Palmdale · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Palmdale?
In Palmdale, an emergency shelter is allowed in 1 base zone (LI), needs a permit in 2 (MEDFX and PF-C) and not allowed in 24 (Palmdale use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: LI
- Needs a permit: MEDFX and PF-C
- Not allowed: ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, SFR 3, RN 1, RN 2, RN 3 and 16 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Palmdale Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an emergency shelter can go
Palmdale's code calls this use “Emergency Shelters”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| LI | Allowed | Chapter 17.65 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| MEDFX | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 17.47 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| PF-C | Needs a minor use permit | Chapter 17.75 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Supportive Housing and Transitional Housing rows (CUP in residential zones) are not used.
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- Not covered here: Specific Plan areas (S6: the adopted Specific Plan governs; no table); Chapter 17.16 definitions (what 'Family Day Care Center' and 'Community Assembly' include) and PMC Chapters 17.89 / 17.91 / 17.92 / 17.94 specific use standards are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Palmdale
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the MEDFX zone in Palmdale?
Only with a conditional use permit. Palmdale's use table lists it that way in MEDFX (Chapter 17.47 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the ER zone in Palmdale?
No. Palmdale's use table does not allow it in ER (Chapter 17.35 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the LI zone in Palmdale?
Yes. Palmdale's use table lists it as allowed in LI (Chapter 17.65 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
General information, not legal advice.
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