San Dimas, CA Zoning Ordinance

This specific plan applies to the area bounded by Gladstone Street on the north, Monte Vista Avenue on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Amelia on the west, commonly known as Way Hill.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Way Hill has an elevation differential ranging from a low of nine hundred thirty feet at Gladstone Street and Amelia Avenue to one thousand ninety-eight feet at the base of the water tanks, with the average elevation of ninety to one hundred feet above Fifth Street and Gladstone Street.

The slopes along Gladstone Street are relatively steep, having slopes generally in the range of twenty-five to thirty-five percent, with some slopes in excess of fifty percent.

Slopes facing Fifth Street are generally thirty to thirty-five percent down to the one-thousand-foot elevation.

From the one-thousand-foot elevation, the slope is more gentle to Fifth Street, in the range of ten to twenty percent.

The hill consists of +/- fifty-eight total acres.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

To provide development guidelines and policies to be utilized by landowners, developers and public agencies when considering development plans for the area. This chapter is established to preserve the natural qualities of the hill by minimizing the negative visual aspects of development and maintaining the essential natural characteristics such as ridgelines, landform, vegetation, wildlife, scenic qualities and open space; and reduce problems such as erosion, sedimentation and land instability. It is further the intent of this chapter to:

Utilize to the fullest the current practices of good civic design, landscape architecture, civil engineering and hillside land planning to preserve, enhance and promote the existing and future appearance and resources of the hillside area;

Encourage alternate approaches to conventional flat land development practices;

Require the retention of significant natural landforms, ridgelines, vegetation and landmarks;

Provide a safe means of ingress-egress for vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and within hillside areas, with minimum disturbance to the natural terrain.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

A development plan review shall be required. No person shall construct any building or structure, or relocate, rebuild, alter, enlarge, or modify any existing building or structure, until a development plan has been reviewed and approved by the review authority in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 181.2 of this title.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Prior to recommending approval of the plan, the approving authority shall find that:

All provisions of this chapter are complied with;

The proposed use is in harmony with the city-wide balance of the same type of use or uses;

The architectural character is adequate based upon the suitability of a building for its purposes, upon the appropriate use of materials, and upon the principles of harmony and proportion in the elements of the building;

The following elements are shown and so arranged that disturbance to natural terrain is minimized, existing ridgelines are preserved, traffic congestion is avoided, pedestrian and vehicular safety and welfare are protected, and that there will be no adverse effect on surrounding property:

Buildings, structures and improvements,

Vehicular ingress, egress and internal circulation,

Setbacks,

Height of buildings,

Service areas,

Walls,

Landscaping,

Such other elements as are found to be relevant to the fulfilling of the purpose of this chapter;

All utility facilities are underground;

Proposed lighting will reflect the light away from adjoining properties;

The proposed use is in compliance with the general plan.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Permitted uses in the specific plan area are as follows:

Detached single-family residences.

Public parks and open space.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

Incidental uses in the specific plan area are as follows:

Home occupations per Section 18.184.010 of this title;

Household pets as described and regulated in Chapter 18.20 Residential Zones Generally.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

Existing attached residential dwellings built in conformance with building and zoning codes in effect at the time of construction may be maintained as currently existing, pursuant to the following provisions:

Such existing improvements and site conditions may be repaired, maintained, repainted, remodeled, enlarged and/or the landscaping upgraded, without conforming with this chapter.

Attached residential uses made nonconforming pursuant to this chapter, shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 18.204.170(B) of this code. Residential uses may remain and function as residential use(s) pursuant to the provisions of this section.

Existing nonconforming residential improvements, or portions of nonconforming residential improvements, destroyed or substantially damaged may be repaired, rebuilt, or enlarged pursuant to the following provisions:

Such work shall be permitted only on those improvements permitted and constructed in conformance with the building and zoning codes in effect at the time of original construction.

Approval of such work shall be obtained from the development plan review board, which shall review the development plans and other pertinent information to insure that all other applicable provisions of this chapter are satisfied and that no new nonconformity will be created.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Density. The overall density shall not exceed one unit per acre. If the result of calculating the density is a fraction of a unit, one additional unit may be permitted if the fraction is equal to one-half or greater if no new ridgeline lots are created.

Lot Area. The minimum lot area shall be not less than eight thousand five hundred square feet. As the terrain or slope increases in steepness, varying lot sizes shall be utilized so grading is minimal and the natural character of the hillside and ridgelines are maintained. Smaller lots are encouraged on flatter portions of the property with larger lots on steeper portions and ridgelines.

Deed restrictions, covenants or similar recorded agreements shall be provided to assure that no further subdivision of larger parcels will be allowed once the maximum density has been permitted pursuant to this section.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The minimum lot width shall be seventy feet.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Minimum setback from the right-of-way of Gladstone Street, Fifth Street, Monte Vista Avenue or Amelia Avenue:

Side yard, ten feet;

Front or rear yard, twenty feet.

All other setbacks shall be as approved by the review body pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Building height shall be:

Two stories or thirty-five feet, whichever is less;

On sloping terrain, three stories on the downhill side, providing they do not exceed two stories on the uphill side.

Building height shall be measured from the average of the lowest point and highest point of contact with the ground to the highest portion of the structure.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The provisions of Chapter 18.156 shall apply.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

All graded slopes shall be contoured and blended to harmonize with natural slopes. Existing ridgelines shall be preserved.

Housing shall be designed to fit the natural landform in a manner which does not require extensive grading, through split level house design and similar techniques.

Significant landmark features as determined by the planning commission and city council, such as natural rock outcroppings, prominent trees and other areas of special natural beauty shall be preserved.

Building sites shall not be pre-graded until specific house site plans and elevations have been approved.

Roadways shall comply with the criteria and development standards in Section 18.502.010 of this chapter.

Slope Maintenance. All slopes shall be maintained in accord with the following provisions:

A declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions relating to the maintenance of slope areas, signed and acknowledged by those parties having any record title to the land to be developed, enforceable by the city, shall be recorded.

All improvements located within the slope areas, such as landscaping and sprinklers, shall be maintained in a safe condition and a state of good repair.

Any failure to maintain such improvements located on slope areas shall be unlawful and a public nuisance endangering the health, safety and general welfare of the public and a detriment to the surrounding community.

ii.

In addition to any other remedy provided for by law for the abatement, removal and enjoinment of the public nuisance, the city, after giving proper notice, may cause the necessary work of maintenance or repair to be done, and the cost thereof shall be assessed against the owner.

The declaration may provide for termination of the covenants, conditions and restrictions at the expiration of the economic life of the project with the consent of the city council.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

All cut and fill slopes, as hereinafter defined, shall be planted and irrigated with a sprinkler system to promote growth of plants and groundcover to prevent erosion. In developing a site, the developer shall plant and maintain all slopes where required by this chapter until the property is occupied by reason of lease or purchase. The developer shall provide suitable guarantees, satisfactory to the city council for planting and maintenance herein required.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Slope Areas. All cut or fill slopes less than five feet in vertical height shall be planted with adequate plant materials to protect the slope against erosion.

An automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system shall be installed to irrigate the slopes.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

This specific plan applies to the area bounded by Gladstone Street on the north, Monte Vista Avenue on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Amelia on the west, commonly known as Way Hill.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The slopes along Gladstone Street are relatively steep, having slopes generally in the range of twenty-five to thirty-five percent, with some slopes in excess of fifty percent.

Slopes facing Fifth Street are generally thirty to thirty-five percent down to the one-thousand-foot elevation.

From the one-thousand-foot elevation, the slope is more gentle to Fifth Street, in the range of ten to twenty percent.

The hill consists of +/- fifty-eight total acres.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Encourage alternate approaches to conventional flat land development practices;

Require the retention of significant natural landforms, ridgelines, vegetation and landmarks;

Provide a safe means of ingress-egress for vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and within hillside areas, with minimum disturbance to the natural terrain.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Prior to recommending approval of the plan, the approving authority shall find that:

All provisions of this chapter are complied with;

The proposed use is in harmony with the city-wide balance of the same type of use or uses;

Buildings, structures and improvements,

Vehicular ingress, egress and internal circulation,

Setbacks,

Height of buildings,

Service areas,

Walls,

Landscaping,

Such other elements as are found to be relevant to the fulfilling of the purpose of this chapter;

All utility facilities are underground;

Proposed lighting will reflect the light away from adjoining properties;

The proposed use is in compliance with the general plan.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Permitted uses in the specific plan area are as follows:

Detached single-family residences.

Public parks and open space.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

Incidental uses in the specific plan area are as follows:

Home occupations per Section 18.184.010 of this title;

Household pets as described and regulated in Chapter 18.20 Residential Zones Generally.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

Such existing improvements and site conditions may be repaired, maintained, repainted, remodeled, enlarged and/or the landscaping upgraded, without conforming with this chapter.

Such work shall be permitted only on those improvements permitted and constructed in conformance with the building and zoning codes in effect at the time of original construction.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The minimum lot width shall be seventy feet.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Minimum setback from the right-of-way of Gladstone Street, Fifth Street, Monte Vista Avenue or Amelia Avenue:

Side yard, ten feet;

Front or rear yard, twenty feet.

All other setbacks shall be as approved by the review body pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Building height shall be:

Two stories or thirty-five feet, whichever is less;

On sloping terrain, three stories on the downhill side, providing they do not exceed two stories on the uphill side.

Building height shall be measured from the average of the lowest point and highest point of contact with the ground to the highest portion of the structure.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The provisions of Chapter 18.156 shall apply.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

All graded slopes shall be contoured and blended to harmonize with natural slopes. Existing ridgelines shall be preserved.

Housing shall be designed to fit the natural landform in a manner which does not require extensive grading, through split level house design and similar techniques.

Building sites shall not be pre-graded until specific house site plans and elevations have been approved.

Roadways shall comply with the criteria and development standards in Section 18.502.010 of this chapter.

Slope Maintenance. All slopes shall be maintained in accord with the following provisions:

All improvements located within the slope areas, such as landscaping and sprinklers, shall be maintained in a safe condition and a state of good repair.

ii.

The declaration may provide for termination of the covenants, conditions and restrictions at the expiration of the economic life of the project with the consent of the city council.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Slope Areas. All cut or fill slopes less than five feet in vertical height shall be planted with adequate plant materials to protect the slope against erosion.

An automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system shall be installed to irrigate the slopes.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

This specific plan applies to the area bounded by Gladstone Street on the north, Monte Vista Avenue on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Amelia on the west, commonly known as Way Hill.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The slopes along Gladstone Street are relatively steep, having slopes generally in the range of twenty-five to thirty-five percent, with some slopes in excess of fifty percent.

Slopes facing Fifth Street are generally thirty to thirty-five percent down to the one-thousand-foot elevation.

From the one-thousand-foot elevation, the slope is more gentle to Fifth Street, in the range of ten to twenty percent.

The hill consists of +/- fifty-eight total acres.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Encourage alternate approaches to conventional flat land development practices;

Require the retention of significant natural landforms, ridgelines, vegetation and landmarks;

Provide a safe means of ingress-egress for vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and within hillside areas, with minimum disturbance to the natural terrain.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Prior to recommending approval of the plan, the approving authority shall find that:

All provisions of this chapter are complied with;

The proposed use is in harmony with the city-wide balance of the same type of use or uses;

Buildings, structures and improvements,

Vehicular ingress, egress and internal circulation,

Setbacks,

Height of buildings,

Service areas,

Walls,

Landscaping,

Such other elements as are found to be relevant to the fulfilling of the purpose of this chapter;

All utility facilities are underground;

Proposed lighting will reflect the light away from adjoining properties;

The proposed use is in compliance with the general plan.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Permitted uses in the specific plan area are as follows:

Detached single-family residences.

Public parks and open space.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

Incidental uses in the specific plan area are as follows:

Home occupations per Section 18.184.010 of this title;

Household pets as described and regulated in Chapter 18.20 Residential Zones Generally.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

Such existing improvements and site conditions may be repaired, maintained, repainted, remodeled, enlarged and/or the landscaping upgraded, without conforming with this chapter.

Such work shall be permitted only on those improvements permitted and constructed in conformance with the building and zoning codes in effect at the time of original construction.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The minimum lot width shall be seventy feet.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

Minimum setback from the right-of-way of Gladstone Street, Fifth Street, Monte Vista Avenue or Amelia Avenue:

Side yard, ten feet;

Front or rear yard, twenty feet.

All other setbacks shall be as approved by the review body pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Building height shall be:

Two stories or thirty-five feet, whichever is less;

On sloping terrain, three stories on the downhill side, providing they do not exceed two stories on the uphill side.

Building height shall be measured from the average of the lowest point and highest point of contact with the ground to the highest portion of the structure.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The provisions of Chapter 18.156 shall apply.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

All graded slopes shall be contoured and blended to harmonize with natural slopes. Existing ridgelines shall be preserved.

Housing shall be designed to fit the natural landform in a manner which does not require extensive grading, through split level house design and similar techniques.

Building sites shall not be pre-graded until specific house site plans and elevations have been approved.

Roadways shall comply with the criteria and development standards in Section 18.502.010 of this chapter.

Slope Maintenance. All slopes shall be maintained in accord with the following provisions:

All improvements located within the slope areas, such as landscaping and sprinklers, shall be maintained in a safe condition and a state of good repair.

ii.

The declaration may provide for termination of the covenants, conditions and restrictions at the expiration of the economic life of the project with the consent of the city council.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Slope Areas. All cut or fill slopes less than five feet in vertical height shall be planted with adequate plant materials to protect the slope against erosion.

An automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system shall be installed to irrigate the slopes.

(Ord. 1136 § 1, 2003)

San Dimas City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

§ 18.502.010 Location.

§ 18.502.020 Area description.

§ 18.502.030 Purpose.

§ 18.502.040 Plan review.

§ 18.502.060 Development plan.

§ 18.502.080 Permitted uses.

§ 18.502.090 Incidental uses.

§ 18.502.100 Provisions for existing attached residential dwellings.

§ 18.502.110 Density-Lot area.

§ 18.502.120 Lot width.

§ 18.502.130 Setbacks.

§ 18.502.140 Building height.

§ 18.502.160 Parking.

§ 18.502.170 Grading.

§ 18.502.180 Landscaping-Slope areas and general conditions.

San Dimas City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

§ 18.502.010 Location.

§ 18.502.020 Area description.

§ 18.502.030 Purpose.

§ 18.502.040 Plan review.

§ 18.502.060 Development plan.

§ 18.502.080 Permitted uses.

§ 18.502.090 Incidental uses.

§ 18.502.100 Provisions for existing attached residential dwellings.

§ 18.502.110 Density-Lot area.

§ 18.502.120 Lot width.

§ 18.502.130 Setbacks.

§ 18.502.140 Building height.

§ 18.502.160 Parking.

§ 18.502.170 Grading.

§ 18.502.180 Landscaping-Slope areas and general conditions.

San Dimas City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

§ 18.502.010 Location.

§ 18.502.020 Area description.

§ 18.502.030 Purpose.

§ 18.502.040 Plan review.

§ 18.502.060 Development plan.

§ 18.502.080 Permitted uses.

§ 18.502.090 Incidental uses.

§ 18.502.100 Provisions for existing attached residential dwellings.

§ 18.502.110 Density-Lot area.

§ 18.502.120 Lot width.

§ 18.502.130 Setbacks.

§ 18.502.140 Building height.

§ 18.502.160 Parking.

§ 18.502.170 Grading.

§ 18.502.180 Landscaping-Slope areas and general conditions.