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Palmdale, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Structure setback
10 feet minimum from any building
Public street setback
25 feet minimum
Private street setback
15 feet minimum
Residential buffer
20 feet from residentially zoned property
Access driveway width
16 feet minimum, paved
Entry-to-enclosure distance
Generally no more than 150 feet

Summary

Palmdale requires commercial and multifamily refuse and recycling enclosures to sit inside buildings or in rear/side parking-area enclosures, at least 10 feet from any structure, 25 feet from a public street, 15 feet from a private street, and 20 feet from residentially zoned land under PMC § 17.85.020.

Refuse and recycling collection and trash compactor areas shall be located inside of buildings or inside of enclosures located along alleys or in parking areas at the rear or side of buildings. Refuse collection areas shall be prohibited within any required front setback, street side setback, any required parking spaces, landscape areas, and open space areas. ... Enclosures shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any structure, 25 feet from any public street, 15 feet from a private street, and in nonresidential areas, 20 feet from any residentially zoned property.

Full Breakdown

020(A)-(B)). 020(C)(1)). 020(C)(2)-(3)). 020(C)(4)). 020(D)). When a site is retrofitted, the new enclosure location must be reviewed by the local disposal service and approved by the Director.

Violations & Fines

Title 17 is enforced under the City's general code provisions: PMC § 1.12.010 makes it unlawful to violate any provision of the code, and § 1.12.020 sets the penalty for a misdemeanor at up to $1,000, up to six months in County Jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a new, separate offense under § 1.12.030.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far from a building must a trash enclosure be in Palmdale?
At least 10 feet from any structure. PMC § 17.85.020(C)(2) also requires 25 feet from a public street, 15 feet from a private street, and 20 feet from residentially zoned property in nonresidential areas.
Can a dumpster enclosure go in a front setback in Palmdale?
No. PMC § 17.85.020(C)(1) prohibits refuse collection areas within any required front setback, street side setback, required parking spaces, landscape areas, or open space areas.
Does a roll-off box need a paved pad in Palmdale?
Generally yes. Section 17.85.020(D)(4) requires a concrete apron at least 10 feet by 20 feet in front of exterior collection areas or trash compactor areas, though the Director may waive it if the existing asphalt has held up without damage.
What size roll-off boxes does Palmdale's code recognize?
The code defines commercial refuse containers as two-, three-, four-, six-, or eight-yard bins, or 15-, 25-, 30-, 40-, or 50-cubic-yard roll-off boxes or compactors serving commercial and industrial premises.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Palmdale

All Palmdale rules

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