Palmdale City Zoning Code
Division 4
COMMERCIAL/OFFICE ZONES
§ 17.40.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the commercial/office zones is to:
(A)
Designate adequate land for commercial and office uses and growth consistent with the General Plan;
(B)
Maintain and strengthen the City's economic resources;
(C)
Provide a range of employment opportunities to meet the needs of current and future residents;
(D)
Designate adequate land for a full range of local- and regional-serving commercial and retail services consistent with the General Plan for residents, employees, and visitors;
(E)
Provide adequate land for professional and medical office uses and service centers; and
(F)
Ensure that appropriate site design and operational standards are in place to promote commerce while protecting health and safety and minimizing impacts on adjacent properties.
Additional purposes of each commercial/office zone are provided in the subsequent Sections.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.41.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to foster convenience-type retail, neighborhood offices, and service activities that serve the daily needs of the immediate neighborhood. NC areas are located in village centers, near residential neighborhoods to serve the short-term needs of residents. Neighborhood commercial development is occasionally found on small corner parcels (a few acres) but more often in slightly larger configurations (five to 10 acres in size). This designation includes supermarkets, restaurants, apparel stores, small hardware stores, banks, offices, and similar uses. This zone also provides gathering places for the residents of surrounding neighborhoods and are ideal locations for local transit stops (including but not limited to bus stations and carsharing pods). This zone implements the Neighborhood Commercial General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.42.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to accommodate commercial/retail and service uses attracting consumers from a regional market area. RC areas provide access to long-term goods and services (in contrast to convenience goods) such as big box retail, the regional mall, and film uses within the Los Angeles County secondary zone. Limited multifamily residential uses are allowed with a comprehensive development plan on the Antelope Valley Mall site and the property south of Palmdale Boulevard between SR-14 and Division Street. The uses allowed in this designation will provide a unique amenity to all residents of Palmdale and an important revenue source for the City. Areas with the RC designation are situated near State Route 14 and Rancho Vista Boulevard, at Pearblossom Highway and Fort Tejon, at Avenue R and 47th Street East, and others. RC developments typically occupy many acres, although individual businesses may be on smaller parcels. This zone implements the Regional Commercial General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.43.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to accommodate a diverse mix of businesses that primarily serve visitors to Palmdale or that provide niche/specialty goods and services. Typical VC uses include lodging (e.g., hotels and extended stay hotels), convenience retail, professional and medical offices, service uses, restaurants, and similar uses that are aimed largely at regional visitors, workers, and other highway traffic. Uses may be more intense than in the NC and RC zones. This zone implements the Visitor Commercial General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.44.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to accommodate a medical-oriented campus with a focus on medical/hospital uses, supported by appropriate commercial and lodging uses, workforce housing, and open space areas for congregating and socializing. The envisioned mix of uses is a large hospital or medical office as the anchor, enlivened by part-time and full-time residents and access to a limited set of supporting uses related to daily goods and services. The MEDFX zone is applied to the Palmdale Regional Medical Center environs, around the Kaiser Permanente facility on East Avenue S, and a future medical district on Palmdale Boulevard and 40th Street East. This zone implements the Health and Wellness General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.45.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to primarily attract a mix of educational type uses like trade schools, public and private higher education facilities, and satellite campuses, while permitting supporting uses such as services and housing. The EDFX zone is targeted in two key locations along Palmdale Boulevard, with a vision of major academic institutions anchoring vibrant, walkable, mixed-use destinations, creating an attractive campus setting. This zone implements the Educational Flex General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.46.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to allow mixed-use development of office/flex uses and supportive service, retail, and commercial uses. It allows a mix of businesses that provide a wide variety of employment-generating activities, including office, medical, R&D, and flex/makerspaces. Office uses may be stand-alone, or part of a large business/office park development. These areas are typically situated close to regional roadways or freeways. This zone implements the Industrial and Employment Flex General Plan land use designations.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.47.010 Permissions tables and establishment of an allowed use.
Prior to the establishment of any land use(s) identified in the land use permissions tables, the applicant shall obtain all necessary approvals and permits pursuant to all applicable requirements of this Title. Division 2 (Review Procedures) of this Title identifies the requirements of project proposals and procedures and processing requirements for administrative and discretionary applications.
(A)
Use Classifications. Each land use classification is described in PMC Chapter 17.16 (Definitions). For example, personal service use includes a wide range of individual personal service uses (e.g., beauty parlor, dry cleaning, tanning salons, tailors). Use classifications describe one or more uses having similar characteristics but do not list every use or activity that may be appropriate within the classification. For that reason, the City has established a similar use determination process as described in PMC § 17.24.040 (Determination on unlisted uses).
(B)
Projects of Two or More Land Uses. Where a single parcel is proposed for development with two or more of the land uses listed in the permissions tables at the same time, the overall project will be subject to the highest level of review required by the tables for any individual use; however, all applicable fees shall be paid, and individual applications submitted for each applicable application type.
(C)
Allowed Uses and Approval Types. Generally, a use is either allowed by right, allowed through an approval process, or not allowed. In addition to the requirements for planning entitlements of this Title, other permits may be required prior to establishment of the use (e.g., building permit, engineering permit, or permits required by other agencies). The requirements for planning entitlements include:
(1)
Permitted (P). A land use shown with a "P" indicates that the land use is allowed by right in the designated zone, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Title (e.g., development standards) as well as State and Federal law.
(2)
Accessory Use (A). A land use shown with an "A" indicates that the land use is allowed only as a secondary use in conjunction with a primary use, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Title (e.g., development standards) as well as State and Federal law.
(3)
Minor Use Permit (MUP) Required. A land use shown with "MUP" indicates that the land use is allowed in the designated zone upon issuance of a minor use permit from the designated Review Authority, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Title (e.g., development standards), as well as State and Federal law.
(4)
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Required. A land use shown with "CUP" indicates that the land use is allowed in the designated zone upon issuance of a conditional use permit from the designated Review Authority, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Title (e.g., development standards) as well as State and Federal law.
(5)
Not Permitted (–). A land use shown with a "–" is not allowed in the applicable zone.
(6)
Temporary Use (T). On occasion, property will be used for an event, activity, or use on a short-term basis. Such use is considered a temporary use. A land use shown with "T" indicates that the land use is allowed by right as a temporary use, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Title (e.g., development standards) as well as State and Federal law.
(7)
Temporary Use Permit Required (TUP). On occasion, property will be used for an event, activity, or use on a short-term basis. Such use is considered a temporary use. A land use shown with "TUP" indicates that the land use is allowed as a temporary use in conjunction with the issuance of a temporary use permit pursuant to PMC § 17.26.100 (Temporary use and special event permits). PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) provides the regulations for these uses, including development standards and time limits.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.47.020 Allowed uses – Commercial/office zones.
The land uses allowed in the commercial/office zones are listed in Table 17.47.020-1 (Allowed Uses – Commercial/Office Zones), together with the planning approval type required for each use. Allowed land uses include both primary and accessory uses that are permanent in nature. For regulations on all temporary uses and events, see PMC § 17.26.100 (Temporary use and special event permits) and PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses). Numeric notes can be found at the end of the table.
In addition to the regulations of the applicable zone, all land uses are subject to the special use standards identified in the "Specific Use Regulations" column of the allowed use tables. Refer to the referenced Sections for additional operational standards and regulations applicable to the use.
Table 17.47.020-1. Allowed Uses – Commercial/Office Zones | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial/Office Zones | |||||||
Use | NC | RC | VC | MEDFX | EDFX | OFX | Specific Use Regulations |
Aerospace Uses | |||||||
Aerospace Manufacturing | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Aerospace Services | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Agriculture and Animal Keeping Uses | |||||||
Agricultural Support, Sales, Service, and Storage | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Animal Husbandry and Production | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Animal Raising and Keeping, Domestic | – | A | – | – | A | – | See PMC Chapter 17.89 (Animal Keeping) |
Animal Raising and Keeping, Exotic | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.89 (Animal Keeping) |
Animal Raising and Keeping, Horses | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.89 (Animal Keeping) |
Animal Raising and Keeping, Livestock | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.89 (Animal Keeping) |
Animal Raising and Keeping, Poultry and Beekeeping | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.89 (Animal Keeping) |
Aquaculture | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Crop Production | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Farmstands | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Garden/Greenhouse, Private | A | A | A | A | A | A | |
Horticultural Production | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Kennels, Private/Hobby | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Stable/Equestrian Facility, Commercial/Public | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Stable/Equestrian Facility, Hobby/Private | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.89 (Animal Keeping) |
Automobile and Vehicle Uses | |||||||
Fueling Station | CUP | MUP | P | – | – | – | All vehicle repair work shall be conducted within an enclosed structure only. See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair). |
Travel Center | – | CUP | P | – | – | – | All vehicle repair work shall be conducted within an enclosed structure only. See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair). |
Vehicle and Equipment Services and Repair, Major | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | All vehicle repair work shall be conducted within an enclosed structure only. See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair). |
Vehicle and Equipment Services and Repair, Minor | MUP | MUP | P | CUP | – | – | All vehicle repair work shall be conducted within an enclosed structure only. See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair). |
Vehicle Rental | CUP | MUP | P | – | – | – | |
Vehicle Sales, New | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Vehicle Sales, Used | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Vehicle Sales and Rental, Large Vehicles and Equipment | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | All vehicle repair work shall be conducted within an enclosed structure only. See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair). |
Vehicle Towing/Impounding | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.93.040 (Vehicle towing/impounding) |
Vehicle Washing and Detailing | CUP | P | P | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.180 (Vehicle washing and detailing) |
Vehicle Wrecking/Dismantling | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.93.030 (Salvage yards) |
Eating and Drinking Establishments and Entertainment Uses | |||||||
Bar/Nightclub/Lounge | CUP | CUP | CUP | – | – | CUP | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Brewpub/Taproom/Wine Bar/Microdistillery | MUP | MUP | MUP | – | – | CUP | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Cafe/Bakery | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Cinema/Theater/Performing Arts Center | CUP | P | P | – | P | – | |
Live Entertainment as Accessory Use, Indoor (Accessory) | A | A | A | A | A | A | |
Live Entertainment as Accessory Use, Outdoor (Accessory) | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | Regular outdoor events as an accessory use require an MUP. Sporadic events require a TUP (see PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses)). |
On-Sale Alcohol Beverage Establishment as an Accessory Use (Accessory) | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Outdoor Dining (Accessory) | A | A | A | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.100 (Outdoor dining (accessory)) |
Outdoor Entertainment | – | P | P | – | CUP | – | |
Restaurant, Bona Fide | P | P | P | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Restaurant, Dine-In and Take-Out | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Restaurant, Drive-Through | CUP | P | P | – | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.92.050 (Drive-through restaurants and drive-through services) |
Film, Research and Development | |||||||
Film Production and Post Production | – | MUP | – | – | – | MUP | Only allowed on parcels that fall within the Los Angeles Secondary Studio zone. |
Research and Development | – | – | – | P | P | P | |
Industrial and Manufacturing Uses | |||||||
Artisan Manufacturing/Makers Space | CUP | MUP | – | – | MUP | P | |
Brewery/Distillery/Winery – without tasting room or > 10,000 sf | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Brewery/Distillery/Winery – with tasting room and <10,000 sf | CUP | MUP | MUP | – | – | CUP | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Commercial Vehicle Parking (Primary) | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.93.010 (Commercial vehicle parking as a primary use) |
Construction and Materials Yards | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Food or Beverage Manufacturing | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Hazardous Materials Facility | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.96 (Hazardous Materials Facilities) |
Indoor Warehousing, Storage, Wholesaling, and Distribution | – | CUP | – | – | – | A, MUP | |
Manufacturing, Outdoors | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Manufacturing/Processing, Light | – | – | – | – | – | MUP | |
Manufacturing/Processing, Heavy | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Mining/Resource Extraction | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Ministorage Warehousing or Facility | – | CUP | – | – | – | CUP | See PMC § 17.93.020 (Ministorage warehousing or facility) |
Outdoor Storage (Accessory) | – | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, CUP | A, CUP | A, CUP | See PMC § 17.92.120 (Outdoor storage (primary and accessory)) |
Outdoor Storage (Primary Use) | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.120 (Outdoor storage (primary and accessory)) |
Outdoor Storage (Temporary) | T; TUP | T; TUP | T; TUP | T; TUP | T; TUP | T; TUP | |
Salvage Yards | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.93.030 (Salvage yards) |
Temporary Structures or Storage Facilities (Temporary and Accessory) | A, TUP | A, TUP | A, TUP | A, TUP | A, TUP | A, TUP | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Lodging | |||||||
Bed and Breakfast | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Lodging – Extended Stay | CUP | P | P | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Lodging – Hotels | CUP | P | P | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Lodging – Motels | CUP | P | P | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Lodging – Timeshares | – | P | P | – | – | – | |
Public, Quasi-Public and Institutional Uses | |||||||
Civic/Government | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Cultural Institutions | CUP | P | P | P | P | CUP | |
Hospital | – | CUP | CUP | MUP | – | – | |
Public Service Facility | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Social Service Facilities | MUP | MUP | MUP | P | MUP | MUP | See PMC § 17.94.040 (Social service facilities with congregate meal facilities) |
Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses | |||||||
Athletic Fields, Unlighted | – | P | P | – | P | – | |
Athletic Fields, Lighted | – | MUP | MUP | – | CUP | – | |
Campground | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Cemeteries, Crematories, or Mausoleums | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
College/University | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | P | CUP | |
Commercial Recreation and Sports, Indoor | MUP | P | P | MUP | P | MUP | |
Commercial Recreation and Sports, Outdoor | – | P | P | – | MUP | – | See PMC § 17.94.030 (Golf courses) |
Community Assembly, ≤ 5,000 sf (gross sf) | P | P | P | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.94.010 (Community assembly uses) |
Community Assembly, 5,001 sf – 12,000 sf (gross sf) | MUP | P | P | MUP | P | MUP | See PMC § 17.94.010 (Community assembly uses) |
Community Assembly, >12,000 sf (gross sf) | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.94.010 (Community assembly uses) |
Family Day Care Center | P | P | P | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.92.060 (Family day care center) |
Instructional Services, ≤ 5,000 sf | P | P | P | MUP | P | P | |
Instructional Services, > 5,000 sf | MUP | P | P | MUP | P | MUP | |
Open Space, Natural | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Parks and Recreation Facilities | P | P | P | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.94.030 (Golf courses) |
Retreat Center | CUP | P | P | CUP | MUP | CUP | |
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Schools, Public or Private (TK-12) | – | – | – | – | P | – | |
Tutoring Facilities | P | P | P | MUP | P | MUP | |
Vocational/Trade School, ≤ 10,000 sf | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | P | MUP | |
Vocational/Trade School, >10,001 sf | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | P | CUP | |
Residential Uses | |||||||
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) | – | A | – | A | A | – | See PMC § 17.91.010 (Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit standards) |
Agricultural Worker Housing | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Caretaker's Unit (Accessory) | – | – | – | – | P | – | See PMC § 17.91.030 (Caretaker's units (accessory)) |
Child Day Care in a Home | – | P | – | P | P | – | |
Cottage Food Operation | – | – | MUP | – | MUP | MUP | See PMC § 17.91.040 (Cottage food operation) |
Cottage Industry | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Emergency Shelters | – | – | – | CUP | – | – | See PMC § 17.94.020 (Emergency shelters) |
Group Residential Home | – | – | – | MUP | MUP | – | |
Home Occupation (Accessory) | – | A | – | A | A | – | |
Live/Work | – | MUP | MUP | P | P | – | |
Model Home (on-site) | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Manufactured/Mobile Home Park | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Residential Care Facilities, Small | CUP | – | – | P | – | – | |
Residential Care Facilities, Large | CUP | CUP | CUP | P | – | – | See PMC § 17.91.070 (Residential care facilities, large) |
Residential Housing Types | |||||||
Single-Family Dwelling, Attached | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Single-Family Dwelling, Detached | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Two-Family Dwelling/Duplex | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Multifamily Dwelling, Triplex/Quadplex | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Multifamily Residential, Greater Than or Equal to Five Units | – | P1 | – | CUP | CUP | – | |
Manufactured/Mobile Home | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Single-Room Occupancy | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Sober Living Home | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.91.080 (Sober living home) |
Supportive Housing | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Transitional Housing | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Yard Sales (Temporary Use) | – | T | – | T | T | – | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Retail, Service, and Office Uses | |||||||
Adult-Oriented Business | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.010 (Adult-oriented businesses) |
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facility, Large | – | – | – | CUP | – | – | See PMC § 17.91.020 (Alcohol and drug treatment facility) |
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facility, Small | – | – | – | MUP | – | – | |
Alcohol Sales, Off-Sale | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Animal Sales and Services | CUP | P | P | – | – | MUP | |
Auction Sales, Indoor | – | MUP | MUP | – | – | – | |
Auction Sales, Outdoor | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | |
ATM (Accessory Use) | A | A | A | A | A | A | |
Bail Bonds | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | |
Banks, Financial, Savings and Loan Institutions | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Building Materials Sales and Services | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Business to Business Support Services | – | MUP | MUP | – | – | P | |
Check-Cashing Businesses | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | |
Convenience Market | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | |
Drive-Through Services (Accessory) | A, MUP | A | A | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.050 (Drive-through restaurants and drive-through services) |
Farmers' Market (Temporary) | TUP | TUP | TUP | TUP | TUP | TUP | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Food Preparation, Commercial | CUP | P | P | P | P | MUP | |
Fortunetelling, Palm and Card Reading | P | P | P | – | – | – | |
Funeral Homes and Mortuaries | MUP | P | P | P | – | – | |
General Retail ≤ 5,000 sf | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
General Retail 5,001 sf – 25,000 | MUP | P | P | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
General Retail/Superstore > 25,000 | – | P | P | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Grocery Store | P | P | P | CUP | MUP | – | |
Kennels/Boarding, Commercial | MUP | P | P | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.080 (Kennels/boarding, commercial) |
Kiosk/Outdoor Vending2 | A | A | A | A | A | A | |
Laundromat | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Massage Establishment, Accessory | A | A | A | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.090 (Massage establishment (accessory)) |
Massage Establishment, Stand-Alone | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Medical Services, Extended Care | – | MUP | MUP | P | – | – | |
Medical Services, Medical/Dental/Holistic/Clinic | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Medical Services, Urgent Care | CUP | P | P | P | P | CUP | |
Microblading/Permanent Makeup | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Neighborhood Market | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Nursery/Garden Center | MUP | P | P | – | – | MUP | |
Office, Processing | – | P | P | P | MUP | P | |
Office, Professional/Administrative | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Office, Service | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Outdoor Display (Accessory) | A | A | A | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.110 (Outdoor display) |
Pawnshop | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.130 (Pawnshops) |
Personal Services | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Pet Daycare | P | P | P | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.92.140 (Pet daycare) |
Resale/Consignment/Thrift Shop | CUP | MUP | MUP | – | – | – | |
Smoking Lounge | CUP | P | P | – | – | – | |
Smoke Shop | – | CUP | CUP | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.150 (Smoke shop) |
Swap Meet, Indoor | – | P | P | – | – | – | |
Swap Meet, Outdoor | – | MUP; TUP | MUP; TUP | – | – | – | |
Tattoo/Body Art/Piercing | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | – | CUP | See PMC § 17.92.170 (Tattoo/body art/piercing establishments) |
Temporary Real Estate Sales Office (Temporary) | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Veterinary Hospitals | MUP | P | P | P | MUP | – | See PMC § 17.92.190 (Veterinary hospitals) |
Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses | |||||||
Airports and Heliports | – | CUP | CUP | CUP | – | – | |
Collocated Small Wind Energy Systems (CSWES) (Accessory) | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | – | – | A, MUP | See PMC § 17.99.010 (Collocated small wind energy systems) |
Communication/Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Major | – | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.95.010 (Communication/wireless telecommunications facilities) |
Communication/Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Minor | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | See PMC § 17.95.010 (Communication/wireless telecommunications facilities) |
Communication, Facilities Within Buildings | – | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | P | |
Freight/Trucking Facility | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Light Fleet-Based Services | – | P | P | P | P | P | |
Parking Lots and Structures | – | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | |
Passenger Transportation Facilities | – | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Recycling Collection Facility, Large | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling Facilities) |
Recycling Collection Facility, Small | CUP | – | – | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling Facilities) |
Recycling Processing Facility, Heavy | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling Facilities) |
Recycling Processing Facility, Light | – | – | – | – | – | CUP | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling Facilities) |
Reverse Vending Machine (Accessory) | A | A | A | A | A | A | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling Facilities) |
Sanitary Landfills | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.98.010 (Sanitary landfills) |
Small Residential Wind Generator Systems (SRWGS) (Accessory) | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.99.020 (Small residential wind generator systems) |
Solar Energy System (Primary Use) | – | – | – | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.99.030 (Solar energy system (primary)) |
Utilities, Major | – | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Utilities, Minor | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Utility Yard | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
Notes: |
|---|
1. Only permitted with a comprehensive development plan on Antelope Valley Mall site and property south of Palmdale Boulevard between SR-14 and Division Street. |
2. Kiosks/outdoor vending machines shall be placed next to the main structure in a designated area not to exceed 32 square feet. |
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1613 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1659, 8/19/2025)
§ 17.48.010 Development standards – Commercial/office zones.
Table 17.48.010-1 (Development Standards – Commercial/Office Zones) prescribes the development standards for the commercial and office zones. Additional regulations are also denoted in the right-hand column. Section numbers in this column refer to other Sections of this Title.
Table 17.48.010-1. Development Standards – Commercial/Office Zones | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial/Office Zones | ||||||||
Standards | NC | RC | VC | MEDFX | EDFX | OFX | Additional Regulations | |
Lot and Density Standards | ||||||||
Minimum Lot Size (sf) | 10,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||
Minimum Lot Width (ft) | 60 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||
Minimum Lot Depth (ft) | 100 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 100 | 100 | ||
Building Form and Location | ||||||||
Minimum Residential Density (units/acre) | – | – | – | 10 | 10 | – | ||
Maximum Residential Density (units/acre) | – | Up to 30 1 | – | 30 | 30 | – | ||
Maximum Floor Area Ratio | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5; 2.0 for hotels/lodging | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | ||
Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure | 35/2 stories | 55/4 stories; 85/7 stories for lodging uses | 65/5 stories; 85/7 stories for lodging uses | 85/7 stories | 65/5 stories | 50/4 stories | • | Projects must comply with both stories and overall height maximums. See PMC § 17.17.030 (Measuring heights). |
• | Architectural features may project above the maximum height by five feet. Architectural features include rooftop stair access and elevator shafts, mechanical equipment, or other rooftop amenities, as approved by the Director. | |||||||
Maximum Height (ft) – Accessory Structures | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | ||
Maximum Height Adjacent to Residential Zones | Starting from the third floor up, step back each subsequent floor by 15 ft for every two floors. | See Figure 17.38.060-1 (Transitions to Lower Density Building Types) | ||||||
Distance between Structures (sf) | Minimum required by building and fire code. | |||||||
Setbacks – Minimums (ft) | ||||||||
Front | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | • | Minimum front setback shall be landscaped excluding driveways. |
• | No parking allowed in minimum setback area. | |||||||
Street Side | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | • | No parking allowed in minimum setback area. |
Interior Side | 0; 10 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a single-family residential zone | 10; 20 abutting a residential zone | ||
Rear | 10; 20 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a residential zone | 10; 25 abutting a single-family residential zone | 10; 20 abutting a residential zone | ||
Alley (when present) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||
Open Space Standards | ||||||||
Minimum Open Space | 3% of gross floor area | 5% of lot (must be publicly accessible) | 5% of lot (must be publicly accessible) | Residential Component: 200 sf total per unit; minimum 100 sf of private open space for ground-level units and 60 sf of private open space for upper-level units Nonresidential: 3% of gross floor area | Residential Component: 200 sf total per unit; minimum 100 sf of private open space for ground-level units and 60 sf of private open space for upper-level units Nonresidential: 5% of lot area (must be publicly accessible); if the open space is over 1,000 square feet, up to 50 percent may be counted towards the required residential common open space. | 3% of gross floor area | Common open space includes roof decks and other shared common open areas. Minimum open space dimension is 20 feet in either direction. Setback areas are not considered usable open space unless they are at least 20 feet wide. See PMC § 17.49.060(M) (Common Open Space Design). | |
Minimum Landscaping (% of lot) | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | Includes required setbacks. 25% must be live plant material. See PMC § 17.86.010 (Landscaping requirements). | |
Other Standards | ||||||||
Notes: |
|---|
1. Only permitted on Antelope Valley Mall site and property south of Palmdale Boulevard between SR-14 and Division Street with a comprehensive development plan. |
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1613 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1641 § 4 (Exh. A), 2024)
[1]
Editor's Note: Said City of Palmdale Multifamily and Mixed Use Design Standards are included as an attachment to this title.
§ 17.49.010 Standards for multifamily residential/mixed-use development in the RC, EDFX, and MEDFX zones.
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use development in the RC, EDFX, and MEDFX zones shall be designed and constructed pursuant to the development standards for the applicable density mixed-use zone as found in Table 17.55.010-1 (Development Standards – Mixed-Use Zones) in Division 5.
Additionally, multifamily residential and residential mixed-use development in the RC, EDFX, and MEDFX zones shall be designed and constructed pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.38 (Supplemental Standards for Multifamily Residential Development) and the City of Palmdale Multifamily and Mixed-Use Design Standards[1] (adopted by Ordinance No. 1594).
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
[1]
Editor's Note: Said City of Palmdale Multifamily and Mixed Use Design Standards are included as an attachment to this title.
§ 17.49.020 Hours of operation for delivery and truck loading/unloading.
Within the commercial/office zones, delivery and truck loading/unloading for any use that is located within 300 feet of a residential or mixed-use zone or existing residential development is allowed only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, unless otherwise approved by the Review Authority. See also PMC § 17.87.200 (Loading standards).
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.49.030 Security roll up/down shutters.
Security roll-up/down shutters mounted on the exterior of a new structure shall be allowed subject to review and approval by the Review Authority for the applicable approval process (e.g., minor site plan review, site plan review, etc.). Modifications to approved plans or existing structures may be made through a minor modification pursuant to PMC § 17.26.040 (Minor modifications to approved plans). Internally mounted security shutters shall be allowed if they are designed to ensure that no more than 25 percent of the window area is obstructed and visibility into the building is maintained.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.49.040 Private streets.
Private streets serving commercial developments shall have a minimum vehicle access width of 40 feet.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.49.050 Plant 42 adjacency standards.
No balconies, stairways, windows, or other areas where people could look out onto adjacent United States Air Force Plant 42 properties shall be allowed above the first floor on the side of a structure which faces the United States Air Force Plant 42 property.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.49.060 Design standards for commercial/office development.
(A)
Purpose and Applicability. The purpose of this Section is to improve the overall design and appearance of commercial and office development in the City. The following design standards shall apply to new commercial and office development and major modifications to existing commercial and office development. Projects shall be evaluated for the extent to which they meet the design standards as part of the site plan review process. The following standards are minimum requirements. The Review Authority may approve modifications or deviations from the standards of this Section upon finding that the purposes of this Section are achieved and the modification or deviation results in a project of equal or better design quality.
(B)
Building Siting and Orientation.
(1)
Buildings shall be located and designed to facilitate pedestrian activity through orientation toward the street and sidewalks. Buildings shall create street walls that define the public realm of the street; however, a portion of the building elevation may be set back to allow for outdoor use, such as outdoor patio dining, public art, entry forecourts, or other amenities appropriate to an urban development, provided the street continuity is not unduly interrupted along the majority of the block.
(2)
Building Entries. Primary building entries shall be oriented to the street and sidewalks. Building entries should read as such, and be integrated with the overall building form. Doors should be designed at human scale. Public entries shall be defined and emphasized through variation in building height, wall plane, roof treatment, window placement, architectural detailing, etc. Variation in material, texture, and/or color is also recommended as a means of identifying building entries.
(C)
Building Modulation and Articulation. Building design shall be used to emphasize individual units within a building, larger units and/or anchor stores within retail projects, and foyers, lobbies, and reception areas within nonretail commercial projects. Building form and articulation shall be used to emphasize public entrances and de-emphasize service areas; and to define and shelter (i.e., give a sense of invitation and enclosure) pedestrian walks and exterior gathering spaces. Ways to articulate buildings and give individual identity to each unit include:
(1)
Varying building heights within a project;
(2)
Incorporating vertical and horizontal recesses such as a pattern of recessed grouping of windows, recessed panels, or similar strategies;
(3)
Incorporating vertical and horizontal projections such as shading and weather protection devices, decorative architectural details, or similar strategies;
(4)
Varying architectural elements between vertical units/modules (e.g., window color, roof shape, window shape, railing type);
(5)
Providing screening devices such as lattices, louvers, shading devices, perforated metal screens, or similar strategies; and
(6)
Varying color or materials of each individual module within a harmonious palette of colors and materials.
(D)
Building Facade Elements. The elements of a building should relate logically to each other, as well as to surrounding buildings to enhance the characteristics of a particular building or area. Buildings shall contain the traditional three parts of a building: a base, midsection, and a top. On single-story buildings, the different parts may be expressed through detailing at the building base or eave or cornice line. On taller structures, different treatment of the base, middle, and top stories shall be used to define the three parts. The base shall visually relate to the proportion and scale of the building. Techniques for establishing a base may include richly textured materials (e.g., tile or masonry treatments), darker colored materials, mullion, panels, reveals and/or enriched landscaping. Tops take advantage of the visual prominence of a building's silhouette. Techniques for clearly expressing a top may include cornice treatments, roof overhangs with brackets, richly textured materials (e.g., tile, masonry, or fluted concrete), and/or differently colored materials. Colored "stripes" are not acceptable as the only treatment.
(E)
Corner Buildings. Buildings with angled corners, plazas, or other architectural features are encouraged at corner locations to help anchor the intersection. Building corners may be emphasized by use of elements such as towers, domes, or entries. Vertical architectural elements such as towers should be used as focal points.
(F)
Blank Walls. Blank walls (facades without doors, windows, landscaping treatments, artistic treatments, or facade articulation) shall be less than 30 feet in length along sidewalks, pedestrian/multi-use pathways, or open spaces.
(G)
Roof Forms. Mansard roofs are prohibited on new commercial/office buildings.
(H)
Ground Floor Office Uses.
(1)
Rhythm and Pattern. Ground floor office uses shall express a vertical rhythm between 40 to 75 feet in width.
(2)
Transparency. Ground floor retail and commercial uses shall contain clear openings and windows for a minimum of 40 percent of the total area of the first floor facades facing sidewalks, pedestrian walks, or publicly accessible outdoor space areas. Transparent glazing shall have a minimum visible transmittance value of 60.
(3)
Weather Protection. Primary ground floor entrances shall include weather protection that is a minimum of six feet in width and four feet in depth by recessing the entry, providing an awning/canopy, or using a combination of those methods.
(I)
Ground Floor Retail Shopfronts.
(1)
Rhythm and Pattern. Ground floor storefront uses shall express a vertical rhythm between 20 to 50 feet in width.
(2)
Ground Floor Height. Ground floor height shall be a minimum 15 feet interior floor-to-floor height.
(3)
Transparency. Ground floor retail and commercial uses shall contain clear openings and windows for a minimum of 60 percent of the total area of the first floor facades facing sidewalks, pedestrian walks, or publicly accessible outdoor space areas. Transparent glazing shall have a minimum visible transmittance value of 60 and be without tint or coloration. Dark tinted, reflective, or opaque glazing is not permitted for any required wall opening along street level retail facades.
(4)
Windows and Openings. Windows and openings shall provide clear and transparent view into the ground floor retail uses or shall display merchandise to reinforce a pedestrian scale. Displays or signs that cover more than 25 percent of the window area shall be avoided to allow visibility into the interior of the stores from the street.
(5)
Bulkheads and Solid Base Walls. If provided, bulkheads shall be between 12 to 30 inches in height.
(6)
Weather Protection. Primary ground floor entrances shall include weather protection that is a minimum six feet wide and four feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning/canopy, or using a combination of those methods.
(J)
Awnings. Awnings, canopies, and weather protection shall be designed and placed as follows:
(1)
Awnings/canopies shall provide a minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance over the walkway.
(2)
The size, scale, and color of the awnings should be designed to be compatible with the rest of the building; awnings shall not be the predominant element of the facade, but shall accent the top edge of ground floor windows and door frames.
(3)
When transom windows are above display windows, awnings, canopies, and similar weather protection elements shall be installed between transom and display windows. These elements shall allow for light to enter the storefront through the transom windows and allow the weather protection feature to shade the display window.
(4)
Attachment. Awnings may be fixed or retractable.
(5)
Awnings, canopies, and other weather protection elements shall not extend across more than 80 percent of the facade. Instead, individual segments shall be divided into sections to reflect the major vertical divisions of the facade, and shall be installed over each storefront entry or set of storefront windows. Awnings shall not extend across wall sections, across multiple sets of windows, or over columns or structural piers/pilasters.
(6)
Materials. Awnings shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials such as canvas, canvas-like material, nylon, metal, wood, and glass. Fabric awnings shall be prohibited.
(7)
Illumination. Internal illumination of awnings shall be prohibited.
(K)
Architectural Style. The architectural style and use of materials shall be consistent throughout the entire development. Differences in use of architectural details may occur where the intent is to differentiate between the residential and commercial scale and character of the structure(s). Each project shall possess an identifiable architectural theme and be of high-quality design and materials, such as masonry, tile, stone, stucco, architectural grade wood, brick, glass, and finished metal. For remodels or additions, the theme shall be true to the original intent and style of the building.
(L)
Materials, Finishes, and Color.
(1)
Compatibility. High-quality materials and finishes appropriate to the architectural style, scale, character, and design theme of the building shall be used, such as masonry, tile, stone, stucco, architectural grade wood, brick, glass, and finished metal. Materials, finishes and colors shall unify a structure's appearance and be selected to work harmoniously with each other.
(2)
Durable Materials. Exterior design and building materials shall reflect permanence and quality. Graffiti-resistant materials and paints shall be utilized.
(3)
Secondary Elevations. Buildings shall be treated as a whole and finished appropriately on all sides to appear integral to the building and avoid appearing "tacked on." Backs of buildings shall use similar materials; however, less expensive and utilitarian substituted materials are acceptable, provided they are compatible with the overall design.
(4)
Material Changes at Corners. Material changes shall not occur at corners. The same material shall continue around corners to the next change in the wall plane, which shall be no less than four feet.
(5)
Variation in Materials and Colors. The materials and colors used on the exterior of a building shall enhance visual interest and create harmony; unusual patterns and color schemes and nonharmonious and out-of-character colors shall be avoided. These colors shall be used as follows:
(a)
Base colors shall be used on the majority of the building surface and should be the lightest;
(b)
Secondary colors shall be used to accentuate facade elements or upper floors; and
(c)
Accent colors shall be used sparingly to highlight moldings, trims and/or signage.
(d)
Up to two additional colors may be used on the base to distinguish between upper and lower floors or as an additional secondary color.
(M)
Common Open Space Design.
(1)
A minimum dimension of 20 feet shall be provided in any direction;
(2)
A maximum of 40 percent of the common open space may be covered but cannot be enclosed. Common open space is considered enclosed when the space between a floor, decking, or ground level and a roof structure has sides taller than 50 inches in height on more than two sides;
(3)
Courtyards enclosed on four sides shall have a minimum dimension of 40 feet and have a minimum courtyard width to building height ratio of 1.25:1;
(4)
The open space shall include places to sit and shade structures;
(5)
A minimum of 20 percent of the open space area shall be planted with trees, ground cover, and/or shrubs; and
(6)
Slopes shall not exceed five percent.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)