Objective Design Standards

The City of San Dimas has adopted Objective Design Standards for all new multi-family residential and mixed-use developments, and additions to existing multi-family residential and mixed use developments, effective August 21, 2025. While these standards were adopted to provide the public, design professionals, and decision makers with clear and objective standards for the development of high-quality multi-family housing and mixed-use projects in the City, they were also adopted to comply with the requirements under the Housing Accountability Act, including SB 35 and SB 330, by providing objective criteria for qualified streamlined development projects.  

These standards shall apply to all eligible developments and additions located in zones that allow two or more multi-family residential units and mixed-use projects with at least two-thirds of the square footage of the development designated for residential use, unless the property is located within the Downtown Specific Plan, in which case those design standards shall apply. In addition to the objective design standards, projects must also comply with applicable development standards in the San Dimas Municipal Code (SDMC) and where applicable, subject to the City’s design review process. In the event where a conflict occurs between objective design standards and those in the SDMC, the more restrictive standard will apply.

To view the Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards please click HERE.

For more information and to confirm if your development is subject to these standards please contact the Planning Division at 909.394.6250 or at planning@sandimasca.gov.