Palm Desert · Zoning · PR
Palm Desert PR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palm Desert's PR zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall, the lot coverage limit is 40% and the density limit is 1 to 40 dwelling units per gross acre, with the conditions listed below (Palm Desert code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft (or 3 stories, whichever is less; the Planning Commission may approve a different height)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (or 40 ft, whichever is less; the Planning Commission may approve a different height)
- Maximum lot coverage: 40% (projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre)
- Maximum density: 1 to 40 dwelling units per gross acre (The Council sets the maximum at rezoning within this range; PR-7 means 7 units per gross acre.)
PR (Planned residential district) 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 PR
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 Applies: or 3 stories, whichever is less; the Planning Commission may approve a different height § 25.10.050 · code textThe maximum building height in a PR district shall be 40 feet or three-story, whichever is less, or as approved by the Planning Commission. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: or 40 ft, whichever is less; the Planning Commission may approve a different height § 25.10.050 · code textThe maximum building height in a PR district shall be 40 feet or three-story, whichever is less, or as approved by the Planning Commission. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% Applies: projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre § 25.10.050 · code textProjects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre shall have a maximum building coverage of 40 percent. |
| Maximum density | 1 to 40 dwelling units per gross acre Applies: The Council sets the maximum at rezoning within this range; PR-7 means 7 units per gross acre. § 25.10.050 · code textThe Council shall determine the densities to be allowed within each PR district at the time the involved properties are rezoned and as designated on the zoning map within the following range: 1 to 40 dwelling units maximum per average gross acre. |
Uses in PR
Uses the code's use tables allow in PR, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Senior or assisted living — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in PR:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — minimum project perimeter setback from property lines adjacent to existing or proposed public streets § 25.10.050
- Minimum front setback: 32 ft — major or arterial street; setback from planned street line § 25.10.050
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft — collector or local street; setback from planned street line § 25.10.050
- Minimum front setback: 100 ft — two-story, single-family detached building; setback from project perimeter; or 1 lot depth, whichever is more § 25.10.050
- Minimum lot size: 2,500 sf — single-family attached § 25.10.050
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sf — two-story dwelling § 25.10.050
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% — projects of 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre § 25.10.050
- Maximum lot coverage: 80% — projects with 18+ dwelling units per acre § 25.10.050
- Maximum density: 55 dwelling units per acre — projects containing at least 20 percent units affordable to low-income households; may be allowed by precise plan § 25.10.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, lot size, FAR limit for PR 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 PR zone?
40 ft (or 3 stories, whichever is less; the Planning Commission may approve a different height) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palm Desert's PR zone?
3 stories (or 40 ft, whichever is less; the Planning Commission may approve a different height) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Palm Desert's PR zone?
40% (projects of less than 7 dwelling units per acre) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
What is the maximum density in Palm Desert's PR zone?
1 to 40 dwelling units per gross acre (the Council sets the maximum at rezoning within this range; PR-7 means 7 units per gross acre) — Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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