Local zoning · San Dimas

San Dimas — Parking

Q: Where do I find the city’s required bicycle rack design or acceptable fixtures?

Chapter 18.156.060 sets acceptable bicycle parking forms (anchored racks, lockers, covered enclosures, bicycle rooms) and says specific facilities/locations are to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development. Provide manufacturer specs on submittal and show proximity to entrances. ---

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the San Dimas zoning and specific-plan ordinances require about parking (off-street vehicle stalls, loading berths, bicycle and motorcycle parking, and related site design). San Dimas centralizes parking rules in Chapter 18.156; many zones and Specific Plans either adopt those standards or supply their own parking ratios or design rules (see the Downtown Specific Plan and multiple Specific Plans). Where a specific plan is silent, the Municipal Code applies. See the city's general zoning overview for context: San Dimas zoning & planning overview.

Important links you will see below: the city treats parking as part of its development standards and ties compliance to design review, overlay districts, ADUs, and references state building rules at the California Building Standards Code. Landscaping and screening and signage rules commonly interact with parking; see landscaping and screening and signage.

How San Dimas organizes parking rules (short)

The city’s parking technical standards (bicycle parking, motorcycle parking, loading, and many detailed sizing/placement rules) live in Chapter 18.156; bicycle and loading rules are explicit in § 18.156.060 and § 18.156.070 respectively.
Individual zoning chapters and Specific Plans either defer to Chapter 18.156 or set their own parking ratios and design rules. Examples below show where the Municipal Code is adopted verbatim into plan-area regulations.

District-by-district parking summary (what to check for each place in San Dimas)

Note: each district subsection below highlights the parking-related rules found in the municipal code / specific plan text — do not treat this as an exhaustive site plan checklist. Verify parcel-level rules with the Planning Division.

RPD (Residential Planned Development zone)

Purpose & area: RPD is an overlay applied to single-family base zones (S‑F or SF‑A) and may change development standards when approved. The overlay is created by § 18.52.010. RPD developments are still subject to off-street parking standards; most RPD references point applicants to the citywide parking chapter: the provisions of Chapter 18.156 apply for off-street parking unless the approved RPD plan states otherwise.
Typical parking direction for projects: follow Chapter 18.156 for stall counts, and the RPD development plan must show parking layout as part of the development-plan submittal requirements. See § 18.12.030 (development plan contents requires off-street parking and loading plans).
Where it applies: properties carrying an RPD overlay on the official zoning map.

Downtown Specific Plan (Town Core, Transit Village, Gateway Village, etc.)

Purpose & scope: The Downtown Specific Plan establishes its own land-use and development standards for its sub-areas (Gateway Village West/East, Transit Village, Town Core, Public/Semi‑Public and Open Space) and includes overlays (Town Core Commercial Overlay, Housing Element Sites Overlay). If the Specific Plan is silent on a matter, the Municipal Code applies. See § 18.50.040.
Parking direction: The Downtown plan governs "all uses and development" within its boundary; consult the Specific Plan text for any sub-area parking ratios or shared-parking rules. If a use or sub-area standard does not address a parking detail, Chapter 18.156 and Municipal Code requirements apply per § 18.50.040.
Practical note: Expect mixed‑use downtown projects to show shared-parking calculations and bicycle parking per § 18.156.060; transit-proximate reductions/adjustments may be considered within the plan (verify in the Specific Plan document).

C‑N and other commercial zones inside Specific Plans (examples: Specific Plan No. 9, No. 18)

Purpose & typical uses: commercial retail, office, service uses; many Specific Plans (for example Specific Plan No. 18 and Specific Plan No. 9) provide tailored parking rules for their Areas.
Example local ratios and rules:
- Specific Plan No. 18 — Area I (Community commercial center): the plan states that off-street parking "shall be as provided in Chapter 18.156," but also notes the original development pattern used 4.7 spaces per 1,000 sq ft as-built; developers should confirm whether to use the Specific Plan figure or the Chapter 18.156 table when designing new work — see § 18.530.140(E).
- A different plan (Downtown Area I / Shopping center): parking ratio expressly set as one space per 225 sq ft in § 18.544.280 for that plan-area's Area I. If the Specific Plan sets a numeric ratio, that ratio governs unless the Specific Plan says otherwise.

Specific Plan No. 5 / Specific Plan No. 9 / Specific Plan No. 24 (various plan areas)

These plans routinely include: (a) a direction that "the provisions of Chapter 18.156 shall apply" for detailed parking and loading unless the plan lists a special ratio; (b) dimensional parking setbacks, stall sizing, landscaping requirements and required RV storage language; and (c) a requirement that development plans show parking layout for review. See multiple plan sections, e.g., § 18.528.090(F) (off-street parking for a service-station area), and § 18.528.070 (development plan requirement).
Example (service station standard): § 18.528.090(F) requires one space per employee, plus four visitor spaces and states parking stall sizes/maneuvering must follow standards in Chapter 18.156.

Overlay districts (Scenic Highway Overlay, Development Standards Overlays)

Overlays can add or supersede parking/setback design requirements. When an overlay is applied, its standards prevail where they conflict with the base zone; see § 18.26.020(B) (development standards overlays) and scenic‑highway overlay rules in § 18.108.040 which require landscape‑void setbacks and may affect parking placement and drive aisles.

Residential zones (S‑F, SF‑A, multifamily areas / Specific Plan Area II)

Single‑family projects are routinely told to follow Chapter 18.156 for off‑street parking; in specific planned developments the specific plan may mandate two garage spaces for single-family units or other tailored ratios (examples appear in plan-area rules). The Area II (high residential) specific plan expects multi-family developments and refers to the plan’s development standards and the general code for parking. See § 18.544.340 (development standards) and cross‑references to Chapter 18.156.

Key standards (quick reference table)

Topic / Use	Decision‑relevant rule (plain-English)	Code Reference
Bicycle parking (short‑ & long‑term)	Non‑residential projects must supply short‑term racks (5% of vehicle parking capacity, min. one 2‑bike rack near the entrance) and long‑term secure parking (5% of vehicle capacity when >10 tenants, min. one two‑bike space). Changing‑room thresholds for very large employers are specified.	§ 18.156.060
Motorcycle parking	Non‑residential developments must provide motorcycle spaces (min. 2 spaces for developments >25,000 sq ft; 4 spaces if >50,000 sq ft). Standard motorcycle stall size: 7 ft × 7 ft.	§ 18.156.060
Loading spaces (industrial / commercial)	Industrial: 1 loading berth for 3,000–19,999 sq ft, 2 for 20,000–49,999, 3 for 50,000+. Commercial/institutional/office: 1 berth for 10,000–49,999, 2 for 50,000–99,999, 3 for 100,000+. Minimum berth sizes differ by use—see the section for dimensions.	§ 18.156.070
Downtown Specific Plan fallback	The Downtown Specific Plan controls within its area; if the Plan is silent on parking details, the Municipal Code applies.	§ 18.50.040
Specific‑plan numeric example	Some Specific Plans set explicit ratios — e.g., Area I of Specific Plan No. 18 originally developed at 4.7 spaces per 1,000 sq ft; another plan-area uses 1 space per 225 sq ft for Area I. Always check the specific plan chapter text.	§ 18.530.140(E) and § 18.544.280
Development plan requirements	A development plan submittal must include off‑street parking and loading: location, number of spaces, dimensions and internal circulation.	§ 18.12.030
When Chapter 18.156 applies	Many zones and plans explicitly state "Off‑street parking: the provisions of Chapter 18.156 shall apply" — that is the primary place to find stall criteria when not overwritten by a plan.	Example: § 18.544.750 and multiple specific-plan sections

Checklist (what an applicant must supply for parking review)

Include a parking plan on the development‑plan set showing the number of spaces, stall dimensions, aisles and circulation, per § 18.12.030.
Demonstrate compliance with the required vehicle parking ratio (use the Specific Plan ratio where the plan lists one; otherwise use Chapter 18.156). Cite the specific plan or § 18.156 provisions used.
Provide bicycle parking counts and locations per § 18.156.060 and show short‑term racks within 100 ft of customer entrances where required.
Show required loading berths with dimensions and access aisles per § 18.156.070 for commercial/industrial uses.
If within a Specific Plan or overlay, show how plan/overlay parking provisions are used; where conflicts exist, state which plan provision is claimed to control. Cite the plan section (for Downtown: § 18.50.040).
Show landscaping plan for parking areas (interior landscaping minimums noted in local plans — e.g., five percent interior landscaping in some plans), and shield lighting per the applicable plan chapter.
If requesting a reduction, provide a parking study or shared‑parking analysis (many plan sections require a parking plan or study for churches, tasting rooms, and special uses). See plan language requiring parking plans in churches and tasting rooms.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Specific Plan vs. Chapter 18.156 — which controls?	Some Specific Plans include their own numeric parking ratios or design rules; others simply defer to Chapter 18.156. Using the wrong standard can produce review rejections.	Check the project’s zoning and specific‑plan chapter text: if the plan lists a number, use that; otherwise use Chapter 18.156. See § 18.50.040 and plan-specific sections (example: § 18.530.140(E) and § 18.544.280).
Location-specific exceptions (e.g., downtown / transit proximity)	Transit adjacency or Shared‑parking solutions may justify reduced vehicle parking; the Municipal Code and Specific Plans may provide or permit such reductions, but the rules differ by plan.	Verify whether the Downtown Specific Plan or project-specific conditions allow reductions and whether the Planning Director or Commission approval is required (see § 18.50.040).
Exact consolidated off‑street parking table (full list of uses and ratios)	The code centralizes ratios in Chapter 18.156, but the consolidated full table's section number and complete table text were not clearly extractable from the retrieved previews.	Confirm the full Chapter 18.156 table with the Planning Division or review the code text (the bicycle and loading §§ are present: § 18.156.060, § 18.156.070).
ADU parking exceptions (state law interplay)	State ADU law limits local ADU parking requirements; local code may refer to Chapter 18.156 but state rules can preempt local parking rules for ADUs.	Verify ADU parking through the city's ADU guidance and state ADU law. Local code excerpts referencing ADUs were not definitive on local parking exemptions — consult the Planning Division and state ADU guidance. Not found in retrieved materials for a local carve‑out.
EV / accessible stalls sizing & building code overlap	Accessible parking dimensions and some technical accessibility rules are governed by the state building code / Title 24 rather than zoning.	Provide accessible parking as required by the building code; coordinate with Building to ensure stalling and signage meet both zoning layout and Title 24 accessibility provisions. See the state's building code reference: California Building Standards Code. Not specified in Chapter 18.156 excerpts shown.

Plain-English Summary

San Dimas keeps the technical rules for off‑street vehicle stalls, bicycle parking and loading in Chapter 18.156 (see the bicycle and loading sections § 18.156.060 and § 18.156.070), but many Specific Plans and overlay zones either set their own parking ratios or explicitly say "use Chapter 18.156." Always check the specific plan or overlay for your property first; if the plan is silent, show parking to the standards in Chapter 18.156 on your development plan.

Source References

Bicycle and motorcycle parking; changing rooms: § 18.156.060.
Loading spaces required (counts and sizes): § 18.156.070.
Downtown Specific Plan applicability ("where the plan is silent, Municipal Code applies"): § 18.50.040.
Specific Plan No. 18 Area I parking note (originally developed at 4.7 spaces / 1,000 sq ft): § 18.530.140(E).
Specific Plan Area I (example plan) parking ratio example: § 18.544.280 (one space per 225 sq ft for Area I).
Service‑station area off‑street parking example (one per employee + 4 visitor spaces): § 18.528.090(F).
Development‑plan contents (must show off‑street parking and loading): § 18.12.030.
Off‑street parking and loading referenced as controlling for some plan areas: § 18.544.750.
Development standards overlay rules (overlay precedence, DS): § 18.26.020.
Recreational vehicle and RV storage references (where applicable): see plan area language referencing § 18.156.100 (plan area callouts). Not all RV specifics are consolidated in one place in retrieved previews.
City zoning overview page (context): San Dimas zoning & planning overview (/us/california/san-dimas)
City development‑standards landing page (used for first-link context): San Dimas Development Standards (/us/california/san-dimas/development-standards)
City design‑review page (process interaction): San Dimas Design Review (/us/california/san-dimas/design-review)
City overlay districts (affects parking placement and setbacks): San Dimas Overlay Districts (/us/california/san-dimas/overlay-districts)
ADU guidance (state/local interplay to verify ADU parking limits): San Dimas ADUs (/us/california/san-dimas/adu) and California ADU law (/us/california/california-adu-laws)
State building code references (accessibility, accessible stall sizing and minimums): California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes)

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.156.060.) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 795.9) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.198.040.) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 231.38) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (title and) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (title shall) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 1C) High relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (Section 18.152.210) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (title includes) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 223.92) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.504.340.) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 795.4) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code (§ 18.528.070.) Medium relevance
San Dimas Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Dimas code library

Frequently asked questions

What does San Dimas require for bicycle parking?

San Dimas requires both short‑term and long‑term bicycle parking for nonresidential projects: short‑term racks equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity (minimum one two‑bike rack) located within 100 ft of the visitor entrance; long‑term secure bicycle parking equal to 5% of vehicle capacity for larger tenant counts, with minimum facilities described in § 18.156.060. Specific location, enclosure type and director approval are addressed in that section.

How many loading spaces do I need for a new office or retail building?

Loading counts depend on total floor area. For commercial/office/hospital/institutional uses the code requires 1 berth for 10,000–49,999 sq ft, 2 for 50,000–99,999, and 3 for 100,000+; industrial uses have a separate tiered schedule. See § 18.156.070 for the tables and berth‑size minima.

Do I always use Chapter 18.156 for stall counts?

Not always — many Specific Plans or plan areas list their own numeric parking requirements. If a Specific Plan gives a numeric ratio for the subject area, that number controls; if the plan is silent, the Municipal Code (Chapter 18.156) applies. See the Downtown Specific Plan fallback rule § 18.50.040.

How many parking spaces do I need for a small retail store downtown?

Check the Downtown Specific Plan first for any area‑specific ratio. If the plan is silent for that use/area, you must use the off‑street parking rules in Chapter 18.156. Some plan areas explicitly set ratios (example: Area I in one plan uses 1 space per 225 sq ft). Confirm the applicable Specific Plan section for your parcel.

Will the city allow shared or reduced parking for mixed‑use or transit‑proximate projects?

Potentially yes — mixed‑use projects and uses near transit may use shared‑parking analyses or specific-plan allowances. The Downtown Specific Plan and individual plan chapters discuss these approaches; where reductions are requested you should provide a parking study and show alternate modes/mitigation. The Specific Plan or the Director will identify whether a reduction is permitted; see § 18.50.040 and related plan text.

Do ADUs in San Dimas require a dedicated off‑street parking space?

Local ordinance excerpts reviewed do not specify a separate ADU parking carve‑out in the zoning previews retrieved here. State ADU law restricts local parking imposition for certain ADUs; verify San Dimas practice with the Planning Division and consult state ADU guidance. Not found in retrieved materials for a local exemption; check the city's ADU page and state law.

What does a development plan need to show about parking?

A development plan must show off‑street parking and loading: the location, number of spaces, dimensions of parking areas and loading facilities, and internal circulation. This requirement is in § 18.12.030 (development plan contents).

Are there special parking setbacks or landscape requirements for parking areas?

Yes — many Specific Plans require parking setbacks and interior parking landscaping (for example, a plan requires 5% of parking area be landscaped and restricts where parking can locate relative to streets). If an overlay or Specific Plan provides different setbacks/landscape rules, the plan text controls. See plan examples: § 18.544.730 and cross‑references to Chapter 18.156.

Can the Planning Director waive parking requirements?

Some plans and provisions allow administrative adjustments or require a parking study to request shared‑parking or alternative arrangements. For broad variances from code requirements, a variance per Chapter 18.204 may be required; administrative waivers are handled per the applicable plan or director authority. Verify the applicable plan language and review authority (see § 18.204.010).

Where do I find the city’s required bicycle rack design or acceptable fixtures?

Chapter 18.156.060 sets acceptable bicycle parking forms (anchored racks, lockers, covered enclosures, bicycle rooms) and says specific facilities/locations are to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development. Provide manufacturer specs on submittal and show proximity to entrances. ---

Ask about any San Dimas property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on San Dimas zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial