San Dimas City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
516 SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 10
§ 18.516.010 Purpose and intent.
A.
The purpose of Specific Plan No. 10 is to provide for the classification and development of parcels of land as coordinated, comprehensive projects so as to take advantage of the superior environment which will result from large-scale community planning. The regulations established by Specific Plan No. 10 are intended to allow a diversity of uses. Development standards are created specifically for the project area while ensuring substantial compliance with the intent of this code. Alternative development standards have been incorporated in this specific plan in return for development sensitivity and increased amenities to serve the inhabitants of this and surrounding community areas.
B.
Development standards are proposed to achieve the following objectives:
1.
To minimize the alteration of existing landforms;
2.
To conserve the scenic qualities of the area;
3.
To provide an enriched residential environment with aesthetic cohesiveness, harmonious massing of structures and interfacing of open space through the utilization of superior land planning and architectural design.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.020 Authority and scope.
The adoption of Specific Plan No. 10 by the city is authorized by Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Articles 8 and 9 of the California Government Code, Sections 65450 and 65507. Under these provisions the planning commission may, or shall if so directed by the council, prepare specific plans based on the general plan and drafts of such regulations, programs and legislation as may, in the judgment of the planning commission, be required for the systematic execution of the general plan. Such a specific plan may include all detailed regulations, conditions, programs and proposed legislation which may be necessary or convenient for the systematic implementation of such element of the general plan.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.030 Location.
Specific Plan No. 10 applies to the 30+ acre area located south of the Route 33 freeway, north of Allen Avenue, between Walnut Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road. The legal description for the property is attached to this chapter as Exhibit B.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.040 General notes and conditions.
A.
Unless otherwise specified, all development within Specific Plan No. 10 shall comply with this code. Terms used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as defined elsewhere in this code unless otherwise defined in this chapter.
B.
Any details or issues not specifically covered by this specific plan shall be subject to the regulations of this code.
C.
The approval of development within the specific plan area shall be governed by Section 65450 et seq. of the state Government Code.
D.
All construction within the boundaries of the specific plan shall comply with all provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the various mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes adopted by the city.
E.
Minor modifications to the specific plan which do not give rise to a conflict with the intent of the specific plan as approved, may be approved by the director of community planning at his discretion.
F.
All environmental documentation which has been adopted in conjunction with approvals of Specific Plan No. 10, including revisions, is adopted by reference.
G.
The area of each planning area is calculated in gross acres exclusive of major perimeter roadways.
H.
Any land use designation not specifically covered by this specific plan, shall not be permitted.
I.
If any regulation, condition, program or portion thereof of the specific plan is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 869 §§ 1 (1, 2))
§ 18.516.050 Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires or unless different definitions are set forth in individual titles, chapters, or sections of this code, the words or phrases defined in this specific plan shall have the meaning and construction ascribed to them in this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words in the singular shall include the plural and words in the plural shall include the singular. The word "shall" is mandatory and the word "may" is permissive. Words and phrases not defined in this chapter shall be defined in the following sources and in the following order: other chapters of this code, definitions contained in the city adopted chapters of the Uniform Building Codes, definitions contained in legislation of the state, Webster's Dictionary.
means contiguous to. For example, two adjoining lots with common property lines are considered to be abutting.
means a structure, including a patio cover located on the same lot with a principal building serving an incidental and secondary use to the main building or the use of the land. It shall not apply to "second units."
means a use that is incidental and secondary to the principal use of the main building or the use of the land and devoted exclusively to the main use of the lot or building.
means the same as abutting; however, public rights-of-way and major utility easements shall not be construed as separating "adjacent" uses.
means a part, portion or projection that contributes to the beauty or elegance of a building or structure exclusive of signs that is not necessary for the structural integrity of the building or structure or to make the building or structure habitable.
"Gross area" means the total horizontal area within a lot or parcel of land or within a designated portion of a lot or parcel of land.
"Net area" means that portion of a lot or parcel of land exclusive of public rights-of-way, public easements, major utility easements or other encumbrances which preclude the property owner from having use of the entire surface of the land.
means parking of operational and street-legal motor vehicles on a temporary basis within an off-street parking area.
means a man-made mound(s) of earth eighteen inches in height or higher used for decorative screening or buffering purposes.
means an area of land used to visibly separate one use from another or to shield noise lights or other possible nuisances.
means any structure built or maintained for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or property of any kind. The word "building" as used in this title includes the word "structure."
"Accessory building" means the same as "accessory structure."
means the maximum vertical distance between the ground and the uppermost part of the structure through any vertical section.
"Main building" means a building within which is conducted the principal permitted use on the lot, as provided by this title.
means the city of San Dimas.
means the planning commission of the city unless another commission is specifically referenced.
means land in a development held in common and/or single ownership and not reserved for the exclusive use or benefit of an individual tenant or owner.
means the city council of the city of San Dimas.
"Gross density" means the number of dwelling units within the gross area of a project divided by the number of gross acres.
"Net density" means the number of dwelling units within the net area of a project divided by the number of net acres.
means the process of city review and approval of development proposals pursuant to the provisions of this code.
means the director of community planning for the city or his designee.
"Single-family detached dwelling" means a dwelling unit owned in fee and located on an individual lot which is not attached to any other dwelling unit by any means.
means a building designed exclusively for the occupancy of one family for living and sleeping purposes and having a kitchen facility for only one family.
means a natural surfaced path for equestrian use.
means to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or fix with regards to a structure.
means the perimeter of any lot or parcels of land or group of lots or parcels to be developed as an integrated project.
means the exterior wall of a building.
means one or more persons immediately related by blood, marriage or adoption living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit together with any domestic employees. A group of not more than six unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit with their domestic employees shall also be considered a family.
means any device forming a physical barrier between two areas and constructed of chain link, louver, stake, masonry or lumber in accordance with adopted city standards.
"Gross floor area" means the total horizontal area of a building under roof in square feet, including to the outside of the exterior walls of all floors.
"Private garage" means an enclosed building, or a portion of a building, used primarily for automobile parking. Garages shall not be for habitation.
means the same as "lot area."
means a community association which is organized within a development in which individual owners share common interests and responsibilities for open space landscaping or facilities.
means the planting and maintenance of a combination of trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, flowers or lawns. In addition, the combination of design which may include natural features such as rock and stone and structural features, including but not limited to, water elements, art works, decorative walks, decorative walls and benches.
means any numbered or lettered parcel shown on a recorded tract map, a record of survey recorded pursuant to an approved division of land or a parcel map.
means the total area within property lines of a lot.
"Corner lot" means a lot at the junction of two or more intersecting streets with a boundary line thereof abutting on each of the streets.
"Interior lot" means a lot other than a corner lot or reversed corner lot.
means a building or structure in which is conducted a main use of the lot or parcel of and upon which it is situated.
means the average of dwelling units divided by the project acreage exclusive of public streets and other public dedications.
means the total area within the property lines of a lot exclusive of public streets or other public dedications of any easements which preclude the property owner from having full use of the property for the purpose(s) for which it is designated.
means a temporary storage area for a motor vehicle that is not located on a dedicated right-of-way dedicated or private.
"Common open space" means any parcel or area of land or water set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for use and enjoyment of all owners and occupants of a project. Usable common open space shall constitute area(s) readily accessible, practical and generally acceptable for active and/or passive recreation uses. In no case shall common open space include required setback areas or contain structures other than those intended for landscape or recreation purposes.
"Private open space" means a fenced or otherwise screened area designated for a specific tenant or resident and which is devoid of structures and improvements intended for landscape or recreational purposes.
"Public open space" means open space maintained for the use and enjoyment of the general public.
means any use allowed within zoning district regulations and subject to the restrictions applicable to that zoning or land use district.
means an animal clearly considered customary to a residential use, e.g. dogs, cats, birds, and fish.
means the planning commission of the city.
means a preliminary plan developed to identify the location and general relationship between land uses, improvements, structures, circulation systems, landscaping and design elements and typically submitted to the director of community planning for review and comment prior to any required formal submittal to the planning commission or city council.
means any device which may be used for camping or recreational purposes and which with the exception of vehicle and/or utility trailers, is not currently registered for operation on public streets including, but not limited to, camper units, shells, travel trailers, vehicle trailers, utility trailers, boats, airplanes, gliders, off-highway vehicles and other devices used for recreational purposes.
means a subordinate dwelling unit with complete and independent living facilities attached to or contained within a single-family detached dwelling.
means the area between the building line and the nearest property line.
means that portion of the building between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above except that if there is no floor above, then the space between such floor and the ceiling or roof above.
means a public or private vehicular thoroughfare or right-of-way other than an alley which serves as a primary access to a property or residential unit and which is wider than twenty-six feet in width, curb to curb.
means any thing that is built or constructed and requires a fixed location on the ground, including a building wall, cover, or other edifice of any kind.
means a structure which is permitted within a land use district without any foundation or footing and which is removed when the designated time period, activity or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.
means a use permitted within a land use district and established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
means an area parcel site, piece of land, or property which is the subject of a residential development action involving five lots or more.
means the purpose for which land or a building is occupied, arranged, designed or intended or for which either land or building is or may be occupied or maintained. A use may be passive. For example, parking and/or garage storage is a use of property.
means an open space that lies between the principal building and the nearest lot line. Such yard is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as may be specifically provided for in this title. Unless otherwise specified, a yard is fully landscaped.
"Required yard" means a yard as defined in this section, that occupies the area of a required setback.
means the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city, codified as Title 18 of this code.
(Ord. 869 § 12, 1987)
§ 18.516.060 Location.
A.
The general location of all principal land uses is shown on Exhibit A, land use development plan, located at the end of this chapter. This exhibit and other illustratives have been included in the specific plan for the purpose of visually describing the goals and objectives and the form of construction that will result from the development standards contained within the plan.
B.
Required of developments subject to the plan are several discretionary approvals including but not limited to, approval of tentative tract maps and development plans. Inclusion of the exhibits and illustratives in the specific plan is not intended to bind either the developer or the city to the plans precisely as presented.
C.
The actual development may in fact vary from the exhibits and illustratives in order to accommodate conditions of approval and environmental mitigation measures imposed pursuant to the discretionary approvals as well as to accommodate development concept changes proposed by the applicant at the time. However, when in the determination of the director of community planning, modifications result in substantial departures from the exhibits and illustratives, then the changes shall require an amendment to the specific plan prior to any further approvals.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 869 § 1, 1987)
§ 18.516.070 Maximum allowable units.
§ 18.516.080 Scenic easements.
An area of the site in which development does not occur will be controlled and protected by the overlay of a scenic easement. The intent of this easement is to preserve the open space character of the bluff by restricting the introduction of visible man-made structures, preserving and enhancing the natural aesthetics of the bluff area, while also maintaining the health, safety and welfare of residents and protection of property. Restrictions in the scenic easement area, as identified on the land use development plan, Exhibit A, are as follows:
A.
Grading and removal of existing plant material is permitted for slope stability and control, fire hazard modification, and for the promotion of health, safety and protection of property only;
B.
No structures, appurtenances, or walls may be constructed in this easement area except for those conditions listed in subsection A of this section;
C.
Introduction of plant material is restricted to native species and/or those plant types presently existing on-site;
D.
The open space easement shall be located as depicted on Exhibit A.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.090 Land uses permitted.
§ 18.516.100 Incidental uses.
Incidental uses in Specific Plan No. 10 are as follows:
§ 18.516.110 Accessory structures.
Accessory structures allowed in Specific Plan No. 10 are the following uses when they are accessory to the primary permitted uses and when they are constructed in compliance with all development standards and processes required by Specific Plan No. 10:
A.
Public utility facilities as approved by the directors of community development and public works;
B.
Fences and walls subject to the provisions of Sections 18.516.130 through 18.516.260;
C.
Community recreation buildings and recreation facilities;
D.
Gazebos, cabanas, patios, swimming pools, pool equipment and other such installations determined to be similar by the director of community planning;
E.
Other accessory uses of a similar nature which the director of community development finds consistent with the spirit and intent of this specific plan.
§ 18.516.120 Temporary uses.
Temporary uses in Specific Plan No. 10 are as follows:
A.
Model homes, real estate offices and compounds associated with the sale of residential homes, subject to approval by the planning division;
B.
Temporary storage compounds for contractors trailer and construction equipment during actual construction;
C.
Real estate and model complex signs relating to the sale, lease or other disposition of the real property on which the sign is located and which is temporary in nature subject to the regulations of Chapter 18.152 of this title;
D.
Such other uses as are permitted pursuant to Section 18.196.050 of this title.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.516.130 Intent.
This article is intended to provide standards for development of all land uses on the property.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.140 Density and land use.
§ 18.516.150 Lot sizes, dimensions and unit size.
A.
Lot sizes and dimensions shall be as established pursuant to the tentative tract map approval process, provided, however, that no approvals shall enable the maximum density limitations of Specific Plan No. 10 to be exceeded and that the minimum lot width for the single-family detached units shall be seventy feet.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 869 § 1 (9), 1987; Ord. 873 § 1, 1988)
§ 18.516.160 Bluff maintenance.
All slopes shall be maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
A.
A declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) shall be prepared by the developer and submitted to the director of community planning and the city attorney. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be signed and acknowledged by all parties having any record title interest in the property to be developed, and shall be made enforceable by the city. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be reviewed and approved by the city and recorded prior to issuance of building permits for the project. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be subject to the following conditions:
1.
The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall provide for the effective establishment, operation, management, use, repair and maintenance of all common areas and facilities;
2.
The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall provide that if the property is not maintained in the condition required by the covenants, conditions and restrictions, then the city after making due demand and giving reasonable notice, may enter the property and perform, at the owner's sole expense, any maintenance required thereon by the covenants, conditions and restrictions or the city's ordinances. The property shall be subject to a lien in favor of the city to secure any such expense not promptly reimbursed;
3.
In addition to the conditions in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, the covenants, conditions and restrictions shall contain the following special conditions:
a.
All improvements located within the bluff area, such as landscaping and sprinklers, shall be maintained in a safe condition and a state of good repair,
b.
Failure to maintain such improvements located on the bluff area shall be unlawful and a public nuisance endangering the health, safety and general welfare of the public and a detriment to the surrounding community.
B.
A landscape maintenance district shall be established pursuant to the provisions of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.170 Building height.
No building or structure shall exceed three stories, as defined by the Uniform Building Code, or thirty-eight feet.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.180 Setbacks.
Setbacks in the Specific Plan No. 10 area shall be as follows:
A.
Single-family attached:
1.
Front yard, twenty feet from garage door to back of sidewalk or curb if no sidewalk, fifteen feet to any part of structure other than garage,
2.
Side yard, five feet on one side of unit, zero feet on other side; fifteen feet on street side to back of sidewalk or curb if no sidewalk,
3.
Rear yard, no requirement;
C.
Condominiums/Townhouses:
1.
Front, rear, and side yards, to be determined by a precise plan to be approved by the planning commission pursuant to Section 18.516.270 of this chapter.
§ 18.516.190 Parking.
A minimum of two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit. In addition, one uncovered guest parking space shall be provided for each four dwelling units. The guest parking space may be provided on the street; further, the following city standards for off-street parking, paved or turf block shall apply:
A.
One-sixth space for each two bedroom unit;
B.
One-fourth space for each three bedroom unit;
C.
One-half space for each four bedroom unit.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.200 Storm drainage.
The design of storm drainage facilities shall ensure the acceptance and disposal of storm runoff without damage to streets or to adjacent properties. The use of special structures to accept design storm runoff shall be incorporated into the street design where appropriate. All storm drainage facilities shall be subject to the approval of the city engineer.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.210 Landscaping.
A.
Design Concept. The key component of the design concept will be a visual softening of the structures in all residential planning areas through landscaping. A secondary focus will be to screen the adjacent freeway from residential views. Details or landscape entry, screening, and design shall be required as part of the conceptual landscape plan. In addition, a map shall be completed concurrently which designates maintenance responsibilities for the community as well as the individual homeowners.
B.
Landscape Plan and Plant Materials List. Prior to the issuance of any building permits, a conceptual landscape plan for all developer-installed landscape areas shall be submitted to the planning division for review and approval. The landscape plan shall include design features sensitive to maintaining solar access for each dwelling unit where possible, subject to the approval of the planning division.
For each phase, a corresponding final landscape plan shall be submitted to the planning division for review and approval.
The landscape plan shall clearly indicate general location, size and species of plan materials.
In addition, a suggested plant material list for use by individual homeowners in their selection of plant materials shall be submitted.
C.
Installation and Maintenance Responsibility.
1.
Installation. All cut/fill slopes in excess of three feet in vertical height shall be planted and irrigated to promote growth of plant materials and ground cover to prevent erosion. In developing a site, the developer shall plant and maintain all vacant areas 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 as required by this chapter.
Planting shall be designed to blend the bluff with the surrounding terrain and development. Irrigation facilities shall be required where necessary and possible to provide for proper maintenance of the planted areas.
2.
Maintenance. To ensure continued maintenance of plant materials, an automatic irrigation system shall be provided by the developer.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed to provide uniform water coverage. In no event shall the rate of precipitation or duration of sprinklering be permitted to create an oversaturated condition or to cause and erosion problem. A functional test of the sprinkler or drip irrigation system shall be performed by the installer in the presence of a building inspector.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.516.220 Signs.
§ 18.516.230 Lighting.
All public streets shall be provided with a level of street lighting designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of those living within the development. Street lights shall be mounted on ornamental electroliers. Prior to the installation of any lighting or other developer-installed community lighting other than street lighting, a general lighting plan shall be approved by the planning division.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.516.240 Fencing.
A.
Prior to the issuance of any building permits, a community fencing plan for the entire development described herein shall be approved by the planning division. For each phase, a corresponding final fencing plan shall be the planning division.
B.
The fencing or wall proposed as an acoustical barrier between the freeway and residential development shall be clearly shown on the community fencing plan together with pertinent specifications.
C.
All fencing indicated on the fence plan for a particular phase shall be installed prior to the occupancy of any unit associated with the requisite fencing.
§ 18.516.250 Street designs.
All streets shall be designed in accordance with the Los Angeles road department standards or as approved by the city engineer.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982)
§ 18.516.260 Patio and deck areas.
All development plans shall show a patio or deck area on each hillside lot where appropriate. Unless required as a condition of approval, a developer shall not be required, pursuant to this section, to install a patio or deck area. However, any person wishing to install a patio or deck area shall do so in accordance with a development plan approved by the director of community development. The development plan shall provide for the installation of the patio and decks.
(Ord. 774 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.516.270 Review requirements.
§ 18.516.280 Purpose.
The purpose of the architectural guidelines is threefold:
A.
To provide the city with the necessary assurance at the time of adoption of the Specific Plan No. 10 that the community will develop in accordance with the quality and character proposed by this article;
B.
To provide policy guidance to builders, home residents, engineers, architects, landscape architects and other design professionals in order to maintain design continuity throughout the development and within the home area;
(Ord. 774 § 1 (E), 1982; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.516.290 Building design.
The architectural style shall be rugged rustic motif. Each residential area should convey its own blend of building forms, textures and site relationships. There is not one particular style but rather an atmosphere which should be the result of building designs, sensitively integrated with the site, the topography and the character of the property.
(Ord. 774 § 1 (E), 1982)
§ 18.516.300 Relation to site.
Buildings and other improvements should be appropriate in mass and scale to the site on which they are placed. The site and its relationship to other structures, scenic values, climatic orientation, access and topography should be dominant factors in the design and orientation of structures on each site.
(Ord. 774 § 1 (E), 1982)
§ 18.516.310 Landscape design.
Landscape design and proper use of plant materials can dominate the total visual image presented by the buildings and building clusters. Landscape design materials should include native materials. Landscape design should respect solar access rights and should be utilized for micro-climatic control around structures and outdoor use areas. The design of fencing and exterior lighting is an integral part of the landscape design process.
(Ord. 774 § 1 (E), 1982)
§ 18.516.320 Selection of materials.
The building and its elements should be unified in textures, colors and materials to provide an order and coherence, not only with themselves, but with the surrounding environment of country setting. Nature provides a strong coherent order without monotony including symmetrical, asymmetrical, linear and curvilinear forms, and rough and smooth textures. The design of improvements should complement this natural site order and present a visual imagery of area identity and at the same time, a country appearance of randomness in form, texture and color.
Exhibit A (Reserved).
Exhibit B (Reserved) .
(Ord. 774 § 1 (E), 1982)