Informational Brochures

CEQA is a system of checks and balances for land use development and management decisions in California. It was enacted to minimize the adverse effects of development on its surroundings.  Click here for more information.

Classification of use is a determination that a use is similar to another use allowed in a zone.  Zones are used to separate incompatible land uses and to help achieve consistent development.  It is impossible for the Zoning Code to list every possible land use or anticipate all future land uses.  Click here for more information.

A conditional use permit is required for specific uses that have unusual characteristics or impacts. The City Council has designated specific conditional uses in each zone that require this particular review by Planning Commission. Conditional uses require special individual consideration as to their location and compatibility with other uses. Special conditions are applied to conditional use permits to ensure compatibility and to aid in eliminating harmful effects caused by the use. Click here for more information.

The City of San Dimas has instituted the Development Plan Review process with the objective to encourage and promote quality architecture and functional site design throughout the city. The Development Plan Review process allows all local development projects to be reviewed uniformly so that all local projects may receive an adequate and equal review. Click here for more information.

The State of California requires that each City have a long-range plan for its physical development through the adoption of a General Plan. The General Plan is a comprehensive document consisting of text, maps, and exhibits that describe goals, objectives, and policies for future development. The City of San Dimas adopted its update to the General Plan in September 1991. Any new event is intended to conform to these new goals, objectives, and policies. Click here for more information.

Lot line adjustment process provides a mechanism for adjacent property owners to transfer land from one parcel to another. The State Subdivision Map Act and City’s Subdivision Ordinance allow lot line adjustments provided that the result is the same or a fewer number of lots and that all resulting lots conform to the requirements of the City’s Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance.  Click here for more information.

The Mills Act is a state law that enables a homeowner of a structure, listed as historically significant by the City of San Dimas, to agree (historical property contract) with the City to preserve, maintain and possibly rehabilitate the home or structure. In return, the homeowner receives a reduction in their property taxes. In San Dimas, the Mills Act requires that the homeowner spend their tax savings on preserving and restoring the historic structure. Homeowners are encouraged to “go green” in conjunction with their efforts to repair or rehab older homes. Click here for more information.

The Municipal Code is the set of Laws for the City of San Dimas that covers all aspects of City regulations, including zoning and various development related requirements.  Click here for more information.

Merchants and community members have expressed a desire to have outdoor dining in various commercial zones. Also, the San Dimas General Plan encourages outdoor uses as a means to revitalize and improve downtown as a community focus.  Click here for more information.  To print a copy of the application please click HERE.

Merchants and community members have expressed a desire to have outdoor displays of merchandise within the Frontier Village. Also, the San Dimas General Plan encourages outdoor displays as a means to revitalize and improve downtown as a community focus.  Click here for more information.

The Planning Commission is the local political body that makes various planning decisions and makes recommendations to the City Council on most land use and development issues.  Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.  Click here for more information.

Public notices must be posted for all public hearing before the Planning Commission or the City Council. The City will post public notices in four locations within San Dimas and publish a notice in the newspaper. The applicant is responsible for producing, posting, and removing a public notice sign at the subject property.   Click here for more information.

San Dimas, with the community theme of “Preserving the Western Spirit” is a unique city in Southern California. In a region where it is difficult to tell when one city ends and another begins, San Dimas’ community theme helps to make our city distinctive. Part of the local visual appeal comes from the tasteful, well-designed signs that fully identify local businesses while preserving our community’s unique atmosphere and charm.  The Sign Ordinance was established to encourage the installation of signs that improve the appearance of buildings and neighborhoods while providing identification and direction. It provides a general design and review criteria for all signs within the City. The Sign Ordinance requires that all signs comply with established standards and related individual sign programs that may have been created for individual developments. All signs must be approved by the landlord or management agency and the City before installation.

• Click here for more information about For Sale/For Lease signs.
• Click here for more information about Portable Signs.
• Click here for more information about Signs in the Historic Downtown Area.
• Click here for more information about Window Signs.

A specific plan is a zoning document that sets forth standards to implement the City’s general plan. It provides development guidelines and policies to be utilized by landowners, developers, and public agencies when considering development plans for an area.  Click here for more information.

Storage structures are used to store a wide variety of items, including, but not limited to, tools, gardening supplies, arts and crafts, seasonal clothes, mementos, etc.  Storage structures can be attached to or detached from the primary residence.  A common type of storage structure is a portable shed.  Click here for more information.

Subdivisions 
   

Subdivision of land is regulated by the California Subdivision Map Act. The Map Act specifies the procedures for all land divisions in California. There are several types of subdivisions which include: * Parcel * Tract * Lot Line Adjustments * Lot Mergers and Lot Combinations. Click here for more information.

In a region where it is difficult to tell when one city ends and another begins, San Dimas’ community theme helps to make our city distinctive. Part of the local visual appeal comes from the tasteful, well-designed signs that fully identify local businesses while preserving our community’s unique atmosphere and charm.  Click here for more information.

A Temporary Use Permit is required for certain uses and events conducted outdoors, such as parking lot sales, carnivals, garage sales, festivals, races, and other outdoor activities (click on the link below for complete list). The City Council has designated certain temporary uses in each zone that require this specific review by the Planning Division and other departments. Temporary uses require special individual consideration as to their location and compatibility with other uses. Click here for more information.

Trash Enclosure Standards       
                                                            

The City of San Dimas requires that all trash receptacles be enclosed in an aesthetically pleasing structure.  There must be enough room to accommodate two trash bins (or the minimum needed for the waste management plan).   Click here for more information.

In 1990, the City adopted Ordinance No. 913 for tree preservation. Its purpose is to preserve and to protect any significant mature trees growing within the city that are determined to be desirable. Mature trees are desirable because of their unique size, beauty, and ability to provide shade & erosion protection. Their abundance adds distinction and character to the city. They are worthy of protection so that the natural environment and the city’s natural plant life heritage are protected.  Click here for more information.

The zoning ordinance establishes land use districts, or zones to preserve the general health, safety, and welfare of the public and to promote the orderly growth of the City. Similar land uses are grouped to protect them from other incompatible or detrimental land uses. Click here for more information.