Los Angeles vs Palmdale
How do affordable housing linkage fee rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Los Angeles and Palmdale have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles charges a per-square-foot linkage fee on most new market-rate residential and commercial development. Revenue feeds the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to subsidize income-restricted units citywide.
View full Los Angeles rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 22.140.470 imposes an affordable housing linkage fee on new commercial and market-rate residential development in unincorporated areas. Fees fund the Affordable Housing Trust administered by LACDA, with rates tiered by zone.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LAMC §19.18 | Title 22.140.470 |
| Authorizing ordinance | Ord. 184996 (2017) | - |
| High-market multi-family | Roughly $8-$15 per square foot | - |
| Exemptions | ADUs, 100% affordable projects | - |
| Fund recipient | Affordable Housing Trust Fund | - |
| Coverage | - | Unincorporated areas only |
| Trigger | - | Commercial, multifamily permits |
| Fund manager | - | LACDA Trust Fund |
| Rate structure | - | Market-tier per-square-foot |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does my ADU pay the linkage fee?
No. Accessory dwelling units are statutorily exempt from the linkage fee under both LA Ordinance 184996 and California Government Code §65852.2 limits on ADU impact fees.
How is my project's market zone determined?
The Department of City Planning maintains a citywide map dividing parcels into high, medium, and low market areas based on land values. Your zone determines the per-square-foot rate.
Can the fee be reduced?
Projects providing on-site affordable units, qualifying for State Density Bonus, or built by qualified nonprofits may receive partial or full waivers under §19.18 procedures.
Palmdale FAQ
Does the linkage fee apply if I build inside an LA County city?
No. The county fee applies only in unincorporated areas. Many cities like Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Santa Monica have their own linkage or impact fees through separate municipal ordinances under Title 22.140.470.
Are small projects exempt?
Yes. Single-family homes, deed-restricted affordable units, and projects below the square-footage threshold listed in Title 22.140.470 are exempt. Confirm thresholds with LA County Regional Planning before designing your project.
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