Local zoning · San Dimas

San Dimas — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the San Dimas local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

San Dimas regulates landscaping and screening both citywide (via a water‑efficient landscape chapter) and in zone‑specific development standards and specific plans. Key rules require landscape documentation and irrigation plans, require landscaping in required setbacks and parking areas, and call for masonry screening walls or dense landscape buffers where industrial or commercial uses abut residences. See the citywide landscape rules (§ 18.14.) and the zone/specific‑plan standards cited below for the controlling details . (If you are preparing a site plan you will also need to follow the city's design‑review/development‑plan submittal rules in § 18.12..)

Note: this page focuses strictly on what the San Dimas zoning/planning ordinance requires for landscaping, buffering, screening, walls and fences; building code/Title 24 and housing law topics are covered elsewhere.

Citywide baseline (Chapter 18.14 — Water‑Efficient Landscaping)

The city's water‑efficient landscape rules require a landscape documentation package and compliant landscape/irrigation plans before installation for projects subject to the chapter; plans must follow adopted Guidelines and include water‑use calculations (§ 18.14.050) .
Landscape plans must be signed by a licensed landscape architect, landscape contractor, or other authorized designer (§ 18.14.050.E) .
Minor deviations may be administratively approved for changes that comply with the spirit of the Chapter (§ 18.14.090) .
The Guidelines for implementation (Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Guidelines) are adopted by resolution (§ 18.14.100) and the chapter includes enforcement penalties (§ 18.14.110) .
Exemptions (historic sites, ecological restoration without permanent irrigation, certain reclamation projects) are listed in § 18.14.040 .

Practical link: citywide landscape documentation and irrigation requirements are checked during design review and building permit intake — plan accordingly and include water calculations (§ 18.14.050) . (See the city's design review and development standards pages early in your submittal preparation.)

How the rules apply district‑by‑district

District: Citywide / All zones (administration of landscape rules)

Purpose & where it applies: The Water‑Efficient Landscape regulations apply citywide to landscape projects as described in the chapter (§ 18.14.*) and are the first place to check for documentation requirements and irrigation standards . Typical requirements you will see repeatedly:

Submit a landscape documentation package (plan + water‑use calc) prior to installation (§ 18.14.050) .
Plans must follow the adopted Guidelines (§ 18.14.100) and be signed by an authorized designer (§ 18.14.050.E) .
Irrigation and plant selection must conform to local water purveyor rules and state law referenced in the chapter (§ 18.14.050.C) .

Practical guidance: treat Chapter 18.14 as the procedural and technical baseline for any landscape or screening package, regardless of zone. Provide water‑use calculations and a signed plan to avoid intake delays (§ 18.14.050.D) .

District: Residential zones (general / R zones)

Purpose & where it applies: Residential provisions and maintenance expectations appear in the residential standards (e.g., landscaping, front‑yard hardscape) and in small‑lot or specific plan areas. See § 18.20.150 for front/street‑side landscaping obligations . Key landscaping/screening rules:

Front yards and street side yards must be landscaped and maintained; required landscaping may include decorative hardscape, xeriscape or artificial turf but must meet Chapter 18.14 irrigation and conservation rules (§ 18.20.150) .
Walls/fence location, height and material must be shown on the development plan and are reviewed under the development‑plan procedures (§ 18.12.030) . Practical guidance: for single‑family projects include a front‑yard planting plan consistent with Chapter 18.14 and show fences/walls on your development submittal so design review does not reject the packet (§ 18.12.030; § 18.20.150) . Also consult the ADUs page early if adding an ADU because landscaping expectations can affect lot coverage and setbacks.

District: I‑P (Industrial Park) — Area 4 and Area 1 standards

Where it applies: I‑P provisions appear in the industrial park zone standards (e.g., § 18.508.110 and § 18.508.120 for Area 1 development standards) . Key landscaping/screening rules:

Specific landscaped setbacks are required along arterial frontages (e.g., Covina Boulevard: 25 ft landscaped setback; interior streets: 15 ft landscaped setback for Area 1 as part of § 18.508.120.E) .
Buffer, screening and perimeter landscaping are required along slopes and boundaries; buffer/screening landscaping is required at the top of slopes and along certain property boundaries (§ 18.508.120.E.5) . Practical guidance: I‑P projects must show landscape strips and buffer plantings on the development plan; utilities are to be placed underground and mechanical equipment screened (see § 18.508.120.G/H and § 18.508.120.J) . Coordinate screening with circulation, parking layout and loading so plan reviewers can verify visuals and sight lines.

District: Specific Plan No. 20 (Areas I & II)

Where it applies: Specific Plan No. 20 development standards and landscaping are in § 18.532.* and § 18.536.* (general development standards and landscaping) . Key landscaping/screening rules:

A conceptual landscape plan is required before building permit issuance; final plans approved by the director of community development (§ 18.536.200.A–B) .
Landscaping must address perimeter visual screening, key entries and slope protection; mature trees (4" trunk diameter +) must be protected or replaced per the development plan review (§ 18.536.200.F) .
Walls and fences facing public roadways have minimum heights and siting rules (e.g., walls/fences facing public roadways shall be a minimum of 6 ft in height in parts of the plan) (§ 18.536.230) . Practical guidance: Specific Plan No. 20 requires conceptual landscape strategies to be submitted with tentative maps and development plans; include planting lists and irrigation details and address slope planting and tree protection early (§ 18.536.200) .

District: Specific Plan No. 23 / Industrial general provisions

Where it applies: Specific Plan No. 23 industrial provisions in § 18.538.150 apply to developments inside that specific plan area . Key landscaping/screening rules:

Walls required to screen truck and storage areas must be decorative concrete tilt‑up or masonry and be architecturally compatible; screening walls should include vertical landscaping (vines, trees, shrubs) on the public right‑of‑way side (§ 18.538.150.D.1) .
Interior walls may be required by the review authority as a component of design review; permitted walls have height limits set by the director (§ 18.538.150.D.2) . Practical guidance: for industrial projects, plan reviewers expect integrated architecture + masonry walls plus vines/trees to soften long wall elevations; include line‑of‑sight drawings for equipment screening when required (§ 18.538.150.B/C/D) .

District / Use: Mobile Home Parks (Chapter 18.540)

Where it applies: Mobile home park standards are in § 18.540.*; landscaping and irrigation rules for these parks are explicit (§ 18.540.720) . Key landscaping/screening rules:

All required setbacks must be fully landscaped and irrigated and kept weed‑ and disease‑free (§ 18.540.720.A) .
A minimum of 5% of required parking area must be landscaped using raised concrete curbing planters; planters must be 6" high (§ 18.540.720.B–C) .
Screening for outdoor storage is mandatory; masonry walls and dense landscaping are given as acceptable methods (§ 18.540.750 & .760) . Practical guidance: mobile home park projects need full landscape plans for setbacks, parkways and parking islands, plus irrigation and maintenance commitments (§ 18.540.720) .

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic / standard	Quick rule	Code reference
Landscape documentation package & water‑use calcs	Required prior to installation; signed by qualified designer	§ 18.14.050
Front & street side yard landscaping (residential)	Front/street‑side yards must be landscaped; may include xeriscape/artificial turf if compliant	§ 18.20.150
Specific Plan No. 20 — conceptual & final landscape plans	Conceptual plan pre‑permit and final plan to director; protect mature trees	§ 18.536.200
I‑P zone (Area 1) — landscaped setbacks & buffer	Landscaped setbacks (e.g., 25 ft on Covina Blvd), buffer landscaping along slopes	§ 18.508.120.E & J
Mobile home parks — setback & parking landscape	Required setbacks landscaped; min 5% of parking area landscaped; planters with 6" curbing	§ 18.540.720
Walls/fences (SP20 / SP23 / Industrial)	Public-facing walls minimum heights; masonry required to screen industrial from residential; vertical landscaping expected	§ 18.536.230; § 18.538.150.D; § 18.540.760
Development plan contents (must show walls/fences)	Walls/fences (location, height, materials, colors) must be shown on development plan	§ 18.12.030 (C.3)

Checklist — what to include in your submittal

Landscape documentation package (conceptual + final as required) with plant list and irrigation design (§ 18.14.050)
Water‑use calculations and water‑efficient details per the adopted Guidelines (§ 18.14.050.D; § 18.14.100)
Landscape plan signed by a licensed landscape architect/contractor or authorized designer (§ 18.14.050.E)
Show walls/fences on the development plan: location, height, materials, colors (§ 18.12.030.C.3)
Screening details for mechanical equipment, trash and outdoor storage (line‑of‑sight drawings where required) (§ 18.532.440; § 18.538.150.B & § 18.540.750)
If project sits next to residential: show required buffer yard/planting strips and masonry screening if applicable (see applicable zone/specific plan) (§ 18.508.120.E; § 18.538.150.D; § 18.540.760)
For subdivisions/specific plans: show tree protection or replacement strategy for mature trees (>4" trunk) (§ 18.536.200.F)

Tip: early coordination with the Development Services Department is recommended to confirm any site‑specific overlay or specific‑plan obligations, and to confirm whether a project is subject to additional landscape requirements (see § 18.14.050.B) . Also factor in parking layout so required parking planter areas and sightlines align with screening.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Applicability of the Water‑Efficient Landscape chapter to a particular alteration	Some small or exempt projects may not need the full documentation package; incorrectly omitting docs delays approvals	Verify whether the project is exempt under § 18.14.040 or otherwise subject to § 18.14.050 review
Required buffer width where industrial abuts residential	Multiple specific‑plan and zone standards reference buffer yards; the exact width/location may be zone‑specific	Check the zone/specific‑plan section that governs the parcel (e.g., § 18.508.120 for I‑P, § 18.538.150 for Specific Plan No. 23) and confirm on the zoning map
Permitted wall materials and allowed heights in setbacks	Several specific plans require masonry/decorative walls; permitted wall heights in setbacks vary by plan	Verify the controlling standard for the parcel (specific plan or general zone) and confirm director/designee discretion for wall height (§ 18.538.150.D.2; § 18.540.760)
Treatment of mature trees (protection vs. replacement)	Specific plan language (e.g., SP20) requires protection or like‑for‑like replacement — inconsistent treatment risks condition of approval	Confirm tree protection expectations in the applicable specific plan (§ 18.536.200.F) and include protection measures in the plan
Whether mechanical equipment screening needs architectural integration or can be landscape	Multiple sections require equipment screening; the level of architectural integration may be required for design review	Coordinate with planning/design‑review staff; see mechanical screening rules in the applicable specific plan (§ 18.532.440; § 18.538.150.B)

If anything above is parcel‑specific or you see conflicting clauses across different specific plans / chapters: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

San Dimas requires that most new landscaping and screening be shown on a formal landscape plan (with irrigation and water‑use calculations), be installed and maintained, and that screening of parking, outdoor storage and mechanical equipment be accomplished with masonry walls and/or dense planting in the zones and specific plans that govern your property; submit the plans as part of your development plan/design review packet so staff can confirm compliance (§ 18.14.050; § 18.12.030; specific plan sections cited below) .

Source References

Chapter 18.14 (Water‑Efficient Landscape / implementation, exemptions, deviations, Guidelines, enforcement) — § 18.14.040; § 18.14.050; § 18.14.090; § 18.14.100; § 18.14.110
Development plan / design review submission rules — § 18.12.020; § 18.12.030 (contents require walls/fences shown)
Residential landscaping & hardscape requirements — § 18.20.150
Specific Plan No. 20 — landscaping & tree protection; walls/fences — § 18.536.200; § 18.536.230
I‑P Industrial Park development standards (setbacks, landscaped buffers) — § 18.508.120 (Area 1 standards)
Specific Plan No. 23 industrial provisions (walls/fences, screening) — § 18.538.150.D (Walls/Fences)
Mobile home park landscaping and walls — § 18.540.720; § 18.540.750; § 18.540.760
Mechanical equipment and landscape/screening references in specific plans — § 18.532.440; § 18.506.170 (landscaping and screening in other specific plans)

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Dimas Zoning Code (article shall) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (article shall) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.506.170.) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (title determines) High relevance
CBC § 1 (chapter regarding) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

Official San Dimas code library

Frequently asked questions

What are the citywide requirements for landscape plans in San Dimas?

You must submit a landscape documentation package and landscape/irrigation plans that include water‑use calculations before installing landscapes when the project is subject to the Water‑Efficient Landscape chapter; plans must follow the adopted Guidelines and be signed by an authorized designer (§ 18.14.050; § 18.14.100) .

Do front yards in San Dimas have to be landscaped?

Yes — front yards and street side yards must be maintained with landscaping (including allowed decorative hardscape, drought‑tolerant planting or artificial turf) and must comply with the water‑efficient landscaping rules in Chapter 18.14 (§ 18.20.150; § 18.14.050) .

When is a masonry wall required between industrial and residential uses?

Specific plans and some zone standards require masonry screening walls where industrial zones abut residential zones or to screen truck/storage areas; the exact requirement and height are found in the controlling specific plan or zone standard (for example, see § 18.538.150.D and § 18.540.760 for industrial/specific plan screening) .

Do I need to show fences and walls on my development plan?

Yes — the development plan submission checklist requires walls and fences (location, height, materials and colors) to be shown on the development plan as part of design review (§ 18.12.030.C.3) .

What irrigation standards apply to new landscaping?

Landscape and irrigation plans must include appropriate water‑use calculations, comply with the adopted Guidelines, and follow local water purveyor rules; irrigation must be provided where the code or specific plan requires it (see § 18.14.050.D and various specific‑plan landscaping rules) .

Are planter islands required in parking lots?

Some chapters require a minimum landscaped proportion of parking areas (for example, mobile home park rules require at least 5% of the parking area to be landscaped in planter fingers with 6" curbs) — see § 18.540.720.B and the applicable parking chapter for integration with layout and required dimensions (§ 18.540.720; Chapter 18.156 referenced for parking) .

What does the city expect for screening mechanical equipment or rooftop units?

Mechanical equipment must be screened from view and the screening should be integral to the building architecture; several specific plans require line‑of‑sight drawings to verify screening (§ 18.532.440; § 18.538.150.B) .

Can I use artificial turf to meet front‑yard landscaping in San Dimas?

Artificial turf and drought‑tolerant landscaping are permitted forms of required landscaping where they comply with Chapter 18.14 and the adopted Guidelines; artificial turf installation must follow the Guidelines referenced in § 18.14.100 (implementation guidelines) .

Who approves landscaping on a multi‑lot project or subdivision?

For subdivisions and projects subject to a specific plan, a conceptual landscape plan must be submitted for review prior to permits and a final plan approved by the director of community development; the review authority may impose more stringent standards where necessary (§ 18.536.200; § 18.12.020) .

What happens if a required landscape area is not maintained?

Failure to maintain required landscape areas is unlawful and declared a public nuisance under applicable sections (e.g., mobile home park landscaping maintenance rules); Chapter 18.14 also provides for enforcement and penalties for violations (§ 18.540.720; § 18.14.110) .

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