Palmdale · Zoning · SFR 3
Palmdale SFR 3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palmdale's SFR 3 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft (Palmdale code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft on one side; 10 ft on the garage side
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 6 units/acre
SFR 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 SFR 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 | 35 ft § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “SFR 3”: 35/2 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)/Stories – Primary Structure”, column “SFR 3”: 35/2 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Front (primary frontage)”, column “SFR 3”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft on one side; 10 ft on the garage side § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “SFR 3”: 5 ft minimum on one side of the dwelling unit, and 10 ft minimum required on the garage side |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “SFR 3”: 20 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot)”, column “SFR 3”: 50 |
| Maximum density | 6 units/acre § 17.36.010 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “SFR 3”: 6 |
Uses in SFR 3
Uses the code's use tables allow in SFR 3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Horses and stables — Allowed — see note
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, FAR limit for SFR 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 SFR 3 zone?
35 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palmdale's SFR 3 zone?
2 stories — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the minimum front setback in Palmdale's SFR 3 zone?
15 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the minimum side setback in Palmdale's SFR 3 zone?
5 ft on one side; 10 ft on the garage side — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palmdale's SFR 3 zone?
20 ft — Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.36.010.
General information, not legal advice.
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