Palmdale · Zoning · RC
Palmdale RC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palmdale's RC zone, buildings can be up to 55 ft (4 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 40,000 sq ft (Palmdale code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 40,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0
- Maximum density: up to 30 units per acre (Only permitted on Antelope Valley Mall site and property south of Palmdale Boulevard between SR-14 and Division Street with a comprehensive development plan.)
RC 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 RC
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 | 55 ft § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “RC”: 55/4 stories; 85/7 stories for lodging uses |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “RC”: 55/4 stories; 85/7 stories for lodging uses |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RC”: 10 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RC”: 10; 25 abutting a residential zone |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RC”: 10; 25 abutting a residential zone |
| Minimum lot size | 40,000 sq ft § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sf)”, column “RC”: 40,000 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.0 § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio”, column “RC”: 1.0 |
| Maximum density | up to 30 units per acre Applies: Only permitted on Antelope Valley Mall site and property south of Palmdale Boulevard between SR-14 and Division Street with a comprehensive development plan. § 17.48.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Residential Density (units/acre)”, column “RC”: Up to 30 1 |
Uses in RC
Uses the code's use tables allow in RC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Needs a minor use permit
- Child care center — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Kennel — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RC:
- Maximum building height: 85 ft — For lodging uses. § 17.48.010
- Maximum number of stories: 7 stories — For lodging uses. § 17.48.010
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft — Abutting a residential zone. § 17.48.010
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — Abutting a residential zone. § 17.48.010
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage limit for RC 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 RC zone?
55 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.48.010.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palmdale's RC zone?
4 stories — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.48.010.
What is the minimum front setback in Palmdale's RC zone?
10 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.48.010.
What is the minimum side setback in Palmdale's RC zone?
10 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.48.010.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palmdale's RC zone?
10 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.48.010.
General information, not legal advice.
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