Zoning
The city is divided into seven zones, based on minimum lot size. The smallest lot size is about 4,500 square feet (420 m2), with many averaging over 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2). Because of this and other factors, most of the homes in San Marino, built between 1920 and 1950, do not resemble the houses in surrounding Southern California neighborhoods (with the exception, perhaps, of neighboring portions of Pasadena). San Marino has also fostered a sense of historic preservation among its homeowners. With minor exceptions, the city's strict design review and zoning laws have thus far prevented the development of large homes found elsewhere in Los Angeles. No apartment buildings or townhouses exist in the city.
San Marino is located at 34°7′22″N 118°6′47″W / 34.12278°N 118.11306°W / 34.12278; -118.11306 (34.122658, -118.112964).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2), virtually all land.
San Marino is highly restrictive of commercial operations in the city. It is one of the few cities that requires commercial vehicles to have permits to work within the city.
Read more about this topic: San Marino, California