San Dimas — Development Standards

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the San Dimas municipal zoning ordinance actually requires for development standards (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density/FAR, and related controls) and where those rules live in the code. It is focused on the local zoning/regulatory standards in the municipal code (Title 18 and related chapters) — not the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) or separate permitting processes. Where the code text was not retrieved, the entry explicitly notes that. For design-review and parking references see the linked local pages described below.

How to read this page

• Bolded terms are the precise district names and numeric standards you will scan for (for example, MF, DS-2, 35%).
• The first time the words parking, design review, overlay/DS, ADUs, signage, landscaping, and California Building Standards Code are mentioned they are linked to the local topic pages referenced in the city menu.
• Each substantive requirement is grounded to the municipal code by the controlling section number (for example, § 18.42.050) and a citation to the retrieved ordinance text.

District-by-district breakdown

SF-A — Single‑Family Agriculture (SF‑A)

Purpose and where it applies

• The SF‑A zone intends to permit single‑family residential at urban standards with not more than one dwelling per lot; see § 18.28.010 .

Typical permitted uses

• The code states the zone is intended for single‑family homes; specific permitted use lists are not reproduced in the retrieved excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials for a full use table.

Key dimensional standards (what developers/homeowners must expect)

• Maximum of one dwelling unit per lot (purpose statement) § 18.28.010 .
• Other dimensional rules for single‑family lots (setbacks, lot coverage, heights) are specified in related chapters and subdivisions (see the single‑family sections below such as § 18.504.270–300 for comparable numeric standards) .

Practical note: Verify the permitted accessory uses and any local exceptions by checking the full SF‑A chapter on the city's code; the excerpt above only provides the zone purpose. Verify with the jurisdiction.

SF‑DR — Single‑Family Design Review (SF‑DR)

Purpose and where it applies

• The SF‑DR chapter contains design and development standards to maintain neighborhood character and applies where indicated on the zoning map; see the general development standards entry § 18.35.050 .

Typical permitted uses

• Primarily single‑family residential; the retrieved excerpt does not include a full permitted‑use list. Not found in retrieved materials.

Key dimensional standards

• Lot coverage: maximum 35% in many single‑family contexts; exceptions allow 40% for small lots or one‑story properties (see § 18.35.050 and cross references) .
• Setbacks: front 20 ft (15 ft allowed for swing‑in driveways in some contexts), side 10 ft, rear often 10 ft but depends on lot type; see hillside and other single‑family provisions § 18.32.090 and related sections .
• Height: typically two stories or 35 ft (whichever is less) in hillside sections; check the local measurement rules for sloping lots § 18.32.120 .

Practical note: SF‑DR designs often require the local design-review procedures referenced in Chapter 18.12; see the design‑review link below and the code references in specific chapters .

Residential property standards (site-specific sections)

Several chapters lay out lot-by-lot standards used across single‑family neighborhoods:

• Setbacks: For specific subdivisions or areas, the code gives front/side/rear rules such as § 18.504.270 (front, side, accessory setbacks) and § 18.504.290–300 (lot coverage and height) .
• Lot coverage: Maximum 35% as a common standard; smaller legal lots may qualify for 35–40% if all structures are one story § 18.32.140 and § 18.504.280 .
• Height: Many single‑family areas cap height at 35 ft / two stories, with measurement rules on sloped lots § 18.32.120 .

MF — Multiple‑Family (MF)

Purpose and where it applies

• The MF zone is intended for multi‑family residential with density shown by a number appended on the map (e.g., MF (14) means 14 units/acre) § 18.42.040 .

Typical permitted uses

• Multi‑family dwellings and related accessory uses; see the MF chapter. Specific conditional/permitted use lists were not included in the retrieved snippets beyond the density mechanism § 18.42.040 .

Key dimensional standards

• Density: Maximum units per net acre are map‑designated (e.g., MF (x)) § 18.42.040 .
• Ground coverage: maximum 60% of lot area (includes structures and parking) § 18.42.050(B) .
• Building height: base maximum 30 ft / two stories; may increase to 35 ft and/or three stories with a Conditional Use Permit when specific findings are met § 18.42.050(C) .
• Yards: front 20 ft minimum; side/rear setbacks vary depending on adjacency to single‑family zones (e.g., side yard 15 ft single story / 20 ft for upper stories adjacent to single‑family) § 18.42.050(D) .

Practical tip: Where additional height or units are proposed, expect CUP review and findings tied to design and bulk mitigation § 18.42.050(C) .

C‑N — Commercial‑Neighborhood (C‑N)

Purpose and where it applies

• The C‑N zone supports neighborhood commercial uses; detailed property development standards are in § 18.96.050 .

Typical permitted uses

• Neighborhood retail and commercial services; the code's permitted use list is in the C‑N chapter but the retrieved snippet focuses on development standards rather than the full use list § 18.96.050 .

Key dimensional standards

• Building site coverage: maximum 35% § 18.96.050(C) .
• Building height: maximum 2 stories or 30 ft, whichever is less; limited exceptions for towers, rooftop equipment, etc. § 18.96.050(D) .
• Yards / Buffers: minimum 10 ft yard when abutting a street; 30 ft buffer where abutting residential districts (with planting requirements), with 10 ft nearest boundary as planting strip § 18.96.050(E) .
• Masonry wall required on C‑N / R zone boundary with height limits and street adjustments § 18.96.050(F) .

Practical note: The buffer yard rules are strict when commercial abuts housing — plan landscaping early and coordinate with the landscaping/screening standards in the code § 18.96.050 .

Specific Plan / Area standards (selected examples)

• San Dimas Specific Plan (Article 18.544) — includes Area I (Commercial Neighborhood) and Area II (Medium Residential). Key standards:
  • Area I setbacks: along East Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road minimum 15 ft up to 40 ft for taller structures; interior lot lines vary (§ 18.544.210) .
  • Area II setbacks: minimum 15 ft along major frontages; interior property lines minimum 10 ft; building separation 15 ft; maximum building height 54 ft in Area II §§ 18.544.380–400 .
  • Maximum building coverage in Area II: 40% of gross area § 18.544.410 .

Practical implication: Specific plans can carry area‑specific limits that supersede base zone standards; check the specific plan articles for the parcel you are developing.

Development Standards Overlay Zones — DS‑1 and DS‑2 (Chapter 18.26)

Purpose and where it applies

• Overlay zones designated with DS (with numbers) add or modify development standards on top of the base zone. The overlay must be shown on the official zoning map and prevails where it conflicts with the base zone § 18.26.020 and § 18.26.030 .

Key DS‑1 rules (excerpt)

• Geography: defined boundaries on the zoning map § 18.26.030(A).
• One‑story limitation: minimum 15% of parcels must be one‑story and those one‑story parcels must be limited to 20 ft height. Parcels so designated on maps § 18.26.030(A)(3) .
• Lot coverage: parcels with one‑story limitation have maximum site coverage 40%; general two‑story maximum lot coverage 35%; two‑story dwelling maximum gross floor area 4,000 sq ft § 18.26.030(A)(3–4) .

Key DS‑2 rules (excerpt)

• One‑story along Walnut Ave: parcels adjacent to Walnut Avenue are limited to one story and may increase lot coverage from 35% to 40% § 18.26.030(B)(3) .
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR): for two‑story residential units, the maximum FAR is 45% (i.e., 0.45), excluding the first 400 sq ft of garage area; porches and unenclosed patio covers are excluded from the FAR calculation § 18.26.030(B)(4) .
• Rear yard setbacks: typical 15 ft rear yard; 12 ft rear yard for those adjacent to Walnut if one‑story applies; accessory structures may encroach to 5 ft § 18.26.030(B)(5) .

Practical guidance: If a property is DS‑designated (look for the DS suffix on the zoning map), the overlay can change coverage, height and FAR rules — the overlay controls in conflicts § 18.26.020 .

Hillside and other historic/development areas

• Hillside standards (Chapter 18.32) define front/side/rear yard rules for hillside lots and height measurement on slopes; front 20 ft, side 10 ft, rear variable, height 2 stories or 35 ft typically §§ 18.32.090–120 .
• Specific plan areas (e.g., 18.528 San Dimas Avenue/Via Verde) carry project‑specific setbacks, heights and landscaping; see Article III and Area I rules (lot area, front setbacks 25 ft, building height 20 ft for Area I) §§ 18.528.080–090 & 18.528.090(A–D) .

Quick standards table (most decision‑relevant)

Note: These are the controlling numeric limits retrieved from the ordinance excerpts. Parcel‑specific exceptions, overlays, and specific plan provisions can override the base zone — always confirm the zoning map and any overlay for the parcel.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (high‑level)

• Confirm base zone and any overlays (look for DS‑# suffix or specific plan designations). See § 18.26.020 .
• Meet the applicable setbacks for the parcel’s zone or specific plan (e.g., § 18.504.270, § 18.42.050(D), § 18.532.290) .
• Verify lot coverage (typical 35%, exceptions to 40%) and compute roof/covered area per code definitions § 18.32.140, § 18.26.030 .
• Confirm height limits (base zone and any specific plan/overlay limits; e.g., MF base 30 ft, some specific plans up to 54 ft) § 18.42.050(C), § 18.544.400 .
• Show compliance with parking requirements (refer to Chapter 18.156) and provide parking layout consistent with local parking setbacks § 18.532.330 . Link: see the San Dimas parking page.
• Provide required landscaping in setbacks and buffers (commercial buffers, street landscaping per each chapter) § 18.532.320, § 18.96.050(E) . Link: see the San Dimas Landscaping and Screening page.
• If within a DS overlay, verify FAR, rear yard exceptions, and one‑story designations (DS‑1/DS‑2 specifics § 18.26.030) . Link: see the San Dimas Overlay Districts page.
• Determine whether design review (Chapter 18.12) or a Conditional Use Permit is required for height/density exceptions § 18.12 and referenced CUP findings in multiple zones . Link: see the San Dimas Design Review page.
• For ADU/garage conversions check local ADU mentions (garage conversions and driveway rules in § 18.20.100) and the state ADU law link for state‑level constraints § 18.20.100 . Link: see San Dimas ADUs and California ADU law.
• Confirm sign limits and master sign programs where required Chapter 18.152 references in specific plan sections § 18.544.240 . Link: see San Dimas Signage.
• Coordinate with the Building Division on code compliance with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). Link: California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

San Dimas’ zoning code sets maximum lot coverage mostly at 35% (with limited 40% exceptions), typical residential heights at 35 ft / two stories, multifamily coverage up to 60%, and several area‑specific or overlay rules that change setbacks, FAR (notably DS‑2 allows 0.45 FAR for two‑story homes), and landscaping buffers — always check the base zone plus any DS overlay or specific‑plan article that applies to your parcel (§ 18.26.020, § 18.42.050, § 18.32.120) .

Information Gaps

• A full, parcel‑level permitted‑uses matrix for each base zone (R‑1/R‑2/R‑3 naming and full permitted use lists) was not present in the retrieved excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials.
• A jurisdiction‑wide FAR methodology (outside the DS‑2 rule) is not stated in the retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials (DS‑2 FAR is explicit) § 18.26.030(B)(4) .
• Complete development‑review checklists and filing fees are not included in the extracted sections. Verify with Planning counter or the full municipal code.

Source References

• Development Standards Overlay (DS‑1 and DS‑2): § 18.26.010 – § 18.26.030 .
• MF zone — density and property development standards: § 18.42.040 and § 18.42.050 .
• C‑N zone property development standards: § 18.96.050 .
• Specific Plan / Article 18.544 (Area I / II): § 18.544.190–410 (e.g., § 18.544.210, § 18.544.220, § 18.544.380, § 18.544.400, § 18.544.410) .
• Setbacks and site standards for corridor/commercial areas (Arrow Hwy / Cienega Blvd): § 18.532.290 – § 18.532.320 .
• Single‑family/subdivision lot standards, setbacks, lot coverage, height: § 18.32.090–160, § 18.32.140 (lot coverage rules), and § 18.504.270–310 (setbacks, lot coverage, height in one area) .
• SF‑DR general development standards: § 18.35.050 and related sections on lot coverage § 18.35.050 .
• Garage/driveway and ADU‑related conversion notes: § 18.20.100 (driveways) and references to garage conversions § 18.20.100 .
• Parking: multiple chapters refer applicants to Chapter 18.156 for off‑street parking requirements; see the cross‑references in § 18.532.330, § 18.544.210 and others .
• Specific plan development standards (San Dimas Ave / Via Verde): Article references § 18.528.080–090 and Area I standards § 18.528.090 .

Linked local topics used in this page inline:

• San Dimas zoning & planning overview: San Dimas zoning & planning overview
• San Dimas Zoning: San Dimas Zoning
• San Dimas Land Use: San Dimas Land Use
• San Dimas Parking: San Dimas Parking
• San Dimas Design Review: San Dimas Design Review
• San Dimas Overlay Districts: San Dimas Overlay Districts
• San Dimas Historic Preservation: San Dimas Historic Preservation
• San Dimas Signage: San Dimas Signage
• San Dimas Nonconforming Uses: San Dimas Nonconforming Uses
• San Dimas Variances and Exceptions: San Dimas Variances and Exceptions
• San Dimas Landscaping and Screening: San Dimas Landscaping and Screening
• San Dimas ADUs: San Dimas ADUs
• California Building Standards Code: California Building Standards Code
• California ADU law: California ADU law

Retrieved passages

• San Dimas Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.26.010.) High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (title and) High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.20.090.) High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Development Standards Overlay (DS‑1 and DS‑2): **§ 18.26.010 – § 18.26.030** . (§ 18.26.010)
• MF zone — density and property development standards: **§ 18.42.040** and **§ 18.42.050** . (§ 18.42.040)
• C‑N zone property development standards: **§ 18.96.050** . (§ 18.96.050)
• Specific Plan / Article 18.544 (Area I / II): **§ 18.544.190–410** (e.g., **§ 18.544.210**, **§ 18.544.220**, **§ 18.544.380**, **§ 18.544.400**, **§ 18.544.410**) . (Article 18.544)
• Setbacks and site standards for corridor/commercial areas (Arrow Hwy / Cienega Blvd): **§ 18.532.290 – § 18.532.320** . (§ 18.532.290)
• Single‑family/subdivision lot standards, setbacks, lot coverage, height: **§ 18.32.090–160**, **§ 18.32.140** (lot coverage rules), and **§ 18.504.270–310** (setbacks, lot coverage, height in one area) . (§ 18.32.090)
• SF‑DR general development standards: **§ 18.35.050** and related sections on lot coverage **§ 18.35.050** . (§ 18.35.050)
• Garage/driveway and ADU‑related conversion notes: **§ 18.20.100** (driveways) and references to garage conversions **§ 18.20.100** . (§ 18.20.100)
• Parking: multiple chapters refer applicants to **Chapter 18.156** for off‑street parking requirements; see the cross‑references in **§ 18.532.330**, **§ 18.544.210** and others . (Chapter 18.156)
• Specific plan development standards (San Dimas Ave / Via Verde): Article references **§ 18.528.080–090** and Area I standards **§ 18.528.090** . (Article references)
• San Dimas zoning & planning overview: San Dimas zoning & planning overview
• San Dimas Zoning: San Dimas Zoning
• San Dimas Land Use: San Dimas Land Use
• San Dimas Parking: San Dimas Parking
• San Dimas Design Review: San Dimas Design Review
• San Dimas Overlay Districts: San Dimas Overlay Districts
• San Dimas Historic Preservation: San Dimas Historic Preservation
• San Dimas Signage: San Dimas Signage
• San Dimas Nonconforming Uses: San Dimas Nonconforming Uses
• San Dimas Variances and Exceptions: San Dimas Variances and Exceptions
• San Dimas Landscaping and Screening: San Dimas Landscaping and Screening
• San Dimas ADUs: San Dimas ADUs
• California Building Standards Code: California Building Standards Code
• California ADU law: California ADU law
• SanDimas_ZoningCode.md

• Official San Dimas code library