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1. Can the City Attorney provide legal advice to private citizens?

No. The City Attorney is legally prohibited from representing individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office only represent City officials, departments, agencies and employees in the course of their official acts or business.

For general questions or seeking legal representation, call the Antelope Valley Self-Help Legal Access Center at 800-433-6251, or the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) at 213-627-2727 or visit the LACBA website.

2. What is the difference between City Attorney and District Attorney?

The City Attorney is appointed by the Palmdale City Council. The attorneys in the office provide legal advice and services to the City Council, its officials, departments, employees, boards and commissions. The City Attorney enforces the City Municipal Codes.

The District Attorney is an elected County official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activities throughout Los Angeles County sections of the Antelope Valley. To contact the District Attorney or Antelope Valley Field Office, call 661-974-7700.

3. Who does the City Attorney work for?

Under the Palmdale Municipal Code, the City Manager and the City Attorney are each directly appointed by the City Council and serve at the pleasure of the Council. The City Attorney also provides legal advice and support for all City officers and employees relating to their acts which are within the course and scope of their employment or official duties.

4. Where can I view the City of Palmdale Municipal Code?

Visit the Palmdale Municipal Code website.

5. Who do I call to report a possible crime or City code violation?

Reports or complaints concerning criminal activity occurring in the City should be made to the Sheriff’s Department by calling 661-272-2400. If the matter is an emergency, call 911.

For municipal code violations, please call Code Enforcement at 661-267-5234. If you are unsure about a code violation, you may call the City’s main number at 661-267-5115 and they will direct your call.

6. What is the procedure for filing a claim against the City of Palmdale or the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale?

To file a claim against the City, you must submit the claim, either by mail or by personal delivery, within six months of the date of the incident to:
City Clerk
38300 Sierra Highway
Palmdale, CA 93550

You may contact the City Clerk to have a claim form mailed to you, you can pick one up in the Administration office, or you may download the City of Palmdale Claim Form (PDF) or Housing Authority Claim Form (PDF).

7. What is the procedure for submitting a Public Records Act Request?

Public Records Requests may be submitted by regular U.S. mail, email or personal delivery at the City Administration building to the attention of:
City Clerk
38300 Sierra Highway
Palmdale, CA 93550

You may contact the City Clerk’s office to obtain a Public Records Request form by calling 661-267-5151, or you can obtain the form on the City Clerk’s or City Attorney’s webpage. There may be a charge for copies provided (hard copy, CD or DVD).

8. Can I operate a commercial cannabis operation in the City of Palmdale?

No.  All commercial cannabis operations currently prohibited in the City of Palmdale.

9. Can the City Attorney's office assist me with Housing Rights issues?

For housing rights issues (e.g., landlord/tenant disputes, discrimination) contact the Housing Rights Center at 800-477-5977 or visit their website.