San Dimas | Los Angeles Conservancy
Photos by (clockwise from upper left): Walker House by Pete Bleyer; Holy Name of Mary Church by Bernie Dodge on Flickr; Route 66 by Chuck Coker on Flickr; San Dimas Station by Ron Reiring Flickr

San Dimas is an example of a city that has an alternate approach to historic preservation. It has no true historic preservation ordinance yet can still protect identified historic resources throughout the city. 

A citywide survey of historic resources completed in 1991 identified over 320 significant structures and two potential historic districts, all of which receive preservation design review protection through the city’s Design Review Board.

However, the survey’s age precludes the inclusion of postwar and recent past structures.

As a preservation incentive, San Dimas offers the popular Mills Acts property tax abatement program.

The scoring details for this community appear below. To see scores for all communities, compare specific communities and categories, and learn more about the Report Card, visit our Report Card microsite.

Category (points available)
Score
Total Score (out of a possible 245, plus Extra Credit): 
205
Historic Preservation Ordinance (150) / Honorary Ordinance (10): 
150
Notes: 
The city has no true ordinance, but its surveyed historic resources receive design review protection.
Dedicated Historic Preservation Commission (5): 
5
Notes: 
The city's Design Review Board reviews proposed alterations/demolitions to all properties identified in the city’s historic resource inventory.
Dedicated Preservation Staff (15): 
0
Ability to Designate Historic Districts (15): 
15
Notes: 
Two potential districts have been identified; the contributing properties within these two proposed districts receive protection through design review by the city’s Design Review Board.
Owner Consent Not Required for Designation (10): 
10
Active Landmark Designation (at least annually) (5): 
0
Survey of Historic Resources: Citywide (15) / Partial (10): 
15
Notes: 
1991
Survey Updated Within Past 5 Years (5): 
0
Mills Act Incentive Program (10): 
10
Additional Incentives (5): 
0
Certified Local Government (5): 
0
Historic Preservation Element or Plan (5): 
0
Extra Credit (1-25): 
0

If you'd like to get involved in preservation in San Dimas, we suggest the following resources:

City Representative

Anne Nguyen
Associate Planner
anguyen@sandimasca.gov
(909) 394-6255

Express your interest and ask about opportunities, particularly in helping to create a preservation ordinance if the city doesn't have one.

Local Group

San Dimas Historical Society

Visit their website to learn more about their work and find direct contact information.

If any of this information is out of date, or to suggest additional ways to get involved, please contact us at info@laconservancy.org or (213) 623-2489.

The City of San Dimas provides information about historic preservation and sustainability, including Mills Act tax incentives, on their website.

For general resources related to local preservation and our Preservation Report Card, please visit our Report Card microsite.

Guide to CEQA (Conservancy website)

If any of these links are broken or incorrect, or if you would like to suggest other resources for preservation in San Dimas, please let us know by emailing info@laconservancy.org.

Featured Location(s)

Photo courtesy Pete Bleyer

Walker House

Originally designed as a hotel, this building never had a single guest and soon became home to six generations of the Walker family.