Palm Desert · Zoning · R-3
Palm Desert R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palm Desert's R-3 zone, buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,000 sf (Palm Desert code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 8 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 75%
R-3 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 R-3
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 § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Height, max”, column “R-3”: 40′ |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Number of stories, max”, column “R-3”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Front yard, min”, column “R-3”: 10′ |
| Minimum side setback | 8 ft § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Side yard, min”, column “R-3”: 8′ |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Rear yard, min”, column “R-3”: 10′ |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 sf § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Lot size, min”, column “R-3”: 3,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 75% § 25.10.050 · code textTable row “Lot coverage, max percentage of lot area”, column “R-3”: 75% |
Uses in R-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Senior or assisted living — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR, density limit for R-3 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 R-3 zone?
40 ft — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palm Desert's R-3 zone?
3 stories — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Palm Desert's R-3 zone?
10 ft — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Palm Desert's R-3 zone?
8 ft — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palm Desert's R-3 zone?
10 ft — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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