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San Dimas council introduces broad residential zoning revisions, including short‑term rental ban
Summary
The San Dimas City Council on Sept. 9 voted to introduce Ordinance 13‑20 (MCTA 24‑09), a municipal code text amendment that would update single‑family zoning rules, set new standards for carports and driveways, adjust homing‑pigeon guidance and prohibit short‑term rentals; the ordinance moves to a second reading with staff to refine driveway language.
The San Dimas City Council on Sept. 9 moved to introduce Ordinance 13‑20, a municipal code text amendment (MCTA 24‑09) that bundles a number of residential zoning clarifications and clean‑ups, and the motion carried 4–0 with one abstention.
The ordinance, recommended by city planning staff, would clarify and consolidate provisions in Title 18 of the San Dimas Municipal Code covering single‑family residential zones. Luis Terico, director of community development, told the council that the amendment is intended "to provide clarification for the single family chapters" and to codify policies staff has already been applying in development review.
Why it matters: the draft combines several distinct code changes into a single package. Key elements staff outlined include: reducing proposed pool/rockscape setback requirements in certain cases; eliminating the city’s policy that previously required removal of existing curb cuts in the town core when alley access exists; permitting new driveways only when they lead to a legal covered parking space (garage or carport); establishing a 50‑pigeon guidance level and removing permit requirements for homing pigeons; prohibiting short‑term rentals citywide; and removing the downtown 0‑lot‑line allowance for new garages and accessory buildings while setting a 5‑foot minimum setback for new construction.
Staff framed the pigeon change as a compromise after surveying neighboring jurisdictions. The senior planner said the existing code had allowed up to 100 homing pigeons with a permit, that staff had eliminated the permit requirement, and that a 50‑bird guidance was chosen after noting neighboring cities averaged about 60.
On carports and driveways, staff said they will allow carports across residential zones provided they meet new design and development standards intended to prevent use as storage and to keep side‑facing carports behind the primary building line. The draft also removes a prior town‑core policy that discouraged new curb cuts and instead would permit new driveway approaches only where they provide access to covered parking.
Council discussion was supportive. One council member thanked staff for the work and noted that many of the changes clarify long‑standing policies rather than create brand‑new rules. When asked whether roosters remain restricted, staff confirmed existing restrictions would stay in place.
What happens next: the council approved introduction and directed staff to incorporate an added clarification about not allowing driveways that "lead to nowhere," with the ordinance read into the record and scheduled for second reading and additional refinement. The clerk recorded the motion as carrying 4 in favor with one abstention.
Authorities and process notes: staff noted the Planning Commission recommended the amendment 5–0 on Nov. 21, 2024, and the item returned to council after a July 22 study session where specific directions were provided. The council’s action on Sept. 9 constitutes introduction (first reading); final adoption requires a subsequent council vote.
Next steps: staff will prepare the ordinance language for the second reading incorporating the council’s requested clarifications and return with public notice and a second‑reading vote.
