The City of Palm Desert’s Online Permit Portal is your one-stop platform to apply for projects and permits, schedule inspections, and track the status of your applications and permits. Whether you're submitting a permit for new construction, renovation, encroachment, special event, or pool drain, our portal makes the process quick, convenient, and efficient.

How to Get Started:

1.  Create an eTRAKiT Account

a. New user eTRAKiT accounts are set up by city staff. Email your new user account requests to DSCinfo@palmdesert.gov. Click here for instructions on how to request an eTRAKiT user account. 

b. If you already have an active eTRAKit user account, skip to Step #2.   

2. Submit Your Permit Application – There are two ways to apply for your permit. Please read the following instructions carefully to select which permit application process to use.

a. eTRAKiT Permits: Select permit types listed below, are available online for direct application. Click on a permit type to be redirected to eTRAKiT. For ALL OTHER PERMIT TYPES not listed below go to section b for instructions on how to apply. 

Express Permits are permits issued upon completion of eTRAKiT application and payment. (Note: Permits that state “Not Express” are not issued on the same day.)

For the permit types listed below, click on the permit link to access eTRAKiT to apply, pay for, and receive your permit the same day. Log in to your eTRAKiT account and click the "Apply for a Permit" link located on the Dashboard task bar. Follow the prompts and choose the permit type that matches your project. Fill out the required information and upload any necessary documents, such as plans or drawings, to complete and submit your permit application request. Please allow three to five days for staff to process your application and make available on eTRAKiT. 

b. To submit ALL OTHER PERMIT TYPES, you must submit a completed application with all required documents (e.g., drawings, plans, checklists) to the permit submission portal using the “Submit a Permit Application” button below. Please visit the Handouts and Forms and Plan Submittal Requirements pages for more information on required documents to submit with your application. 

3.  Pay Fees

To make a payment, use one of the payment methods provided below. Please be advised, ALL credit card payments are subject to a 3% surcharge per transaction and will be added upon check out online or at our onsite terminals. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover (American Express is NOT accepted). Outstanding Balance does not include surcharge fee. Surcharge fees are not added to checks or E-checks.

Acceptable methods of payment:

1. Pay online: A link to the Payment Portal will be provided by staff or upon request when fees have been applied and are available to be paid. 

            FIRST: To process your payment, you are required to provide the following: 
                         Amount: Enter Outstanding Balance Amount
                         Address or APN: 
                         Permit/Project Number: 

You will have 15 minutes to process your payment once you click on the Payment Portal link provided by staff. Please pay the exact amount provided on your "Invoice Fees Requested" letter. (Note: Payment beyond the amount requested may incur additional fees) Overages will be refunded in 2 to 5 business days.

2. Pay in person at the Development Services Center (DSC) - Cash, check, or credit card. (American Express is NOT accepted)

3.  Pay by check: 

• Mail Check to: Development Services Center, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
• Make Payable to: City of Palm Desert; write permit number or project number in "MEMO" section of check. 
• Include "Invoice Fees Requested" letter with mailed check or bring invoice to present to staff for in-person payment.
  (Note: Failure to provide permit number or project number can result in delay of processing review.)

4.  Track Your Application / View your Permit Status

Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress in real-time, view any requested changes, receive notifications when your permit is approved or additional steps are needed, or view your permit status by logging in to your eTRAKiT user account. 

5.  Schedule an Inspection

If your permit requires inspections, you can schedule, manage, change, or cancel them directly through your eTRAKiT user account. Inspections are conducted in-person, with some permit types allowing for virtual inspections. To see if your permit allows for virtual inspections and requirements, please visit the Building Inspections webpage. Schedule your inspection type using the following options:

a. In Person Inspection:

Log in to your eTRAKiT account. On your dashboard under “My Active Permits” find the permit you would like to schedule an inspection for and click on the “request” link, under the “Inspections” column, for the specific permit to schedule an appointment. On the next screen please follow the prompts to fill in the information for the request and to select a date for your inspection. To complete your inspection appointment request please be sure to click “Add Inspection,” then “submit,” and then click “accept” for the additional information provided for your appointment request to be scheduled. For a step-by-step guide on how to schedule an inspection click here.

b. Virtual Inspections:

The following permit types allow virtual inspections:

• HVAC Residential
• Reroof Residential
• Residential Sewer Hookup
• Water Heater Residential
• Window Replacement Residential

For virtual inspections, log in to your eTRAKiT account. On your dashboard under “My Active Permits” find the permit you would like to schedule a virtual inspection for and click on the paper clip icon, under the “Attachments” column. Upload your signed virtual inspection checklist, required photos, and any other required forms. Please visit the Building Inspections webpage for the virtual inspection checklist and the Handouts and Forms page for additional required documents listed on your checklist. The uploaded documents will generate a notification to our inspection team that you are requesting a virtual inspection for your permit.  

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance with your permit application, don't hesitate to contact our Development Services Center. We’re here to help ensure your project is successful.

Phone: (760) 776-6430
Email: DSCinfo@palmdesert.gov