Palm Springs homes utilize unpermitted canopies

City planners performed a drive-by inspection of Palm Springs, Calif., single-family properties and discovered that approximately 10 percent of homes had unpermitted canopies shading pools, yards or vehicles. Residents felt that city officials “should enforce against worse neighborhood eyesores than canopies,” but city officials disagreed. Professional installation matters, because a flimsy canopy that can’t stand up to high winds or fire is a safety hazard. The city is discussing an amnesty program for existing canopies and changes to zoning code to allow future canopies that meet design and quality standards.