Palmdale · Zoning · RN 3
Palmdale RN 3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palmdale's RN 3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 ft (4 stories) tall and the front setback is 5 ft, with the conditions listed below (Palmdale code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft (individual lots within a development site; multifamily development sites have separate setbacks)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Maximum density: 30 units/acre
RN 3 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 RN 3
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 | 50 ft § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “RN 3”: 50/4 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “RN 3”: 50/4 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 5 ft Applies: individual lots within a development site; multifamily development sites have separate setbacks § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Front (primary frontage)”, column “RN 3”: 5 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RN 3”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RN 3”: 15 |
| Maximum density | 30 units/acre § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “RN 3”: 30 |
Uses in RN 3
Uses the code's use tables allow in RN 3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Duplex — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RN 3:
- Minimum side setback: None required — zero lot line or common wall development: 10 ft minimum on one side, none required on the opposite side § 17.36.010
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — abutting single-family residential zoned property § 17.36.010
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — abutting single-family residential zoned property § 17.36.010
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR limit for RN 3 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 RN 3 zone?
50 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palmdale's RN 3 zone?
4 stories — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the minimum front setback in Palmdale's RN 3 zone?
5 ft (individual lots within a development site; multifamily development sites have separate setbacks) — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the minimum side setback in Palmdale's RN 3 zone?
5 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palmdale's RN 3 zone?
15 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
General information, not legal advice.
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