Palm Desert · Zoning · OP
Palm Desert OP zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palm Desert's OP zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 12 ft minimum, 15 ft average and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Palm Desert code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft (same for single-use and mixed-use buildings)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (same for single-use and mixed-use buildings)
- Minimum front setback: 12 ft minimum, 15 ft average
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (Interior side yard. Next to single-story residential, note 7 adds setback by building height for rear and exterior side yards.)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft or 20 ft (the code lists 0 ft and 20 ft; 0 ft next to commercial or industrial property (note 3); read the code for which applies)
- Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.75
OP (Office Professional) is a zoning district in Palm Desert. Every value below was read from the Palm Desert Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in OP
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 40 ft Applies: same for single-use and mixed-use buildings § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Height, max (single-use)”, column “OP”: 40′, 3 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: same for single-use and mixed-use buildings § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Height, max (single-use)”, column “OP”: 40′, 3 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 12 ft minimum, 15 ft average § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Front yard, min”, column “OP”: 12′ min, 15′ avg |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: Interior side yard. Next to single-story residential, note 7 adds setback by building height for rear and exterior side yards. § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Side yard, min (interior/exterior)”, column “OP”: 0′/20′ 3,4,7 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft or 20 ft Applies: the code lists 0 ft and 20 ft; 0 ft next to commercial or industrial property (note 3); read the code for which applies § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Rear yard, min”, column “OP”: 0′/20′ 3,4 |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Lot size, min”, column “OP”: 15,000 sf |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.75 § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Floor area ratio”, column “OP”: 0.75 |
Uses in OP
Uses the code's use tables allow in OP, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in OP:
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft — Exterior side yard § 25.16.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, density limit for OP in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Other Palm Desert zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Palm Desert's OP zone?
40 ft (same for single-use and mixed-use buildings) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palm Desert's OP zone?
3 stories (same for single-use and mixed-use buildings) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Palm Desert's OP zone?
12 ft minimum, 15 ft average — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Palm Desert's OP zone?
0 ft (interior side yard. Next to single-story residential, note 7 adds setback by building height for rear and exterior side yards) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palm Desert's OP zone?
0 ft or 20 ft (the code lists 0 ft and 20 ft; 0 ft next to commercial or industrial property (note 3); read the code for which applies) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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