Beaumont Council Supports Ordinance Restricting Truck Traffic

The Beaumont City Council last week unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance restricting truck traffic on residential streets.

“This ordinance is a continuation of the city’s work that began in the adoption of the 2040 general plan back in December of 2020, which established a framework for a truck priority network that supports industrial growth while minimizing impacts on residential neighborhoods and sensitive receptors,” Darron Usher, principal management analyst for the city, said at the November 4 meeting.

The ordinance, once in effect, will prohibit the operation of any truck over seven tons of gross vehicle weight from driving on 6th Street, between Viele and Pennsylvania avenues; California Avenue, between Luis Estrada Road and the city’s northern limit; Fourth Street, between Elm and California avenues; Pennsylvania Avenue, between Interstate 10 and the northern city limit; Oak Valley Parkway, between Beaumont Avenue and the eastern city limit; Highland Springs Avenue, between Interstate 10 and northern city limit; Beaumont Avenue, between Interstate 10 and Oak Valley Parkway; and all local roads that primarily serve residential communities.

Exceptions include for trucks performing local deliveries to or pickups from places located on the restricted streets, when there’s no other reasonable alternative route available or when it’s necessary to provide essential services to residents.

“The intent of this item is to improve safety and mobility in residential areas, reduce pavement wear and noise and align with the city’s [Policy on Land Use and Sensitive Receptors (PLUS)] land use policies and Assembly Bill 98, which address protection of sensitive receptors like schools and parks,” Usher said. “This ordinance also strengthens our efforts of enforcement.”

Those who violate the ordinance would be subject to a $500 fine, though Usher said the goal was increased safety, not increased revenue.

“While some short-term citation revenue may occur, our primary focus is on achieving compliance and improving safety for residents and businesses,” he said.

The ordinance still has to come back before the council for a final vote. If approved, it will go into effect 30 days later.

In other council action: The Beaumont City Council entered into an exclusive right to negotiate agreement with Landmark Coffee Roasters out of Redlands for a proposed dual-purpose coffee shop and pizza and wine bar at 105 West 6th St. 

The city previously entered into an agreement with Hops and Spokes Brewing out of Yucaipa, but Economic Development Director Kirk Pelser said the business pulled out of the negotiation.