Palm Springs Planning Commission Evaluated Golf Course Rezoning
The city commission assessed a proposal to convert 35 acres of the former Bel Air Greens Golf Course into housing.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Golf
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The Palm Springs Planning Commission has reviewed an application to rezone 35 acres of the former Bel Air Greens Golf Course for residential use. This proposal comes as the Coachella Valley continues to address a growing demand for new housing.
Why it matters
The review process is critical for balancing urban growth with local land-use mandates. Officials are considering how to best utilize former recreational space to address the regional housing shortage.
The proposal targets 35 acres for residential conversion, while city mandates require 50 percent of the property to remain designated as open space. The plan contemplates the construction of two- and three-story homes on the remainder of the site.
The players
Palm Springs Planning Commission
This municipal body is responsible for overseeing land use, zoning amendments, and urban development projects within the city of Palm Springs.
Bel Air Greens Golf Course
The former recreational site in Palm Springs is currently the subject of a high-profile redevelopment proposal for residential housing.
The details
The commission evaluated the application against existing city golf course conversion rules which strictly limit development density. The potential project is designed to accommodate dozens of new homes within the Palm Springs area.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: The article was published regarding the commission assessment.
Season Trajectory
This zoning application follows a regulatory framework established by the city golf course conversion rules requiring half of the site remain open space. The outcome of this decision could set a precedent for how the Coachella Valley repurposes aging recreational facilities.
Residents should anticipate that any approved development must adhere to the 50 percent open space mandate, limiting the potential density of the project. The decision will determine whether the former golf course site transitions into a multi-family residential neighborhood.
The takeaway
The city mandate to preserve half of the land as open space ensures that recreational access remains a factor even in residential redevelopment. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming commission hearings to understand how density requirements will shape the final project footprint.
Further reading
Learn more about local land use and development trends in the Golf section.
Live Poll
Should cities allow former golf courses to be redeveloped for new housing to address housing needs?
