Lot splits under SB 9 in Palmdale: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Palmdale Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Palmdale's code says

Palmdale code What Palmdale's code adds
Setbacks	At least 4 feet from side and rear lot lines. Applies: Applies to two-unit projects; may be less to allow 2 units of 800 square feet; front setbacks follow the single-family zone. § 17.39.040 · code text the setback for side and rear lot lines shall be four feet No setback required. Applies: Applies to an existing legal structure, or one rebuilt in the same place and size. § 17.39.040 · code text no setback shall be required for an existing legally created structure, or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing legally created structure
Standards	Only 2 primary homes; no ADUs or JADUs. Applies: Applies to each lot from an urban lot split that used the two-unit option. § 17.39.040 · code text Only two primary dwelling units may be located on any lot created through an urban lot split that utilized the two-unit development provision. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are not permitted on these lots. City standards may not prevent 2 units of 800 square feet each on each parcel. Applies: Applies to SB 9 two-unit projects. § 17.39.040 · code text Any modifications of development standards shall be the minimum modification necessary to avoid physically precluding two units of 800 square feet each on each parcel. Access drives at least 12 feet wide. Applies: Applies to SB 9 two-unit projects. § 17.39.040 · code text All access drives shall have a minimum width of 12 feet. New units must meet the city's minimum construction standards for single-family homes. Applies: Applies to units built under the SB 9 chapter. § 17.39.040 · code text All new units constructed pursuant to this Chapter shall be subject to the minimum construction standards for single-family homes as provided in PMC Chapter 17.37 (Supplemental Standards for Single-Family Residential Development).
Owner occupancy	At least 3 years. Applies: The urban lot split applicant must live in one unit as principal residence from the approval date. § 17.39.060 · code text That the applicant intends to occupy one of the housing units as his/her/their principal residence for a minimum of three years from the date of approval. One unit must be owner-occupied. Applies: Applies when there is no urban lot split; a covenant telling future owners is required. § 17.39.040 · code text Where there is no urban lot split, one unit in a two-unit development must be owner-occupied, including a requirement to record a covenant notifying future owners of the owner-occupancy requirements.
Parking	At least 1 off-street parking space per unit. § 17.39.040 · code text A minimum of one off-street parking space per unit shall be provided No parking required. Applies: Applies within a half-mile walk of a high-quality transit corridor or major transit stop. § 17.39.040 · code text no parking requirements shall be imposed in either of the following circumstances: (a) The property is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high-quality transit corridor as defined by Public Resources Code Section 21155(b), or a major transit stop as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21064.3 No parking required. Applies: Applies when a car share vehicle is within 1 block of the property. § 17.39.040 · code text (b) There is a carshare vehicle located within one block of the property.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Palmdale?

Palmdale's code: At least 3 years. (The urban lot split applicant must live in one unit as principal residence from the approval date.) (§ 17.39.060); One unit must be owner-occupied. (Applies when there is no urban lot split; a covenant telling future owners is required.) (§ 17.39.040).

Lot splits under SB 9 in Palmdale

What Palmdale's code says

Who this affects

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