Palmdale · Zoning · MU 3
Palmdale MU 3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palmdale's MU 3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 65 ft (5 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Palmdale code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 65 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 5 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (Residential ground floor)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft (Minimum development project site for new lots)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0 (Nonresidential)
- Maximum density: 50 units/acre
MU 3 (Mixed-Use 3) is a zoning district in Palmdale. Every value below was read from the Palmdale 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 MU 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 | 65 ft § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “MU 3”: 65/5 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 5 stories § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “MU 3”: 65/5 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: Residential ground floor § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Front – Minimum (Residential Ground Floor)”, column “MU 3”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Interior Side – Minimum”, column “MU 3”: 0; 10 abutting single-family residential zones |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Rear – Minimum”, column “MU 3”: 15; 20 abutting single-family residential zones |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft Applies: Minimum development project site for new lots § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Minimum Development Project Site (sf) (for new lots)”, column “MU 3”: 20,000 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 3.0 Applies: Nonresidential § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Nonresidential Maximum Floor Area Ratio”, column “MU 3”: 3.0 |
| Maximum density | 50 units/acre § 17.55.010 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “MU 3”: 50 |
Uses in MU 3
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU 3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Live-work unit — Allowed
- Child care center — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU 3:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Abutting single-family residential zones § 17.55.010
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Abutting single-family residential zones § 17.55.010
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage limit for MU 3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Palmdale Municipal Code.
Other Palmdale zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Palmdale's MU 3 zone?
65 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.55.010.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palmdale's MU 3 zone?
5 stories — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.55.010.
What is the minimum front setback in Palmdale's MU 3 zone?
15 ft (residential ground floor) — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.55.010.
What is the minimum side setback in Palmdale's MU 3 zone?
0 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.55.010.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palmdale's MU 3 zone?
15 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.55.010.
General information, not legal advice.
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