staff does not monitor maps for expiration dates and it is the responsibility of the property owner and/or private engineer to monitor State and City time limitations. General requirements, information on dedications and certifications required on maps, monumentation requirements, mathematical accuracy and geometry requirements and map body requirements for Final Tract and Parcel Maps are available on the City’s website.

Development in the City is also governed by several approved Specific Plans. Please contact the City’s Planning Department for information regarding areas governed by specific plans.

View the Final Map Process Flow Chart

Securities
Securities are one of the options available to a developer to postpone the construction of on-site and/or off-site improvements while still being allowed to final and record a map.  There are 2 basic classes of security associated with this process, they are described below:

A.  One class of security to be provided by the Subdivider, hereinafter referred to as "performance security," shall assure the faithful performance of this Agreement including construction of the Improvements, payment of Subdivider's fair share of Improvements which have been or will be constructed by others ("Participatory Improvements"), and payment of plan check and permit fees.  A second class of security to be provided by Subdivider, hereinafter referred to as "payment security" (also known as "Labor and Materials Security"), shall assure the payment of costs of labor, equipment and materials supplied to construct the Improvemens.  A third class of security to be provided by Subdivider, hereinafter referred to as "warranty security," shall serve as a guarantee and warranty of the Improvements for a period of one year following the completion and acceptance of the Improvemens.  Subdivider shall provide warranty security before Improvements are complete and accepted by the City Council and proir to or concurrently with the final release of performance security.  Warranty security shall not be required for Monumentation or Participatory Improvements. However, the City may utilize Monumentation Security for performance of, or payment for the work in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act. 

As part of the obligations secured by each of the performance security, payment security and warranty security, and in addition to the face amount of each such security, each such security shall include and assure the payment of costs reasonable expenses and fees, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by the City in successfully enforcing the obligations thereby secured. 

B.  Improvement security shall conform to Section 66499 of the California Government Code and one or more of the following: 

1.    A cash deposit with City or a responsible escrow agent or trust company, at City's option.

2.    Surety bonds, of the form specified in subsetion 66499.2 of the California Government Code, issued by a surety or sureties listed in the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570 (Latest Version).

3.    Certificates of deposit, in City's name, from one or more financial institutions subject to regulation by the state or federal government and having a financial quality rating of "A" or better and a commitment reliability rating of "R-2" or better on the Investment Data Exchange (of the Los Angeles County Treasurer's Office). 

4.    Irrevocable letters of credit, issued by one or more financial institutions meeting the requirements of Paragraph (3), pledging that the funds necessary to carry out the completion of the Improvements are on deposit, guaranteed for payment, and constitute a trust fund which is not subject to levy or attachment by any creditor of the depositor until released by City.  Letters of credit shall guarantee that all or any portion of the funds available pursuant to the letters of credit will be paid upon the written demand of City and that such written demand need not present documentation of any type as a condition of payment, including proof of loss.  The duration of any such letter of credit shall be for a period of not less than one year from the execution of the agreement with which it is provided and shall state, on its face, that the letter of credit will be automatically renewed until such time that the City authorizes its expiration or until sixty (60) days after City receives notice from the financial institution of intent to allow expiration of the letter of credit.

5.    A lien upon the subdivided property, if City finds that it would not be in the public interest to require the installation of the Improvements sooner than two (2) years after recordation of the final map or Tract map for which the Improvements are required.  The lien shall provide a collateral value of three (3) times the estimated cost of the Improvements and shall included the power of sale of the real property, all buildings and improvements thereon, or that may be erected upon or made thereto, together with all hereditaments and appurtances thereunto belonging, or in any way appertaining, and the reservations, remainders, rents, issues, and profits thereof.  The collateral value of the property shall be established at Subdivider's expense through an appraisal approved by City.

6.    An instrument of credit from an agency of the state, federal or local government, when any agency of the state, federal, or local government provides at least Twenty Percent (20%) of the financing for the Improvements.

7.    When Subdivider is a non-profit organization, security may be negotiable bonds, of the kind approved for securing deposits of public moneys with City or in favor of City, as specified in Section 16430 of the California Government Code, deposited, at City's option, with City or a responsible escrow agent or trust company.

Bonding Table:

Labor and material securities are not required for on-site improvements.  View the Reduction of Bonds Procedure.  View the Release of Bonds/Deposit Procedure.

Engineering bulletin #09-02 Securities for Permits and Maps describes the City's policy on securitization.

Subdivision Improvement Agreements (SIA’s)
The developer may enter a Site Improvement Agreement (SIA) under the following conditions:

A.    Subdivider has prepared and filed a Parcel Map/Final Map or Tract Map (the "Map") of a unit of land in the City of La Quinta, County of Riverside, which unit of land is known as Parcel/Tract No. XXXXX (the "Tract") pursuant to the provisions of Section 66410, et sec., of the California Government Code (the "Subdivision Map Act").

B.    Prior to approval of the Map, Subdivider is required to install or agree to install certain public and private improvements (the "Improvements").

C.    The Improvements have not been installed and accepted at this time.

Work described within an SIA should be completed by the developer within one (1) year.         

Submittals and Reviews
As a significant part of its development review process, the Public Works Department provides plan checking procedures to ensure that all development plans comply with the conditions of approval applied to the project through the entitlement process.  Three major types of plan checking take place, specifically reviewed for on-site improvements and for consistency with all other improvements.  The primary review for off-site water and sewer improvements is performed by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD).  As illustrated in the Development Plan Check Process Flow Chart, which depicts the process steps for plan checking operations, in general.

The forms and checklists for each of the different types of improvement plans are available on the Plan Check Checklist page of the City website for your convenience.

Below are some suggestions for how applicants can avoid delays in plan processing:

• Avoid incomplete or partial submittals;
• Make sure all plan check comments are addressed and take the initiative to get clarification on what the plan reviewer is requesting if unclear;
• Avoid major changes in design whenever possible.  If a major change must be made, arrange to meet with the plan checker to discuss the changes;
• Don't submit plans too early.  This can sometimes result in incomplete submittals;
• Avoid inconsistent design references;
• Adhere to City formats and guidelines.  These are published on the City's website. 

Grading Plans (Mass, Rough, Precise)
Projects involving site grading in excess of 50 cubic yards require the preparation of an engineered grading plan and issuance of grading permits. Please refer to Section 8.80 of the City’s Municipal Code and the Public Works website for a detailed discussion of these requirements. The process involves the applicant preparing an Encroachment Permit Application and submitting it at the Public Works Department counter. The Public Works staff then reviews the application and any attached documentation for completeness to determine whether the application can be accepted. If determined complete, the application is circulated throughout the Public Works Department for review and comment. Grading plans are also reviewed by the Planning Department to determine if they are consistent with prior entitlement. The Fire Department and Building Department also review applications and provide comments with respect to fire safety, petrochemical and structural issues respectively. The Fire Department also reviews emergency access, circulation, location of fire hydrants and Fire Department Connections (FDC). Precise Grading improvement plans for tract developments and single family custom homes are the primary responsibility of the Building Department. Model Home Precise Grading improvement plans are also the primary responsibility of the Building Department. The Public Works Department assists the Building Department in reviewing precise grading plans that are the primary responsibility of the Building Department. Checklists for grading plans are available on the City’s website Plan Check Checklist page.

Storm Drain, Street, Signing/Striping, Traffic Signal, Erosion Control (SWPPP & PM10), WQMP Plan Revisions
Upon receipt of the improvement plan package for the proposed development project, the Development Services Division staff reviews the improvement plans for consistency with City standards, conditions of approval and master planning requirements (i.e. general Plan and/or Specific Plan). Plan check comments are then compiled and transmitted to the applicant for their review and correction. A second submittal is made and is checked by the Development Services Division staff for consistency with the comments noted on the first check. If all corrections have not been made following a 3^rd review of the plans, a meeting will be arranged with the applicant and Engineer of Record to discuss completion of the requested corrections. If all corrections have been satisfactorily made, the plans are then forwarded to the City Engineer for signature along with a quantity estimate submitted by the applicant to calculate encroachment permit fees and subdivision bond amounts along with any other pertinent fees and charges, which may apply. If the plans have not included all corrections as requested on the second check, they are then returned to the applicant for further correction and resubmittal.

An Improvement Plan Checklist is provided to the applicant for use in understanding the specific requirements of the City with respect to the detail and presentation of improvement plans. Checklists for Hydrology, Hydraulic Reports, Traffic Signals, Safety Lighting, Signing, and Traffic Control are available on the City’s website Plan Check Checklist page.

Application of Design Criteria and Standards
The City of La Quinta has Design Standards and Drawings which must be considered in the design of public improvements associated with the proposed development project. The City’s Public Works Department maintains a plan archive which allows public access to all non-restricted plans. These plan sets serve as a valuable aid to developers and allow easy review of recent plan approvals. The archive serves as a continually updated reference for new projects.

In addition, all City improvements are to be designed and constructed in accordance with the “Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction” (Green Book), current edition, as published by Building News Incorporated of Anaheim, California. The City also uses “Standard Special Provisions” for Traffic Signals and Street Lighting which are supplemental to the Green Book. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with California Supplement serves as the design standard for signing and striping plans.

Improvement Plans
Upon receipt of the improvement plan package for the proposed development project, the Development Services Division staff distributes the plans within the Public Works Department for review and comment. The Development Services and Traffic Divisions reviews improvement plans for consistency with City standards, conditions of approval and master planning requirements. Plan check comments are then compiled and transmitted to the applicant for their review and correction. Sometimes plans are checked by a consultant engineer. Comments are then returned to the applicant. A second submittal is made and is checked by the Development Services Division staff for consistency with the comments noted on the first check. If all corrections have been satisfactorily made, the plans are then used along with a quantity estimate submitted by the applicant to calculate subdivision bond amounts along with pertinent fees and charges which may apply. If the plans have not included all corrections as requested on the first plan check, they are then returned to the applicant for further correction and re-submittal.

A Street Improvement Plan Checklist is provided to the applicant for use in understanding the specific requirements of the City with respect to the detail and presentation of improvement plans. The following Plan Check Checklists are available on the City’s website: Street Improvement Plan, Hydrology and Hydraulic Report, Traffic Signals, Safety Lighting, and Signing and Traffic Control.

Traffic Signing & Striping Plans
Signing and striping plans are submitted for plan check at the Public Works counter. A check list is provided to the applicant for use in understanding the specific requirements of the City. View the Traffic Signing & Striping Plans process.

Right-of-Way Vacation
From time to time, development will trigger the need for the vacation of City right-of-way.  The vacation must be in accordance with the California Streets & Highways Code.  Examples of non-compliance are: the roadway is necessary for the public’s use; or the vacation is not consistent with the City’s General Plan Circulation Element.  Street vacations must be approved by the City Council.  Please click on Right-of-Way or Street Vacation Process Flow Chart. 

Right-of-Way and Other Easement Dedications
Development often requires the need for seperate right-of-way, drainage, temporary construction, slope or access easement dedications.  Right-of-Way and Other Easement Dedications are preferably made by the final map recordation instrument.  Alternatively, seperate dedication documents are checked by the Public Works staff and the City Surveyor for conformance and if acceptable, prepared for City Council acceptance by Staff Report and recordation.  Seperate dedications should accompany street improvement plans and record concurrently with street improvement plan approvals.  Seperate dedications without companion improvement plans are generally not allowed.

Public Works Department Release for Building Permit (Green Sheet)
All building construction activity in the City requires a release from the Public Works Department.  The release is given by processing of a “green sheet” release request, available here:

• Custom Home Green Sheet Process Flow Chart
• Tract Home Green Sheet Process Flow Chart
• Commercial & Other Green Sheet Process Flow Chart

Reimbursement Agreements 
There are times when a reimbursement agreement may be needed if a developer constructs improvements that are covered by the City’s Development Impact Fee (DIF)  program.  View the Reimbursement Agreement Process Flow Chart. 

Encroachment Permits
All work authorized by the City with signed improvement plans whether within the public right-of-way or on private property, requires an Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department.  Some permits can be issued over the counter, such as permits for driveways, minor public improvements and truck hauling routes.  Please refer to the  Engineering Bulletin #97-04 Indemnification & Insurance Requirements.  View the Encroachment Permit Process Flow Chart.

Median, On-Site and Parkway Landscaping and/or Perimeter Wall Plan Check Process
The plan check processes for: a) median, on-site and parkway landscaping and/or perimeter walls; b) walls; and c) monument sign applications begin with the Planning Department.

Conditions Covenants & Restrictions (CC&R’s)
CC&R reviews are the primary responsibility of the Planning Department. When necessary, the Planning Department routes draft CC&R documents to Public Works for comment as an internal City process.

Reduction of Bonds
A “developer friendly” option available for projects in La Quinta is the ability to reduce bond amounts as construction of on-site and off-site improvements is completed. Within the guidelines presented in the La Quinta Municipal Code, developers may request up to three (3) bond reductions.  View the Reduction of Bonds Procedure Flow Chart.

Release of Bonds/Deposits
View the Release of Bonds/Deposits Procedure Flow Chart. These requests start with a letter to the Public Works Director.

Final Acceptance Procedures
View the Final Acceptance Procedure which describes the process by which final acceptance of a project is granted by the City Council.  Engineering Bulletin #09-01 details the procedure for submitting record drawings for all improvements that were constructed as part of the development.

Extension of a Subdivision Improvement Agreement (SIA)
If a developer is not able to complete all of the project improvements within the time frames outlined in the SIA, they must request a time extension from the City Council.  View Extension of SIA Procedure.

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