Palm Desert · Zoning · PC-1
Palm Desert PC-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palm Desert's PC-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall and the minimum lot size is 3 acres, with the conditions listed below (Palm Desert code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Single-use)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (Single-use)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (interior side yard; next to residential land the setback equals the building height (note 4))
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft or 20 ft (0 ft and 20 ft listed; 0 ft beside commercial or industrial land (note 3); beside residential land, building height (note 4))
- Minimum lot size: 3 acres
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5
PC-1 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 PC-1
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 | 35 ft Applies: Single-use § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Height, max (single-use)”, column “PC-1 1”: 35′, 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: Single-use § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Height, max (single-use)”, column “PC-1 1”: 35′, 2 stories |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: interior side yard; next to residential land the setback equals the building height (note 4) § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Side yard, min (interior/exterior)”, column “PC-1 1”: 0′/20′ 3,4 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft or 20 ft Applies: 0 ft and 20 ft listed; 0 ft beside commercial or industrial land (note 3); beside residential land, building height (note 4) § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Rear yard, min”, column “PC-1 1”: 0′/20′ 3,4 |
| Minimum lot size | 3 acres § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Lot size, min”, column “PC-1 1”: 3 ac |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 § 25.16.050 · code textTable row “Floor area ratio”, column “PC-1 1”: 0.5 |
Uses in PC-1
Uses the code's use tables allow in PC-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit
- Kennel — Needs an administrative use permit
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in PC-1:
- Maximum building height: 40 ft — Mixed-use § 25.16.050
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories — Mixed-use § 25.16.050
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft — Exterior side yard § 25.16.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general front setback, lot coverage, density limit for PC-1 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 PC-1 zone?
35 ft (single-use) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palm Desert's PC-1 zone?
2 stories (single-use) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Palm Desert's PC-1 zone?
0 ft (interior side yard; next to residential land the setback equals the building height (note 4)) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palm Desert's PC-1 zone?
0 ft or 20 ft (0 ft and 20 ft listed; 0 ft beside commercial or industrial land (note 3); beside residential land, building height (note 4)) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Palm Desert's PC-1 zone?
3 acres — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.16.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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