Palmdale · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Palmdale?
In Palmdale, a child care center is allowed in 12 base zones (NC, RC, VC, MEDFX, EDFX and 7 more), needs a conditional use permit in 10 (ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, SFR 3 and 5 more) and not allowed in 5 (Palmdale use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: NC, RC, VC, MEDFX, EDFX, OFX, MU 1, MU 2 and 4 more
- Needs a permit: ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, SFR 3, RN 1, RN 2, RN 3 and 2 more
- Not allowed: MH, HI, AI, MRE and OS
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 a child care center can go
Palmdale's code calls this use “Family Day Care Center”. 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.
The code defines “Family Day Care Center”: “establishments providing nonmedical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis other than child day care in a home. This classification includes nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children or adults, and any other day care fa” (§ 17.16.060)
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Child Day Care in a Home' (P in all residential zones, RC, MEDFX, EDFX, MU 1 to MU 3) is the home-based row. Specific standards: PMC § 17.92.060.
- State law: A licensed family child care home in a house is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1597.45); this page covers child care centers only.
- 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 a child care center in the ER zone in Palmdale?
Only with a conditional use permit. Palmdale's use table lists it that way in ER (Chapter 17.35 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have a child care center in the MH zone in Palmdale?
No. Palmdale's use table does not allow it in MH (Chapter 17.35 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have a child care center in the NC zone in Palmdale?
Yes. Palmdale's use table lists it as allowed in NC (Chapter 17.47 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
General information, not legal advice.
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