San Dimas Municipal Code Art. III Development Standards

This article is intended to provide standards for development of all residential and open space land uses within the specific plan area.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

A. All Planning Areas. The number of permitted dwellings are shown on Exhibit 1 on a planning area by area basis. The maximum number of buildable residential lots shall be one hundred eighty-five. Each single-family residential structure (dwelling) together with any accessory structures shall be located on an individual residential building site (lot). There shall be no more than one single-family dwelling per residential lot. No lot established by this specific plan may be further subdivided for the purpose of creating a buildable residential lot. No detached maid or guest quarters with kitchen facilities are permitted.

B. Detached Single-family Residential—Planning Area I. The maximum number of detached single-family residential lots permitted is twenty-five, yielding an average gross density of 0.7 units per acre as indicated on Exhibit 1.

C. Detached Single-family Residential—Planning Area II. The maximum total number of detached single-family detached units permitted in this planning area is seventy, yielding an average gross density of 1.9 units per acre as indicated on Exhibit 1.

D. Detached Single-family Residential—Planning Area III. The maximum total number of detached single-family residential lots permitted in this planning area is ninety, yielding an average gross density of 1.3 units per acre as indicated on Exhibit 1.

E. Open Space. Open space lots are as indicated on the tentative Tract 43397 map. The minimum amount of open space shall be 80.1± acres, each planning area is as follows:

1. Area I, 25.7 acres;

2. Area II, 19.4 acres;

3. Area III, 35.0 acres.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

The maximum ground coverage for all structures shall not exceed thirty-five percent of the total area of the lot or parcel. The ground coverage shall be calculated based on roof area or overhead structures such as the dwelling unit, garages, gazebos, patios, or other similar structures.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

The design intent in the viewshed areas of the site is to provide buildable home sites and pads with major slope and tree areas to be retained in separate open space lots. Consequently minimum lot sizes of eight thousand square feet are permitted in conjunction with permanent preservation of open space.

A. Lot Sizes. All residential lot areas shall be as follows:

1. Area I, between eight thousand and fourteen thousand square feet, lot size;

2. Area II, between six thousand and eleven thousand square feet, lot size;

3. Area III, between eight thousand and fifteen thousand square feet, lot size;

4. The lot sizes in this subsection shall not have a buildable pad area which is less than seventy-five percent of the gross lot size. Minor variations may be approved by the director of community development.

B. Lot Width and Depth. Lot width may be reduced to no less than sixty feet at the building location for any lot in area II. Additionally, lot width shall be not less than eighty feet at the building location for lots located in planning areas I and II. Lot depth as measured at the building line may be reduced to no less than one hundred feet for all lots.

C. Front Setback. Minimum front yard setback shall be twenty feet from the front property line. In those lots where physical hardship exists, a lesser minimum setback may be reviewed and approved by the planning commission.

D. Side Yard Setbacks. The minimum required side yard for detached single-family residential development shall be five and twelve feet, with the twelve foot side yard being provided on the driveway side on the lot. On corner lots, the side yard adjacent to the street shall be a minimum of ten feet.

Setbacks for accessory structures shall be established by the director of community development, but not less than five feet to the side or rear yard property line.

E. Residential Unit Size. Each residential unit shall have a minimum of one thousand six hundred square feet of living area, not including patios, porches or automobile parking areas.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

No building or structure shall exceed two stories or thirty feet in height, whichever is less, as defined by the Uniform Building Code.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

Grading of the site shall conform to the standards set forth in this section. Construction grading permits shall not be issued unless the grading plans have first been reviewed and approved by the director of community services and director of community development.

A. General. The site is divisible into distinct planning areas and appropriate grading standards have been outlined in subsections B and C of this section for each area on an individual basis. These areas are delineated on Exhibit 1.

B. Planning Areas I, II and III. Grading is permitted under the following guidelines:

1. Graded slopes are to be contoured and blended to harmonize with natural slopes except where the use of contour grading techniques result in significantly greater exposed graded slopes.

2. Significant landmark features as determined by the planning division, such as the ridge along Via Verde, prominent trees along this ridge, trees on the north facing slopes of the property, and the canyon area running from Via Romales to Camino del Cerritos shall be preserved.

3. The maximum steepness of proposed exposed cuts and fills shall not exceed 2:1.

4. No precise grading of finished building pads shall be permitted prior to precise plan approval.

5. 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.

C. Planning Area III. Grading of lots in the easterly knoll area of planning area III shall, as much as possible, consist of daylight cut conditions such that manufactured slopes, cut or fill, are not created except in the following conditions:

1. Grading of berms to visually screen buildings from on or off-site view (i.e., back cutting);

2. Preservation of significant trees on site;

3. To provide street circulation;

4. For provision of utilities, utility service or emergency vehicle access;

5. Repair or restoration of erosion or slope damaged areas.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Contained within all planning areas are areas of significant open space totaling approximately 80.1± acres. These areas of the site in which development does not occur shall be separate open space lots, and controlled and protected by the overlay of an open space scenic easement. The intent of this easement is to preserve the open space character of the areas from the introduction of visible man-made structures, preserving and enhancing the natural aesthetics of the area while also maintaining the health, safety and welfare of residents and protection of property. Restrictions in the open space easement area, as identified in the tentative tract map are as follows:

A. Grading is not permitted in these areas except for the following purposes:

1. Fuel modification and access for fire control and emergency vehicles;

2. Recreational access for riding, hiking or other open space uses;

3. Protection of property from the effects of storm runoff, erosion, unstable soils, hazardous geologic conditions or excessive noise;

4. Road access for surrounding circulation;

5. Construction or servicing of underground utilities or flood control facilities;

6. Landscaping.

B. Where grading is warranted as stated in subsection A of this section, the following conditions shall apply:

1. Applicable grading standards from Section 18.510.190(B)(1) through (B)(5);

2. A contour grading technique shall be used where the graded areas are visible from off-site areas of development unless the use of this technique results in the creation of significantly greater exposed slopes;

3. Grading shall be kept to a minimum and improvements shall be designed to conform to the terrain wherever possible. Graded slopes shall be concealed where possible and transitions between the graded slopes and natural terrain shall be gradually adjusted and blended.

C. Structures, appurtenances, or walls may be constructed in this area only as necessary for the uses listed in subsection A of this section.

D. Introduced plant material is encouraged to be restricted to native species and/or those plant types presently existing on site.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

All manufactured slopes shall be planted or otherwise protected from the effects of storm runoff erosion and shall be benched or terraced as required to provide for adequate stability.

Planting shall be designed for adequate stability. Planting shall be designed to blend the slopes with the surrounding terrain and development. Irrigation facilities shall be required where necessary to provide for proper maintenance of the planted areas.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

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 development and city attorney for review prior to the issuance of building permits. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be signed and acknowledged by all parties having record title interest in the property to be developed, shall make the city a party thereto and shall be enforceable by the city. The CC&Rs shall be approved by the city and recorded by the developer prior to occupancy of units or buildings proposed for the project. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be prepared and reviewed at the developer's sole cost and expense.

2. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall be in the form and content approved by the director of community development and city attorney, and shall include such provisions as are required by this approval and as the officials deem necessary to protect the interest of the city and its residents.

3. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall provide for the effective establishment, operation, management, use, repair, and maintenance of all common areas and facilities, including all open space and easement areas as set forth in the tentative tract map.

4. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall provide that the property shall be developed, operated and maintained so as not to create a public nuisance.

5. The covenants, conditions and restrictions shall provide that if the property is not maintained in the conditions 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.

6. In addition, the covenants, conditions and restrictions shall contain the following conditions:

a. All improvements located within the slope areas, such as landscaping and sprinklers, shall be maintained in a safe condition and a state of good repair, weed and disease free at all times;

b. Failure to maintain such improvements located on slope areas shall be unlawful and a public nuisance endangering the health, safety and general welfare of the public and a detriment to the surrounding community.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

In addition to the standards established by Chapter 18.156, the following standards shall apply:

A. General. Driveways and drives shall be designed to a grade and alignment that will provide the maximum of safety and convenience for vehicular, emergency and pedestrian use and in a manner which will not interfere with drainage or public use of the sidewalks and/or street area. Driveways shall be located and designed to minimize disturbance to natural terrain.

B. A minimum of two off-street parking spaces within a fully enclosed garage shall be provided for each dwelling unit. In addition, two off-street parking spaces for guests shall be provided for each dwelling unit.

C. Driveways shall have a minimum width of sixteen feet, except turn-in driveways which shall have a minimum width of twelve feet unless modified to preserve natural terrain pursuant to the plan disposition procedure.

D. The occasional use of common driveways serving two or more residences can drastically reduce the potential monotonous repetition of driveways as well as reduce grading and the on-site costs of development. This arrangement shall be permitted.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

The minimum horizontal radius for local residential streets shall be one hundred feet. The minimum right-of-way width for local residential streets shall be fifty feet, with thirty-six feet of paving and parking permitted on both sides. All street sections shall be shown on the tentative tract map. Modifications to the above standards shall be as approved by the director of community services.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

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 director of community services.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

A. Design Concept. The general design concept is to maintain the scenic amenity represented by existing natural landforms and vegetation, with introduced plant materials designed to harmonize with the natural character of the site. The major open space areas will be retained in their natural state, and additional landscaping will be incorporated in specific perimeter areas to eliminate negative visual impacts both on and off the site through selective screening. Locations of key entries, visual screening, and conceptual design shall be required as part of the conceptual landscape plan.

B. Landscape Plan and Materials List. Prior to the issuance of 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 approved by the director of community development. The landscape plan shall clearly indicate general location, size and species of plant materials.

In addition, a suggested plant material list for use by individual homeowners in their selection of plant materials shall be submitted.

C. Fire Prevention. In order to reduce potential fire hazards, existing fire prone plant materials shall be eliminated along main roads or sprinkled or otherwise irrigated so as to reduce their fire prone characteristics. Landscape material used shall be selected for its fire resistant characteristics. All plant material shall meet with the requirements of the Los Angeles County fire department.

D. Installation and Maintenance Responsibility.

1. Installation. All cut and fill slopes in excess of three feet in vertical height shall be planted and irrigated with a permanent sprinkler system as appropriate to promote growth of plants and ground cover to prevent erosion. In developing a site, the developer shall plant and provide for the maintenance of all slopes until the property is occupied by reason of purchase. The developer shall provide suitable guarantees, satisfactory to the city council for planting and maintenance as required in this section.

All manufactured slopes shall be planted or otherwise protected from the effects of storm runoff erosion and shall be benched or terraced as required to provide for adequate stability.

Planting shall be designed to blend the slope with the surrounding terrain and development. Irrigation facilities shall be required where necessary to provide for proper maintenance of the planted areas.

2. Maintenance. To ensure continued maintenance of plant materials requiring watering, 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 sprinkling be permitted to create an oversaturated condition or cause an erosion problem. A functional test of the sprinkler or drip irrigation system shall be performed by the installer in the presence of a code enforcement officer.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Prior History: Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; repealed by Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025

All public streets shall be provided with a level of street lighting designed to protect the health and safety and welfare of those living within the development. Street lights shall be mounted on city standard electroliers. Prior to the installation of any lighting or other developer-installed community lighting other than street lighting, a general lighting plan shall be submitted to the planning division for review and approval.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

A features plan is included as Exhibit 3, located at the end of this chapter. This plan indicates where specific features, such as visual buffers, natural open space, and berms will be located upon development of the site. The purpose of this feature plan is to illustrate the blending of the proposed project with significant natural features.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985)

A fencing restrictions plan is included as Exhibit 4 which indicates the general area where fences are prohibited. The purpose of this plan is to prohibit the arbitrary placement of fences on the visible slopes of the hillside areas. Prior to the issuance of building permits, a community fencing plan shall be submitted to the planning division for review and approval. The community fencing plan shall clearly indicate the location, height, type of materials and color selections to be utilized for fencing. Areas prohibited from fencing shall be indicated on the community fencing plan. Homeowner installed fencing shall be reviewed and approved by the planning division.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)

Unless required as a condition of approval, a developer shall not be required pursuant to this article to install a patio or deck area. However, any persons wishing to install a patio or deck area shall do so in accordance with Chapter 18.12 of this title. The development plan shall provide for the installation of the patio or deck area by one or more of the following methods:

A. Cut and/or fill;

B. Retaining wall(s);

C. Cantilevered deck(s);

D. At-grade construction.

(Ord. 820 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)