Beaumont reviews public‑draft zoning code; council raises trees, parking and drive‑thru rules

Beaumont City Council members and staff reviewed the public‑review draft of a comprehensive zoning code update at a March 13 workshop, with consultants from Lisa Wise Consulting describing proposed changes intended to implement the city's 2040 general plan and related policy documents and staff asking council for direction before formal hearings and adoption this spring.

The proposed code combines reorganized zoning chapters, new industrial design standards, updated parking standards, a tree preservation section, new director‑level permits and downtown zoning overlays. Stefano Riccichi, project manager for Lisa Wise Consulting, told the council, "we're getting toward the end of our public review period," and outlined a schedule that would move a public‑hearing draft to the planning commission and city council after staff consolidates comments.

Why it matters: the update would change what is allowed where in Beaumont, how new developments are reviewed, and how the city balances industrial aesthetics, parking demand and tree preservation. Staff said the code is intended to implement the 2040 general plan and several supporting plans including the housing element, the downtown revitalization plan and the parking management master plan.

Key proposals and clarifications

- Industrial design and interim uses: The draft adds industrial design standards aimed at improving façades, entrance orientation, landscaping and required employee open space. It also includes provisions for interim uses of vacant industrial…