Chapter 17.82 — SETBACKS AND LOCATION OF BUILDINGS

Palmdale Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Palmdale

§ 17.82.010. Required setbacks.¶

(A) Each lot or parcel of land shall have minimum front, side, and rear setbacks as required for the zone in which the property is located (Divisions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this Title), for the specific use when applicable (Division 9 of this Title), or by this Chapter, whichever requirement is the greatest, except as modified by an adopted Specific Plan or planned development.
(B) Except as allowed in PMC § 17.82.030 (Projections into required setbacks), or as otherwise specified in this Title for specific types of structures (e.g., accessory structures, signs) or through the issuance of a variance or minor exception, structures shall not extend beyond required setback lines as established for each zone.
(C) Except as otherwise allowed, front and street side setbacks shall be used only for landscaping, pedestrian walkways, utility easements, and driveways.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

§ 17.82.020. Accessory structures.¶

(A) Applicability.

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(1) No accessory building or structure shall be located within a required front, side, or rear setback except as otherwise provided in this Title. The requirements contained in this Section shall apply to detached accessory structures on private property and shall be in addition to any other development standards contained elsewhere in this Title. These include, but are not limited to, garages, carports, sheds, workshops, gazebos, pergolas, and covered patios that are detached from and accessory to the main building on the site. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Section and any other provisions of this Title, the stricter regulation shall control.
(2) For the purposes of this Title, accessory dwelling units are not considered accessory structures; accessory dwelling units are governed by the requirements of PMC § 17.91.010 (Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit standards) and are exempt from the requirements of this Section.
(3) If a structure is attached to the principal structure by a common wall, or by a continuation of the roof of the main structure (and not simply by a breezeway or porch), such accessory structure shall be considered a part of the main structure and shall comply in all respects with the requirements of this Title applicable to the main building. Allowed building projections into required setbacks and required building separations are provided in PMC § 17.82.030 (Projections into required setbacks).

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City of Palmdale, CA

ZONING

§ 17.82.020

(B) Development Standards for Accessory Structures.
- (1) Relation to Existing Structures. A detached accessory building or structure may only be constructed on a lot on which there is a legally established primary building to which the accessory building or structure is related.
- (2) Amenities. Accessory structures shall not contain indoor cooking facilities (combination of a sink, cooking apparatus, and refrigeration appliance) and shall not be designed for full-time living, guest accommodation (i.e., guesthouses), or rental purposes (see PMC § 17.91.010 (Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit standards)). Accessory structures may have plumbing for a washer, dryer, toilet, shower, refrigerator, and/or utility sink.
- (3) Separation Between Structures. Minimum distance between structures shall be as required by building and fire codes, and pursuant to PMC § 17.82.050 (Distance between buildings in residential and mixed-use zones).
- (4) Lot Coverage. The total lot coverage of the main dwelling and/or any accessory structures shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage as established by the applicable zone.
- (5) Setbacks and Heights. Accessory structures shall meet the setback and height standards provided in Table 17.82.020-1 (Accessory Structure Setbacks and Height Limits).

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Table 17.82.020-1. Accessory Structure Setbacks and Height Limits
Minimum Setback from Property Line
Accessory Rear/Interior Maximum Additional
Structure Front Street Side Side Height Standards
Detached garages Same as for Same as for 10 ft See the No detached
and carports primary primary development garage or
structure1 structure standards in carport facing
Divisions 3 an existing or
through 7 of proposed alley
this Title. shall be
located less
than 15 feet
from the
center line of
said alley.
Structure/Building Same as for primary structure 5 ft ≤ 10 ft
≤ 10 ft tall
Structure/Building Same as for primary structure 10 ft See the
> 10 ft tall development
standards in
Divisions 3
through 7 of
this Title.
Play Equipment Same as for primary structure 5 ft 15 ft
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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 17.82.020

§ 17.82.030

Notes:

See also zone regulations (Divisions 3 and 5 of this Title), and PMC Chapter 17.87 (Off-Street Parking and Loading).

Figure 17.82.020-1. Accessory Structure Setbacks

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(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

§ 17.82.030. Projections into required setbacks.¶

(A) Projections Allowed with Restrictions. Projections such as eaves, cornices, awnings, louvers, porches, stairs, flues, and chimneys may encroach into required setbacks according to the standards in Table 17.82.030-1 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks), subject to all applicable requirements of the building and fire code. Where any provision of this Title conflicts with applicable building codes, the more restrictive provision shall apply. The "Limitations/Additional Regulations" column states any dimensional, area, or other limitations that apply to such projections. Table 17.82.030-1 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks) applies to all zones unless otherwise specified.

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City of Palmdale, CA

ZONING

§ 17.82.030

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Table 17.82.030-1. Allowed Projections into Setbacks
Front/Street Interior Side Limitations/Additional
Projection Side Setback Setback Rear Setback Regulations
All projections • Unless otherwise specified, no projection may extend closer than 3 feet to an
interior lot line or into a public utility easement.
• The total area of all building projections shall not exceed 35% of the primary
building facade area. Primary building facade is the facade built at the property
or setback line.
Architectural features 3 ft 30 inches 3 ft • In no circumstances shall
(eaves, cornices, bay they project closer than 3 feet
windows, chimneys) to the property line.
Aggregate width of oriel or
bay windows shall not exceed
50% of the length of the wall
in which they are located and
the width of any individual
oriel or bay window shall not
exceed 10 feet.
• Upper-floor architectural
projections shall have a
minimum vertical clearance of
8 feet above grade.
Weather protection 5 ft To within 3 feet of rear and Weather protection shall have
(awnings, canopies) side property lines. a minimum vertical clearance
of 8 feet above grade.
Open, unenclosed fire Prohibited 3 ft May be covered but not
escapes, and stairways enclosed.
Uncovered and unenclosed 6 ft 5 ft 6 ft In no circumstances shall
stairs, porches, landings, these encroach closer than 3
decks, patios, stoops, and feet to the property line.
similar features ≤ 3 feet in
height
Uncovered and unenclosed 3 ft 6 ft In no circumstances shall
stairs, porches, landings, these features encroach closer
decks, patios, stoops, and than 3 feet to the property
similar features > 3 feet in line.
height
Upper-level balconies and 6 ft 10 ft Balconies shall not be closer
decks than 10 feet to any side or rear
property line.
Covered patios and porches 3 ft 0 ft 10 ft In no circumstances shall
attached to main structure these features encroach closer
than 5 feet to the property
line. May be covered but not
fully enclosed.
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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 17.82.030

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Table 17.82.030-1. Allowed Projections into Setbacks
Front/Street Interior Side Limitations/Additional
Projection Side Setback Setback Rear Setback Regulations
Fireplaces (not wider than 8 3 ft
feet measured in the general
direction of the wall of
which it is a part)
Planting boxes or masonry 6 ft 0 ft 6 ft
planters not exceeding 42
inches in height
Ponds, waterfalls, and other No closer than 3 feet from a property line Within 3 feet of any property
water features line, the height of water
features shall not exceed 6
feet when adjacent to a
residentially zoned property.
Evaporative coolers, air Prohibited To within 3 feet of rear and Cannot be located in front of
conditioners, and side property lines. any building or on any street
compressors side yard when not concealed
behind a solid fence
Inground and above ground Prohibited To within 5 feet of rear and
pools and spas, and pool side property lines.
equipment
Satellite dishes and Prohibited 10 ft
antennas
Accessory structures See PMC § 17.82.020 (Accessory structures)
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Figure 17.82.030-1. Allowed Projections into Setbacks

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(B) Other Projections.
- (1) Landscape elements including trees, shrubs, and other plants may be located as specified within PMC § 17.86.010 (Landscaping requirements).
- (2) Fences, hedges, and walls may be located as provided within PMC § 17.86.040

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.82.030

ZONING

§ 17.82.050

(Walls and fences).

(3) Signs may be located as provided in PMC Chapter 17.88 (Signs).
(4) The following features are allowed anywhere in any required setback area without restriction:
- (a) Uncovered landscape features such as paths, benches, flagpoles, sculptures, and similar decorative features.
- (b) Retaining walls, berms, earthen mounds, embankments, and other fill, subject to building and/or grading permits.
- (c) Trellises and arbors to support vines and planting.
- (d) Entry features such as gates, arbors, and similar entry features not exceeding eight feet in height, 10 feet in width, and three feet in depth.
- (e) Irrigation, drainage, and lighting systems.
- (f) Utility poles, wires, and pipes.
- (g) Stormwater treatment features.
- (h) Public art.
- (i) Bicycle parking.
- (j) Disabled access features, including, but not limited to, ramps and mechanical lifts, as required by the California Building Code and/or Americans with Disabilities Act.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

§ 17.82.040. Reserved.¶

§ 17.82.050. Distance between buildings in residential and mixed-use zones.¶

(A) Distance Between Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use Buildings and Structures.
- (1) A minimum distance of 20 feet front-to-front, front-to-back, or back-to-back, and a minimum of six feet side-to-side or per the building/fire code (whichever is greater) is required between all principal residential/mixed-use buildings established on the same lot or parcel of land.
- (2) A minimum distance of six feet is required between all principal residential buildings and any other detached accessory structure established on the same lot or parcel of land, excluding inground pools and spas.
- (3) For minimum distance between the principal residential/mixed-use buildings and any detached accessory dwelling unit, see PMC § 17.91.010 (Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit standards).

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.82.050

PALMDALE CODE

§ 17.82.070

(B) Distance Between Single-Family Residential Buildings and Structures.
- (1) For minimum distance between the principal residential building and any detached accessory dwelling unit, see PMC § 17.91.010 (Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit standards).
(2) A minimum distance of six feet is required between any other detached accessory structure and a primary residential structure established on the same lot or parcel of land, excluding inground pools, provided building and fire code setbacks are met.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

§ 17.82.060. Use of setbacks.¶

Every front, side, or rear setback required by this Title shall be open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except as otherwise provided by this Title.

(A) Vehicle Parking and Storage Within Setbacks. These provisions shall apply to motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats, campers, trailers, travel trailers, or any vehicle licensed by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
- (1) In residential and mixed-use zones, the required front setback and/or street side setback shall not be used for vehicle parking except such portion as is devoted to the driveway use or as stated in PMC § 8.36.060(F)(3). The driveway width shall be limited to the width of the garage fronting onto the street and/or to the width of a single lane driveway leading to the rear portion of the lot, but shall in no event exceed 30 feet total. Under no circumstances shall an intersection curb ramp be utilized as a driveway.
- (2) Vehicles shall not be stored or parked in any required front or street side setback in residential zones except on the driveway, or as required by PMC § 8.36.060(F)(5).
- (3) Vehicles may be stored or parked in any interior side or rear setback; provided, that:
  - (a) No more than five percent of the total lot area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, shall be used to park or store vehicles in areas that are not enclosed.
  - (b) Such vehicles shall be parked or stored on a rock or paved surface as required by PMC § 8.36.060(F)(5).
  - (c) No inoperative, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles shall be stored in such a way as to be visible from a public street or from an adjoining property as required by PMC § 8.36.060(D)(1)(b).
(B) Other Storage in Setbacks.
- (1) No open storage shall be allowed in any required front or street side setback adjacent to a street or highway except where otherwise allowed by this Title.
- (2) Animal enclosures, cargo and shipping containers, trailers, manufactured/mobile homes, motor homes, and other similar structures shall not be used for storage purposes.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

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City of Palmdale, CA

ZONING

§ 17.82.070

§ 17.82.080

§ 17.82.070. Safety visibility area restrictions.¶

(A) Height Limit at Street Corners. Development proposed adjacent to any public or private street, or an alley intersection, shall be designed to provide a traffic safety visibility area (i.e., sight triangle) for pedestrian and traffic safety. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the real property to remove from such property or any adjacent right-of-way any such obstruction to the traffic safety visibility area.
- (1) Measurement of Safety Visibility Area. The traffic safety visibility area is the triangle formed at the intersection of two streets and/or alley rights-of-way by measuring 20 feet along both the front and side property lines and connecting the lines diagonally across the property.
- (2) Height Limit. No structure, sign, or landscaping shall exceed three feet in height within the traffic safety visibility area (i.e., sight triangle), unless approved by the City Engineer.

Figure 17.82.070-1. Visibility Area

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(B) Height Limit at Driveways. A minimum sight triangle extending 10 feet shall be maintained at all driveways.
- (1) Pedestrian Safety. Within a driveway sight triangle, no plant material, tree trunks, signage, walls, fences, or any other obstructions shall interfere with the driver's view of pedestrians on a public sidewalk.
- (2) Height Limit. Within the driveway sight triangle, signage, walls, fences, etc., shall not exceed three feet in height. Within the driveway sight triangle, plant material shall not exceed three feet in height at maturity; trees shall be trimmed so that branches are at least seven feet above top of curb level.
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

§ 17.82.080. Modification of setback requirements.¶

(A) Reduced Requirements. A minor exception or variance to the setback requirements may be allowed pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.23 (Variances and Minor Exceptions).
(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

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