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Planning

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1. What type of fence can I install including location and height?

Fencing can be installed in accordance with Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.86.040.

Residential

Residentially designated properties can install a fence with a maximum height of 6 1/2 feet in all locations except in the front yard setback. The maximum fence height in the front yard setback for properties less than 20,000 square feet (i.e., the portion of the property extending from the front of the house toward the street) is five feet, of which three feet can be a solid material and two feet must be open view.  The maximum fence height in the front yard setback for properties 20,000 square feet or larger is six feet, of which three feet can be a solid material and three feet must be open view. Fencing materials are limited to masonry, wrought iron, and vinyl. Chain link fencing is only permitted when not visible from the public right-of-way.

Commercial/Industrial

Commercially and industrially designated properties can install a fence with a maximum height of six feet in all locations except within the building and landscaping setback. Depending on the location of the property, the landscape setback is generally 10 to 20 feet, and the building setback is typically an additional 10 feet beyond the landscape setback. Within the landscape setback, the maximum fence height is three feet and within the building setback, the maximum fence height is four feet. Industrial properties may also install fencing for screening purposes up to eight feet in height with approval from Planning. If walls taller than eight feet are proposed, approval must be granted by the Planning Commission through a Conditional Use Permit. Fencing materials are limited to masonry, wrought iron, and vinyl. Chain link fencing is only permitted when not visible from the public right-of-way.

2. Can I build a guest house or second dwelling unit?

Accessory or secondary dwelling units are permitted in the A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, and MX zones in compliance within Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.91.030. 

3. What is required for a garage or yard sale?

No permit is required. However, you are only allowed two garage or yard sales per year. No signage is allowed in the public right-of-way, see Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.91.080 for more information.

4. Where are my property lines?

The exact location of property lines for a parcel can only be determined by a licensed surveyor. The general location of property lines can be determined by using the Los Angeles County Assessor’s map to determine property dimensions and location from the centerline of the adjacent street(s).

5. Can I submit a Planning application online?

No

6. Is the Palmdale Municipal Code (PMC) available online?

Yes, it can be viewed at Palmdale Municipal Code.

7. Is the Geographic Information System (GIS) available online?

Yes, it may be accessed at GIS

8. Is the Zoning Map available online?

Yes, it may be accessed at Zoning Map.

9. When will the High Speed Rail come?

>Please see the California High Speed Rail  (CAHSR) website for updates.  

10. Where and how long can I have a temporary Portable On Demand storage unit (POD)?

A temporary POD may be allowed at a residential location but must be placed on the driveway. However, it cannot be located within the front yard setback. An Encroachment Permit is required if it is located in the public right-of-way. Please contact Engineering at 661-267-5353 to obtain the necessary permit.  

11. Where can I park an RV?

In residential districts, recreational vehicles may be parked on the driveway, and any interior side or rear yard provided: 

• No more than 5% of the total lot area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, is used to park or store vehicles in areas that are not enclosed;
• Such vehicles must be parked or stored on a rock or paved surface as required by Palmdale Municipal Code Section 8.36.060(A)(10)(d); and,
• No inoperative, wrecked or dismantled recreational vehicle can be stored in such a way that is visible at ground level from a public street or from an adjoining property as required by Palmdale Municipal Code Section 8.36.060(A)(4)(b).

For more information, please reference Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.82.050 (Use of Yards).      

12. How much pavement can I have in my front yard?

The City allows for a maximum of 40 percent of the front yard, excluding the driveway, to be covered with impervious surfaces (concrete, pavers, or any other material that does not allow water to flow through).

13. What type of landscape can I put in my front yard?

Landscape standards for residential districts can be found under Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.41.090.H

City of Palmdale Ordinance No. 1176  outlines the requirements of installation and appropriate maintenance of front and street corner side yard landscaping in single family residential zones.

For a list of drought tolerant plants and trees, view the City’s  Approved Plant and Tree List.

14. What is required to build a patio cover?

Most patio covers can be approved over the counter in Planning. A Zone Clearance application for a Single-Family Minor Modification, site plan, architectural elevation, and permit fee for approval are required.  For additional information, such as required setbacks, please view the Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.82.

15. Where can I park a car on my property other than the driveway?

Vehicles can be parked in any interior side or rear yard provided that:

• No more than 5% of the total lot area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, be used to park or store vehicles in areas that are not enclosed; the vehicles must be parked or stored on a rock or paved surface; and,
• No inoperative, wrecked, or dismantled vehicle can be stored in such a way that is visible at ground level from the public street or from an adjacent property.

For more information, view Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.82.050.

16. How do I subdivide a property for future development?

A property can be subdivided for future development by submitting of a Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) or Tentative Tract Map (TTM) application. A TPM is used to subdivide a parcel into four or fewer parcels, while a TTM is used to subdivide a parcel into five or more parcels. The application can be found under the Planning Division applications.

17. How do I convert my garage to a bedroom?

Palmdale Municipal Code (PMC) requires that all single-family homes maintain a fully enclosed two car garage with a free and clear interior dimension of at least 20 feet wide and 22 feet long. A garage cannot be converted into a bedroom unless there is space on the property to construct another two car garage, or there is a third car garage space. Approval of a Zoning Clearance application for a Single-Family Minor Modification is required for a garage conversion. The application fee is $63, and requires submittal of a site plan, floor plan, and architectural elevations of the proposed conversion. The application can be found under the Planning applications.

18. How do I submit a complaint regarding my neighbor’s property?

Contact Code Enforcement at 661-267-5234.

19. Is there a list of projects currently under construction online?

The City maintains a Development Summary of projects that have been applied, approved, and completed. The most current Development Summary can be viewed on the in the Planning webpage.