Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Dimas public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in zoning
Tree Preservation Ordinance exemptions for single-family homes
The city was considering exempting single-family properties from its tree preservation ordinance, which currently restricts tree removal. Homeowners would gain flexibility, but protections would remain on open space, slope, and HOA-maintained areas.
SB 1123 ADU/JADU moratorium extension
The state Housing Department required San Dimas to make it crystal clear that apartments and condos on Housing Element sites are allowed by right — no discretionary hearings. Nothing changes in practice, but it keeps the city compliant with state law.
Zoning Code Cleanup: CUPs and Unclassified Uses
A zoning change for Specific Plan No. 6 would allow new vehicle sales, service and outdoor vehicle storage conditionally — the step needed for a Rivian electric vehicle sales, service and delivery center in a 51,000-square-foot industrial building. The city expects new jobs and sales tax revenue.
1356 W. Cienega Avenue lot split and two-story homes
The council approved splitting one large lot into two, each with a two-story house plus an ADU. Neighbors on private Kimberly Avenue fear parking shortages, lost privacy, fire access problems, and construction impacts they say the city can't regulate later. Councilmembers said state housing law (Housing Crisis Act/SB 9) left them no legal path to deny a compliant project.