Public Information Office

The Public Information Office is responsible for keeping San Dimas residents informed about City projects and events through City publications, the website, and social media.

Since its incorporation in 1960, the unprecedented growth of San Dimas has transformed the City from an essentially rural area to a well-balanced community offering industrial, commercial, and residential living. The completion of new freeways (Foothill and Orange Freeways) will benefit the City since it is in a fortunate position to take advantage of this easy access to markets. In addition to the 1,700 acre Frank G. Bonelli Recreational Area which lies within the City boundaries, there are many parks such as San Dimas Canyon Park, a city-owned golf course (San Dimas Canyon Golf Club), and over 27 miles of equestrian trails for riding. The city services include an extensive recreational program for youth and for senior citizens, and the City boasts a new modern City Hall, with excellent provisions made for County Sheriff and Fire Departments, along with a fine Los Angeles County Library and Engineering Regional Office. A bright future lies ahead for San Dimas. Its growth is based upon a solid foundation and the projections are that in a decade its population will reach 40,000, and its reputation as a City that tires “to preserve the western spirit” will grow with the population growth.

San Dimas was incorporated on August 4, 1960, as a General Law City with a Council/Manager form of government. San Dimas has a City Council consisting of four members who are elected by the citizens of San Dimas for overlapping four-year terms. Elections are held every two years in March of off-numbered years. The fifth councilmember, the Mayor, is elected directly by the citizens and serves a two-year term. Numerous city commissions advise the Council on special issues that affect the community. These include the Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Commission, Planning Commission, Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, and Equestrian Commission.

Mission Statement

The City of San Dimas is committed to excellence in the planning of the community with due consideration for the physical and social environment. The City Council and all City employees are committed to well-maintained facilities and being responsive to the needs of residents by providing necessary programs.
The City recognizes that its function is to serve the San Dimas residents and businesses and to address their concerns in a cooperative and courteous manner. San Dimas acknowledges that the community has a character that is enhanced by the preservation of its history, historical buildings, and terrain. The City serves as a resource giving all people a sense of belonging to the City through programs, organizations, and activities.

The City of San Dimas has contracted with HDL companies to process business licenses.
For more detailed information contact the business support center at 909.850.4362

The following information is provided to assist persons interested in establishing and conducting business in the City of San Dimas. It is not warranted to be all-inclusive. Any errors or omissions herein will not relieve the business owner of his/her responsibility, obligation, or liability in fulfilling all legal requirements.

What is a business license, and who needs one?

A business license is an annual tax required by all businesses doing business within the City of San Dimas. Anyone who operates a business or performs a service within the City of San Dimas is required to apply for and retain a business license, including home occupations and businesses located outside of San Dimas. It must be obtained before any business, profession, trade, or occupation is conducted.

Determine a business name

If the name you choose for your business is anything other than your legal surname, California state law requires you to file a fictitious name statement to ensure that the public knows with whom they are conducting business. For detailed information about determining a business name, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office website here Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder.

Determine the business site location.

Every business must meet the City’s zoning requirements to ensure that the business activity is allowed at the proposed location. Contact the Planning Department at (909) 394-6250 before signing any leases, agreements, or moving in for specific zoning requirements and limitations. If your business is not permitted in the zoning district you have chosen, planners can advise you of the proper zoning district(s) for your business.

Apply for your Business License & obtaining Home Occupation or Cottage Food Permits

After discussing with the Planning Department if your business would be zoned for the proposed location and when the proper permits have been obtained, you may apply for a business license through HDL companies. You may contact the business center at 909.850.4362 for more information regarding applying for a business license.

You may apply online at https://sandimas.HdLGov.com , you may Email Applications or lastly could mail applications to

City of San Dimas Business Support Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave. #212,
Fresno, CA, 93720

Below is a link to the application

- Business License Application
- Current Business License Fee Schedule

For out of town contractors it is recommended to apply by phone at 909.850.4362

Home Occupation and/or Cottage Food Permits are required for businesses conducted from a residence. Applications for a Home Occupation permit must be submitted along with the standard business license application form to HDL. When applying online HDL will contact you to complete the additional permit applications.

Stormwater Discharge Compliance SB-205

What is SB-205?

SB-205 was passed October 2, 2019, and requires that starting January 1, 2020, all industrial users that are regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) General Industrial NPDES Permit provide the City with the primary SIC Code of the business, and the WDID, NEC, or NONA number as proof of coverage under the General Industrial NPDES Permit when applying for a City business tax certificate or a business tax certificate renewal.

To assist you in determining if your business is subject to the General Industrial NPDES Permit, please click the PDF below, which provides answers to some Frequently Asked Questions and a list of the Standard Industrial Codes that the SWRCB uses to identify facilities subject to the General Industrial NPDES Permit.

Read more about SB-205 HERE.

SB205 Form

Need other permits or licenses required by state or federal government for your business?

The state and federal governments have additional requirements for businesses. Certain businesses are required to obtain permits from the Department of Consumer Affairs and/or state and local environmental agencies.

For detailed information regarding your type of business, visit CalGold Business Permits Made Simple Website.

State Fee for Construction-Related Accessibility

On September 19, 2012, Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186 which adds a state fee on any applicant for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof. The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources for businesses to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws, as specified.

On October 11, 2017, Governor Brown signed into law AB1379 to extend the state fee (SB1186, Chapter 383, Statues of 2012) indefinitely. On and after January 1, 2018, and until December 31, 2023, increasing the amount from $1 to $4; reverts the fee to $1 on and after January 1, 2024.

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

The Division of the State Architect at dgs.ca.gov/DSA
The Department of Rehabilitation at dor.ca.gov/
The California Commission on Disability Access at cda.ca.gov

The translated model notices required by Assembly Bill 3002 (Chapter 680, Statutes of 2018) are available online in Spanish, Tagalog, Korean, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The notice provides information cited in Government Code Section 4469 and includes information required by Government Code Section 4469.5.

Election Information

In 2021, the San Dimas City Council elections transitioned from at-large voting to district-based voting. The City has divided into four districts and only the voters in a district decide who will represent that district. Voters will elect Councilmembers to represent their Districts. Voters will also elect a Mayor who will be elected at-large. Currently, Councilmembers receive a salary of $12,648.00 annually. The Mayor receives a salary of $15,648.00 annually.

March 5, 2024 General Municipal Election

Offices to appear on the ballot:

Councilmember District 1
Councilmember District 3

* Mayor - Appointed December 20, 2023 pursuant to Elections Code Section 10229

Fire Department

Fire services in the City of San Dimas are provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Department provides full fire protection services including air and wildland fire support, emergency medical, and fire prevention. The Department also has countywide resources that may be called upon if needed.

You may contact the San Dimas Fire Stations at the following:

Locations:
Station #64
164 S. Walnut Avenue
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 599-6727

Station #141
1124 W. Puente
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 599-7117

For emergency calls only, dial 911.

Website: http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/

Reminder to residents: Fireworks and trash burning are not allowed in the City of San Dimas.

Sheriff's Department

Law enforcement services are provided to the City of San Dimas by contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. As a part of that service, the Sheriff’s Department maintains a station here in San Dimas, located at 270 S. Walnut Avenue. The San Dimas Station is the central location for 18 Patrol Deputies, 1 Motorcycle Reserve Deputy, 3 CAT Team Leaders, 3 Special Assignment Officers (CAT Team), 1 Team Sergeant, 2 Community Service Assistants, 1 Law Enforcement Technician (Crime Prevention Officer), and 1 School Resource Officer.

For non-emergency calls, the station may be reached at (909) 450-2700. For emergency calls only, dial 911.

For further information on the services of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department here in San Dimas, visit the San Dimas Sheriff’s website.

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is a shared responsibility and connection between the Sheriff’s Department and the community. The goal is to make San Dimas a safer, more livable city through crime prevention and problem-solving strategies.

Throughout the years, Neighborhood Watch has grown from an “extra eyes and ears” approach to crime prevention to a much more proactive, community-oriented endeavor. Neighborhood Watch groups are now incorporating activities that not only address crime prevention issues but which also restore pride and unity to a neighborhood. It is not uncommon to see Neighborhood Watch groups participating in activities that impact the quality of life for community residents.

The adoption of community policing by local law enforcement agencies has also contributed to the resurgence of Watch groups over the years. Neighborhood Watch fits nicely within the framework of law enforcement/community partnerships, and Neighborhood Watch meetings can be a useful forum to discuss neighborhood problems and practice problem-solving techniques.

To join the San Dimas Neighborhood Watch Program, or for more information about Neighborhood Watch, please contact Monique Campos at m4campos@lasd.org San Dimas Sheriff Station (909) 450-2763.

Emergency Preparedness

The City of San Dimas is committed to being prepared for any disaster and to assure that its residents and visitors stay informed and up to date on what to do in the event of a disaster. This site contains information and links for what to do in case of emergency and how to get and stay prepared.

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OR NATURAL DISASTER:

Emergencies and/or natural disasters can happen at any time and it’s important for not only the City itself to be prepared for such events, but for every person to be prepared as well. When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, professional help and assistance may be several hours or even days away. So it is extremely important that citizens themselves take responsibility for their safety and recovery until those resources can respond.

PLAN AHEAD FOR DISASTERS:

There are many types of emergencies and disasters, and while some of the types of natural disasters might not be relevant to where you live, many are. So it’s good to be as prepared as possible for as many as possible. The link below will provide you with a list of some disasters and what to do before, during, and after the event.

Ready.gov: Plan Ahead for Disasters

MAKE A PLAN:

It’s important to make a plan before an emergency or disaster strikes so you will be ready when the event occurs. The link provided below will give you much needed and good information on how to go about meeting with your family to develop a plan for what to do in the case of an emergency.

Make A Plan | Ready.gov

BUILD A KIT:

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency or natural disaster is to build a kit. The basic kit will need to include food and water to last a minimum of three days and also other basic items that will help you get through the event, such as personal protection, tools and personal items like sanitary products and medications. The link below will help you develop a basic kit that you can customize for your individual needs. And remember to not only build a kit for your home but your car and workplace as well.

FEMA strongly urges homeowners to maintain an emergency kit with enough supplies to sustain them for up to 72 hours following a disaster. Be sure to assemble it well in advance of an emergency and store it in an easily accessible location.

Click HERE for information on building a kit to sustain yourself and your family for at least 72 hours in the event of a disaster.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS:

One of the most likely disasters that could happen in Southern California is an earthquake. This region is overdue for a significantly large earthquake and it could happen at any time. So it’s very important to prepare for such an event for you and your family to survive. Please click on the link below for some helpful information to help you prepare for such an event.

Earthquake Safety | Earthquake Preparedness | Red Cross

Click HERE to view the Emergency Survival Guide from the Los Angeles County.

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