Chapter 17.86 — LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, WALLS, AND FENCES

In all projects proposed or required to provide landscaping as part of the development plan, the landscaping shall be provided pursuant to the provisions in this Chapter.

• (A) Applicability. These standards shall apply to all new development and major additions or renovations of existing properties/structures or existing properties in the City, including any construction, expansion, or improvement on private property which requires the issuance of a building permit or other approval by the City, except business licenses. This Chapter shall not apply to the following:

  • (1) Registered local, State or Federal historical sites;

  • (2) Open space, ecological restoration, or habitat areas that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

  • (3) Mined-land reclamation projects in the MRE zone that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or

  • (4) Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

• (B) Landscape and Irrigation Plan and Review Process.

  • (1) All landscaping shall conform to the provisions of PMC Chapter 14.04 (Joshua Tree and Native Desert Vegetation Preservation).

  • (2) Projects Subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Landscaping that meets the applicability criteria specified within PMC § 14.05.030 (Applicability) shall comply with the provisions of PMC Chapter 14.05 (Water Efficient Landscape) and the City Landscaping Design Standards. A landscape and irrigation documentation package shall be prepared and approved pursuant to PMC Chapter 14.05 (Water Efficient Landscape).

  • (3) All Other Landscape Projects.

    • (a) Applicability. All other projects requiring a building or landscape permit, zoning clearance, site plan review, or minor site plan review that do not meet the criteria listed in PMC § 14.05.030 (Applicability) of PMC Chapter 14.05 (Water Efficient Landscape).

    • (b) Landscape and Irrigation Plan. A landscape and irrigation plan shall be submitted to the City Engineer in conjunction with site improvement plans. The plans shall show the exact location of and irrigation for trees, shrubs, and ground cover. The landscape plan shall include, at a minimum, plant name, plant quantity, plant size, location of impervious surfaces, minimum landscape coverage and percentage live plant material, utilities and lighting, irrigation system, and plans for tree retention and removal where applicable. The landscape plan shall also include a water budget that includes the estimated water use (in gallons), the irrigated area (in square feet), precipitation rate, and

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.86.010

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§ 17.86.010

flow rate in gallons per minute.

• (4) Landscape Plan Review Process. The following landscape plan review process shall be conducted in conjunction with review for the proposed action, pursuant to the requirements of Division 2 (Review Procedures) of this Title.

• (a) Review Authority. The Review Authority shall be the same as the Review Authority of the permit or approval sought for new projects or modifications to existing development.

  • (b) Approval of Plans. The Review Authority shall review and approve the landscape and irrigation plan prior to issuance of grading or building permits for new projects or modifications to existing development.

  • (c) Approval Required. The landscaping shall not be installed until the applicant receives approval of the landscape and irrigation plan by the Review Authority and the City Engineer, and any applicable permits have been issued.

  • (d) Changes to Approved Plans. Changes to the approved landscape and irrigation plans that affect the character or quantity of the plant material or irrigation system design shall be resubmitted for approval before installation.

• (C) Irrigation and Water Efficient Landscape Standards. Required landscape areas shall be supported by a permanent, automatic irrigation system coordinated to meet the needs of various planting areas. Proper irrigation shall be provided for healthy plant growth and maturation, and shall be designed to avoid the watering of structures, public walkways, and pedestrian access areas.

A landscape documentation package prepared and approved pursuant to PMC Chapter 14.05 (Water Efficient Landscape) shall be required for any project that is subject to the procedures and standards set forth in that Chapter. For all other projects, the following shall apply:

• (1) Irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, excessive low head drainage, overspray or other similar conditions where water flows or drifts onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walkways, roadways, or structures.

• (2) Low-volume irrigation systems with automatic controllers shall be required. Lowvolume irrigation systems include drip emitters, bubblers, microsprinklers, and microsprayers utilizing polyethylene drip hose or PVC pipe. Spray heads shall be prohibited.

• (3) The irrigation system shall include an automatic antisiphon irrigation valve.

• (4) Irrigation systems shall be equipped with a meter or submeter and backflow preventer.

• (5) Automatic controllers shall be set to water between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to reduce evaporation.

• (6) An irrigation schedule indicating the four seasons of watering cycles is recommended for all irrigated landscape areas, and is required for those projects with a total landscape area of 2,500 square feet or more.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.86.010

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§ 17.86.010

• (D) General Standards.

  • (1) Landscape design shall conform to the applicable provisions of the General Plan and the City's Landscape Design Standards.

  • (2) Common open spaces shall be landscaped pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.38 (Supplemental Standards for Multifamily Residential Development).

  • (3) Plants shall be grouped according to their water needs and irrigated separately from other groupings to promote water efficiency.

• (4) Landscaping design shall consider solar heating and cooling techniques. Deciduous trees should be planted to the south and west of buildings, to provide summer shade and winter sunlight.

  • (5) Graded, undeveloped portions of project sites proposed for future expansion shall be kept in a weed free condition and appropriate ground cover may be required for erosion control. Graded pad sites may require temporary seeding and irrigation for erosion control and to mitigate visual impacts.

  • (6) Minimum Landscape Coverage and Live Plant Material. Setback areas shall be landscaped pursuant to the regulations set forth in the development standards for the applicable zone in Divisions 3 through 7 which establishes minimum landscape coverage and percentage of live plant material. Areas devoted to parking, driveways, and walkways are excluded from the calculation of minimum landscaped area. "Landscaping" shall mean any combination of live plant materials (trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover) and pervious nonplant materials (gravel, stones, decomposed granite, mulch, etc.). Live plant materials include ground cover, shrubs, and trees. The remainder of landscaped yard and setback areas may be rock, gravel, pebbles, stones, or similar natural nonliving, pervious material. Landscaped areas shall be top-dressed with rock, gravel, or an approved alternative. Bare dirt shall be prohibited. Synthetic turf may be counted toward the required minimum landscape coverage but does not count as live plant material.

  • (7) Gravel, stones, decomposed granite, mulch, or other hardscape materials used in a parkway or along a pedestrian access shall be compacted or secured in such a way as to avoid spreading over any portion of a pedestrian path.

  • (8) Decorative water features such as pools, ponds, and waterfalls used in landscaped areas shall recirculate water, shall use reclaimed water where available, and shall be designed and operated to minimize water loss.

• (E) Plant Types.

  • (1) Except in the ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, and SFR 3 zones, all plants utilized in required landscape areas shall be from the City's approved planting list. In the ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, and SFR 3 zones it is recommended, but is not required, that required landscaping utilize the above-mentioned plant lists.

  • (2) The following species are not allowed, except in the ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, and SFR 3 zones on properties developed before June 7, 2001:

    • (a) Trees: Cottonwood (including Populus fremontii, P. trichocarpa, and P.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.86.010

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§ 17.86.010

tremuloides), eucalyptus, willows (Salix), Siberian elms (Ulmus pumila), tamarack (Larix occidentalis), and Arizona (Cupressus glabra) or Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii); and

• (b) Shrubs and grasses: pampas grass (Cortadera selloana), and common Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon).

• (3) Drought-Tolerant and Native Species. Landscape planting shall incorporate at minimum 50 percent drought-tolerant and native species (especially along natural, open space areas), and shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions specific to the site.

  • (4) Deep-Rooted Trees. Trees planted within 10 feet of a street, sidewalk, paved trail, parking area, or walkway shall be a deep-rooted species or shall be separated from hardscapes by a root barrier to prevent physical damage to public improvements.

• (F) Plant Size, Spacing, and Location. In order to achieve an immediate effect of a landscape installation and to allow sustained growth of planting materials, minimum plant material sizes, plant spacing, and minimum planter widths (inside measurements) shall be as follows:

  • (1) Shrubs Size. All proposed shrubs except accent, color, or ground cover planting shall be a minimum five gallons in size, with a 15-gallon minimum size where required for screening. The minimum planter width for shrubs is three feet.

  • (2) Trees Size. The minimum planting size for trees shall be 15-gallon, with 50 percent of all trees on a project site planted at a minimum 24-inch box size, and 20 percent of all trees on a project site planted at a minimum 36-inch box size or larger container. Trees required for screening shall be a minimum of 24-inch box size. Minimum planter width for trees shall be five feet.

  • (3) Spacing. The spacing of trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants shall accommodate mature planting size. Where required for screening, spacing shall form an opaque barrier when planted.

  • (4) Location. Trees and shrubs shall be located and spaced to ensure unobstructed access for vehicles and pedestrians and provide clear vision at intersections pursuant to PMC § 17.82.070 (Safety visibility area restrictions).

• (G) Turf and Synthetic Turf. The following standards shall apply to all project landscaping with the exception of projects that must comply with PMC Chapter 14.05 (Water Efficient Landscape) or existing single-family residential development (see PMC § 17.37.010(G) (Landscaping)).

  • (1) Turf areas shall be limited to activity or recreation areas.

  • (2) Synthetic turf may be used as a substitute for natural turf for the purposes of water conservation, or in high activity or foot-traffic areas such as sports fields. The following standards shall apply to the use and maintenance of synthetic turf.

    • (a) Synthetic turf shall consist of life-like individual blades of grass that emulate real grass in look and color and have a minimum pile height of one and one-half inches.

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City of Palmdale, CA

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§ 17.86.010

• (b) Synthetic turf used for pet areas shall be specifically formulated for that purpose.

• (c) A proper drainage system shall be installed underneath to prevent excess runoff or pooling of water.

• (d) Synthetic turf shall be installed and maintained to effectively simulate the appearance of a well-maintained lawn.

• (e) The use of indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting as a replacement for synthetic turf or natural turf shall be prohibited.

  • (f) Tree root crowns shall be kept a minimum of five feet away from synthetic turf areas.

  • (g) Synthetic Turf Maintenance Guidelines.

    • (i) Synthetic turf shall be maintained free of moss, mold, algae, and fungi growth.

    • (ii) Chemical agents or contaminated water shall not be applied to synthetic turf.

    • (iii) A turf groomer shall be used to maintain the distribution of the infill material in the turf and to raise the turf fibers. Brushing should be performed every couple of weeks, raking of the turf should be performed once a month, and cleaning/sanitizing shall be performed once a year.

• (H) Landscape Installation. All plant materials, their location and spacing, and irrigation systems shall be installed and maintained pursuant to the City's Landscaping Design Standards or as otherwise approved by the City Engineer.

• (I) Landscape Maintenance. All landscaping shall be kept in an orderly condition, as follows:

  • (1) Prior to the installation of landscaping in the public right-of-way the developer shall provide for the continued maintenance by entering into an agreement with the City;

  • (2) Lawn and ground cover shall be trimmed or mowed regularly. All planting areas shall be kept free of weeds and debris. Bare spots in lawns or planters shall be promptly revegetated;

  • (3) All plantings shall be kept in a healthy and growing condition. Fertilization, cultivation, and pruning shall be a part of regular maintenance. Good horticultural practices shall be practiced in all instances;

  • (4) Plants shall be maintained free of disease and free of infestations of insects, animals, or other pests;

  • (5) Irrigation systems shall be kept in working condition. Adjustments, replacements, repairs, and cleaning shall be a part of regular maintenance;

  • (6) All significantly injured, decayed, or dead trees and other plant material shall be replaced within 30 days;

  • (7) Trees and shrubs shall not overhang or encroach upon walkways, drives, parking areas, and traffic signs to the extent that they interfere with the use of these areas.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.86.010

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§ 17.86.030

Tree limbs which overhang public sidewalks shall be kept trimmed to a height of at least eight feet above the sidewalk level. Tree limbs which overhang the street shall be kept trimmed to a height of at least 13 feet above the street level;

• (8) In no case shall landscape areas be allowed to become overgrown. Examples of overgrown landscape materials include:

  • (a) Lawn grass species: plants which have established seed heads, lawns that have become thatched and matted, have become infested with herbaceous weeds, or exceed eight inches in height;

• (b) Shrubs and decorative grasses: plants that have grown so large as to block natural light from entering windows, extend over property lines, extend over roof peaks or eaves, or are causing the strangulation of other plants; and

  • (c) Trees: plants which display sucker growth, have grown to a height or canopy width which impairs the normal illumination of street lights, extend over property lines, interfere with overhead lines or impact public property;

  • (9) Trees shall be staked and tied with lodge poles at the time of installation; and

  • (10) Stakes and ties on trees shall be checked regularly for correct functions. Stakes and ties shall be adjusted to avoid creating abrasions or girdling on trunks or branches, and removed after trees are well-established.

• (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1613 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

• (A) Applicability. The standards of this Section shall apply to all new development and to exterior alterations and additions that involve replacement light fixtures or systems, except as provided below.

  • (1) Exceptions. The following outdoor lighting shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section:

    • (a) Public and private street lighting.

    • (b) Construction and Emergency Lighting. All construction or emergency lighting fixtures, provided they are temporary and are discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency.

    • (c) Temporary Lighting. Temporary lights used for holiday decorations, and lighting for temporary uses and special events allowed consistent with this Title.

• (B) Photometric Plan. The submittal of a photometric plan shall be required as part of a development application or land use approval (except for lighting on an existing singlefamily residence) and shall be approved prior to issuance of building permits. All lighting plans shall be prepared and certified for compliance with the requirements of this Section by an electrical engineer registered in the State of California prior to submitting lighting plans to the City. The photometric plan shall consist of a point-by-point foot-candle layout

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City of Palmdale, CA

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§ 17.86.030

(based on a 10-foot grid center) extending a minimum of 20 feet outside the property lines.

• (C) Prohibited Lighting. The following types of outdoor lighting shall be prohibited:

  • (1) Searchlights. Searchlights, laser source lights, or any similar high-intensity light, except for emergency use by police or fire personnel at their discretion, or for approved temporary lighting for a special event approved by the City.

  • (2) Hazardous Lighting. Lighting fixtures operated in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons or to safe vehicular travel.

  • (3) Mercury vapor and low-pressure sodium lighting fixtures.

  • (4) Illumination of entire buildings and continuous light strips (banding).

  • (5) Roof-Mounted Lighting. Roof-mounted lighting is prohibited, except for security purposes (see Subsection (D)(8) of this Section (Security Lighting)).

  • (6) Flashing Light Types. Moving, flashing, animated, laser lights or any other lighting that flashes, blinks, scrolls, alternates, or moves (excluding bi-level lighting).

• (D) General Requirements. The requirements listed below shall apply to all outdoor lighting:

  • (1) Dark-Sky Compliance. Pursuant to the International Dark-Sky Association recommendations, the color temperature of outdoor lighting shall not exceed 3,000 Kelvins.

• (2) Nuisance Prevention. All outdoor lighting shall be designed, located, installed, directed downward or toward structures, fully shielded, and maintained in order to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the project site intended to be illuminated.

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• (3) Light Trespass. All lights shall be directed, oriented, and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties. The light level at property lines shall not exceed one-quarter foot-candles.

• (4) Fixture Types. All luminaires shall meet the most recently adopted criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for "Cut Off" or "Full Cut Off" luminaires.

• (5) Design. All light fixtures for nonresidential projects visible to the general public shall be consistent with the overall architectural style of the project with respect to design,

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.86.030

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§ 17.86.030

materials, color, and color of light.

• (6) Attachment. Lighting fixtures on buildings shall be attached only to walls or eaves, and the top of the fixture shall not exceed the height of the parapet, roof, or eave of the roof.

• (7) Accent Lighting.

  • (a) Architectural features may be illuminated by uplighting; provided, that the lamps are low intensity, and fully shielded such that no glare or light trespass is produced.

  • (b) Exposed neon strips, chip strips, and LED lighting are allowed in the nonresidential zones to enhance the architectural features of the building.

  • (c) Low-voltage string ornamental lighting may be used in mixed-use, commercial/ office, and PF (Public Facilities) zones to accentuate landscaping or decorative architectural features, provided the fixtures are properly maintained, securely attached to the structure, and provide architectural lighting to the building facade.

• (8) Security Lighting. Security lighting fixtures shall not project above the fascia or roof line of the building on which they are mounted. All security lighting fixtures shall be shielded and aimed so that the illumination is directed only to the designated area and shall not cast direct light on other areas. The use of flood-lighting fixtures shall be prohibited. Security lighting fixtures shall be included in the photometric lighting plan.

• (9) Signs. Lighting of signs shall be in compliance with PMC Chapter 17.88 (Signs).

• (10) Maintenance. Fixtures and lighting shall be maintained in good working order and in a manner that serves the original design intent.

  • (a) Lighting fixtures shall be weather and vandal resistant.

  • (b) Burnt-out and broken light bulbs shall be replaced.

  • (c) Lighting fixtures shall remain free of graffiti and rust.

  • (d) Painted light fixtures shall be maintained to minimize chipping or peeling.

• (11) Timing Controls. All outdoor lighting in nonresidential zones shall be on a time clock or photo-sensor system and turned off during daylight hours and during hours when the building(s) is not in use and the lighting is not required for security.

  • (12) Energy-Efficient Fixtures Required. Outdoor lighting shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures and lamps such as metal halide, hard-wired compact fluorescent, LED, or other lighting technology that is of equal or greater efficiency. All new outdoor lighting fixtures shall be energy efficient with a rated average bulb life of not less than 10,000 hours.

• (E) Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures. Height shall be measured from the finished grade to the top of the illumination fixture (excluding decorative elements on the top of the fixture).

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City of Palmdale, CA

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§ 17.86.030

§ 17.86.040

• (1) Abutting Residential Zones. The maximum height of on-site freestanding outdoor light fixtures abutting residential zones or within 100 feet of the zone boundary shall be 15 feet.

• (2) Mixed-Use or Multifamily Zones. The maximum height of an on-site freestanding outdoor light fixture within a mixed-use or multifamily residential zone shall be 15 feet.

• (3) Industrial Zones. The maximum height limit for on-site freestanding outdoor light fixtures in industrial zones and public/civic uses consistent with industrial zones shall be 35 feet.

• (4) Other Zones. In all other zones or locations, the maximum height for on-site freestanding outdoor light fixtures shall be 25 feet.

• (5) Outdoor Recreational Facilities. Outdoor light fixtures within the PF (Public Facility) zones for active recreation (public or private) including, but not limited to, baseball diamonds, soccer and football fields, golf driving range, tennis courts, and swimming pools shall not exceed 70 feet in height. The lighting intensity shall not exceed 50 horizontal foot-candles measured from the infield. The installation shall limit off-site spill (off the parcel containing the sports facility) to the maximum extent possible consistent with the illumination constraints of the design. The luminaire shall be fully shielded.

• (6) Additional Height. Taller light fixtures may be approved through a minor use permit for portions of a development not visible to the public and if there is no glare or light trespass into areas visible to the public.

(F) Minimum Lighting Requirements.

• (1) Parking Areas. Lighting in parking, garage, and carport areas shall be maintained with a minimum of one-half foot-candle illumination at the darkest spot on the parking area during hours of darkness. There shall be no more than a four-to-one (4:1) average illumination ratio (average to minimum) level of illumination shown between lighting fixtures. The maximum average illumination across the parking lot shall be no more than 2.4 foot-candles. All lighting shall be on a time-clock or photosensor system. Lighting used to illuminate parking areas shall be designed and located to prevent light trespass or glare, pursuant to Subsection (D)(2) of this Section (Nuisance Prevention).

  • (2) Multi-Unit Residential Developments. Aisles, passageways, and entryways/recesses related to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least one-quarter foot-candle at the ground level during the hours of darkness.

  • (3) Nonresidential Developments. All exterior doors, during the hours of darkness, shall be illuminated with a minimum of one-quarter foot-candle of light.

• (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

• (A) Applicability and Exemptions. Unless otherwise exempt below, a building permit is required for new fences, walls, and screening over six feet in height in all zones.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 17.86.040

§ 17.86.040

• (1) Required Fences and Walls. The requirements of this Section shall not apply to a fence or wall required as an environmental mitigation measure or required by any law or regulation of the County, State, or Federal government, or any agency thereof.

• (2) Temporary Fencing. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to prohibit the erection of a temporary fence, including chain-link fencing, around construction projects or in an effort to otherwise temporarily secure a parcel in compliance with the building code and other applicable requirements of this code. If chain-link fencing is used, it shall be vinyl-coated with a maximum height of eight feet.

• (B) Maximum Height. Fences and walls shall be measured pursuant to PMC § 17.17.030(E) (Fence and Wall Height Measurement). Tiering of walls shall be allowed as long as the horizontal distance between the walls is a minimum of three feet, which must be landscaped. Unless otherwise specified and per PMC § 17.82.070 (Safety visibility area restrictions), fences, walls, and similar screening structures shall be limited to a maximum height as follows:

  • (1) Residential and Mixed-Use Zones.

    • (a) Within Required Front Setbacks.

      • (i) Three feet for a sight-obscuring wall, fence, or hedge. Open view fencing may be allowed up to five feet in height.

      • (ii) On residential lots of 20,000 square feet or more, a six-foot-high open view fence may be located within the required front setback. Any gates for vehicles must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the property line to allow for vehicle parking when the gate is closed.

      • (iii) Walls and fencing within the front setback shall be located within the property line of the subject parcel. A wall, fence, or hedge a maximum of three feet high may be located a minimum of 12 feet from the face of curb or edge of easement.

      • (iv) If fencing is located across the driveway, it shall operate using an automated rolling gate, or open inward, away from the public right-of-way. Any main gate shall open away from the public right-of-way.

    • (b) Within Required Street Side Setbacks. Six feet. An additional foot is allowed (maximum seven feet); provided, that the portion of the fence exceeding six feet in height consists of open view fencing.

    • (c) Within Required Interior Side and Rear Setbacks. Six feet. An additional foot is allowed (maximum seven feet); provided, that the portion of the fence exceeding six feet in height consists of open view fencing.

    • (d) When there is a difference in the ground level between two adjoining parcels, the fence or wall height shall be measured pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.17 (Rules of Measurement). If there is a retaining wall on the lower parcel, if it is more than three feet in height, it shall be terraced.

• (2) Commercial/Office Zones.

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• (a) Within Required Front Setbacks. Three feet for a sight-obscuring wall, fence, or hedge. Open view fencing may be allowed up to five feet in height.

• (b) All Other Required Setback Areas. Six feet. An additional foot is allowed (maximum seven feet); provided, that the portion of the fence exceeding six feet in height consists of open view fencing.

• (c) When there is a difference in the ground level between two adjoining parcels, the fence or wall height shall be measured pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.17 (Rules of Measurement). If there is a retaining wall on the lower parcel, if it is more than three feet in height, it shall be terraced.

• (3) Industrial Zones.

  • (a) Within Required Front Setbacks. Three feet for a sight-obscuring wall, fence, or hedge. Open view fencing may be allowed up to five feet in height.

  • (b) All Other Required Setback Areas. Eight feet.

  • (c) Exceptions.

    • (i) See outdoor storage screening standards in PMC § 17.92.120 (Outdoor storage (primary and accessory)).

    • (ii) A fence or wall up to 12 feet in height may be approved with a minor site plan review, based upon a finding that no adverse visual or aesthetic impacts will occur on adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.

• (4) Public Facilities and Open Space Zones.

  • (a) Within Required Front Setbacks. Three feet for a sight-obscuring wall, fence, or hedge. Open view fencing may be allowed up to five feet in height.

  • (b) All Other Required Setback Areas. Six feet. An additional foot is allowed (maximum seven feet); provided, that the portion of the fence exceeding six feet in height consists of open view fencing.

  • (c) Exceptions.

    • (i) See outdoor storage screening standards in PMC § 17.92.120 (Outdoor storage (primary and accessory).

    • (ii) A fence or wall up to eight feet in height may be approved with a minor site plan review, based upon a finding that no adverse visual or aesthetic impacts will occur on adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.

• (5) Vacant or Abandoned Lots.

  • (a) Within Required Front Setbacks. Six feet. Must be an open-view fence.

  • (b) All Other Required Setback Areas: Six feet.

• (6) Decorative Features. Support posts or columns not exceeding 18 inches in width may exceed maximum allowable fence heights by a maximum of four inches. One entry gateway, trellis, or other entry structure is allowed in the required front or street-

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City of Palmdale, CA § 17.86.040

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§ 17.86.040

facing setback of each lot; provided, that the maximum height or width of the structure does not exceed 10 feet. Such decorative feature shall not have any solid obstruction that exceeds two feet in diameter between the height of three and 10 feet.

• (7) Recreational Fencing. Residential sports court fencing in residential zones shall comply with the standards set forth in PMC § 17.37.030 (Residential sports courts). Tennis court fencing in all other zones shall not exceed the height of 15 feet and shall observe the setback of accessory structures within the zone. However, not less than a five-foot setback shall be provided to any property line.

  • (8) Pools, Spas, and Similar Features. Swimming pools, spas, and other similar water features shall be enclosed in compliance with building code requirements.

• (C) Materials.

  • (1) Allowed Materials. Acceptable fencing materials shall consist of engineered wood, masonry, wrought iron, durable vinyl, or other similar durable materials, as approved by the Review Authority. Walls or fences in industrial zones which are not visible to the general public from a freeway, regional or crosstown street, or less intensive zones, may be of other materials as approved by the Review Authority.

  • (2) Prohibited Materials. Fencing composed of natural wood, plywood, solid metal, tires, garage doors, and other salvageable materials shall be prohibited. Treated wood may be allowed only as gates or as split rail fencing utilized adjacent to walking or hiking trails.

  • (3) Hazardous Fencing Materials. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, ultrabarrier, electrified, broken glass, and other hazardous fencing shall be prohibited, with the following exceptions:

    • (a) Where such fencing is required by any law or regulation of the City, the State of California, Federal government, or other public agency.

    • (b) Where the use of the site includes public safety facilities, such as police stations and fire stations.

    • (c) Within the ER and LDR zones, the use of barbed wire or electrified fence in conjunction with any fence, wall, or hedge, or by itself is allowed; provided, that the barbed wire or electrified fence is used in conjunction with animal keeping or other agricultural activities, and that it is separated from any public access (i.e., road, trail, etc.) by a regular fence or wall that is a minimum of six feet in height. Such fences shall also be adequately signed with warnings.

    • (d) Within the LI, HI, AI, and MRE zones, barbed wire may be allowed atop fencing that is at least eight feet in height, where the Review Authority finds such fencing is necessary for security purposes.

  • (4) Limitation on Chain-Link Fencing.

    • (a) Residential Zones. Chain-link fencing shall be prohibited in residential and mixed-use zones unless it qualifies as temporary fencing as described within Subsection (A)(2) of this Section (Temporary Fencing).

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City of Palmdale, CA

ZONING

§ 17.86.040

§ 17.86.040

• (b) Nonresidential Zones. In nonresidential zones, chain-link fencing shall not be visible from public streets or adjacent residential or mixed-use zones.

• (c) Vacant and Abandoned Properties. Vacant properties in any zone may be fenced with vinyl-coated chain-link fencing not to exceed the height pursuant to Subsection (B)(5) of this Section (Vacant or Abandoned Lots) when the purpose of such fencing is to prevent unauthorized use, dumping, or vehicular soil disturbance that results in fugitive dust or nuisance conditions. Such fencing of vacant properties shall not be construed to allow use of the property for outdoor storage. Barbed wire shall be prohibited.

  • (5) Anti-Graffiti Treatment. Walls shall be constructed of a graffiti-resistant material consisting of a hard, smooth, impermeable surface (e.g., ceramic tile or baked enamel), or treated with an anti-graffiti sealant.

  • (6) Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall be constructed of masonry material such as brick, concrete, or paver block.

• (D) Wall and Fence Design.

  • (1) Plain, concrete (precision) block shall be prohibited as a fence/wall material. Concrete block must be finished with stucco, include varying textures and/or colors (e.g., decorative split-faced block) and capped with a decorative cap.

  • (2) In the commercial/office zones, where open-view fencing is required for security purposes and is visible from public rights-of-way, decorative fencing such as tubular steel or wrought iron shall be used. Masonry pilasters and/or landscaping may be required by the Review Authority to provide visual interest.

  • (3) All new sound walls, masonry walls, or nontransparent fences that face a public rightof-way or publicly accessible path or open space, and that are 50 feet in length or longer and four feet in height or taller shall be designed to minimize visual monotony through at least two of the following:

    • (a) Changes in plane. A minimum one-foot depth offset for every 50 to 75 feet of wall.

    • (b) Changes in height. Wall inserts and/or decorative columns or pilasters every 40 feet to provide relief.

    • (c) Changes in material. Changes in material and/or material texture.

    • (d) Landscaping. Continuous and opaque landscape screening.

  • (4) Exceptions. Walls or fences in industrial zones which are not visible to the general public from major highway, regional or crosstown streets, or less intensive zones, may be of other materials and design as approved by the Review Authority.

• (E) Maintenance. Fencing and walls shall be continuously maintained, with no sign of rust or disrepair.

• (F) Minor exceptions or variances to the fence, wall, and hedge requirements may be allowed pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.23 (Variances and Minor Exceptions).

• (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 1613 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

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City of Palmdale, CA