San Dimas City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
544 SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 26
§ 18.544.010 Purpose and intent.
A.
The size and location of Specific Plan No. 26 presents a unique development opportunity within the city. The total project area encompasses approximately 8.54 acres. The project area is located at the intersection of Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road. This location is an entrance into San Dimas from the east.
B.
Former land uses include a restaurant, retail, and a vacant shopping center. The former shopping center has been demolished and is generally unsightly.
C.
The project area size provides a unique opportunity to develop a mixed use project of residential and commercial, including the potential for affordable housing. The project area consists of multiple parcels of land. The result of uncoordinated recycling of property within the project area would create a negative impact upon surrounding properties. Specific Plan No. 26 provides the best mechanism for coordinated, comprehensive, high quality, and sensitive development for the project area. The purpose of Specific Plan No. 26 includes the following:
1.
To provide a coordinated, logical method for the property within the project area to redevelop into commercial and residential use;
2.
To ensure that the development within the project area is compatible and sensitive to adjacent uses;
3.
To create a high quality and aesthetically attractive visual entrance to the city;
4.
To maximize commercial development of larger properties due to limited opportunities elsewhere within San Dimas; and
5.
To incorporate creative and sensitive planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering to develop a project that will enhance the existing adjacent uses and promote the existing and future appearance of San Dimas.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1187 § 1, 2009)
§ 18.544.020 Authority.
§ 18.544.030 Location.
Specific Plan No. 26 encompasses land area which totals approximately 8.54 acres. The project area is bordered by multiple-family residential on the north; the city boundary to the east (San Dimas Canyon Road) and single-and multiple-family residential beyond; multiple-family residential to the west; and multiple-family residential and church to the south. The project boundaries are indicated on the attached Exhibit A.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.040 General notes.
The project area of Specific Plan No. 26 is designated as commercial by the city general plan (proposed amendment to mixed use) "as a Specific Plan Area for commercial and/or residential development." All development, uses and activity shall be subject to, but not limited to, the following general provisions:
A.
Unless otherwise specified, all development, uses and activity within Specific Plan No. 26 shall comply with this code. Terms used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as defined elsewhere in this code unless otherwise provided;
B.
Any details or issues not specifically covered by this chapter shall be subject to the regulations of this code;
C.
The review and approval of development within the specific plan area shall be subject to Section 65450 et seq. of the State Government Code;
D.
All construction within the boundaries of the specific plan area shall comply with all provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the various mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes as applicable and adopted by the city;
E.
Minor modifications to Specific Plan No. 26 which do not alter the intent of this chapter shall be considered pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.544.830 of this chapter;
F.
If any regulation, condition, program or portion thereof of this chapter 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 the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions in the ordinance codified in this chapter;
G.
Any permitted use or conditionally permitted use not specifically provided by the San Dimas Specific Plan No. 26 shall not be permitted without a determination of use by the Community Development Department; and
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.544.050 Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, or unless different definitions are set forth in individual titles, chapters, or sections of this title, the words or phrases defined in this chapter 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 by the following order: (1) other chapters of this code; (2) definitions contained in the city adopted chapters of the Uniform Building Code; (3) definitions contained in legislation of the state of California; and (4) Webster's Dictionary.
means contiguous to. For example, two adjoining lots with a common property line are considered to be abutting.
means a use which is incidental or secondary to the primary use of the lot or parcel. Such use is devoted exclusively to the primary land use.
means the same as abutting.
means those entertainment uses as defined by Chapter 5.48.
means a part, portion, projection, or treatment that contributes to the visual beauty, elegance, historic consistency, or design integrity of a building or structure, and is not necessary for the structural integrity of the building or structure or to make the structure or building habitable. Such architectural feature does not include signs or other forms of use identification.
means parking of operational and street legal motor vehicles on a temporary basis within an improved off-street parking area.
means the gross area of a lot or parcel of land occupied by all of the ground floor, or building footprint, of a building or structure which is under roof.
means the maximum vertical distance as measured from the interior floor level to the top of the uppermost part of the structure through any vertical section.
"Main building" means a building within which the principal primary use of the lot or parcel is conducted, as provided by this chapter.
"Nonconforming building" means a building or portion thereof, lawfully existing pursuant to the ordinance in effect at the time of construction or subsequent alteration, but which does not comply with any development criteria adopted at a later date.
means the purchase, sale or other transaction or place thereof involving the handling, disposition or transaction of any article, substance, product, service or commodity for livelihood or profit. Such activity includes an addition, operation, or provision of any service or service establishment, office building, outdoor advertising sign and/or structure, recreational and/or amusement enterprise conducted for livelihood or profit.
means a business, normally involving office, retail, sales, or service uses.
means the process of city review and approval of development proposals as required by Chapter 18.12 of this title.
means an unobstructed paved area which provides access to vehicle parking, loading, or maneuvering area.
means a building or structure with a permanent roof and enclosed on all sides by solid exterior walls. Such solid exterior walls may feature windows, loading doors, and customary entrance and exit doors.
means an area enclosed on all sides by a solid physical barrier such as a fence or wall.
means those amusements as defined by Chapter 5.48.
means any improvements which exist at the time of the adoption of this specific plan. Such existing improvements must have been legally constructed in compliance with all building and zoning codes in effect at the time the improvements were constructed.
means the perimeter of any lot or parcel of land or assembly of lots or parcels to be developed in an integrated, comprehensive manner.
means any device forming a physical barrier between two areas. Such barrier may be constructed of chain-link, louver, wood stake, masonry, lumber, or other similar material in accordance with adopted city standards.
"Gross floor area" means the total floor area of a building under roof measured in square feet. Such measurement would include each horizontal plane which constitutes a floor as measured to the outside of the exterior walls of all floors excluding stairway openings.
"Net floor area" means the total floor area of a building under roof measured to the interior surfaces of walls. Such measurement would exclude restrooms, storage areas, mechanical equipment rooms, electrical rooms, telephone rooms, vents, shafts, stairways and stairwells.
means, with regards to a lot, that side of a lot abutting on an either public or private street, typically the front lot line. With regards to a building, see "business frontage."
means residential units rented or occupied by persons and families of very low, low or moderate income. "Very low income," "low income," and "moderate income" shall be as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 50105 for very-low income and 50093 for low and moderate income. Affordable housing cost standards will comply with Section 50052.5 for ownership units and Section 50053 for rental units.
means the manufacture, fabrication, processing or reduction of any article, substance or commodity or any other treatment thereof in such a manner as to change the form, character or appearance thereof. In addition, it shall include trucking facilities, warehousing, storage facilities, business facilities serving primarily industry, and similar enterprises.
means the planting and maintenance of a combination of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcover, flowers and lawn. In addition, such landscaping may include design features such as rock and stone, garden-type fencing and decorative structures. Such design features may also include water elements, art works, decorative walks, benches, and decorative paving.
means the portion of a site developed to accommodate loading spaces including the related aisles, access drives and buffers.
means an off-street space or berth on the same lot and contiguous with the building it is intended to serve for temporary parking of commercial transport vehicles while loading and unloading merchandise, materials, supplies, manufactured products and similar items.
Also referred to as principal and primary building or structure. Such building and structure would contain and enclose the activity which is the main use of the lot or parcel of land upon which the building is situated.
means any use of a building, structure, or land which is the primary feature of the activity conducted on the lot or parcel of land.
means any multiple use of a building, structure, or land which promotes varying forms of activity at various times of the day. Such combinations of uses would include, but not be limited to, retail commercial, office, and residential uses.
means a development project which is constructed in increments. Each increment would be capable of existing independent of the others, but the completed project would be a comprehensive design.
means a temporary storage area for a motor vehicle that is not located on a dedicated street right-of-way. Such right-of-way may be public or private.
means a portion of a site devoted to the temporary parking of motor vehicles, including actual parking spaces, aisles, access drives, and related landscaping.
means the selling of goods, wares or merchandise directly to the ultimate consumer or persons without a resale license.
means an act, or any result of useful labor, which does not in itself produce a tangible commodity.
means the area between the building line and the nearest property line.
means an area used or intended for the storage of materials, refuse, or vehicles and equipment not in service.
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 in this chapter. 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.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.060 Setting.
A.
Specific Plan No. 26 is uniquely located. The project area is strategically located at a major entrance into the city: the intersection of East Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road. San Dimas Canyon Road is a major north/south street with direct access, via Foothill Boulevard to the 210 Freeway, approximately 1.5 miles north of the project area. Bonita Avenue is a significant east/west street in the city that travels through the historic downtown approximately 0.75 miles to the west and provides direct access to the civic heart of the community, including city hall, community centers, library, post office, and police and fire stations.
B.
The project area is surrounded primarily by multiple-family residential and a church. The area is characterized by two-story apartments.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.070 Site conditions.
A.
The former shopping center on the site has been completely demolished and the property is vacant and has been identified as blighted in the San Dimas redevelopment plan.
B.
The project is currently serviced by all utilities and the project area naturally drains from southeast to the northwest. The site drains via surface runoff through an opening in the perimeter wall near the southeast corner of the property.
C.
Presently, access into the project area is available from both street frontages which are fully improved public rights-of-way.
D.
The parcel sizes vary from large lots with common ownership interests to individually owned smaller retail pad parcels. All parcels are under single ownership making coordinated development feasible.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1187 § 2, 2009)
§ 18.544.080 Existing improvements.
All properties within the project boundaries formerly improved with retail (originally anchored by a grocery store); however, now completely demolished and vacant. In addition to the main retail buildings near the west and north property lines, there are two small retail pads developed: one with a drive-thru restaurant facing San Dimas Canyon Road and a vacant retail building fronting on Bonita. There are driveways into the site on both street frontages. Both streets are fully improved. There are existing overhead electrical, telecommunications and cable TV lines on three poles in the public sidewalk along San Dimas Canyon Road. There are existing overhead electrical lines running north/south near the west property line.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1187 § 3, 2009)
§ 18.544.090 Location.
Area I is located on the northwest corner of East Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road, and is approximately 2.24 acres in size. The size of the area, after parcel assembly, makes it suitable for neighborhood commercial development. The specific boundaries of Area I are indicated on Exhibit B.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1187 § 4, 2009)
§ 18.544.100 Purpose.
The purpose of Area I is to provide an attractively developed entry into the central portion of downtown San Dimas along the Bonita Avenue corridor. Zoning standards for this area are designed to provide the flexibility to allow neighborhood commercial uses.
Generally, buildings, whether commercial or office, should be designed in a way to accommodate commercial activities, with storefronts encouraged along streets and major driveways. Multifamily residential uses should be designed in a way to blend well with the commercial block architectural styles and should have architectural features that are reminiscent of historical designs.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.110 Permitted uses.
Uses permitted in Area I shall include those businesses listed in this section which operate in compliance with the intent and standards of this specific plan area. Each business shall be evaluated in terms of its operational characteristics and specific site location.
A.
Retail commercial, office and service businesses. Off-sales of alcoholic beverages is permitted as an accessory use within a primary retail business.
B.
Restaurants, including take-out service businesses.
C.
Financial institutions, including automated teller machines, banks, savings and loan associations, finance companies and credit unions, including drive-thru; however, excluding check cashing and similar "quick cash" businesses.
D.
Drug stores and pharmacies, including drive-thru.
E.
Other Uses. Other similar permitted and conditional uses determined by the director of community development to be similar and not more obnoxious or detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare, in accordance with the findings as set forth in Section 18.192.040 of this title. The determination of the director may be appealed to the planning commission and, thereafter, the city council in accordance with Chapter 18.212 of this title.
F.
Temporary uses in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.196, but excluding carnivals, circuses and similar events.
G.
Accessory massage with permitted service businesses.
§ 18.544.120 Conditional uses.
Conditional uses in Area I of Specific Plan No. 26 are as follows:
A.
On-sale alcoholic beverages, provided that such use is secondary to a primary restaurant use;
B.
On-site brewing and service of beer produced on the premises, provided that such use is secondary and incidental to a restaurant. The brewing component shall be limited to a maximum production of five thousand barrels per year unless an increased production volume is granted by the planning commission to support the commercial business after finding that the production volume and operations are compatible with the subject site and its surroundings during review of the conditional use permit;
C.
Thrift stores;
D.
Athletic clubs and performing arts studios;
E.
All uses listed in Section 18.544.120 of this chapter, which because of operational characteristics specific to that particular business is found by the director of development services to have the potential to negatively impact adjoining properties, businesses or residents and therefore, requires additional approval and consideration. The impacts may be related to, but not necessarily limited to, impacts of traffic, hours of operation, assemblages of people, noise, or site location.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1233 § 1, 2015)
§ 18.544.130 Prohibited uses.
Prohibited uses in Area I of Specific Plan No. 26 are as follows:
A.
Sales of automobiles, recreational vehicles, trucks, trailers, boats and motorcycles and service;
B.
Service or repair of automobiles, recreational vehicles, trucks, trailers, boats and motorcycles;
C.
Liquor stores;
D.
Industrial uses;
E.
Gambling facilities;
F.
Residential uses;
G.
Billboards and other similar off-site advertising structures;
H.
Game arcades;
I.
Adult entertainment;
J.
Amusements (i.e., entertainment) and amusements in conjunction with a restaurant;
K.
Bar, cocktail lounge, tavern or nightclub;
L.
Exterior pay phones;
M.
Outdoor storage;
N.
Pawn shop;
O.
Check cashing and similar "quick cash" service businesses;
P.
Car washes;
Q.
Ambulance services;
R.
Hotels and motels;
S.
Gasoline and/or diesel service stations.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.140 Special limitations on development and uses.
A.
Development Limitations. Area I of Specific Plan No. 26 is designed to be a comprehensive development program encompassing all of the properties in the plan area. Exhibit C illustrates a site design which would comply with this limitation although other similar site designs are also possible.
B.
Special Use Limitations. Area I, as shown on Exhibit B, is in close proximity to Area 2 residences; therefore, shall have hours limited to seven a.m. to ten p.m., including deliveries. The planning commission may consider expanding these hours through a conditional use permit process. Lighting shall be designed and shielded to prevent glare onto Area 2. Further, no business shall be operated in a manner which creates a noise level exceeding sixty-five dBA at the common property line between Area 1 and Area 2.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.190 Development standards.
The limited size and depth of Area I makes it more suitable for small scale commercial development. All development shall comply with the following Area I property development standards, as well as with the general property development standards set forth in Article VI.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.200 Minimum lot dimensions.
Minimum lot area width and depth, none required. However, a subdivision request within this area shall be accompanied by an illustrative site plan showing the lots are of sufficient size and shape to adequately support the type of uses permitted in the area in accordance with the development standards of this article.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.210 Building and parking setbacks.
The minimum building setbacks are as follows:
A.
Along East Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road, minimum of fifteen feet for structures up to twenty feet tall, and forty feet for structures higher than twenty feet and within fifty feet of right-of-way line. Height limitations set forth in this section do not include minor architectural projections;
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.220 Maximum building height.
Maximum building height is thirty-five feet with greater heights subject to review and approval of a conditional use permit.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.230 Landscaping.
The following areas shall be fully landscaped and irrigated, maintained in good appearance and kept in a weed and disease free manner:
A.
Streets. All setback areas along East Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road shall be landscaped and maintained adjacent to public rights-of-way with a minimum twenty feet as measured from curb face. Parking areas should be screened as much as possible utilizing berms, shrubs, and other decorative treatments of sufficient size and height to meet this requirement.
B.
Overall Site. All building sites shall have a minimum landscaped coverage equivalent to ten percent of the total lot area. Such landscaping shall be evenly distributed over the site and consist of an effective combination of trees, groundcover and shrubbery. All areas not utilized for structures, parking or other permitted uses shall be landscaped.
C.
All interior side and rear yards and setbacks shall be fully landscaped.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.240 Signage.
§ 18.544.250 Architecture.
A.
Theme. Due to the highly visible location of this site, a common architectural theme is encouraged to provide a high quality product. Structures shall be approved by the review authority pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title.
B.
Treatments. Buildings shall be expected to employ treatments, such as the staggering of planes along exterior walls to create pockets of light and shadow, to break up the mass and provide relief from monotonous, uninterrupted expanses of wall. Other features, such as glazing and varying roof lines should also be considered as means to dramatically change the appearance and add vitality. Also, in order to improve the appearance of a project from adjacent rights-of-way and surrounding properties, all elevations should receive architectural enhancement.
C.
Materials. Sensitive alteration of colors and materials should be used to produce diversity and enhance architectural effects. While no category of exterior materials is considered "correct," the use of a particular material should, as a rule, exemplify the special characteristics of the product or be demonstrative of its unique application. Paint, in general, should be considered an enhancement tool but not be considered a replacement for the use of textured surfaces.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.544.260 Internal circulation.
A.
Internal circulation shall be designed so as to provide safe and efficient access to all properties within Area I of the specific plan.
B.
Internal circulation shall include adequate provision for pedestrian circulation by including walkways, landscaping, benches or seating, trellises or similar amenities.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.270 Cart storage.
All shopping carts shall be stored inside stores or within an area screened from public view. A typical screening method would be a forty-eight-inch high decorative wall.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.280 Parking.
Parking for Area I shall be a minimum of one space per two hundred twenty-five square feet of gross floor area.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.290 Location.
Area II is bounded by East Bonita Avenue on the south, San Dimas Canyon Road on the east, and multiple-family residential to the north and west, and is approximately 6.26 acres in size. The specific boundaries of Area II are indicated on Exhibit B.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1187 § 5, 2009)
§ 18.544.300 Purpose.
Area II is intended to allow multiple-family residential to provide for the development of high density residential uses at up to thirty dwelling units per acre, such as apartments, condominiums or townhomes.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.310 Permitted uses.
§ 18.544.320 Conditional uses. (Reserved)
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.330 Prohibited uses. (Reserved)
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.340 Development standards.
All development shall comply with the following Area II property development standards, as well as with the general property development standards set forth in Article VI.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.350 Circulation.
Effort shall be made to minimize the number of driveway openings onto East Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road. All driveways shall comply with access control requirements as determined by the city engineer. Exhibit C illustrates a site design which would comply with this limitation although other similar site designs are also possible.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.360 Lot area. (Reserved)
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.370 Lot dimensions. (Reserved)
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.380 Building setbacks.
A.
Building setbacks in Area II shall be as follows:
1.
Adjacent to East Bonita Avenue. The minimum required setback shall be fifteen feet and shall be fully landscaped and maintained.
2.
Adjacent to San Dimas Canyon Road. The minimum required setback shall be fifteen feet and shall be fully landscaped and maintained.
3.
Interior property lines, minimum ten feet, except that a garage or carport structure may be located within the setback provided that the garage or carport structure does not exceed one story in height.
B.
Where feasible, residential buildings shall be located a minimum of ten feet from parking spaces and parking aisles, as measured from the curbs.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1220 § 1, 2013)
§ 18.544.390 Building separation.
Minimum building separation shall be fifteen feet.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.400 Maximum building height.
Maximum building height shall be fifty-four feet.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.410 Maximum building coverage.
Maximum building coverage shall be forty percent of the gross area of Area II.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.420 Unit amenities.
A.
Lockable Storage. There shall be provided for each dwelling unit a storage area 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 areas.
B.
Laundry Facility. Each unit shall be provided with a hook-up for washing machine and clothes dryer in the interior of the dwelling or an attached garage with direct access into the dwelling.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.430 Recreational amenities.
A minimum of four recreational amenities shall be provided, including, but not limited to, clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, barbeque, sport courts, playground, and putting greens.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.440 Inclusionary requirement.
A.
Affordable Housing. Area II is within the city of San Dimas redevelopment agency project area. At least fifteen percent of all new units developed within Area II shall be made available by the developer at affordable housing cost to, and occupied by, persons and families of low or moderate income. Also, not less than forty percent of these dwelling units shall be available at affordable housing cost to, and occupied by, very low income households.
B.
The affordable units shall remain affordable for fifty-five years for rental units and forty-five years for owner-occupied units.
C.
"Very low income," "low income," and "moderate income" shall be as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 50105 for very-low income and Section 50093 for low and moderate income. Affordable housing cost standards will comply with Section 50052.5 for ownership units and Section 50053 for rental units.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.450 Parking.
§ 18.544.650 Site design.
Compact Development. Buildings and uses shall be sited to promote linked trips to reduce traffic trips. The term "linked trips" means that a person can park their vehicle in one location on the site and then safely and conveniently walk between multiple destinations on the site.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.660 Architecture.
A.
Massing, Scale and Building Form.
1.
The height and bulk of multi-story buildings shall be relieved by using traditional massing and façade techniques such as:
a.
Dividing the façade into modular bays using articulation and/or changes in materials and/or colors.
b.
Variations in both the vertical and horizontal plane with recessed or projected areas.
c.
Using architectural detailing (i.e., ornamentation, window placement), and changes in materials and/or colors.
2.
Provide roof line variation (i.e., height, form) to provide interest and variety.
B.
Exterior Materials and Finishes.
1.
All sides of a building shall be treated with a consistent level of detailing and finish.
2.
High-quality materials should be selected to convey a sense of permanence and unify the building appearance.
3.
Avoid vibrant colors, except as accent.
4.
Traditional building materials consistent with the rich history of San Dimas should be featured, such as stone, brick, siding, wood and stucco. The following wall materials are inappropriate: mirrored glass, reflective glass, glass block, precision block, metal.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.670 Access.
A.
Vehicular Access.
1.
The on-site circulation system shall promote efficient movement of vehicles and minimize conflicts with pedestrians and bicycles.
2.
There shall be vehicular access from a dedicated street or alley to off-street parking facilities on the property for which off-street parking is provided.
3.
Vehicular access to lots fronting on a major or secondary highway shall be via an alley, service road, or other local street.
B.
Pedestrian Access. There shall be a sidewalk system designed to promote safe, reasonably direct, and convenient access throughout entire site and connecting to both public streets.
1.
All sidewalks shall have a minimum width of six feet, except along store fronts they shall be minimum ten feet in width. All sidewalks shared by pedestrians and bicyclists shall be eight feet in width.
2.
Driveways shall not be considered pedestrian access.
3.
Where a pedestrian sidewalk crosses a parking area or driveway, the "crosswalk" shall be clearly defined using decorative pavers.
4.
Pedestrian sidewalks shall avoid passing through service and loading areas, except for "service" sidewalks devoted to loading/unloading stores.
C.
Bicycle Access. There shall be a sidewalk, which may be shared with pedestrians if sufficient in width, from both public streets to both the residential and retail uses.
D.
Fire Safety Access. An accessway not less than three feet in width shall be provided abutting each side lot line.
E.
Transit Stops. Bus turnouts and shelters shall be provided where deemed necessary by the city engineer.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.680 Lighting.
Parking lot lighting standards shall comply with city standards including the following:
A.
All display and security lighting in the project area shall be decorative and designed for uniformity of lighting poles, fixtures and intensity;
B.
All outside lighting shall be so arranged and shielded as to prevent any glare or reflection, any nuisance, inconvenience or hazardous interference of any kind on adjoining rights-of-way or property.
C.
Maximum light standard height shall be twenty feet as measured from finished grade.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.690 Signs.
The provisions of Chapter 18.152 of this title shall apply.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.700 Utilities.
All utilities within the project boundaries to serve the uses and buildings therein shall be installed underground. All existing aboveground utilities shall be relocated underground at the time of project construction.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.710 Entry treatments.
§ 18.544.720 Downspouts.
All downspouts shall be located in the interior of commercial buildings.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.730 Landscaping.
The following areas shall be fully landscaped and irrigated, maintained in good appearance and kept in a weed and disease free manner:
A.
Within Required Setbacks. All required setbacks shall be fully landscaped exclusive of structures, parking area, drive aisles, and similar improvements.
B.
Within Parking Areas. A minimum of five percent of the parking area required within this chapter shall be landscaped. The landscaping shall be in the form of landscaped planter fingers and similar landscaped planter techniques.
C.
All landscaping required within this section shall be contained within planters of raised concrete curbing six inches in height.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.740 Mechanical equipment.
Roof-mounted mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, air conditioning, heating, and ventilating and exhaust ducts, shall be screened from view from any surrounding property, street or highway. The screening shall be designed in such manner as to appear to be an integral component of the overall building architecture. This can be accomplished by full roof treatments, equipment wells, and architectural design features. Line-of-sight drawings shall be required as a component of all design review submittals to verify equipment screening. Wall-or ground-mounted equipment shall be enclosed in a manner which incorporates the same materials used in the building.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.750 Off-street parking and loading.
The provisions of Chapter 18.156 of this title shall apply, except parking ratios as set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.760 Outdoor storage.
Any outdoor storage permitted by this chapter shall be screened from view of any public right-of-way. Such methods of screening shall include, but not be limited to, masonry walls and dense landscaping.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.770 Walls.
Walls shall be permitted and/or required pursuant to the following provisions. All walls shall be constructed of decorative concrete tilt-up, masonry or other approved durable material.
A.
Required Walls. Walls shall be required to screen truck and storage areas where allowed by this chapter. Interior walls may be required by the review authority pursuant to Chapter 18.12 of this title as a component of the design review process. All screening walls shall be architecturally compatible with the buildings within the project and planning units, and shall incorporate vertical landscaping such as vines, trees and shrubbery. The vertical landscaping elements shall be located on the public right-of-way side to provide visual relief from the horizontal expanse. The height of the screening walls shall be governed by the view shed from the surrounding areas which shall take into consideration the height of equipment and/or trucks to be stored behind the walls.
B.
Permitted Walls. Walls shall be permitted on or within all property lines not abutting streets and on, or to the rear of all required yard setback lines abutting streets. The height of such walls shall be set by the director of development services after giving reasonable due consideration to alternative screening techniques and devices. Walls not over forty-two inches in height may be permitted within the required setback areas.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)
§ 18.544.780 Trash/recycling storage.
Enclosed trash and/or recycling storage area(s) built to the city's standard specifications shall be provided in appropriate locations pursuant to city standards.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.790 Conservation.
Sustainable and green building design principles shall be included in new development, including compliance with Title 24 Energy Standards.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.795 Erosion control.
A.
New development shall follow minimum best management practices (BMPs) required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and also submit a local stormwater pollution prevention plan/wet weather erosion control plan (SWPPP).
B.
For all projects subject to standard urban stormwater mitigation plan (SUSMP) regulations, applicant must submit a site-specific drainage concept and stormwater quality plan to mitigate post-development stormwater. A fully executed "maintenance covenant for SUSMP requirements" shall be recorded with the L.A. County registrar/recorder and submitted to the city prior to the issuance of certificate of occupancy.
C.
Erosion control and drainage systems shall be maintained in proper working order, including subsurface retention, infiltration and bioswales.
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008)
§ 18.544.800 Review requirements-Development plans.
§ 18.544.810 Minor modifications.
The director of community development without public hearing may grant minor modifications to the provisions of this specific plan limited to the following:
A.
Reduction of open areas by permitting portions of a building to extend into and occupy not more than ten percent of the area of a required yard;
B.
Waive the development plan review requirement for minor alterations to existing structures which conform to the following:
1.
Repainting of an existing structure the same or similar color hue which currently exists on the site,
2.
Minor alterations in location of landscape features or plant materials from an approved landscape plan,
3.
Minor alterations to an approved plan which do not create a noticeable difference in the building design. Such minor alterations would not include the elimination of approved building materials.
Exhibit A Location Map  |
Exhibit B Map Illustrating Sub-Areas  |
Exhibit C Illustrative Conceptual Site Plan  |
(Ord. 1175 § 1 Exh. B, 2008; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)