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San Dimas City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

526 SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 16

§ 18.526.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this specific plan is to promote residential amenities beyond those expected under a conventional development, to achieve greater flexibility in design, and to provide for appropriate use of land which is sufficiently unique in its physical characteristics or other circumstances to warrant special methods of development. Specific plan permits flexibility in site design and further encourages the preservation of natural features in open space through innovative design and land planning. Development standards are created specifically for the project area while ensuring substantial compliance with the intent of this code. Development standards are proposed to achieve the following objectives:
A. 
To conserve the scenic qualities of the area;
B. 
To provide an enriched residential environment with aesthetic cohesiveness.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985)

§ 18.526.020 Authority and scope.

The adoption of Specific Plan No. 16 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. 827 § 1, 1985)

§ 18.526.030 Location.

Specific Plan No. 16 applies to the 6.03± acre area bounded by Cypress, to the north and Valley Center to the west. The legal description for the property is attached as Exhibit A.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985)

§ 18.526.040 General notes and conditions.

A. 
Unless otherwise specified, all development within Specific Plan No. 16 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 California 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. 
An environmental impact report was not necessary as determined by the environmental impact evaluation board, because the associated impacts are less severe than those associated with the former zoning.
F. 
The planning area is calculated in gross acres exclusive of major perimeter roadways.
G. 
Any land use designation not specifically covered by Specific Plan No. 16 shall not be permitted.
H. 
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 provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985)

§ 18.526.050 Location.

The general location of the specified land use is shown on the land use development plan. All development within the specific plan area shall conform to this land use development plan and the development standards established in this article.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985)

§ 18.526.060 Maximum allowable units.

The maximum number of allowable units for the area is forty-two townhouse units.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985)

§ 18.526.070 Land uses permitted.

Land uses permitted in Specific Plan No. 16 are as follows:
A. 
Townhouses;
B. 
Open Space Uses. Noncommercial parks, gardens, playgrounds and other open space uses are permitted in the specific plan zone. Various noncommercial facilities such as clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts and horticultural conservatories may be included in such open space uses.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

§ 18.526.080 Incidental uses.

Incidental uses permitted in Specific Plan No. 16 are as follows:
A. 
Household pets as described and regulated in Chapter 18.20 Residential Zones Generally.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1226 § 1, 2014)

§ 18.526.090 Development standards.

The following development standard shall apply:
A. 
Site Area. The minimum gross site area shall be 6.03± acres.
B. 
Density and Unit Size. The total number of allowable dwelling units is forty-two as established in the specific plan. The density for the property may not exceed seven dwelling units per acre. Lot sizes and dimensions for the planning area shall be as established and approved on the site plan and tentative tract map. Each residential unit shall have a minimum size of one thousand two hundred square feet.
C. 
Site Coverage. Buildings and structures, which shall not include patios open on three or more sides, shall not occupy more than one-third of the gross area of the specific plan.
D. 
Type of Structures. Dwelling units may be attached single-family dwelling units, provided that not more than four such units shall be attached in any manner so as to form a single building.
E. 
Yards.
1. 
Perimeter Street Setback. Setback from the perimeter street right-of-way to the main structure shall be a minimum of twenty-five feet.
2. 
Driveway Setback. Setback from the interior street right-of-way to the garage structure shall be a minimum of eighteen feet.
3. 
Building to Street Setback. Setback from interior street right-of-way to the building shall be a minimum of ten feet.
F. 
Fences and Walls. Fences and walls shall be as shown on the approved development plan.
G. 
Off-street Parking. The provisions of Chapter 18.156 shall apply. A minimum of one guest space per four units is required. A minimum of one recreational vehicle parking space per six units is required.
H. 
Access.
1. 
Vehicular Access. Vehicular access to lots fronting on a major or secondary highway shall be via an alley, service road or other local street;
2. 
Pedestrian Access. There shall be pedestrian access from a dedicated street to property used for residential purposes. Driveways shall be considered pedestrian access.
I. 
Signs. The provisions of Chapter 18.152 shall apply.
J. 
Utilities. The applicant shall submit to the commission, and it shall be made a condition of approval, satisfactory evidence that the applicant has made arrangements with the serving utilities to install underground all new facilities necessary to furnish service in the development. This requirement may be waived where it would cause undue hardship or constitute an unreasonable requirement.
K. 
Enclosed Storage. There shall be provided for each dwelling unit within the garage in the form of a loft or other usable area specifically set aside for storage purposes a minimum of one hundred fifty cubic feet in addition to utility use area.
L. 
Tentative Subdivision Maps. A tentative map shall be filed when required by the Title 17 of this code.
M. 
Building Height. A building, structure or portion shall not exceed the following heights: two stories or thirty-five feet, whichever is less.
N. 
Grading Design.
1. 
No grading permit shall be issued unless a grading plan and drainage plan has first been submitted for review and approval by the planning division unless associated with a development at which, it shall be subject to review pursuant to Chapter 18.12.
2. 
All grading and drainage shall be in conformance with the standards of the Uniform Building Code, Chapter 70, 1979 edition, or as amended;
3. 
All grading and drainage plans shall be prepared by a state registered civil engineer.
O. 
Street Design. Street design shall be in accordance with the plans approved by the city engineer.
P. 
Tree Removal Plan. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the developer shall submit a tree removal plan for review and approval pursuant to Chapter 18.162 of this title.
(Ord. 827 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

§ 18.526.100 Open space areas.

A minimum of twenty-five percent of the total lot or parcel shall be maintained as open space areas designated for the use and enjoyment of all residents, and developed for recreational and/or leisure time activities. A maximum of five percent of this open space may be in the form of an easement from the adjoining property owners for the use of their sloped area.
A. 
Except as provided in subsection C of this section, open space areas shall be functional and integrated into the total development.
B. 
Except as provided in subsection C of this section, open space areas shall not include:
1. 
Right-of-ways and project perimeter setbacks as defined in Section 18.526.090 (E);
2. 
Vehicle parking areas and access-ways;
3. 
Areas adjacent to, or between structures less than fifteen feet in width;
4. 
Slope areas of more than eight percent grade.
C. 
Open space areas may include swimming pools, tot lots, putting greens, court game facilities and recreational buildings.
D. 
A declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions relating to the management of the common areas and facilities, signed and acknowledged by those parties having any record title to the land to be developed, enforceable by the city shall be recorded.
1. 
Such declaration shall provide that an easement for the purposes of care, maintenance and improvement of the common area and facilities upon any lot shall become a lien upon the lot and shall establish a method for making the claim and foreclosure including power of sale.
2. 
Such declaration shall also contain a prohibition against the use of any individual outdoor television or radio antenna. A central antenna shall be connected to each dwelling unit by underground wiring.
3. 
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.
E. 
Common open space shall be left in its natural attractive, unique or scenic state, or it shall be landscaped in accordance with a landscaping plan approved by the director of community development.
F. 
All improvements located within the common open space, such as landscaping, parks, recreational facilities, travel-ways and parking area, shall be maintained in a safe condition and a state of good repair.
1. 
Any failure to maintain such improvements located within the common areas shall be, and the same is declared to be, unlawful and a public nuisance endangering the health, safety and general welfare of the public and a detriment to the surrounding community.
2. 
In addition to any other remedy provided for by law for the abatement, removal and enjoinment of such 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 or owners of the development.
(Ord. 827 § 1 (D), 1985)

§ 18.526.110 Specific objectives.

In addition to the determination that the plan complies with the purposes of a specific plan, the commission shall find that the following specific objectives are satisfied by the plan:
A. 
The overall plan should be comprehensive;
B. 
In relation to the scope and complexity of the development, its size should be such to affect an integral land-planning unit and provide for adequate open spaces, circulation, off-street parking and pertinent development amenities;
C. 
Diverse functional elements should be well integrated, properly oriented, and properly related to the topography and natural landscape features of the site;
D. 
Developments should be well related to existing and planned land use and circulation patterns on adjoining properties and should not constitute a disruptive element with regard to the character of adjacent neighborhoods;
E. 
The layout of structures should affect a conservation in street and utility improvements;
F. 
The internal street system should be designed for the efficient and safe flow of vehicles without having a disruptive influence on the activities and functions of the common area and facilities;
G. 
Park and recreational areas and facilities should be located in close proximity to all dwelling units or easily accessible thereto.
H. 
The various community facilities should be grouped in places well related to the open spaces and easily accessible to pedestrians;
I. 
Architectural unity and harmony within the development and with the surrounding community should be attained as far as possible.
(Ord. 827 § 1 (E), 1985)

§ 18.526.120 Plan review and disposition.

Before any grading or construction for residential development is undertaken on any lot or parcel within the Specific Plan No. 13 area, development plans shall be reviewed and approved pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title.
(Ord. 827 § 1 (F), 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

§ 18.526.130 Purpose.

The purpose of the architectural guidelines is threefold:
A. 
To provide the city with the necessary assurance at the time of adoption of Specific Plan No. 16 that the community with develop in accordance with the quality and character proposed in this chapter;
B. 
To provide policy guidance to builders, home residents, engineers, architects, landscape architects, landscape architects and other design professionals in order to maintain design continuity throughout the development and within the home area;
C. 
To provide guidance to the review authority pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title in the subsequent review of building plans as noted in the plan review and plan disposition procedures.
(Ord. 827 § 1 (G), 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

§ 18.526.140 Building design.

The architectural style shall be Cape Cod Modern. The residential area should convey its own blend of building forms, textures and site relationships. The building design will be sensitively integrated with the site, topography and character of the property.
(Ord. 827 § 1 (G), 1985)

§ 18.526.150 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. 827 § 1 (G), 1985)

§ 18.526.160 Landscape design.

Landscape design and proper use of plant materials can dominate the total visual image presented by the buildings and building clusters. Landscape 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. 827 § 1 (G), 1985)

§ 18.526.170 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
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
Parcel 1, Parcel Map No. 3738, in the City of San Dimas as recorded in parcel map book 47, page 85, records of Los Angeles County, California.
(Ord. 827 § 1 (G), 1985)