Perris City Council evaluates truck route changes under Assembly Bill 98

During the City Council meeting on March 25, 2025, in Perris, California, significant discussions centered around the modification of truck routes in compliance with Assembly Bill 98. This legislation mandates that cities with high concentrations of warehouses, like Perris, update their truck route plans by early next year to ensure that industrial traffic is directed to appropriate roadways.

Principal Planner Rafael Garcia presented the proposed changes, which include both the addition and removal of specific truck routes. The proposed modifications aim to align with the requirements of AB 98, which seeks to limit industrial traffic to roads capable of accommodating such vehicles, including major thoroughfares and local roads primarily serving commercial uses.

Key recommendations from the staff included:

1. **Ethanac Road**: The council previously approved the removal of this truck route in 2022, but it is now recommended for reinstatement due to jurisdictional consent requirements.

2. **Case Road**: Staff proposed adding this route, as a new industrial project has been approved nearby, necessitating truck access.

3. **Ellis Avenue**: Staff recommended removing this route due to its proximity to residential areas and its failure to meet freeway interchange spacing requirements.

4. **San Jacinto Avenue**: Similar to Ellis Avenue, this route is also recommended for removal due to residential proximity and the presence of Bob Long Park. However, there are ongoing projects that may require temporary truck access along this route until the completion of the Ellis Avenue overpass.

5. **Ramona Expressway**: The council is considering reinstating this route, as feedback from the industrial community indicated a lack of signage to inform truck drivers of its status.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining certain truck routes for ongoing development projects. Representatives from the Perris Valley Town Center and Perris Property LLC emphasized the need for interim truck access on San Jacinto Avenue to facilitate their projects until the Ellis Avenue improvements are completed.

The council's discussions underscored the balancing act between accommodating industrial traffic and addressing community concerns about residential safety and environmental impacts. As the city moves forward, the council will need to weigh these considerations carefully to ensure compliance with state regulations while supporting local economic development.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the critical need for updated truck route designations in Perris, reflecting both regulatory compliance and the city's growth ambitions. The council's next steps will involve further technical and environmental analyses to finalize these changes.