Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Zoning Code?
The City’s Zoning Code (Title 17 of the Palmdale Municipal Code) regulates land uses within the boundaries of Palmdale. The Code establishes zoning districts (e.g., Residential, Commercial, and Industrial) that are applied to individual properties and are consistent with the General Plan land use designations. For each zone district, the Code identifies land uses that are permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited. It also establishes development standards such as minimum lot size, maximum building height, and the minimum distance a building must be set back from the street. Provisions for parking, landscaping, lighting, and other rules that guide the development of projects in the city are also included.
What are the objectives of the Zoning Code update?
The zoning code update will focus on the following objectives:
Implementing the land use patterns and development framework of the 2045 General Plan Update.
Preparing an updated zoning map that implements the General Plan land use designations and is consistent with the proposed zoning districts.
Create a highly illustrated code that is easy to understand and clearly conveys the intent of the regulations.
Update the development process and procedures contained within the Zoning Code so that they are consistent and conform to California State law, allow for streamlining, and reduce the need for discretionary review.
Incorporate and build upon ongoing and completed work on specific plans and multi-family design regulations.
Re-structure the Code to be organized logically and in line with contemporary best practices.
What is the relationship between of the Zoning Code to the General Plan?
The General Plan sets forth long-term policies that guide future development. The Zoning Ordinance implements general plan policies via detailed development regulations, such as specific use types and building standards. Although the purpose and intent of zoning is different from the General Plan, state law requires that zoning be consistent with maps and policies in the General Plan. In the City, uses and densities/intensities are permitted if they are consistent with both the General Plan land use designation and the zoning of the property.
What is my zoning?
To figure out your property’s current zoning designation please visit the zoning map: https://cityofpalmdale.org/DocumentCenter/View/516/Zoning-with-street-labels-PDF?bidId=
How long will the Zoning Code update take?
The Comprehensive Zoning Code update process will be ongoing and take approximately 1 year to complete.
Who do I contact with questions about the Zoning Code?
For any questions about the Comprehensive Zoning Code update please contact: Megan Taggart, Planning Manager at the City of Palmdale
p: 661-267-5100 e: zoningupdate@cityofpalmdale.org
or please visit: www.palmdale2045.org/palmdale-zoning-code