Palmdale City Zoning Code
Division 5
MIXED-USE ZONES
§ 17.50.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the mixed-use zones is to: (A) Provide opportunities for a mix of complementary uses that may combine residential and nonresidential uses or combine a variety of nonresidential uses on the same site; (B) Provide for the orderly, well-planned, and balanced development of mixed-use zones; (C) Provide for a range of multifamily housing types consistent with the General Plan; (D) Encourage missing middle housing types; (E) Provide appropriately located commercial areas and neighborhood centers that provide a variety of goods and services for residents, employees, and visitors; (F) Promote accessibility, business development, and a unified character; and (G) Promote pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development at appropriate locations, including major corridors, thoroughfares, and districts in the City. Additional purposes of each mixed-use zone are provided in the subsequent chapters. | Missing Middle Housing The missing middle housing types provide diverse housing options, such as duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, and multiplexes. These house-scale buildings fit seamlessly into existing residential neighborhoods and support walkability, locally serving retail, and public transportation options. They provide solutions along a spectrum of affordability to address the mismatch between the available U.S. housing stock and shifting demographics combined with the growing demand for walkability. |
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.51.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to create a low-intensity concentration of commercial businesses and civic amenities mixed with single-family and multifamily housing. This zone is located along Palmdale Boulevard between 10th Street East and 35th Street East and is intended to foster a pedestrian-friendly environment in a walkable, Main Street format. Ground floors are primarily retail and service-oriented uses to provide a comfortable, walkable environment for shoppers and diners. This zone allows both horizontal and vertical mixed-use developments at a maximum density of 20 dwelling units per acre. Stand-alone residential and nonresidential development is allowed on any parcel, except parcels fronting Palmdale Boulevard must have nonresidential. This zone implements the Mixed-Use 1 General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.52.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is focused on key nodes of moderate mixed-use activity along the City's major corridors, primarily Palmdale Boulevard, Avenue R, Avenue S, and Rancho Vista Boulevard. This zone allows both horizontal and vertical mixed-use developments with a density range of 20 to 30 dwelling units per acre and a maximum FAR of 2.0. The MU 2 zone encompasses many existing commercial centers that are envisioned to evolve into concentrations of commercial businesses and civic amenities mixed with multifamily housing located within convenient walking or biking distance of nearby neighborhoods. The ground floor is primarily retail, medical office, and service-oriented to provide a comfortable, walkable environment. Stand-alone residential and nonresidential development is allowed on any parcel, except parcel frontages along Palmdale Boulevard must contain nonresidential development. This zone implements the Mixed-Use 2 General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.53.010 Intent – Description.
This zone is intended to create a high-intensity concentration of commercial businesses and civic amenities mixed with multifamily housing along major corridors and/or near major transit. This zone is located at key nodes including near the future Education District on Palmdale Boulevard and 47th Street East, along East Avenue Q, and Rancho Vista Boulevard. MU 3 areas provide employment, shopping, and living in a horizontal or vertical mixed-use format. Ground floors are primarily office and retail with housing above or behind. Stand-alone residential and nonresidential development is allowed on any parcel, except parcels fronting Palmdale Boulevard must have nonresidential. This zone allows both horizontal and vertical mixed-use developments at a density range of 30 to 50 dwelling units per acre and a maximum FAR of 3.0. This zone implements the Mixed-Use 3 General Plan land use designation.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.54.010 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)
§ 17.54.020 Allowed uses – Mixed-use zones.
The land uses allowed in the mixed-use zones are listed in Table 17.54.020-1 (Allowed Uses – Mixed-Use Zones), together with the planning approval type required for each use. Allowed land uses include both primary and accessory uses that are predominately permanent in nature. For regulations on all temporary uses and events, see PMC § 17.26.100 (Temporary use and special event permits). 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 17.54.020-1. Allowed Uses – Mixed-Use Zones | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixed-Use Zones | ||||
Use | MU 11 | MU 21 | MU 31 | 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 | 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 | |
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 | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair) |
Travel Center | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair) |
Vehicle and Equipment Services and Repair, Major | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair) |
Vehicle and Equipment Services and Repair, Minor | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair) |
Vehicle Rental | – | – | – | |
Vehicle Sales, New | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.070 (Fueling station/vehicle and equipment services and repair) |
Vehicle Sales, Used | – | – | – | |
Vehicle Sales and Rental, Large Vehicles and Equipment | – | – | – | 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 | – | – | – | 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 | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Brewpub/Taproom/Wine Bar/Microdistillery | MUP | MUP | MUP | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Cafe/Bakery | P | P | P | |
Cinema/Theater/Performing Arts Center | MUP | P | P | |
Live Entertainment as Accessory Use, Indoor (Accessory) | A | A | A | |
Live Entertainment as Accessory Use, Outdoor (Accessory) | 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 | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Outdoor Dining (Accessory) | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.100 (Outdoor dining (accessory)) |
Outdoor Entertainment | – | – | – | |
Restaurant, Bona Fide | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Restaurant, Dine-In and Take-Out | P | P | P | |
Restaurant, Drive-Through | CUP 3 | CUP 3 | CUP 3 | See PMC § 17.92.050 (Drive-through restaurants and drive-through services) |
Film, Research and Development | ||||
Film Production and Post Production | – | – | – | |
Research and Development | – | – | – | |
Industrial and Manufacturing Uses | ||||
Artisan Manufacturing/Makers Space | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Brewery/Distillery/Winery – without tasting room or > 10,000 sf | – | – | – | |
Brewery/Distillery/Winery – with tasting room and <10,000 sf | MUP | MUP | MUP | 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 | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Hazardous Materials Facility | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.96 (Hazardous Materials Facilities) |
Indoor Warehousing, Storage, Wholesaling, and Distribution | – | – | – | |
Manufacturing, Outdoors | – | – | – | |
Manufacturing/Processing, Light | – | – | – | |
Manufacturing/Processing, Heavy | – | – | – | |
Mining/Resource Extraction | – | – | – | |
Ministorage Warehousing or Facility | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.93.020 (Ministorage warehousing or facility) |
Outdoor Storage (Accessory) | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.120 (Outdoor storage (primary and accessory)) |
Outdoor Storage (Primary) | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.120 (Outdoor storage (primary and accessory)) |
Outdoor Storage (Temporary) | 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 | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Lodging | ||||
Bed and Breakfast | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Lodging – Extended Stay | – | – | CUP | |
Lodging – Hotels | – | MUP | MUP | |
Lodging – Motels | – | MUP | MUP | |
Lodging – Timeshares | – | – | – | |
Public, Quasi-Public and Institutional Uses | ||||
Civic/Government | MUP | P | P | |
Cultural Institutions | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Hospital | – | – | – | |
Public Service Facility | MUP | P | P | |
Social Service Facilities | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.94.040 (Social service facilities with congregate meal facilities) |
Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses | ||||
Athletic Fields, Unlighted | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Athletic Fields, Lighted | – | – | – | |
Campground | – | – | – | |
Cemeteries, Crematories, or Mausoleums | – | – | – | |
College/University | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Commercial Recreation and Sports, Indoor | MUP | P | P | |
Commercial Recreation and Sports, Outdoor | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.94.030 (Golf courses) |
Community Assembly, ≤ 5,000 sf (gross sf) | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.94.010 (Community assembly uses) |
Community Assembly, 5,001 sf – 12,000 sf (gross sf) | MUP | P | P | See PMC § 17.94.010 (Community assembly uses) |
Community Assembly, >12,000 sf (gross sf) | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.94.010 (Community assembly uses) |
Family Day Care Center | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.92.060 (Family day care center) |
Instructional Services, ≤ 5,000 sf | P | P | P | |
Instructional Services, > 5,001 sf | MUP | P | P | |
Open Space, Natural | P | P | P | |
Parks and Recreation Facilities | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.94.030 (Golf courses) |
Retreat Center | – | – | – | |
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park | – | – | – | |
Schools, Public or Private (TK-12) | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Tutoring Facilities | P | P | P | |
Vocational/Trade School, ≤ 10,000 sf | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Vocational/Trade School, > 10,001 sf | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Residential Uses | ||||
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) | P | P | P | Only ADUs (not JADUs) are allowed within multifamily housing developments. See PMC § 17.91.010 (Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit standards). |
Agricultural Worker Housing | – | – | – | |
Caretaker's Unit (Accessory) | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.91.030 (Caretaker's units (accessory)) |
Child Day Care in a Home | P | P | P | |
Cottage Food Operation (Accessory) | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | See PMC § 17.91.040 (Cottage food operation) |
Cottage Industry (Accessory) | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | |
Emergency Shelters | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.94.020 (Emergency shelters) |
Group Residential Home | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Home Occupation (Accessory) | A | A | A | |
Live/Work | P | P | P | |
Model Home (on-site) | TUP | TUP | TUP | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Manufactured/Mobile Home Park | – | – | – | |
Residential Care Facilities, Small | P | P | P | |
Residential Care Facilities, Large | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.91.070 (Residential care facilities, large) |
Residential Housing Types | ||||
Single-Family Dwelling, Attached | P | P | P | |
Single-Family Dwelling, Detached | – | – | – | |
Two-Family Dwelling/Duplex | P | P | P | |
Multifamily Dwelling, Triplex/Quadplex | P | P | P | |
Multifamily Residential, Greater Than or Equal to Five Units | P | P | P | |
Manufactured/Mobile Home | – | – | – | |
Single-Room Occupancy | CUP | CUP | MUP | |
Sober Living Home | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.91.080 (Sober living home) |
Supportive Housing | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Transitional Housing | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Yard Sales (Temporary Use) | P | P | P | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Retail, Service, and Office Uses | ||||
Adult-Oriented Business | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.010 (Adult-oriented businesses) |
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facility, Large | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.91.020 (Alcohol and drug treatment facility) |
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facility, Small | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Alcohol Sales, Off-Sale | CUP | CUP | CUP | See PMC § 17.92.020 (Alcoholic beverage establishments) |
Animal Sales and Services | MUP | P | P | |
Auction Sales, Indoor | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Auction Sales, Outdoor | – | – | – | |
ATM (Accessory Use) | A | A | A | |
Bail Bonds | – | – | – | |
Banks, Financial, Savings and Loan Institutions | P | P | P | |
Building Materials Sales and Services | – | – | – | |
Business to Business Support Services | – | – | – | |
Check-Cashing Businesses | – | – | – | |
Convenience Market | – | – | – | |
Drive-Through Services (Accessory) | A, CUP | A, CUP | A, CUP | See PMC § 17.92.050 (Drive-through restaurants and drive-through services) |
Farmers' Market (Temporary) | TUP | TUP | TUP | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary Uses) |
Food Preparation, Commercial | – | – | – | |
Fortunetelling, Palm and Card Reading | MUP | P | P | |
Funeral Homes and Mortuaries | – | – | – | |
General Retail ≤ 5,000 sf | P | P | P | |
General Retail 5,001 sf – 25,000 | MUP | P | P | |
General Retail/Superstore > 25,000 | – | – | – | |
Grocery Store | MUP | P | P | |
Kennels/Boarding, Commercial | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.080 (Kennels/boarding, commercial) |
Kiosk/Outdoor Vending2 | A | A | A | |
Laundromat | P | P | P | |
Massage Establishment, Accessory | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.090 (Massage establishment (accessory)) |
Massage Establishment, Stand-Alone | – | – | – | |
Medical Services, Extended Care | – | CUP | CUP | |
Medical Services, Medical/Dental/Holistic/Clinic | P | P | P | |
Medical Services, Urgent Care | P | P | P | |
Microblading/Permanent Makeup | P | P | P | |
Neighborhood Market | P | P | P | |
Nursery/Garden Center | – | – | – | |
Office, Processing | – | – | – | |
Office, Professional/Administrative | P | P | P | |
Office, Service | P | P | P | |
Outdoor Display | A | A | A | See PMC § 17.92.110 (Outdoor display) |
Pawnshop | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.130 (Pawnshops) |
Personal Services | P | P | P | |
Pet Daycare | MUP | MUP | MUP | PMC § 17.92.140 (Pet daycare) |
Resale/Consignment/Thrift Shop | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
Smoking Lounge | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Smoke Shop | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.150 (Smoke shop) |
Swap Meet, Indoor | – | – | – | |
Swap Meet, Outdoor | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.160 (Swap meet, outdoor) |
Tattoo/Body Art/Piercing | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.92.170 (Tattoo/body art/piercing establishments) |
Temporary Real Estate Sales Office (Temporary) | TUP | TUP | TUP | See PMC § 17.98.020 (Temporary uses) |
Veterinary Hospitals | MUP | MUP | MUP | See PMC § 17.92.190 (Veterinary hospitals) |
Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses | ||||
Airports and Heliports | – | – | – | |
Collocated Small Wind Energy Systems (CSWES) (Accessory) | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.99.010 (Collocated small wind energy systems) |
Communication/Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Major | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.95.010 (Communication/wireless telecommunications facilities) |
Communication/Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Minor | MUP | MUP | MUP | See PMC § 17.95.010 (Communication/wireless telecommunications facilities) |
Communication, Facilities Within Buildings | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Freight/Trucking Facility | – | – | – | |
Light Fleet-Based Services | – | – | – | |
Parking Lots and Structures | A, MUP | A, MUP | A, MUP | |
Passenger Transportation Facilities | – | CUP | CUP | |
Recycling Collection Facility, Large | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling facilities) |
Recycling Collection Facility, Small | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling facilities) |
Recycling Processing Facility, Heavy | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling facilities) |
Recycling Processing Facility, Light | – | – | – | See PMC Chapter 17.97 (Recycling facilities) |
Reverse Vending Machine | 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) | – | – | – | See PMC § 17.99.030 (Solar energy system (primary)) |
Utilities, Major | – | – | – | |
Utilities, Minor | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
Utility Yard | – | – | –– | |
Notes: |
|---|
1. Stand-alone residential is allowed on any parcel, except parcel frontages along Palmdale Boulevard must contain nonresidential development. On parcels fronting Palmdale Boulevard, stand-alone nonresidential is allowed. For all other parcels under one acre in size fronting regional and crosstown streets, stand-alone nonresidential is allowed. |
2. Kiosks/outdoor vending machines shall be placed next to the main structure in a designated area not to exceed 32 square feet. |
3. Restaurant, drive-through: Establishments with a pick-up window for an "order ahead" business model are allowed and subject to the distance separation requirements. |
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1613 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1627 § 4 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1659, 8/19/2025)
§ 17.55.010 Development standards – Mixed-use zones.
Table 17.55.010-1 (Development Standards – Mixed-Use Zones) establishes the development standards for the residential zones. Additional regulations are also denoted in the right-hand column. Section numbers in this column refer to other Sections of this Title.
Table 17.55.010-1. Development Standards – Mixed-Use Zones | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixed-Use Zones | |||||
Standards | MU 1 | MU 2 | MU 3 | Additional Regulations | |
Lot and Density Standards | |||||
Nonresidential Maximum Floor Area Ratio | 0.35 | 2.0 | 3.0 | ||
Residential Density (units/acre) | |||||
Minimum | 0 | 20 | 30 | Applies to new development only. | |
Maximum | 20 | 30 | 50 | ||
Minimum Development Project Site (sf) (for new lots) | 10,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||
Minimum Development Project Site Width (ft) (for new lots) | 60 | 100 | 100 | ||
Minimum Development Project Site Depth (ft) (for new lots) | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||
Minimum Net Lot Size per Dwelling Unit (sf) (for new SFR lots) | 1,900 | 1,250 | – | ||
Minimum Lot Width per Dwelling Unit (ft) (for new SFR lots) | 20; 30 for corner and reverse corner lots | 20; 30 for corner and reverse corner lots | – | Attached Single-Family Homes/Townhomes in the MU 1 and MU 2 zones: If double-loaded attached garages along the primary frontage are provided, then the minimum lot width shall be 25 feet. The minimum lot width may be reduced to 20 feet if garages are single-car wide. | |
Minimum Lot Depth per Dwelling Unit (ft) (for new SFR lots) | 55 | 45 | – | ||
Maximum Unit Size per Dwelling Unit (sf) (for new SFR lots) | 3,000 | 2,500 | – | Inclusive of attached garage. | |
Building Form and Location | |||||
Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure | 45/3 Stories | 55/4 Stories | 65/5 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)/Stories – Accessory Structures | 17/1 story | 17/1 story | 17/1 story | ||
Maximum Height Adjacent to Single-Family Zoned Property | 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). | See PMC § 17.38.060 (Neighborhood transitions). | |||
Minimum Ground Floor Height – Nonresidential (Floor to Floor) | 15 | 15 | 15 | ||
Distance between Structures (sf) | See PMC § 17.82.050 (Distance between buildings in residential and mixed-use zones) | ||||
Development Site Setbacks (ft)1 | |||||
Front – Minimum (Residential Ground Floor) | 15 | 15 | 15 | ||
Front – Maximum (Residential Ground Floor)2 | 25 | 25 | 25 | ||
Front – Minimum (Nonresidential Ground Floor) | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||
Front – Maximum (Nonresidential Ground Floor)2 | 15 | 15 | 15 | ||
Street Side – Minimum (Residential Ground Floor) | 15 | 10 | 10 | ||
Street Side – Maximum (Residential Ground Floor)2 | 25 | 20 | 20 | ||
Street Side – Minimum (Nonresidential Ground Floor) | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||
Street Side – Maximum (Nonresidential Ground Floor)2 | 15 | 15 | 15 | ||
Interior Side – Minimum | 0; 10 abutting single-family residential zones | 0; 10 abutting single-family residential zones | 0; 10 abutting single-family residential zones | ||
Rear – Minimum | 15; 20 abutting single-family residential zones | 15; 20 abutting single-family residential zones | 15; 20 abutting single-family residential zones | ||
Alley – Minimum (when present) | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||
Lot Setbacks – Minimums (ft) (for SFR) | See Figure 17.37.010-1. (Example Residential Auto Court Site Plan) in Division 3 illustrating lot setbacks. | ||||
Front – Minimum | 5 | 5 | – | • | For new single-family attached dwelling units in MU 1 and MU 2, front-loaded garages shall be set back at minimum 20 feet from the property line. |
• | For MU 3, front-loaded parking is not allowed. | ||||
Street Side – Minimum | 5 | 5 | – | ||
Interior Side – Minimum | 5 | 5 | – | Only applies to the ends of attached single-family dwellings. | |
Rear – Minimum | 15 ft; 20 ft abutting single-family residential zones | 15 ft; 20 ft abutting single-family residential zones | – | Not additive with development site (inclusive). | |
Parking Frontage | |||||
Maximum Parking along Primary Frontage | 80% for SFR/30% for MFR | 80% for SFR/30% for MFR | 30% | • | For SFR: Applies to new development. It is strongly encouraged that garage doors not face the primary frontage for detached single-family homes. For garage doors that face the street, they shall not occupy more than 80% of the width of any street-facing structure facade. This limitation does not apply to frontages along alleys. |
• | For MFR: Applies to new development and/or major additions or renovations (as defined in PMC Chapter 17.16 (Definitions)). No more than 30% of the primary street frontage shall be devoted to parking garages and openings, carports, and open/surface parking. This limitation does not apply to frontages along alleys (see Figure 17.36.010-1 (Maximum Parking Frontage Along a Primary Street)). | ||||
Open and Storage Space Standards | |||||
Minimum Usable Open Space (sf per unit) – Applies to 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 | 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 | 150 sf total per unit; a minimum of 50% of the units must have 60 sf of private open space | • | Common open space includes roof decks and other shared common open areas. |
• | Up to 40 square feet per unit may be provided in an indoor communal space so long as it opens directly onto a common outdoor space. | ||||
• | |||||
Minimum Usable Open Space – Applies to Nonresidential Component Over 25K sf | 3% of gross floor area | 3% of gross floor area | 3% of gross floor area | Common open space may be utilized for employees or publicly accessible open space. If the open space is over 1,000 square feet and provided as publicly accessible, up to 50 percent may count toward the required residential common open space. | |
Minimum Required Front Yard Landscaping for SFR on Individual Lots | 1. Every single-family residential lot shall be required to have one street tree installed per street frontage; corner lots shall have one tree planted in the front setback and two trees planted in the street side setback for a total of three trees. Within the public right-of-way, the species of trees and the standards for installation shall conform with the City's Landscaping Design Standards. Trees planted beyond the public right-of-way are recommended but not required to conform with the City's Landscaping Design Standards. 2. A minimum of 60 percent of the front setback area, excluding the driveway, shall be landscaped. Landscaping shall mean any combination of trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, gravel, stones, decomposed granite, mulch, or other pervious nonplant materials, pursuant to PMC § 17.37.010(G)(3)(d). Bare dirt shall not be allowed. 3. A minimum of one shrub of any container size per 50 square feet of landscape area, excluding the driveway, shall be provided. 4. No living turf is permitted. Artificial turf may be utilized within a maximum of 10 percent of the front yard as an "accent point only" and shall be maintained and replaced when weathered or worn. 5. The use of bark mulch is not allowed in the public right-of-way and is to be used as an accent up near the house only. The use of stabilized decomposed granite, rock and cobble is highly encouraged. A porous fabric weed barrier shall be installed beneath all rock or mulched areas with the exception of the stabilized decomposed granite. | – | See PMC § 17.86.010 (Landscaping requirements) | ||
Minimum Required Front Yard Landscaping for MFR | 30% of the minimum required front yard area shall be landscaped, of which half must be planted with live plant material | See PMC § 17.86.010 (Landscaping requirements) | |||
Minimum Required Landscaping for All Other Development | 10% of the lot, of which half must be planted with live plant material | • | Includes required setbacks. Excludes areas devoted to parking, driveways, and walkways. | ||
• | See PMC § 17.86.010 (Landscaping requirements). | ||||
Minimum Required Storage Space | 125 cubic ft of private enclosed storage space within the garage, carport, or immediately adjacent to the dwelling unit | ||||
Other Standards | |||||
Notes: |
|---|
1. Building site setbacks are inclusive of individual lot setbacks, however, the minimum setbacks along the exterior development site boundaries shall be the greater of the setback required for the development site or the individual lot. |
2. If a development provides publicly accessible plazas or forecourts, and there is clear visibility between the sidewalk and building entrance, the maximum setback may be waived for up to 40 percent of the building frontage. Entry courtyards, plazas, entries, or outdoor eating areas must be located adjacent to the property line and buildings shall be built to the edge of the courtyard, plaza, or dining area. |
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1639 § 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.
§ 17.56.010 Multifamily/mixed-use residential standards.
All multifamily housing in mixed-use zones shall be designed and constructed pursuant to the standards in PMC Chapter 17.38 (Supplemental Standards for Multifamily Residential Development) and the City of Palmdale Multifamily and Mixed-Use Design Standards[1] (adopted through 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.
§ 17.56.020 Single-family residential standards.
All single-family housing in mixed-use zones shall be designed and constructed pursuant to the standards in PMC Chapter 17.37 (Supplemental Standards for Single-Family Residential Development).
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)
§ 17.56.030 Performance standards for mixed-use zones.
(A)
Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure that residential uses in mixed-use zones are not adversely impacted by adjacent commercial uses, including but not limited to traffic, noise, light, and safety impacts.
(B)
Applicability. In addition to the general performance standards applicable to all zones contained in PMC Chapter 17.84 (Performance Standards), the following performance standards shall apply to nonresidential uses in mixed-use zones, and mixed-use developments in any zone within the City.
(C)
Standards.
(1)
Hours of Operation. The hours of operation for nonresidential uses in mixed-use zones, and the nonresidential component of mixed-use developments in any zone in the City, shall be no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than 10:00 p.m. daily, unless otherwise approved by the Director.
(2)
Loading. Loading, unloading, and all service and maintenance activities shall be oriented away from sensitive uses and shall be conducted within the hours of operation noted in Subsection (C)(1) of this Section (Hours of Operation) to minimize noise and other negative impacts on residential uses. See also PMC § 17.87.200 (Loading standards).
(3)
Lighting. Lighting for nonresidential uses shall comply with PMC § 17.86.030 (Outdoor lighting). In addition, it shall be architecturally compatible with the development theme for the project and shall be located and shielded to ensure that it does not negatively impact the residential units in the development or any adjacent residential uses.
(4)
Noise. All residential units shall be designed to minimize adverse noise impacts from nonresidential uses and shall comply with the maximum levels allowed in the Noise Element of the General Plan. Proper design may include, but shall not be limited to, building orientation, double windows, wall and ceiling insulation, and orientation of vents. Common walls between residential and nonresidential uses shall be constructed in a manner that minimizes the transmission of noise and vibration.
(D)
Air Quality and Odors. All residential units shall be designed to minimize adverse impacts from mechanical equipment and operations of nonresidential uses on air pollutant emissions and odors. Odors released from any operation or activity shall not exceed detectable concentration beyond lot lines, measured at any location on the lot lines. Nonresidential uses with attached residential units shall provide ventilation systems to prevent odors from penetrating residential units.
(E)
Limitations on Use. Any activity or use as determined by the Director to be incompatible with residential uses and/or to have the possibility of affecting the health or safety of residents due to the potential for the creation of dust, glare, heat, noise, noxious gases, odor, smoke, traffic, vibration, or other impacts, or create a hazard because of materials, processes, products, or wastes shall not be allowed within any mixed-use development or mixed-use zone. This includes, but is not limited to, storage or shipping of flammable liquids or hazardous materials beyond that normally associated with a residential use, welding, machining, or open flame work.
(F)
Security. Residential units shall be designed to ensure the security of residents through the provision of separate and secured entrances and exits that are directly accessible to parking areas. Where residential units are in the same structure as a nonresidential use, access to residential units shall be from a secured area or entrance located on the ground floor. Nonresidential and residential uses located on the same floor shall not have common entrance hallways or common balconies. Shared or common residential entrances shall automatically lock upon closing.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)