San Dimas introduces ordinance to update ADU and EV-charging rules to match state law

San Dimas City Council introduced Ordinance 1321, a municipal code text amendment (24-01) to update Chapter 18.38 (Accessory Dwelling Units) and Chapter 18.170 (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) so the zoning code conforms to recent state legislation.

Taylor Glendo, assistant planner, told the council the updates respond to state law changes (she cited Assembly Bills and Senate Bill changes in the staff presentation) and listed staff recommendations that are required by state law as well as three items retained to preserve local clarity and control. She said the city received 25 ADU submittals in 2023 and 36 in 2024.

Key changes described by staff include removing language that precluded construction of an ADU of up to 800 square feet, specifying height allowances, requiring a separate entrance for ADUs, clarifying plan-review processes, and revising EV-charging rules to remove a requirement that applicants replace parking spaces lost to charging installations. Staff noted that under state law the building official’s role is limited and denial can occur only when substantial public-health or safety findings exist.

A speaker who identified himself as a resident and a member of the planning commission praised language in the draft that permits streamlined ADU processing while allowing flexibility for off-street parking and accessory structures; he said that helps avoid discouraging the provision of parking when appropriate.

After questions and comments, a councilmember moved to waive further reading and introduce Ordinance 1321; the motion carried 5-0.

Staff said that most of the proposed changes are mandatory to comply with state law, and highlighted three items retained or clarified locally to preserve community standards. The council’s action introduces the ordinance; subsequent steps will follow the city’s ordinance-adoption process.