Palmdale · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Palmdale?
In Palmdale, a church or other place of worship is allowed in 19 base zones (ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, SFR 3 and 14 more), needs a minor use permit in 5 (HI, AI, PF-C, PF-P and PF-S) and not allowed in 3 (Palmdale use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, SFR 3, RN 1, RN 2, RN 3 and 11 more
- Needs a permit: HI, AI, PF-C, PF-P and PF-S
- Not allowed: MH, 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 church or other place of worship can go
Palmdale's code calls this use “Community Assembly, ≤ 5,000 sf (gross sf)”. 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 “Community Assembly”: “a facility for public or private meetings, including community centers, places of worship, union halls, meeting halls, country clubs, clubhouses, banquet centers, and other membership organizations. Included in this classification is the use of funct” (§ 17.16.030)
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 5,001 to 12,000 sf: MUP in ER to RN 3/RN 4 and MEDFX, OFX, NC, MU 1, LI, HI, AI, PF-C, PF-P, PF-S; P in RC, VC, EDFX, MU 2, MU 3. Over 12,000 sf: CUP in ER to RN 3/RN 4, all commercial and mixed-use zones, LI, HI, AI; MUP in PF-C, PF-P, PF-S. Specific standards: PMC § 17.94.010.
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- 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 church or other place of worship in the HI zone in Palmdale?
Only with a minor use permit. Palmdale's use table lists it that way in HI (Chapter 17.65 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have a church or other place of worship 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 church or other place of worship in the ER zone in Palmdale?
Yes. Palmdale's use table lists it as allowed in ER (Chapter 17.35 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
General information, not legal advice.
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