City of Beaumont
General Plan
City of Beaumont
550 East Sixth Street
Beaumont, California 92223
Approved March 2007
City of Beaumont General Plan
Table of Contents
Section Page
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... ............................................... 3
1.1 Authority of the General Plan ................................................................................ 4
1.2 Scope of the General Plan .................................................................................. .. 4
1.3 Vision Statement ................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Overview of the City ............................................................................................ .. 8
2. Community Development Element........................................................................................................................ ..... 13
2.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................... .. 14
2.2 Community Development Policies....................................................................... 14
2.3 Community Development Plan............................................................................ 20
3. Circulation Element........................................................................................................................ .................................... 37
3.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................... .. 38
3.2 Circulation Policies .............................................................................................. 38
3.3 Circulation Plan ................................................................................................... 41
4. Resource Management Element ............................................................................................................................... .. 47
4.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................... .. 48
4.2 Resource Management Policies........................................................................ .. 48
4.3 Resource Management Plan............................................................................. .. 53
5. Safety Element ............................................................................................................................... ....................................... 57
5.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................... .. 58
5.2 Safety Policies..................................................................................................... 59
5.3 Safety Plan .......................................................................................................... 65
6. Implementation Element........................................................................................................................ ......................... 73
6.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................... .. 74
6.2 Implementation Programs ................................................................................... 74
6.3 Implementation Strategy ..................................................................................... 79
City of Beaumont General Plan
Table of Contents ( continued)
7. Community Profile Report ............................................................................................................................... ............... 95
7.1 Location of the Planning Area ............................................................................. 96
7.2 Environmental Setting ......................................................................................... 96
7.3 Overview of the General Plan ............................................................................. 97
7.4 Land Use ............................................................................................................. 98
7.5 Population and Housing .................................................................................... 100
7.6 Earth and Geology ............................................................................................ 102
7.7 Water and Hydrology......................................................................................... 105
7.8 Air Quality.......................................................................................................... 107
7.9 Biological Resources......................................................................................... 109
7.10 Risk of Upset ..................................................................................................... 111
7.11 Noise ................................................................................................................. 112
7.12 Public Services.................................................................................................. 115
7.13 Utilities ............................................................................................................ 118
7.14 Cultural Resources............................................................................................ 119
7.15 Traffic and Circulation ....................................................................................... 120
8. Approvals...................................................................................................................... ........................................................ 125
8.1 Resolution 2007- 18 ........................................................................................... 126
8.2 Land Use Map ................................................................................................... 173
City of Beaumont General Plan
Section 1.0 Introduction
City of Beaumont General Plan
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City of Beaumont General Plan
1.1. Authority of the General Plan
This City of Beaumont General Plan will serve
as the blueprint for future planning and
development in the City. This General Plan
indicates the City’s vision for the future through
the policies, programs, and plans contained
herein. The information contained in the
individual sections or Elements that comprise
this General Plan will shape the physical
development of the City. Public and private
decision- makers will refer to this General Plan to
formulate decisions with respect to land use and
development. 1
1.2 Scope of the General Plan
The scope and content of a general plan
prepared by a local government, as well as the
process that must be followed in its adoption
and amendment, are governed by the State of
California planning laws. 2 State law requires
every city and county to prepare and adopt a
comprehensive general plan to serve as a
master plan for development. 3 In addition, the
courts have further refined the interpretation of
the legislature’s intent over the past decades.
The importance of the general plan is clearly
described in the government code that states
the general plan “ serves as the constitution of
the local government for which it has been
1 State of California Government Code. Section 65300.
2 California, State of. Government Code § 65302
3 The Beaumont General Plan has been prepared pursuant
to California Government Code Section 65300, et. seq.,
which requires the City to adopt a comprehensive, long-range
general plan to guide the physical development of the
community.
prepared.” The foundation of the United States
Constitution rests on the Bill of Rights and its 26
Amendments. As with the United States
Constitution, the foundation of the Beaumont
General Plan rests on the policies contained
within it. With regard to policies, the State of
California General Plan Guidelines indicate the
following:
“ The General Plan shall consist of a statement
of development policies and shall include a
diagram or diagrams and text setting forth
objectives, principals, standards and plan
proposals. A development policy is a general
plan statement that guides action.
Development policies include goals,
objectives, principles, plan proposals, and
standards. Therefore, with regard to general
plans, “ policy” has both a specific and general
meaning.” 4
The Beaumont General Plan consists of an
integrated and internally consistent set of
policies and programs that address the seven
issue areas that the State requires local general
plans to consider: land use, circulation, housing,
noise, safety, conservation, and open space. 5
The Elements that comprise the Beaumont
General Plan includes the following:
∙ The Community Development Element
designates the general distribution and
intensity of land use and development
contemplated within the land area governed
by the General Plan. This Element complies
with the State’s requirements for a land use
element. The scope of the Community
Development Element has also been
broadened to include issues related to urban
design and economic development.
∙ The Circulation Element identifies the
location and extent of existing and proposed
streets and roadways, intersection
improvements, public transit facilities,
4 California, State of. General Plan Guidelines – 1990.
Chapter 1: The Nature, Content, and Format of the General
Plan. Page 14. 1990
4 State of California Government Code. Section 65302.
Organization of the General Plan...
General Plans prepared by local governments
contain a set of chapters, or elements, that
address a wide range of issues that are relevant
to future land use planning and development. All
General Plans must include a land use element,
circulation element, housing element, noise
element, safety element, conservation element,
and open space element. These “ Elements” may
be reorganized or expanded, as long as the
relevant issues are addressed.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
railroads, transportation terminals, and other
transportation facilities. This Element
complies with the State requirements for a
circulation element.
· ∙ The Resource Management Element
indicates the City's policies concerning the
conservation and preservation of important
natural and man- made resources. This
Element complies with the State
requirements for a conservation element
and an open space element.
∙ The Safety Element identifies the City's
policies relative to the mitigation of natural
and man- made hazards as a means to
improve the safety of its citizens. This
Element complies with the State
requirements for both a noise element and a
safety element.
∙ The Housing Element details plans and
programs for the rehabilitation of existing
housing, and the development of new
housing to accommodate future demand.
∙ The Implementation Element details the
programs that will be effective in ensuring
that the policies and plans contained in the
City of Beaumont General Plan become
reality.
Each of the Elements that comprise this General
Plan are organized in the following manner:
∙ The Introduction section provides an
overview of the key issues germane to the
Element, and discusses its relationship to
the other Elements that comprise the City of
Beaumont General Plan.
∙ The Policies section provides an overview of
those issues that are relevant to the
Element’s scope and indicates the
corresponding policies that address a
particular issue.
∙ The Plan section outlines the strategies that
will be effective in guiding the
implementation of the Element's policies.
Table 1- 1 indicates the relationship of those
Elements that comprise the Beaumont General
Plan with those mandated by the State of
California.
Table 1- 1
Relationship of the Beaumont General Plan Element to the State Mandated Elements
State Mandated Elements
Beaumont General Plan
Land Use Housing Circulation Open
Space Conservation Safety Noise
Community Development ∎
Housing ∎
Circulation ∎
Resource Management ∎ ∎
Safety ∎ ∎
Implementation ∎ ∎ ∎ ∎ ∎ ∎ ∎
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City of Beaumont General Plan
1.3 Vision Statement
As part of this General Plan update, it is
appropriate to take an inventory of both the
“ unfinished business” as well as those
challenges that face the community in the
opening decades of the 21st Century. Some of
the issues and challenges the City will face in
the coming years are shared with the
neighboring communities, while others are
unique to Beaumont.
This General Plan represents the cornerstone in
the long- range planning for land use and
development in the City. The importance of this
General Plan is clearly stated in the government
code that indicates the Plan “ serves as the
constitution of the local government for which it
has been prepared.” 6
Some of the issues and challenges the City will
face in the coming years are shared with the
neighboring communities while others are
unique to the City. Towards this end, the City
vision for the future is embodied in a number of
goals included in each Element. The Community
Development Element includes the following
goals:
∙ Goal 1 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue its comprehensive
planning process.
∙ Goal 2 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will preserve the existing
residential neighborhoods and promote the
development of new housing in the City.
∙ Goal 3 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will maintain and, where
appropriate, expand the City’s commercial
base;
∙ Goal 4 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will promote the expansion of
6 California, State of. Government Code § 65302
industrial and other employment generating
land uses.
∙ Goal 5 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will phase development where
appropriate, to ensure the timely provision of
services.
∙ Goal 6 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will promote quality urban
design as a means to make Beaumont a
more desirable place to live and work.
∙ Goal 7 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue to provide for the
development and maintenance of critical
public facilities and services to ensure that
existing needs and future demands can be
met.
∙ Goal 8 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
the local school district to ensure the
existing and future demands are met.
∙ Goal 9 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue to explore
innovative strategies to pay for needed
infrastructure.
∙ Goal 10 ( Community Development). The
City of Beaumont will continue to use
redevelopment as a means to eliminate
blight, to promote economic revitalization,
and to provide affordable housing.
The following goals focus on circulation and
transportation:
∙ Goal 1 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will participate in the
improvement and upgrading of the regional
transportation system.
∙ Goal 2 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will promote the development and
maintenance of a local roadway system that
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City of Beaumont General Plan
will meet both current and future
transportation needs.
∙ Goal 3 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will ensure that new development
provides sufficient parking to meet demand.
∙ Goal 4 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will work to facilitate the
maintenance and enhancement of rail
transportation in and through the City.
∙ Goal 5 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will promote the enhancement of
public transportation and alternative modes
of transportation to meet existing and future
demands.
The following goals are included in the Resource
Management Element:
∙ Goal 1 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will promote the
maintenance of soil and agricultural
resources.
∙ Goal 2 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will promote the
maintenance and management of water
resources.
∙ Goal 3 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will cooperate in
regional efforts to improve air quality.
∙ Goal 4 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will promote the
protection of biological resources;
∙ Goal 5 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will promote in
cultural resources management and/ or
preservation efforts.
∙ Goal 6 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will maintain and
enhance open space that will be used for
resource preservation and/ or recreation.
The following goals are included in the Safety
Element:
∙ Goal 1 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will make every effort to mitigate
the seismic hazards that are present within
the Planning Area.
∙ Goal 2 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will cooperate in those efforts that
are directed towards flood control and
safety.
∙ Goal 3 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will continue to support law
enforcement efforts both locally and in the
surrounding area.
∙ Goal 4 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will continue to enhance fire and
emergency response services in the
community.
∙ Goal 5 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will promote and cooperate with
ongoing efforts to reduce the health and
safety hazards related to the exposure of
hazardous materials.
∙ Goal 6 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will strive to control the adverse
effects of noise in the environment.
∙ Goal 7 ( Safety Element). The City of
Beaumont will promote preparedness
related to the adverse effects of high winds
common in the Pass area.
The individual General Plan Elements include a
listing of policies that underscore the City’s
commitment in implementing the
aforementioned goals. Collectively, these goals
and policies reflect the City’s long- term vision for
the community. The State’s General Plan
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City of Beaumont General Plan
Guidelines provide guidance in the formulation
of policies by indicating the following:
∙ A policy is a specific statement that guides
decision- making and indicates a clear
commitment of the City,
∙ A policy should be based on the General
Plan’s goals and objectives as well as the
analysis of data.
∙ A policy is effectuated by implementation
measures. Consequently, a realistic policy
is one that is adopted by local legislators
who are mindful of the General Plan’s
implementation.
∙ For a policy to be useful as a guide to the
decision- makers, it must be clear and
unambiguous. Clear policies are particularly
important when it comes to judging whether
zoning decisions, subdivisions, public works
projects, etc., are consistent with a general
plan.
∙ When writing policies, local officials need to
be aware of the difference between “ shall”
and “ should.” “ Shall” indicates an
unequivocal directive. “ Should” signifies a
less rigid directive, to be honored in the
absence of compelling or contravening
considerations. Use of the word “ should,” to
give the impression of more commitment
than actually intended, is a common though
an unacceptable practice. It is better to
adopt no policy than to adopt a policy with
no backbone.
Solid policy is based on solid information. The
analysis of data collected as part of a General
Plan’s development should provide local officials
with a knowledge of trends, existing conditions,
and projections they need to formulate policy. If
projected community conditions are not in line
with a General Plan’s goals and objectives, local
legislative bodies may adopt policies that will
help bring about a more desirable future. 7
1.4 Overview of the City
The City of Beaumont was incorporated in
November 1912. The City is located in the
westernmost portion of Riverside County and is
bounded on the west by Calimesa and
unincorporated areas, on the north by the
unincorporated County areas ( Cherry Valley), on
the south by unincorporated County areas and
the City of San Jacinto, and on the east by the
City of Banning. The City straddles the San
Gorgonio Pass, the only easterly link with the
greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area. 8
Beaumont is located approximately 70 miles
east of downtown Los Angeles, 21 miles
northeast of Riverside, and 21 miles southeast
of San Bernardino. The City’s location in a
regional context and local context are shown in
Exhibits 1- 1 and 1- 2, respectively.
The City and its designated sphere of influence,
encompass approximately 48 square miles. The
land area within the City’s corporate boundaries
is approximately 26 square miles. In the coming
years, the City will likely be among the fastest
growing areas of the Southern California region
due to the availability of developable land, the
relatively low housing costs, and its desirability
as a retirement community. The City’s location
in relation to the major regional transportation
facilities that include the I- 10 and SR- 60 freeway
and the Union Pacific railroad, has also
enhanced its desirability as an industrial
location.
According to the most recent 2000 Census, the
City’s population was 11,384 persons. This is
an increase of 1,699 persons or 17.2% over the
number identified in the 1990 Census. 9
7 California, State of. General Plan Guidelines – 1990.
Chapter 1: The Nature, Content, and Format of the General
Plan. Page 17. 1990
8 Unites States Geological Survey. Beaumont and Banning
7.5 Minute Quadrangles.
9 Unites States Bureau of the Census. 1990 Statistics from
1990 Census Lookup and the 2000 Census is from
American Factfinder.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
According to the most recent State Department
of Finance ( DOF) estimates, the City’s
population as of January 1, 2005, was 18,982
persons. 10
The geographic area governed by the Beaumont
General Plan includes the City’s corporate
boundaries as they existed in 2005 and the
City’s established Sphere of Influence. Because
there is considerable variation within the area
governed by this General Plan, the larger
Beaumont Planning Area has been subdivided
into eight smaller Planning Areas. These
planning areas are described below.
∙ Town Center Planning Area. This planning
area corresponds to the original, older
residential section of the City. The Planning
Area is bounded by 8th Street on the south,
Cherry Avenue on the east, Elm Avenue on
the west, and Oak Valley Parkway on the
north. Residential development within this
Planning Area largely consists of single-family
residential development with multiple-family
residential development occupying in-fill
lots.
∙ Oak Valley Planning Area. This Planning
Area is dominated by the Oak Valley
development, located north of the Oak
Valley Parkway and east of the I- 10
Freeway and the Three Rings Ranch and
Kirkwood developments located to the south
of Oak Valley Parkway. The Planning Area
is bounded by the I- 10 Freeway on the west
and south, Elm Avenue on the east, and
Brookside Avenue on the north.
∙ North Beaumont Planning Area. This
Planning Area is also dominated by
residential land uses generally characterized
by newer single- family developments such
as the Mountain Meadows and Cougar
Ranch developments. The Planning Area is
bounded by Beaumont Avenue on the west,
Cherry Avenue on the east, the Oak Valley
10 State of California Department of Finance. Population and
Housing Estimates. Report E- 5
Parkway on the south, and Brookside
Avenue on the north.
∙ East Beaumont Planning Area. This
Planning Area includes the Sundance
development. The Planning Area is
generally bounded by Brookside Avenue on
the north, Cherry Avenue on the west, 8th
Street on the south, and Highland Springs
Avenue on the east. The Highland Springs
resort is also included in this Planning Area.
∙ 6th Street Corridor Planning Area. This
Planning Area is bounded by 8th Street on
the north, the I- 10 Freeway on the south,
Highland Springs Avenue on the east, and
the I- 10 and the SR- 60 interchange on the
west. Commercial and industrial uses
located along the 6th Street frontage are the
predominant land uses within this Planning
Area. A large number of homes are also
found in the Planning Area, south of 8th
Street.
∙ Southeast Beaumont Planning Area. This
Planning Area is located to the south of the
I- 10 Freeway and east of Highway 79
( Beaumont Avenue) and contains large
tracts of undeveloped land and farmland.
Industrial development is located south of
the I- 10 Freeway and Union Pacific railroad.
The Planning Area is bounded by the I- 10
Freeway on the north and Highland Springs
Road on the east.
∙ Southwest Beaumont Planning Area. This
Planning Area is located to the south of the
I- 10 Freeway and west of Highway 79
( Beaumont Avenue). This Planning Area
contains large tracts of undeveloped land,
farmland, and industrial development
located south of the I- 10 Freeway and Union
Pacific railroad. The Planning Area is
bounded by the I- 10 and the SR- 60
Freeways on the north.
∙ West Beaumont Planning Area. This large
Planning Area is located west of the I- 10
Freeway and includes the areas located
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City of Beaumont General Plan
north of the SR- 60 Freeway. The majority of
the Planning Area is currently undeveloped
though new residential projects are planned.
A detailed inventory of existing conditions is
provided in the Community Profile Report
included as an Appendix to this General Plan.
In addition, the Environmental Impact Report
( EIR) included detailed information with respect
to existing conditions as well as indicating the
potential impacts anticipated to result from the
General Plan’ implementation.
10
City of Beaumont General Plan
11
City of Beaumont General Plan
12
City of Beaumont General Plan
Section 2.0 Community Development Element
City of Beaumont General Plan
13
City of Beaumont General Plan
2.1 Introduction to the Element
This Community Development Element serves
as a guide for land use and development within
the City of Beaumont. These issues, combined
with land use and development, constitute the
City’s planning and policy framework.
This Element indicates the location and extent of
land uses, the type of development permitted
throughout the City, and identifies those areas
where existing land uses and development will
be maintained, as well as those areas where
new development or redevelopment will be
encouraged. The primary objectives of the
Community Development Element are to assist
in the management of future growth, to improve
the City's physical appearance, and to minimize
potential land use conflicts that may arise from
future development.
The scope and content of the Community
Development Element are governed by State
law ( Section 65302( a) of the Government Code),
which indicates the Element must establish
standards for population density and building
intensity for each land use category covered by
the General Plan. In addition, the Element must
indicate appropriate land uses for those areas
subject to development constraints, such as
flooding.
The California Government Code states, " The
General Plan and the parts and elements
thereof, shall comprise an integrated and
internally consistent and compatible statement
of policies." This Community Development
Element contains policies that both complement
and support the other Elements of this General
Plan.
The Housing Element contains policies for
residential development that are also considered
in the Community Development Element. The
Circulation Element provides for the
maintenance of a transportation network that will
support the ultimate land uses and development
intensities contemplated under the Land Use
Plan. The development of the Circulation
Element involved the creation of traffic analysis
zones ( TAZs) that evaluated the potential traffic
that would be generated by the land uses and
development permitted within each TAZ. The
Circulation Plan included in the Circulation
Element indicates the type, location, and extent
of future roadways that will be required to
accommodate this future demand. The Safety
Element indicates those hazards that will need
to be considered in the planning for future
development in the City.
2.2 Community Development
Goals & Policies
The policies included in this section of the
Community Development Element serve as the
framework for the land use plan depicted in
Exhibits 2- 1 ( detail maps are included in Exhibits
2- 2 through 2- 5) at the end of this Element. The
policies included in this Element focus on the
following goals:
∙ Goal 1 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue its comprehensive
planning process.
∙ Goal 2 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will preserve the existing
residential neighborhoods and promote the
development of new housing in the City.
Format of the Community Development
Element
The Introduction to the Element provides an overview of
the Element’s scope and content.
The Community Development Policies discussion includes
an overview of those issues related to land use, economic
development, and urban design.
The Community Development Plan includes the land use
plan map and indicates those programs related to land use
and development in the City.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
∙ Goal 3 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will maintain and, where
appropriate, expand the City’s commercial
base;
∙ Goal 4 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will promote the expansion of
industrial and other employment generating
land uses.
∙ Goal 5 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will phase development where
appropriate, to ensure the timely provision of
services.
∙ Goal 6 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will promote quality urban
design as a means to make Beaumont a
more desirable place to live and work.
∙ Goal 7 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue to provide for the
development and maintenance of water
supply and delivery infrastructure to ensure
that existing needs and future demands can
be met.
∙ Goal 8 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue to provide for the
development of wastewater treatment
infrastructure to accommodate future
demand.
∙ Goal 9 ( Community Development). The City
of Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
the local school district to ensure the
existing and future demands are met.
∙ Goal 10 ( Community Development). The
City of Beaumont will continue to explore
innovative strategies to pay for needed
infrastructure.
∙ Goal 11 ( Community Development). The
City of Beaumont will continue to use
redevelopment as a means to eliminate
blight, to promote economic revitalization,
and to provide affordable housing.
The original City center, containing the homes
and businesses that correspond to the original
town- site developed at the turn of the century, is
located to the north of the I- 10 Freeway.
Residential subdivisions have been constructed
north, west, and east of the original town site.
Commercial land uses are concentrated along
the 6th Street corridor located approximately one
block north of the I- 10 Freeway. Industrial uses
will continue to be encouraged along the railroad
corridor south of the I- 10 Freeway. Through
past planning efforts, the City has successfully
preserved and enhanced its neighborhoods
while, at the same time, accommodated the
rapidly changing demands related to newer
planned developments.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 1.
The City of Beaumont, through the
implementation of this General Plan, will
promote a balance of land use and
development types throughout the City.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 2.
The City of Beaumont will implement an
integrated land use and transportation
system that accommodates existing and
future service and utility demands.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 3.
The City of Beaumont will require major
centers and larger residential developments
to be accessible to major transportation
facilities.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 4.
The City of Beaumont will use specific plans
and other master planning tools for the
Community Development Goal 1. The
City of Beaumont will continue its
comprehensive planning process.
15
City of Beaumont General Plan
design and development of quality
development projects.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 5.
Prior to the approval of any specific plan or
tract map in the area bounded by the future
Potrero Boulevard right- of- way on the north,
the Seneca Springs and Four Seasons
projects on the east, and State Route 79 on
the west, a comprehensive subregional land
use and circulation plan shall be developed.
The Plan shall be considered by the
Planning Commission and City Council in
the approval of any projects in this area.
There is considerable variation in the character
of the residential neighborhoods in the City as
characterized by the development found in the
“ Town Center” area, the Oak Valley area, the
Cougar Ranch development, and the Three
Rings Ranch subdivision. According to the most
recent 2000 Census, there were 2,693 single-family
units in the City. 11 There are some higher
density residential uses located within the “ Town
Center” area and along the 6th Street
commercial corridor. Residential land uses in
Beaumont account for approximately 47.7% of
the City’s total land area and represent the
dominant land use. The residential
neighborhoods found in the City will continue to
be a central element in the City’s land use
planning policy.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 6.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
support the development of new housing
opportunities as defined by the Land Use
Plan contained in the Community
Development Element.
11 State of California Department of Finance. Population
and Housing Estimates. Report E- 5
∙ Community Development Element Policy 7.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
maintain and conserve its existing
residential neighborhoods.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 8.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
examine future opportunities for new
residential development.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 9.
The City of Beaumont will encourage the
development of new housing at varying
densities to accommodate a variety of
incomes and lifestyles and special needs
groups.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 10.
The City of Beaumont encourages and
supports the keeping of farms and equine
animals in suitable locations and upon
parcels which are a minimum of one acre in
size, with a maximum of two large animals
per acre, and shall establish appropriate
zoning provisions to accommodate animal
keeping.
Commercial development in the City is
characterized by retail activities and businesses
that typically cater to the daily household needs
of the area residents. A substantial portion of
the businesses caters to patrons traveling on the
City’s roadways and freeways that pass through
the City. Local businesses provide a wide range
of goods and service- related businesses that
include gas stations, convenience stores, fast-food
restaurants, and other transportation-related
services.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 11.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
promote development that capitalizes on the
Community Development Goal 2. The
City of Beaumont will preserve the
existing residential neighborhoods
and promote the development of new
housing in the City.
Community Development Goal 3. The
City of Beaumont will maintain and,
where appropriate, expand the City’s
commercial base.
16
City of Beaumont General Plan
City’s location near the I- 10 and the SR- 60
Freeways while ensuring that there is not an
“ over- zoning” of commercial development.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 12.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
promote the development of larger, more
efficient, commercial retail centers as
opposed to “ strip commercial” along the
City’s traffic corridors.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 13.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
promote the redevelopment and
revitalization of the 6th Street commercial
district.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 14.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
promote the development of a regional
urban village in the vicinity of the I- 10 and
the SR- 60 Freeways.
Industrial development in the City is likely to
increase in coming years due to the City’s
location adjacent to major transportation
corridors: the I- 10 Freeway, the SR 60 Freeway,
and the Union Pacific railroad. These
transportation corridors will continue to be
important considerations in any future
development and land use planning. Industrial
development is located on scattered infill parcels
along 6th Street and within larger parcels located
to the south of the I- 10 Freeway.
Industrial development will become an
increasingly more important component of the
City’s economic base. This is due to the lack of
available land and the relatively high cost for
land elsewhere in Southern California.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 15.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
promote the maintenance and preservation
of industrial activities and business that
contribute to the City’s economic and
employment base.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 16.
The City of Beaumont will encourage the
continued expansion of the City’s industrial
districts to accommodate economic
development and growth.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 17.
The City of Beaumont will promote the
development of modern and attractive
business activities that will enhance the
City’s economic well- being.
The City, and its designated sphere of influence,
contains significant tracts of undeveloped land.
The majority of the developed areas in the City
are located to the north of the I- 10 Freeway that
bisect Beaumont into northerly and southerly
halves. Current entitlements, including those of
adopted specific plans would permit the
development of more than 20,000 new housing
units. These entitlements have occurred over a
number of years that predated the current
General Plan Update. Most, if not all, of this
new development will occur under this General
Plan’s implementation period. The following
policies will ensure that new development will be
coordinated with the provision of public services.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 18.
The City of Beaumont will strive to ensure
that there will be adequate water and
wastewater system capacity to meet
projected demand.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 19.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
implement comprehensive water and
Community Development Goal 4. The
City of Beaumont will promote the
expansion of industrial and other
employment- generating land uses.
Community Development Goal 5. The
City of Beaumont will phase
development where appropriate, to
ensure the timely provision of
services.
17
City of Beaumont General Plan
wastewater management programs and
ensure that future developments pay their
fair share for any needed infrastructure
improvements.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 20.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
oversee the development of adequate and
dependable public services and facilities to
support both existing and future
development.
The City, through code enforcement, property
maintenance programs, and redevelopment,
will initiate a process of creating an attractive
and livable community.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 21.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
enforce the maintenance of existing
properties.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 22.
The City of Beaumont will continue to work
towards improving the appearance of the
entryways and entry points leading into the
City.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 23.
The City of Beaumont will continue to work
towards the implementation of streetscape
and sign standards.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 24.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
promote quality design in the review of
commercial and industrial development.
During the 1990’ s, the City oversaw the
development of a water treatment and delivery
system. The Beaumont/ Cherry Valley Water
District provides service in the City and portions
of the surrounding sphere of influence. The
District draws groundwater from shallow wells in
Little San Gorgonio Canyon, which is located in
the southern foothills of the San Bernardino
Mountains, and from deeper wells that extract
water from the Beaumont Storage Unit ( BSU).
The District utilizes the shallow wells whenever
feasible to reduce pumping costs related to
groundwater extraction and storage. During
periods of drought and low precipitation, the
canyon wells become less reliable and the
District increases production from the BSU to
meet demands.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 25.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
encourage the development of a water
storage and delivery system to
accommodate existing and projected
demand.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 26.
The City of Beaumont will continue to work
with local purveyors to maintain and expand,
as needed, a water storage and distribution
system that will meet existing needs and
projected demand.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 27.
The City of Beaumont will promote the
development of a system that will use
reclaimed water for irrigation.
Community Development Goal 7. The
City of Beaumont will continue to
provide for the development and
maintenance of water supply and
delivery infrastructure to ensure that
existing needs and future demands
can be met.
Community Development Goal 6. The
City of Beaumont will promote quality
urban design as a means to make
Beaumont a more desirable place to
live and work.
18
City of Beaumont General Plan
The City of Beaumont Wastewater Treatment
Plant was recently expanded to accommodate
up to 4.0 million gallons per day of effluent. The
City estimates that up to 2,240 acre- feet of
recycled wastewater are made available to the
community through this plant’s operation on an
annual basis.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 28.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
protect water quality through effective
wastewater system management.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 29.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
ensure that future development is
adequately served by wastewater treatment
facilities.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 30.
The City of Beaumont will continue to plan
for the development of a system that will use
reclaimed water for irrigation.
The following policies underscore the City’s
commitment in working with the Beaumont
Unified School District to ensure that there are
adequate services and facilities to meeting
existing and future demand.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 31.
The City of Beaumont will cooperate with the
Beaumont Unified School District and the
community college district to promote the
provision of high quality services and
facilities for local residents.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 32.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
maintain a proactive relationship with the
Beaumont Unified School District as a
means to promote quality school facilities
and programs.
While much of the Planning Area is currently
undeveloped, most of this undeveloped land has
entitlements for future development. Many
thousands of new housing units and millions of
square feet of commercial and industrial
development are contemplated under the
General Plan’s land use policy. The timely
provision of new infrastructure to meet both
existing and projected demand is an important
consideration that is addressed in the policies
contained herein.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 33.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
require future development to pay their pro-rata
share for infrastructure and public
facilities.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 34.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
explore the feasibility of using assessment
districts, benefit assessment districts, traffic
mitigation fees, Mello- Roos, or other
financial mechanisms as a means to finance
the construction of new infrastructure.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 35.
The City of Beaumont will continue to assist
Community Development Goal 9. The
City of Beaumont will continue to
cooperate with the local school
district to ensure the existing and
future demands are met.
Community Development Goal 10.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
explore innovative strategies to pay
for needed infrastructure.
Community Development Goal 8. The
City of Beaumont will continue to
provide for the development of
wastewater treatment infrastructure to
accommodate future demand.
19
City of Beaumont General Plan
in the provision of public services and
facilities through the collection of appropriate
development fees to cover the cost of
providing expanded facilities and services.
The City has an established redevelopment
project area, Project Area Number 1, that
includes much of the Town Center, 6th Street
Corridor, and North Beaumont Planning Areas.
Redevelopment will become increasingly
important in the revitalization of those areas of
the City that are experiencing blight.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 36.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
implement its adopted redevelopment plan
for the established project areas.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 37.
The City of Beaumont will continue its
current redevelopment efforts to revitalize
the 6th Street commercial corridor.
∙ Community Development Element Policy 38.
The City of Beaumont will evaluate the
feasibility of expanding redevelopment for
those areas of the City that exhibit blighted
conditions.
2.3 Community Development
Plan
This section of the Community Development
Element indicates the location and extent of the
planned land uses as the applicable standards.
This section begins by describing the land use
designations that are applicable to the Planning
Area. The description of land use designations
is then followed by the Land Use Plans for each
of the eight Planning Areas. Finally, this section
concludes with an overview of the Land Use
Policy.
General Plan Land Use Designations
The Community Development Element indicates
the location and extent of development and land
uses throughout the City and the intensity and
population density of this development. To
accomplish this task, the Land Use Map
indicates the location of the various categories
of land uses. The land use categories, or
" designations," indicate the type of development
permitted for specific areas of the City. State
law requires that these land use designations
include a description of standards for
development intensity and population density.
The reason for these standards is to ensure that
the types of development permitted under the
various land use designations are understood by
the public, decision- makers, and prospective
developers. Development intensity may be
described in different ways. In the Beaumont
General Plan, the residential development
intensities are defined as the number of units
per acre. For non- residential development,
intensity standards rely on a floor area ratio, or
FAR, which is simply the ratio of a building’s
floor area to the lot area on which the building is
located.
Population Density & Development Intensity
State planning law requires that land uses identified
on a land use map or diagram indicate standards for
development intensity and population density. The
purpose of the requirement is to aid in the understanding
of the type and extent of development contemplated for
each land use designation depicted on the land use map.
Development Intensity may be described in different
ways. In the Beaumont General Plan, the residential
development intensities are defined as the number of
units per acre. For non- residential development,
intensity standards rely on a floor area ratio, or FAR,
which is simply the ratio of a building’s floor area to the
lot area on which the building is located.
Population density is typically applied to residential
land use designations to enable decision- makers to
understand the potential population associated with the
land use plan’s implementation. Population density is
typically derived by multiplying the number of housing
units permitted under a particular land use designation
by the average household size of the community.
Community Development Goal 11.
The City of Beaumont will continue to
use redevelopment as a means to
eliminate blight, to promote economic
revitalization, and to provide
affordable housing.
20
City of Beaumont General Plan
Base Land Use Designations
Population density is typically applied to
residential land use designations to enable
decision- makers to understand the potential
population associated with the land use plan’s
implementation. Population density is typically
derived by multiplying the number of housing
units permitted under a particular land use
designation by the average household size of
the community.
The Beaumont General Plan contains 9 land use
designations. Of this total, 3 designations apply
to residential development, 2 designations are
applicable to commercial development, and 1
designation each for industrial uses, mixed- use
development, public facilities, and
recreation/ conservation areas. These General
Plan land use designations include the following:
∙ Rural Residential is characterized by very
low- density residential development. A
large portion of the City is undeveloped or
consists of large tracts of land with few
homes. This land use designation permits
between 0 to 2 units per acre. The
corresponding population density will be 7
persons per acre assuming an average
household size of 3.5 persons per unit. The
purpose of this land use designation is to
maintain and preserve the rural, agricultural
character of those areas located in the
extreme southern and northern portions of
the City.
∙ Single- family Residential corresponds to
residential development consisting of single-family
detached units. Under this land use
designation, development intensities of
between 0 to 4 units per acre are permitted.
The corresponding population intensity is 14
persons per acre. The majority of the
residential neighborhoods, including those
located within Specific Plan areas, are
included in this land use designation.
∙ Multiple- family Residential is characterized
by higher density multiple- family
development. Multiple- family developments
in the City included both apartments and
condominiums. The majority of the parcels
included in this land use designation are
located between 6th Street and 8th Street.
Under this land use designation,
development intensities of between 0 to 22
units per acre are permitted. The
corresponding population density for this
land use designation is 70 persons per acre.
Additional development densities are
possible under affordable density bonuses.
∙ Mixed- Use is characterized by higher
density multiple- family development in
conjunction with commercial uses or other
employment- related development. A single
area located to the south of SR- 60 Freeway,
in the Southwest Beaumont Planning Area,
has been included in the designation. Any
future mixed- use development within the
Southwest Planning Area will be subject to a
specific plan.
∙ General Commercial corresponds to smaller
commercial retail and service- related
activities found along 6th Street, Beaumont
Avenue, and elsewhere in the Town Center
Planning Area. Under this land use
designation, the maximum permitted floor
area ratio is 2.0 to 1.0. This land use
designation permits a range of retail and
service- oriented land uses.
∙ Community Commercial is characterized by
commercial shopping centers that serve
adjacent neighborhoods. The majority of the
parcels included in this land use designation
are located along Highland Springs Avenue
and in the Oak Valley Planning Area. Other
parcels included in this designation are
found at key locations near the freeway
interchanges. This land use designation
also applies to a portion of the West
Beaumont Planning Area between the SR-
60 and I- 10 freeways where a regional
shopping center complex is proposed.
Under this land use designation, the
maximum permitted floor area ratio is 0.3 to
1.0.
21
City of Beaumont General Plan
∙ Industrial is characterized by a wide range of
industrial uses, including “ stand- alone”
industrial activities as well as business
parks. Other types of permitted
development within this land use category
includes research parks, private trade
schools, colleges, and business complexes
containing a mix of light industrial,
distribution, office, and commercial activities.
The majority of the parcels included in the
Industrial land use designation are found in
a corridor located south of the I- 10 Freeway.
Under this land use designation, the
maximum permitted floor area ratio is 0.7 to
1.0.
∙ Public Facilities applies to those land uses
that serve a public and/ or civic use. Land
uses included in this category include the
Civic Center, City Yard, and the schools.
Under this land use designation, the
maximum permitted floor area ratio is 1.0 to
1.0.
∙ Recreation/ Conservation refers to open
space lands used for recreation and
conservation including parks, trails, and golf
courses. There is no maximum permitted
floor area ratio for this land use designation.
In addition to the base land use designations,
there are a number of overlay designations that
help to implement the City’s land use and
development policy. These overlay designations
are specific to geographic areas and indicate
additional development requirements and/ or
standards that are applicable to a parcel.
∙ 6th Street Specific Plan Overlay applies to a
number of parcels located along 6th Street
within the 6th Street Planning Area. There
are a number of larger, underutilized
properties along the corridor that are
presently zoned for commercial use. This
overlay designation permits these properties
to be developed in either commercial
( General Commercial) or residential
( Multiple- family Residential) or a
combination of these land uses. This
designation also indicates urban design
standards that are unique to the 6th Street
corridor.
∙ Beaumont Avenue Overlay applies to a
number of parcels located along that
segment of Beaumont Avenue located
between 6th Street ( on the south) and 14th
Street ( on the north). The purpose of this
overlay designation is to facilitate the
corridor’s transition to a mixed- use district
containing professional office, service, and
limited commercial activities in conjunction
with residential uses. This specialized land
use overlay designation will ensure that
future non- residential development is
compatible with neighboring residential
development. This land use overlay
designation also provides for development
standards that are unique to the Beaumont
Avenue corridor.
∙ Specific Plan Overlay applies to those areas
of the City that have an adopted Specific
Plan as well as those areas where a Specific
Plan will be required at the time a
development concept is proposed. Those
Specific Plans that were adopted prior to this
General Plan have been incorporated into
the Plan by reference. Any future Specific
Plan or Specific Plan Amendment must be
consistent with this General Plan unless a
General Plan Amendment is part of the
development requested.
∙ Urban Village Specific Plan Overlay applies
to a specific area of the City situated
between the I- 10 and the SR- 60 Freeway
corridors. Within this area, a variety of
specialized land uses that capitalize on the
area’s unique location are contemplated.
These uses include a regional commercial
center, higher density residential
development, and abundant open space and
recreation amenities. This area will be
developed in phases as development
proceeds within the larger West Beaumont
Planning Area.
∙ Commercial Industrial Overlay applies to a
single area of the City located in the
22
City of Beaumont General Plan
Southwest Planning Area, south of the SR-
60 Freeway. This land use designation
permits either industrial or commercial land
uses or a combination of both.
In addition to the aforementioned land use
designations, an Affordable Housing Density
Bonus applies to those residential developments
that qualify for a relaxation in development
standards and/ or increased development density
because a specified percentage of the units will
be reserved for lower income households. The
specific provisions of the City’s density bonus
regulations are outlined in the City of Beaumont
Zoning Ordinance.
General Plan Land Use Map
The location and distribution of the various land
use categories provided under this General Plan
are depicted in Exhibits 2- 1 through 2- 5. The
land uses depicted in these exhibits were been
drawn to a sufficient level to correspond with the
City’s zoning map. The land use policy for each
of the individual Planning Areas is described in
this section.
Town Center Planning Area
This Planning Area includes the older residential
neighborhoods in the City within an area
bounded by 8th Street on the south, Cherry
Avenue on the east, Elm Avenue on the west,
and Oak Valley Parkway on the north. Existing
land uses within this area largely consists of
single- family residential development with
multiple- family residential development
occupying in- fill lots. The units exhibit varying
degrees of maintenance that reflect the age and
style of the individual units. The homes within
this area were constructed individually and the
development of infill lots is continuing.
Subdivision patterns are generally uniform in the
southerly portion of the planning area though
there are numerous flag- lots and subdivided
parcels found within this area.
Land use policy for this Planning Area generally
corresponds to the location and extent of
development within the Planning Area. The
primary objective of the land use policy
applicable to this Planning Area is to facilitate
the revitalization of the 6th Street and Beaumont
Avenue corridors while maintaining the integrity
of the residential neighborhoods found adjacent
to the corridors. Over time, the Beaumont
Avenue will be redeveloped to a thriving
professional service district. For the 6th Street
corridor, mixed- use development containing
both commercial and/ or residential development
will be promoted. A Specific Plan Overlay has
been applied to the parcels located along 6th
Street that will include design guidelines and
other development standards that will be unique
to the corridor.
Oak Valley Planning Area
This Planning Area is dominated by the Oak
Valley Greens development ( located north of the
Oak Valley Parkway and east of the I- 10
Freeway) and the Three Rings Ranch
development ( located to the south of the Oak
Valley Parkway). The majority of the homes
found within this planning area were constructed
as part of the aforementioned planned unit
developments/ specific plans. Land use policy
that applies to the Planning Area largely mirrors
the development permitted under the
aforementioned Specific Plans and Planned Unit
Developments.
North Beaumont Planning Area
This Planning Area is bounded by Brookside
Avenue on the north, Cherry Avenue on the
east, Beaumont Avenue on the west, and the
Oak Valley Parkway on the south. Residential
land uses within this Planning Area are generally
characterized by single- family developments
such as the Mountain Meadows and Cougar
Ranch developments. Some older homes and a
manufactured housing development are also
located within this planning area. The majority
of the Planning Area is designated as Single-family
Residential with limited areas reserved for
Community Commercial and Multiple- family
Residential. The location and extent of
permitted development within the North
Beaumont Planning Area generally mirror the
existing development and entitlements for future
development.
23
City of Beaumont General Plan
East Beaumont Planning Area
This Planning Area includes the Sundance
development that was recently developed. The
northeasterly portion of the Planning Area also
includes the Highland Springs Resort. Existing
residential development is located in the
aforementioned Highland Springs resort area,
along Norman, Maureen, and Sandra Streets,
and in the southerly portion of the Planning Area
along the south side of 8th Street. The majority
of the Planning Area is designated as Single-family
Residential with a Specific Plan Overlay
Zone. Multiple- family Residential and
Community Commercial uses are designated
south of 8th Street.
6th Street Corridor Planning Area
Development along the 6th Street corridor is
largely commercial and industrial in character.
However, a large number of single- family and
multiple- family residences are located between
the commercial parcels with frontage along the
north side of 6th Street and 8th Street. Many of
the existing homes located in the easternmost
portion of the Planning Area, north of 6th Street,
exhibit signs of dilapidation. There is a mix of
smaller commercial, manufacturing, and
automotive related uses between 6th Street and
the I- 10 Freeway. The land use policy that is
applicable to the 6th Street corridor supports on-going
revitalization and redevelopment efforts
along this roadway. As previously indicated,
land uses found within this Planning Area
include a mix of commercial, smaller industrial,
and residential uses. The 6th Street Overlay
designation is the cornerstone of the land use
policy for this Planning Area. This overlay
designation permits these properties to be
developed in either commercial or residential
uses or a combination of both. In this way,
higher density residential development may be
used as infill for those commercially- zoned
parcels that are unproductive and/ or
underutilized.
West Beaumont Planning Area
This Planning Area is located west of the I- 10
Freeway and includes the areas located north of
the SR- 60 Freeway. The majority of the
planning area is currently undeveloped.
Scattered homes on large lots are found within
the Planning Area. This Planning Area includes
a number of adopted Specific Plans including
the Heartland Specific Plan, the Southern
California PGA Specific Plan, and the Oak
Valley Specific Plan. The development
contemplated under these specific plans will
consist of single- family homes and abundant
open space for recreational uses. The land use
policy for this Planning Area provides for the
development of an “ urban village” near the
junction of the SR- 60 and the I- 10 Freeways.
This area, because of its location in relation to
the I- 10 and SR- 60 Freeways, is anticipated to
emerge as a major commercial and destination
center in the Banning Pass area. A specific plan
will guide future land uses within this area
though the elements of future development will
include a major regional commercial center,
hotels, and entertainment activities. Residential
development, including higher density residential
development, will be integrated into the overall
land use scheme. A greenbelt corridor will
include areas along San Timeteo Creek. The
Urban Village Overlay designation will ensure
the City’s vision for this key location is
considered as part of any future planning.
Southeast Beaumont Planning Area
This Planning Area, located to the south of the I-
10 Freeway and east of Highway 79, contains
large tracts of undeveloped land and farmland.
Residential uses within this Planning Area are
characterized by individual homes within large
lots or as part of farms. Commercial and
industrial uses are found within individual
parcels scattered throughout the Planning Area.
Of the seven Planning Areas that comprise the
City, this is the largest in terms of land area.
This Planning Area includes the Seneca Springs
Specific Plan and the Hovchild Specific Plan.
The land use policy for this Planning Area
provides for industrial and commercial
development south of the I- 10 Freeway and
along Highway 79. Residential development
( Rural Residential and Single- family Residential)
is contemplated within the remainder of the
Planning Area.
24
City of Beaumont General Plan
Southwest Beaumont Planning Area
This Planning Area, located to the south of the I-
10 Freeway and west of Highway 79, also
contains large tracts of undeveloped land and
farmland. Industrial uses are found within
individual parcels scattered throughout the
northerly portion of the Planning Area. The land
use policy for this Planning Area provides for
industrial and commercial development south of
the I- 10 Freeway and along Highway 79.
Residential development ( Rural Residential and
Single- family Residential) is contemplated within
the remainder of the Planning Area.
Overview of Land Use Policy
This section of the Community Development
Element provides an overview description of the
potential development theoretically possible
under the land use policy depicted in Exhibits 2-
1 through 2- 5 for the individual Planning Areas.
Table 2- 1 summarized the distribution of the
land use designations contemplated as part of
this General Plan. Table 2- 1 indicates the land
area for each of the land use designations for
the entire Planning Area that includes the City of
Beaumont and its designated Sphere of
Influence. As is apparent from examination of
the figures provided in the Table, residential land
uses will continue to be the dominant land use
designation. The Land Use Plan designates
over 17,853 acres of land for residential
development. This translates into a potential
development of 29,464 housing units with a
corresponding population of approximately
87,200 residents
.
Table 2- 1
Distribution of Land Uses within the Beaumont Planning
Area
Land Use Designation Area
( in acres)
Area
( in Sq.
Miles)
% of Total
Rural Residential 10,946 17.10 35.36
Single- family Residential 6,765 10.57 21.85
Multiple- Family Residential 142 0.22 0.5
Mixed Use 240 0.38 0.8
6th St. Overlay 211 0.33 0.7
Community Commercial 471 0.74 1.5
General Commercial 84 0.13 0.3
Industrial 1,254 1.96 4.1
Public Facilities 234 0.37 0.8
Recreation/ Conservation 9,849 15.39 31.8
Beaumont Avenue Overlay 80 0.13 0.3
Urban Village Specific Plan 684 1.07 2.2
Total 30,960 48.38 100.0
25
BEAUMONT AVE
6TH ST
PALM AVE
HIGHLAND SPRINGS AVE
1ST ST
VEILE AVE
STATE HWY 60
INTERSTATE 10
INTERSTATE 10
PENNSYLVANIA AVE
8TH ST
LAMBS CANYON RD
CHERRY AVE
BROOKSIDE AVE
OAK VALLEY PARK WAY
OAK VALLEY PARKWAY
STATE HWY 60
ELM AVE
13TH ST
12TH ST
9TH ST
11TH ST
CALIFORNIA AVE
XENIA AVE
CALIFORNIA AVE
4TH ST
COUGAR WAY
BEAUMONT AVE
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan
LEGEND
CITY BOUNDARY
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
RURAL RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL
INDUSTRIAL
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL OVERLAY
URBAN VILLAGE OVERLAY
BEAUMONT AREA OVERLAY
PUBLIC FACILITIES
RECREATION AND CONSERVATION
p
0 3,000 1,500 6,000 9,000 12,000
Feet
26
BEAUMONT AVE
6TH ST
PALM AVE
HIGHLAND SPRINGS AVE
1ST ST
VEILE AVE
STATE HWY 60
INTERSTATE 10
INTERSTATE 10
PENNSYLVANIA AVE
8 TH ST
CHERRY AVE
BROOKSIDE AVE
OAK VALLEY PARK WAY
ELM AVE
13TH ST
12TH ST
9TH ST
11 TH ST
CALIFORNIA AVE
XENIA AVE
CALIFORNIA AVE
4TH ST
COUGAR WAY
BEAUMONT AVE
UV7
UV6
UV3
UV2
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CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan
Detail Sheet Index
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27
ORCHARD
COUGAR WAY
HEIGHTS AVE
17TH ST
NORMAN ROAD
MAUREEN DR
SANDRA DR
BROOKSIDE AVENUE
17TH ST
SUNNYSLOPE AVE
MARY LN
CHERRY AVE
CEDAR
RD
HOLLOW
PKWY
OAK VALLEY
PALM
AVE
LEMON AVE
STONE CREEK RD
DATE AVE
HIGHLAND SPRINGS AVE
MIRANDA LN
SHANE LN
PANTHER LN
CHERRY VALLEY ACRES
COUGAR RANCH RD
CYPRESS ST
CEDAR VIE W DR
CANYON CREST RD
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 1
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28
OAK VALLE Y PKW Y
OAK VALLEY PKWY
STARLIGHT
AVE
STARLIGHT
AVE
SUNBURST DR
SUNBURST DR
SUNDANCE DR SUNDANCE DR
CHERRY AVE
PENNSYLVANIA AVE
RADKA AVE
8TH S T
9TH ST
10TH ST
11TH ST
12TH ST
13TH ST
PALM AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MICHIGAN AVE
MASSACHUSETTS AVE MASSACHUSETTS AVE
MAPLE AVE
8TH ST
XENIA AVE
HIGHLAND SPRINGS AVE
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 2
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PENNSYLVANIA AVE
MICHIGAN AVE
1ST ST
3RD ST
2ND ST
1ST ST
POTRERO
BLVD
HIGHLAND SPRINGS AVE
INTERSTATE 10
AMERICAN AVE
COMMERCE WY
XENIA AVE
ALLEGHENY ST
6TH ST
8TH ST
VALLECITO AVE
PALO ALTO AVE
ILLINOIS
AVE
PENNSYLVANIA AVE
6TH ST
5TH ST
7TH ST
8TH ST
MICHIGAN AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
PALM AVE
MASSACHUSETTS AVE
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 3
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30
OAK
VIEW
DRIVE
OAK VALLEY PKWY
BEAUMONT AVE
C OU GAR WAY
LN
VASILI
LEMON AVE
CYNTH IA ST
ALEXE ST
CEDAR VIE W
DR
BROO KSIDE AVENUE
FAIRWAY DR
FAIRWAY DR
LAKEVIEW
ST
EVERGREEN
AVE
LAKESIDE AVE
LONG DR
GOLDEN WAY
STARGAZE R ST
HILLVIEW ST
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 4
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PALM AVE
O AK VA LLEY PARK WAY
ELM AVE
13TH ST
12TH ST
CALIFORNIA AVE
11TH ST
ORANGE AVE
BEAUMONT AVE
EUCLID AVE
AVALON AVE
EDGAR AVE
8TH ST
9TH ST
10TH ST
12TH ST
DALE ST
CALIFORNIA AVE
PEARL ST
WELLWOOD AVE
CALIFORNIA AVE
FLORENCE AVE
MAGNOLIA AVE
MAPLE AVE
OLIVE AVE
OLIVE AVE
HURSTLAND AVE
CLAIBORNE AVE E
CLAIBORNE AVE W
CALUMET AVE
RING RANCH ROAD
WINDBOU ND
AVE
BROOKSIDE
LANE
LANA WAY
OLIVE AVE
ELM AVE
MYRL DR CY RI SE LN
DONNA DR
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 5
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BEAUMONT AVE
VIELE AVE
CALIFORNIA AVE
VIELE AVE
4TH ST
RISCO CIR
NICHOLAS RD
WESTWARD AVE
BOLO CT
WEST DR
1ST S T
1ST ST
MAGNOLIA AVE
BEAUMONT AVE
EUCLID AVE
EDGAR AVE
ORANGE AVE
MAPLE AVE
PALM AVE
3RD ST
MAPLE AVE
3RD ST 3RD ST
GRACE AVE
OLIVE AVE
CALIFORNIA AVE
2ND ST
ELM AVE
B ST
WALNUT AVE
7TH ST
8TH ST
7TH ST
6TH ST
8TH ST
ELM AVE
WELLWOOD AVE
EGAN AVE
VEILE AVE
INTERSTATE 10
6TH ST
Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
INTERSTATE 10
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 6
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INTERSTATE 10
CHAMPIONS
DR
BAY
DR
HILL
N DEODAR
DR
S MONTE DR VERDE
MORGAN AVENUE
BROOKSIDE AVENUE
UNION ST
HANNON RD
FAIRWAY
DRIVE
BRENTWOOD
RD
DESERT LAWN DR
OAK VALLEY PKWY
GOLF CLUB
DR
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General Plan - Detail Sheet 7
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STATE HWY 6 0
WESTERN KNOLLS AVE
INTERSTATE 10
U. P. R. R.
OAK VALLEY PKWY
U. P. R. R.
OAK VALLEY PKWY
POTRERO BLVD
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan- Detail Sheet 8
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4TH ST
4TH ST
CITY OF BEAUMONT
General Plan - Detail Sheet 9
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City of Beaumont General Plan
Section 3.0 Circulation Element
City of Beaumont General Plan
37
City of Beaumont General Plan
3.1 Introduction to the Element
This Circulation Element of the Beaumont
General Plan is one of seven State- mandated
Elements. The Element will guide the on- going
development of the City's roadway system in a
manner that is compatible with the Community
Development Element. The purpose of the
Circulation Element is to oversee the
development and maintenance of a safe and
efficient circulation system for the City.
According to California Government Code
Section 65302( b), this Element must identify “ the
general location and extent of existing and
proposed major thoroughfares, transportation
routes, terminals, and other public utilities and
facilities, all correlated with the land use element
of the plan."
This Circulation Element also portrays the
roadway system needed to serve traffic
generated by the various land uses permitted
under the Community Development Element.
The California Government Code states, " The
General Plan and the parts and elements
thereof shall comprise an integrated and
internally consistent and compatible statement
of policies." This Circulation Element includes a
Circulation Plan that indicates the location and
extent of the improvements required to serve the
development contemplated in the Housing
Element and the Community Development
Element. Traffic forecasts included in the
Circulation Element are also used to determine
future traffic noise levels and emergency
evacuation routes.
3.2 Circulation Goals & Policies
The goals and policies included in this section of
the Circulation Element provide the
transportation framework for the City. The
policies included in this Element focus on the
following goals:
∙ Goal 1 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will participate in the
improvement and upgrading of the regional
transportation system.
∙ Goal 2 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will ensure the development and
maintenance of a local roadway system that
will meet both current and future
transportation needs.
∙ Goal 3 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will ensure that new development
provides sufficient parking to meet demand.
∙ Goal 4 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will work to facilitate the
maintenance and enhancement of rail
transportation in and through the City.
∙ Goal 5 ( Circulation Element). The City of
Beaumont will promote the enhancement of
public transportation and alternative modes
of transportation to meet existing and future
demands.
Format of the Circulation Element
The Introduction provides an overview of the Element’s
scope and content;
The Circulation Policies identifies City policy with respect
to traffic and parking in the City; and,
The Circulation Plan indicates roadway classification and
performance standards. The Plan also includes a map
indicating the location and extent of new road rights- of-ways
in the larger Beaumont Planning Area.
Circulation Goal 1. The City of
Beaumont will participate in the
improvement and upgrading of the
regional transportation system.
38
City of Beaumont General Plan
The circulation system in the City of Beaumont
and its Sphere of Influence is dominated by two
major freeways that meet in the geographic
center of the greater planning area.
Connections to these freeways are made from a
network of collector streets that also serve the
City and Sphere of Influence. The I- 10 Freeway
is the major east/ west facility in the Los Angeles-
Riverside- Coachella Valley region. This
Freeway extends from the Pacific Ocean ( in
Santa Monica) easterly towards Blythe. The
facility consists of four travel lanes in each
direction east of its interchange with the SR- 60.
Full interchanges in the City are located at 14th
Street/ San Timoteo Canyon Road, Beaumont
Avenue/ SR- 79, and Highland Springs Avenue.
A half interchange is located at Pennsylvania
Avenue. The SR- 60 Freeway serves as the
major alternative route to the I- 10 Freeway from
downtown Los Angeles to Beaumont
∙ Circulation Element Policy 1. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
Caltrans in the implementation of any
necessary freeway and State highway
improvements.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 2. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate in the
improvement of the existing regional
transportation system.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 3. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
other regional transit agencies to facilitate
the timely improvement of regional roadway
and transit facilities.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 4. The City of
Beaumont will continue to actively pursue
the required interchange and ramp
improvements within the City.
The roadway system that serves as the
“ backbone” circulation system for the City
predates the freeway network. The local
roadways are oriented in a typical “ grid- iron”
pattern common in older communities. This
backbone system will require significant
expansion to accommodate the future
development contemplated under the land use
policy.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 5. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
Caltrans in the implementation of any
necessary freeway and State highway
improvements.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 6. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate in the
improvement of the existing regional
transportation system.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 7. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
other regional transit agencies to facilitate
the timely improvement of regional roadway
and transit facilities.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 8. The City of
Beaumont will continue to actively pursue
the required interchange and ramp
improvements within the City.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 9. The City of
Beaumont will continue to oversee the
development of a circulation system that will
serve the needs of the City.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 10. The City of
Beaumont will strive to maintain a minimum
Circulation Goal 2. The City of
Beaumont will ensure the
development and maintenance of a
local roadway system that will meet
both current and future transportation
needs.
39
City of Beaumont General Plan
LOS " D" as a target LOS standard and LOS
" E" as a threshold standard.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 11. The City of
Beaumont will consider the impacts of truck
traffic in the review of new developments.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 12. The City of
Beaumont will, as part of the planning and
design of future major commercial and
industrial projects, require that pedestrian
and vehicular traffic be separated to the
extent feasible.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 13. The City of
Beaumont will preserve the quality of
residential neighborhoods by minimizing the
impacts of through traffic.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 14. The City of
Beaumont will imit the environmental
impacts associated with the construction of
roadways and the installation of
infrastructure improvements.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 15. The City of
Beaumont will continue to oversee the
development of an integrated transportation
system capable of meeting the needs to
move people and goods by private and
public means with maximum efficiency,
convenience, economy, safety, and comfort.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 16. The City of
Beaumont will strive to achieve a safe,
balanced and coordinated transportation
system that allows for efficient, comfortable
and convenient travel through and within the
City and the region.
The lack of parking will often contribute to traffic
congestion as well as limiting the success of a
business establishment. As a result, this
Circulation Element supports on- going efforts to
ensure that sufficient parking is provided to
accommodate demand.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 17. The City of
Beaumont, as part of its review of future
development, will ensure that an adequate
supply of private off- street and public
parking will meet the needs of residents and
visitors to the City.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 18. The City of
Beaumont will encourage the use of joint-use
and public parking facilities where
needed.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 19. The City of
Beaumont will require developers to provide
adequate on- site parking and/ or to
contribute to a program to acquire and/ or
maintain off- site joint use facilities.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 20. The City of
Beaumont will strive to remedy the current
parking deficiencies in the City’s downtown
central business district.
The Union Pacific Railroad traverses the City of
Beaumont from the west to east. The railway is
located adjacent to San Timoteo Canyon Road to
its junction with the I- 10 Freeway. The railway
then runs adjacent to the I- 10 Freeway through
Beaumont. The railroad will continue to serve as
a catalyst for economic development. At the
same time, the City needs to work with the
railroad to ensure that its operations do not
contribute to traffic congestion in the City.
Circulation Goal 3. The City of
Beaumont will ensure that new
development provides sufficient
parking to meet demand.
Circulation Goal 4. The City of
Beaumont will work to facilitate the
maintenance and enhancement of rail
transportation in and through the
City.
40
City of Beaumont General Plan
∙ Circulation Element Policy 21. The City of
Beaumont will work with the railroad and the
public utilities commission to coordinate
planned roadway improvements with these
entities.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 22. The City of
Beaumont will encourage the railroad to
continue in the development of
improvements that will minimize the impact
of railroad operations on vehicular traffic.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 23. The City of
Beaumont will strive to ensure that future
railroad operations and/ or improvements
( switching areas, autoveyor yards, etc.) do
not adversely impact the City.
The Riverside Transit Authority ( RTA) and the
City of Beaumont Transit Department provide
public transportation service in the City. The
City’s transit service operates three fixed routes
and a curb- to- curb dial- a- ride service. The latter
is reserved for disabled persons and senior
citizens. The fixed route service include Routes
No. 1 and 2 that serve an area between 6th
Street and Cougar Way and Route 3 that serves
the northerly portion of the City ( between 6th
Street and Orchard Street). The RTA also
operates three lines in the City including Line 31
( Highway 79 and 6th Street), Line 35( 6th Street
and 8th Street), and Line 36 ( Beaumont Avenue,
6th Street, and 8th Street). This General Plan
supports the ongoing programs and/ or
measures involving the use of alternative forms
of transportation, other than the private
automobile:
∙ Circulation Element Policy 24. The City of
Beaumont, as part of future development,
will consider the dedication and/ or
construction of appropriate facilities in
support of a public transportation system.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 25. The City of
Beaumont will continue to cooperate with
the local and regional public transit providers
to ensure that existing and future transit
demands are met.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 26. The City of
Beaumont will support the use of express
transit services and the development of
park- and- ride facilities along regional
transportation corridors.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 27. The City of
Beaumont will continue to oversee the
development of a safe and efficient bike lane
and bike trail system.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 28. The City of
Beaumont will continue to require that new
developments provide sidewalks so as to
provide a safe environment for pedestrians.
∙ Circulation Element Policy 29. The City of
Beaumont will continue to promote the
development of equestrian and hiking trails
in appropriate areas of the City.
3.3 Circulation Plan
The Circulation Plan ( Exhibit 3- 1) indicates the
location and extent of the planned circulation
system that will serve the land uses and
development contemplated under the Land Use
Policy Map depicted in the Community
Development Element ( refer to Exhibits 2- 1
through 2- 4). This Element provides for the
maintenance of the transportation network that
will support the ultimate land uses and
development intensities contemplated under the
Land Use Plan. The development of the
Circulation Element involved the creation of
traffic analysis zones ( TAZs) that evaluated the
potential traffic that would be generated by the
land uses and development permitted within
Circulation Goal 5 The City of
Beaumont will promote the
enhancement of public transportation
and alternative modes of transportation
to meet existing and future demands.
41
City of Beaumont General Plan
each TAZ. The Circulation Plan included in the
Circulation Element indicates the type, location,
and extent of future roadways that will be
required to accommodate this future traffic
demand.
Roadway Classifications & Standards
The Circulation Plan for the City of Beaumont
supports the land use and development
objectives outlined in the Community
Development Element. The Circulation Plan,
shown in Exhibit 3- 1, is discussed in this section.
The Circulation Plan includes a roadway
classification system that is used to identify the
function of each roadway in the City. The
classification system provides a logical
framework for the design and operation of those
existing and planned roadways. The functional
classification system permits residents, staff,
and elected officials to identify the preferred
characteristics of each street. If the observed
characteristic of a street changes from the
functional classification, then actions may be
taken to return the street to its originally
intended use or to change the roadway
classification in response to increased traffic
demand. In the latter instance, certain additional
roadway improvements may be required to
accommodate the roadway’s new functional
classification and the corresponding standards.
The primary circulation system in the City of
Beaumont serves two distinct and equally
important functions: 1) providing access to
individual properties, and, 2) accommodating the
transport of people and goods into and through
the City. The design and operation of each
roadway depends on the importance placed on
each of these functions. For example, some
roadways are designed to carry larger traffic
volumes and generally have more lanes, higher
speed limits, and fewer curb- cuts or driveways.
In contrast, other streets may have fewer lanes,
reduced speed limits, and more driveways as a
means to provide access to individual
properties.
The roadway system in Beaumont has been
defined using a classification system that
describes a hierarchy of roadway types. The
categories of roadways included in this
classification system differentiate the size,
function, and capacity of each type of roadway.
Streets in the City of Beaumont are also
classified according to their primary function,
consisting of the following types of roadways.
The roadways are described below and are
shown in Exhibit 3- 1 along with the cross-sections
of each classification.
∙ Expressway Corridor. The primary function
of this classification of roadway is to provide
regional, sub regional, and intra- City travel
service. Through- traffic comprises the bulk
of traffic volumes in this roadway
classification that includes the two freeways
that traverse the City and State Highway 79.
These facilities typically provides three to
four traffic lanes in each direction. A median
strip or a two- way, left- turn lane typically
separate the lanes. Roadways included in
this classification typically have a right- of-way
width of 184 feet and a curb- to- curb
pavement width of 118 feet.
∙ Urban Arterial ( Highway and Frontage
Road). This roadway classification serves
both regional through- traffic and inter- city
traffic. These roadways typically direct
traffic onto and off- of the freeways. Urban
arterials typically have a 120 to 134 foot
right- of- way width and a 102 foot curb- to-curb
width. An Urban Arterial typically
contains three travel lanes in each direction
and a two- way left- turn lane with either a
painted or raised median.
∙ Augmented Major Highway. This roadway
classification serves inter- city traffic.
Augmented Major Highways typically have a
110 foot right- of- way width and a 92 foot
curb- to- curb width. Roadway segments
included in this classification will typically
contain three travel lanes in each direction
with a painted median.
42
City of Beaumont General Plan
∙ Arterial Highway. This roadway
classification serves both regional through-traffic
and inter- city traffic. These roadways
typically direct traffic through the City.
Roadway segments included in the Arterial
Highway classification will typically have a
right- of- way width of 110 feet and a curb- to-curb
width of 86 feet. An Urban Arterial
typically contains three travel lanes in each
direction and a painted or raised median.
∙ Major Roadways ( Highway and Frontage
Road). This roadway classification serves to
move large volumes of inter- city traffic.
These roadways typically direct traffic
through major development nodes. Major
roadways typically have a 88 foot to 100 foot
right- of- way width and a 70 foot to 76 foot
curb- to- curb width. A Major roadway
typically contains two travel lanes in each
direction with on- street parking provided
next to the curb.
∙ Secondary Street. Secondary Streets serve
a similar function as Major Roadways,
except the designed capacity of the former
is not as great as the latter. In addition,
Secondary Streets do not carry the volumes
of through traffic typically associated with
Major Arterials. There are three subclasses
of Secondary Streets: Secondary A,
Secondary B, and Secondary Frontage. All
of the Secondary Roads will contain two
travel lanes in each direction though only
Secondary A roadways will have a painted
median. Secondary roadways have a right-of-
way width of between 76 feet and 88 feet
and a pavement width of between 56 feet
and 64 feet.
∙ Collector Streets ( Divided and Undivided).
A Collector Street provides circulation in a
defined geographic area of the City and
connects this area to secondary streets,
arterials, and freeways. Most traffic uses
collector streets to move to roadways
carrying intra- City or through- traffic.
Collector Streets have a right- of- way width
of between 66 feet and 78 feet. These
roadways contain 2 travel lanes in each
direction.
∙ Local Streets. Local streets are subordinate
to the basic circulation network described
above, yet constitute the majority of the
City’s streets. These streets provide access
to individual parcels and only provide
circulation within a neighborhood block.
Most streets have been improved with
curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The City
standard for local streets is 60 feet ( with a
curb- to- curb pavement width of 36 feet, two
lanes, and on- street parking on both sides).
This standard has not been achieved for a
number of local streets in the City and may
not be achieved for all local streets,
considering the developed character of the
City.
The functional designation of a roadway does
not necessarily indicate the existing conditions
( i. e., traffic volume, width, and available right- of-way).
Instead, the classification indicates the
intended use and ultimate design of the roadway
to accommodate the anticipated travel demand.
In addition, the typical cross- section of the
roadway does not necessarily mean that the
roadway should be redesigned or widened to
meet its typical cross- section. Design standards
for the aforementioned roadway classifications
are summarized in Table 3- 1.
43
City of Beaumont General Plan
Roadway Performance Standards
Evaluating the ability of the circulation system to
serve existing and projected traffic demands
requires the establishment of suitable
" performance criteria." These performance
criteria serve as a means by which traffic
volumes are compared to circulation
infrastructure ( roadway segments and
intersections), and the adequacy of that
infrastructure to accommodate existing or
projected traffic volumes. Performance criteria
have a policy component, which establishes a
desired “ Level of Service,” and a technical
component, which provides a more quantified
measure.
A qualitative measure, Level of Service, or LOS,
is often used in describing the operating
condition of a roadway segment or intersection.
The LOS is a sliding scale ( A through F), where
LOS A represents optimal traffic conditions,
while LOS F equates to significant congestion
and is generally considered to represent an
unacceptable condition. A quantitative measure
used to define an intersection’s level of service
employs a ratio between an intersection’s design
capacity ( as measured in traffic volumes) and
the existing and/ or projected traffic volumes.
This method, referred to as the Intersection
Capacity Utilization, or ICU, is correlated to LOS
definitions in Table 3- 2.
The City of Beaumont has established LOS " D"
as a target LOS standard and LOS " E" as a
threshold standard. The City recognizes that not
all intersections within the City can meet the
target LOS D. In these instances, the City
Council must find that the improvements
necessary to meet the target LOS D are not
feasible because of one or more of the following
reasons: 1) the cost of the necessary
improvements exceeds available funding
sources; 2) the design of the necessary
improvements is not compatible with the
surrounding land uses; or, 3) the design of the
necessary improvements is contrary to other
established City policies.
The performance criteria used for evaluating
volumes and capacities of the City street and
highway system include both average daily
traffic ( ADT) volumes for individual roadway
segments and peak hour intersection volume
Table 3- 1
Roadway Classification Standards
Travel
Lanes
Parking
Lanes
Right- of- way
Width
Pavement
Width
Typical
Volumes
( ADT)
Express Corridor 6 to 8 0 120’- 134’ 110’- 118’ 60,000+
Urban Arterial 6 0 120’– 134’ 102’ 50,000+
Augmented Major Highway 6 0 110’ 92’ 50,000+
Arterial Highway 6 0 110’ 86’ 40,000+
Major Roadways 4 0- 2 100’ 70’- 76’ 40,000
Secondary Street 4 0- 2 76’- 88’ 56’- 64’ 25,000
Collector Street 4 0- 2 66’- 78’ 44’- 56’ 25,000
Local Streets 2 0- 2 2,000
Note: ADT refers to average daily traffic volumes.
44
City of Beaumont General Plan
criteria. ADT capacities represent the general
level of daily traffic that each roadway type
typically handles, and should be used as a
general design guideline only. LOS standards
for intersections are more precisely determined
by examining peak hour intersection volumes.
Therefore, the Circulation Element uses peak
hour volumes as a basis for determining
appropriate capacity needs.
The LOS standards are designed to serve as a
benchmark for the General Plan when the
backbone circulation framework has been
completed. Over the General Plan’s
implementation, the actual LOS may be reduced
for roadway segments and/ or intersections until
such time the improvements have been
constructed.
Table 3- 2
Level of Service Definitions
LOS ICU Ratio Definition
A 0.00- 0.60 Free flow traffic conditions
B 0.61- 0.70 Stable flow, some restrictions
C 0.71- 0.80 Satisfactory operating speeds
D 0.81- 0.90 Unstable conditions beginning - considered to be the
maximum acceptable operating condition.
E 0.91- 1.00 Significant delays - considered to represent the threshold of
unacceptable traffic condition
F 1.01- Severe congestion - considered to represent the threshold of
unacceptable traffic condition
Regional Transportation Plans
The City of Beaumont is subject to the Riverside
County Congestion Management Plan, or CMP,
which is a state- mandated program with the
passage of Assembly Bill 471. The
requirements of the CMP became effective with
voter approval of Proposition 111 in June of
1990. The CMP was created for the following
purposes:
∙ To link land use, transportation, and air
quality decisions;
∙ To develop a partnership among
transportation decision- makers in devising
appropriate transportation solutions that
include all modes of travel; and,
∙ To propose transportation projects that are
eligible to compete for State gas tax funds.
The San Bernardino Freeway ( I- 10) and the
Pomona Freeway ( SR- 60) ramps are CMP-designated
facilities in the City of Beaumont.
45
46
City of Beaumont General Plan
Section 4.0 Resource Management Element
City of Beaumont General Plan
47
City of Beaumont General Plan
4.1 Introduction to the Element
The Resource Management Element of the
Beaumont General Plan meets the State’s
requirements for both an open space element
and a conservation element. In addition, this
Resource Management Element focuses on
those natural and man- made resources in the
City that should be considered in future planning
and development and identifies those programs
that will aid in preventing their loss and wasteful
exploitation. Finally, open space and
recreational resources are addressed in this
Element.
This Element complies with regulations in
Sections 65302( d) and 65302( e) of the
California Government Code. The Element
identifies significant resources within the City
and establishes policy for their conservation,
management, and preservation. This Resource
Management Element also fulfills the
requirements of Sections 65560 to 65570 of the
California Government Code regarding the
scope and content of an open space plan for the
City. This Element, through the policies
contained herein, will assist in the long- range
preservation and conservation of the City's
remaining open space resources.
The California Government Code states, " the
General Plan and the parts and elements
thereof shall comprise an integrated and
internally consistent and compatible statement
of policies." This Element includes a plan that
complements the Community Development
Element’s land use plan, the latter of which
indicates the location and extent of land that will
be used for open space and resource
management.
The Resource Management Element focuses on
four key issue areas: cultural resources ( historic
and archaeological), ecological resources ( plant
and animal life), natural resources ( air, water,
and minerals), and open space ( open space
used for recreation or resource protection).
4.2 Resource Management
Goals & Policies
The City of Beaumont is unique from many other
communities in the Southern California region in
that it has an abundance of natural resources.
As a result, the focus of this Element has been
expanded to address a wide range of issues that
will continue to be important considerations in
future planning and development. The policies
included in this section of the Resource
Management Element support the following
goals:
∙ Goal 1 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will support the
maintenance of soil and agricultural
resources.
∙ Goal 2 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will promote the
maintenance and management of water
resources.
∙ Goal 3 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will cooperate in
regional efforts to improve air quality.
∙ Goal 4 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will assist in the
protection of biological resources;
∙ Goal 5 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will participate in
Format of the Resource Management
Element
The Introduction provides an overview of the Element’s
scope and content;
The Resource Management Policies section indicates
those policies that are relevant to the preservation,
conservation, or management of important natural and
man- made resources; and,
The Resource Management Plan establishes standards
and programs that will be effective in the implementation of
those policies included in this Element.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
cultural resources management and/ or
preservation efforts.
∙ Goal 6 ( Resource Management Element).
The City of Beaumont will maintain and
enhance open space that will be used for
resource preservation and/ or recreation.
Much of the vacant land in the Beaumont
Planning Area is suitable for agricultural use.
However, the development pressures severely
constrain the viability of agriculture as a
continued or permanent use. There are no
significant mineral extraction activities in the City.
The majority of the Planning Area’s topography is
level and characterized by alluvial materials that
eroded and washed down from the mountains.
As a result, there are potential aggregate
resources located adjacent to the drainage areas
found in the western portion of the City.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 1.
The City of Beaumont will promote the
maintenance of open space through the
implementation of the General Plan.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 2.
The City of Beaumont will support the
maintenance of existing agricultural
resources in the City to the extent feasible.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 3.
The City of Beaumont will require that future
development implements soil conservation
practices.
The availability of groundwater to support
existing and future development is a
fundamental concern to the City. Historically,
the City’s water supply has been drawn from
groundwater supplies available within the
Beaumont Groundwater Storage Unit ( BSU),
which underlies the City and surrounding areas.
The BSU is within the Beaumont Hydrologic
Subarea of the San Timoteo Hydrologic Area,
and within the northern portion of the Santa Ana
River Hydrologic Unit.
The City is a member of the San Timoteo
Watershed Management Authority ( STWMA), a
joint powers public agency formed to manage
water resources. Studies undertaken by the
STWMA indicate that water levels in the BSU
have remained relatively stable over the past
twenty years, and that current levels of
groundwater use are in balance with
groundwater recharge. Future groundwater
levels in the BSU will be managed by the
STWMA pursuant to an agreement among the
individual users and major water purveyors
operating in the BSU.
Population growth and development in the City
has contributed to the degradation of surface
water quality, primarily through increased urban
runoff. As the natural landscape is covered over
with pavement or buildings, the amount of water-absorbing
( or pervious) surfaces decreases.
Water that previously percolated into the ground
is now surface water run- off diverted to nearby
streams and flood channels. Urban runoff
typically carries pollutants that can include oil
and grease washed from roadways, and
fertilizers from residential lawns and gardens or
from agricultural operations. In accordance with
the requirements of the State Regional Water
Quality Control Board, the City of Beaumont
adopted a Drainage Management Plan in 1999,
with the objective of reducing levels of pollutants
Resource Management Goal 1. The
City of Beaumont will support the
maintenance of soil and agricultural
resources.
Resource Management Goal 2. The
City of Beaumont will promote the
maintenance and management of
water resources.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
within storm water runoff and increasing public
awareness of water quality problems.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 4.
The City of Beaumont will promote the
maintenance of water quality in the City.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 5.
The City of Beaumont will promote water
conservation efforts in the City.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 6.
The City of Beaumont will strive to promote
development practices that will mitigate
potential flooding.
The City is located in the eastern portion of the
South Coast Air Basin ( SCAB). The SCAB
includes Los Angeles ( except high desert
areas), Orange, and the western portions of
Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The
SCAB is bounded by the San Gabriel, San
Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountain ranges.
The principal source of air pollution affecting
Beaumont includes pollutants transported by
wind from urbanized areas located to the west
towards Los Angeles. The worst air pollution
occurs in the eastern portions of Los Angeles
Counties and western portions of Riverside
and San Bernardino Counties. Air quality in
Southern California has greatly improved in the
last twenty years witnessing the elimination of
second stage smog alerts in the SCAB and
reductions in first stage alerts.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 7.
The City of Beaumont will support the use of
energy- efficient equipment and design in
City facilities and infrastructure.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 8.
The City of Beaumont will encourage
incorporation of energy conservation
features in new developments and in the
renovation of existing development.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 9.
The City of Beaumont will require feasible
fugitive dust reduction techniques to be
utilized during construction activities such as
regularly watering down the construction
area.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 10.
The City of Beaumont will participate in the
South Coast Air Quality Management
District rule development process for setting
regulations that impact the City of Beaumont
to ensure that City concerns are resolved
early in the process.
Beaumont's entire incorporated area and the
immediately surrounding sphere of influence have
been heavily disturbed by human activity.
Historically, the primary disturbance of its native
vegetation and wildlife has been associated with
cultivation/ agriculture. This use has occurred
continuously from the time of the City's
incorporation in 1912 to the present. Thus, there
are few undisturbed natural areas. Grassland
zones predominate the flat areas not under
cultivation and are dominantly comprised of non-native
grasses and herbs. These species include
slender wild oat, red brome, common barley,
ripgut grass, short- podded mustard, wild radish,
Russian thistle, red stemmed filaree, soft chess,
telegraph weed, dove weed, and horehound.
These particular species are classified as
annuals, which grow from one to three feet in
height and re- establish themselves yearly.
Usually, during the latter period of autumn rainfall,
this type of vegetation germinates and flourishes
from winter through spring. In the summer and
early fall, the plants die and drop their seeds; and
the cycle begins again.
Resource Management Goal 3. The
City of Beaumont will cooperate in
regional efforts to improve air quality. Resource Management Goal 4. The
City of Beaumont will assist in the
protection of biological resources.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
The City's southern sphere of influence zone has
a significant amount of native vegetation within a
series of hills known as the Badlands. In these
hills and other hill areas to the southeast, native
vegetation known as chamise chaparral is found.
The dominant species within this chaparral
community include: chamise, black sage, white
sage, sugarbush, wild honeysuckle, scrub oak
and manzanita. Cottonwood trees and oaks can
also be found sparsely scattered and bordering
stream channels. In addition, some Mojave yucca
and giant rye grass have been found at the most
southeastern portion of this southern sphere of
influence zone.
A variety of wildlife is found in the City, including
a large number of common insects, reptiles,
birds, and small to medium- sized mammals,
such as bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, gray fox,
opossums, rabbits, skunks, and many rodent
species. Habitat exists within the City to support
a number of sensitive wildlife species, including
the Stephen’s kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys
stephensi), San Bernardino Merriam’s kangaroo
rat ( Dipodomys merriami parvus), Least Bell’s
vireo ( Vireo bellii pusillus), and Quino
Checkerspot Butterfly ( Euphydryas editha
quino). These species are considered sensitive
due to declining populations, partially as a result
of habitat destruction.
The City of Beaumont is located within an area
subject to the Western Riverside County Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP).
The MSHCP indicates specific biological criteria
for the General Plan’s Planning Area that, when
achieved, will provide for the protection and
preservation of important and significant
biological resources consistent with local, State,
and Federal regulations. As a local permittee,
the City has adopted the MSHCP and will
comply with all of its applicable requirements
when considering actions associated with the
General Plan’s implementation. Those portions
of the City that are subject to the MSHCP are
shown in Exhibit 4- 1. It is important to note that
surveys and any attendant mitigation will still be
required for development within those areas not
subject to the requirements of the MSHCP.
The following policies will promote the
preservation of the sensitive biological habitats
in the General Plan’s Planning Area.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 11.
The City of Beaumont will work with
landowners and government agencies in
promoting development concepts that are
sensitive to the environment and give
maximum consideration to the preservation
of natural habitats.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 12.
The City of Beaumont will work with
landowners and government agencies in
identifying areas within the General Plan’s
Planning Area that should be preserved as
open space for passive recreation, resource
management, or public safety.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 13.
The City of Beaumont will encourage the
protection of existing wildlife in the
conservation areas located in the southerly
portion of the General Plan’s Planning Area.
The origins of the City of Beaumont began in
1866, when a mail stop called Summit Station
was established on a passenger stage route
through the San Gorgonio Pass. In 1876, with
the advent of the railroad, the Southern Pacific
Company transformed the station into a railroad
telegraph office. A town site, originally called
San Gorgonio, was established in 1884 and
renamed Beaumont (“ beautiful mountain” in
French) in 1886 when it was purchased by the
Southern California Investment Company,
headed by H. C. Sigler from Beaumont, Texas.
The Beaumont town site was officially surveyed
and filed in San Bernardino County in 1887.
The town site was later incorporated into
Riverside County when that county was formed
in 1893.
Resource Management Goal 5. The
City of Beaumont will participate in
cultural resources management
and/ or preservation efforts.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
Although few buildings in Beaumont pre- date
1900, there is a section of the community that
exemplifies the old- town character and contains
several buildings of historic interest. There are
also some Victorian residences scattered
throughout the City. The old- town community
encompasses the segment of 6th Street
between Orange Street and Viele, and 5th and
8th Streets. This area is considered by the City
to be of special historic significance, and
therefore it should be preserved, restored, and
redeveloped in relation to its historic character.
The City intends to preserve old streetlights
and columns that still exist in the City. Buildings
of significant historical interest in the old town
include the old bank building ( currently
Precision Stamping), the old high school
( currently City Hall), Beaumont Library, the
Woman's Club, the old church ( currently First
Christian Church), Saint Stephen's Church,
San Gorgonio Catholic Church, Bekins Transfer
Storage, and the Beaumont Hotel.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 14.
The City of Beaumont will evaluate the
feasibility of initiating a cultural arts and
facilities program to enhance the City
image.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 15.
The City of Beaumont will identify and
preserve those sites/ buildings that are
important to the community for the benefit of
the future generations that will reside or
work in the City.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 16.
The City of Beaumont will prepare an
inventory of private community and
environmental organizations that may
contribute effort or resources to improving
the City's cultural awareness.
Current and past civic leaders have stressed the
need for more parkland and recreational
facilities as a means to provide amenities for
those living and working in the City. The
following policies promote the continued
maintenance and expansion of recreational
facilities in order to provide an outlet for future
generations that will choose to live or work in the
City.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 17.
The City of Beaumont will maintain existing
park and recreation facilities that will be
maintained in good condition to protect the
public's investment and facilitate uses.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 18.
The City of Beaumont will evaluate the
feasibility of expanded joint- use of the open
space lands used for flood control and utility
easements.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 19.
The City of Beaumont shall continue to
implement its park dedication and
improvement requirement of 5 acres of
parkland for every 1,000 persons in
conjunction with residential development.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 20.
The City of Beaumont shall negotiate
agreements with the utility companies and
the Flood Control District for the
establishment of recreation trails, linkages,
uses, and appropriate landscaping within
their respective rights- of- way.
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 21.
The City of Beaumont shall seek to establish
a comprehensive bikeway and pedestrian
trail system.
Resource Management Goal 6. The
City of Beaumont will maintain and
enhance open space that will be used
for resource preservation and/ or
recreation.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
∙ Resource Management Element Policy 22.
The City of Beaumont shall seek to expand
opportunities to develop parks that are of a
community or regional park scale, to
facilitate expanded demand for organized
sports activities and community functions.
4.3 Resource Management Plan
Open Space Plan
The Resource Management Plan for Beaumont
promotes the protection of the environment in
the City. The plan provides a Citywide approach
to the utilization, conservation, and management
of the City’s resources. The plan consists of
programs for the preservation of significant
resources and standards for development in
areas with identified resources. The plan also
addresses parks, recreation facilities, and open
space. Standards for park development are
outlined in the plan. The City will strive to work
toward the following objectives for parkland
development:
∙ The City will continue to strive to meet an
open space and parkland standard of 5.0
acres per 1,000 persons.
∙ The City will explore opportunities for the
development of new parkland and open
space areas within the City.
∙ The City will pursue the feasibility of joint
use agreements with the special districts as
a means to increase the recreational
facilities available to City residents.
The City of Beaumont is served by a number of
park facilities owned and operated by the City of
Beaumont or the Cherry Valley Recreation and
Park District. In addition, the County- owned
Bogart County Park is located just north of the
City in Cherry Valley. In addition to the local and
regional parks, there are a number of large golf
courses developed as part of the Oak Valley,
Three Rings Ranch, and Highland Springs
developments with more being planned.
There are a number of private parks that are
privately maintained as part of the developments
in which they are located. Finally, a large
greenbelt area located along the San Timeteo
Creek has been preserved. The Community
Development Element ( Section 2) of this
General Plan maintains these open space
resources through the Recreation/ Conservation
land use designation. This land use designation
applies to open space lands used for recreation
and conservation including parks, trails, and golf
courses. Exhibit 4- 2 indicates those areas that
are designated as Recreation/ Conservation.
Exhibit 4- 3 illustrates the City of Beaumont
Master Trail and Wildlife Corridor Master Plan.
Recreation Service Areas
The National Recreation and Parks Association
( NRPA) has developed a generic classification
system for park facilities and corresponding
standards applicable to various types of parks.
This classification system is designed to apply to
a broad range of communities, and requires
some modification to make the park standards
applicable to the City. The NRPA standards
classify parks according to their size, service
area, and function. However, there may be
some difficulty in making a direct link between
the NRPA standards and activities that are
presently available to City residents. For
example, the acreage of a particular park may
correspond with the recommended NRPA
standards for a neighborhood park, but its actual
function ( as characterized by its usage) may
correspond more closely with that of a
community park. In these instances, it is more
appropriate to place the park in a category that
better describes the park's actual function.
Park Classification Standards
The National Recreation and Parks Association
( NRPA) has developed a generic classification
system for park facilities and corresponding
standards applicable to various types of parks.
This classification system is designed to apply to
a broad range of communities, and requires
some modification to make the park standards
applicable to Beaumont. The current park
standard calls for 5.0 acres of open space and
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City of Beaumont General Plan
parkland for every 1,000 persons. For planning
purposes, this General Plan provides for the
following park classifications:
∙ Neighborhood Park. Parks within this
category are designed to serve a local
neighborhood. These parks typically have
picnic areas, passive turf areas, a tot lot,
and game courts. These parks are
generally less than 5 acres in land area.
∙ Community Park. This category of park
includes larger facilities that serve a number
of neighborhoods. These parks are typically
between 10 and 25 acres in size and include
athletic fields in addition to picnic areas,
game courts, and other improvements.
∙ Special Use. These facilities are more
specialized and may consist of a special or
unique function. For example, the City may
seek to develop a small recreational use that
will be used exclusively by a certain age
group. These facilities may include lawn
bowling, skate board parks, or pools.
Historic Resources
As indicated in the previous section ( Section
4.2), the first “ European” settlement of the local
area originated with the establishment of the
Summit Station mail stop in 1866 along a
passenger stage route through the San
Gorgonio Pass. In 1876, with the advent of the
railroad, the Southern Pacific Company
stagecoach stop was converted into a railroad
telegraph office. The first town site, originally
called San Gorgonio, was established in 1884
and was later renamed Beaumont. The
Beaumont town site was officially surveyed and
filed in San Bernardino County in 1887. The
town site was later incorporated into Riverside
County when that county was formed in 1893.
Although few buildings in Beaumont pre- date
1900, there is a section of the community that
exemplifies the old- town character and contains
several buildings of historic interest. There are
also some Victorian residences scattered
throughout the City. The old- town community
encompasses the segment of 6th Street
between Orange Street and Viele, and 5th and
8th Streets. This area is considered by the City
to be of special historic significance, and
therefore it should be preserved, restored, and
redeveloped in relation to its historic character.
The City intends to preserve old streetlights
and columns that still exist in the City. Buildings
of significant historical interest in the old town
include the old bank building ( currently
Precision Stamping), the old high school
( currently City Hall), Beaumont Library, the
Woman's Club, the old church ( currently First
Christian Church), Saint Stephen's Church,
San Gorgonio Catholic Church, the old Bekins
Transfer Storage building and the Beaumont
Hotel.
In the early years of the 20th Century, many
hundreds of Mexicans labored for the Southern
Pacific Railroad as part of the construction of the
rail line between Colton and Indio. These
laborers and their families lived in small
settlements that were constructed next to the
railroad. The “ Barrio” is the town site that
served Beaumont area. Local preservationists
have sought to preserve the memory of the town
and its residents. Luis Estrada Road in the
Barrio was dedicated in 2001 as part of a
celebration that honored the railroad workers.
More that 500 descendants of 70 railroad
workers attended the dedication. Much of the
original housing has been lost though the town
site is still preserved as “ the Barrio.” This area
is further maintained under this General Plan.
The Barrio area is designated as Low Density
Residential that ensures that the neighborhood
will be preserved.
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City of Beaumont General Plan
Section 5.0 Safety Element
City of Beaumont General Plan
57
City of Beaumont General Plan
5.1 Introduction to the Element
The Safety Element establishes City policy
relative to the reduction and mitigation of natural
and manmade hazards that must be considered
in future planning and decision- making. The
public’s health and safety is an important
component of the General Plan due to the City’s
location in a seismically active region. This
Element’s scope has been expanded to include
noise exposure and abatement.
The Element is concerned with identifying
existing hazards and ways to reduce the risk
from the hazards on persons and on property.
State law requires that every safety element
include the following components:
∙ The identification, mapping, and appraisal of
seismic hazards of concern to planning and
future development, including areas subject
to liquefaction, ground- shaking, surface
rupture, or seismic sea waves ( Section
65302( f);
∙ An appraisal of mudslides, landslides, and
slope stability that might occur as a result of
a seismic disturbance ( Section 65302( f);
and,
∙ The identification of the potential for fires
and other natural and manmade disasters
and measures designed to reduce the loss
of life, injury, and damage to property
( Section 65302( i).
This Safety Element contains a plan that
identifies evacuation routes and the locations of
emergency shelters. The Safety Element also
emphasizes the importance of emergency
preparedness in reducing the impacts of natural
and manmade disasters. Any effective disaster
response program requires the cooperation of
many governmental agencies. A primary goal of
the City is to continue working with other
agencies to reduce the potential for accide