Redlands City Council advances ban on new distribution warehouses citywide
The Redlands City Council voted unanimously Oct. 6 to advance an ordinance banning new large warehouses and logistics distribution facilities citywide, while allowing existing facilities to remain and modernize under certain conditions.
Why it matters: The ordinance would prohibit new warehouses of 50,000 square feet or more, or those with more than five truck docks. The council also removed provisions that would have allowed existing warehouses to add truck docks, addressing residents' concerns about increased truck traffic, diesel emissions and public health.
The council made several changes before voting 5-0 to introduce the ordinance:
No additional truck docks: Existing warehouses would not be allowed to increase their number of loading docks as part of proposed building height increases.
Height increases still permitted: Existing facilities could request height increases up to the maximum allowed by their zoning district, generally 50 feet, through a conditional use permit.
Energy audits required: Operators seeking additional height would have to submit an audit comparing existing and proposed energy use.
Economic feasibility review removed: The council eliminated a provision that would have allowed the city to require an economic feasibility report or market analysis to justify proposed height increases.
During the meeting, council members weighed public health concerns against the need to allow older facilities to become more energy-efficient.
Read the full story for residents' comments, council discussion over additional loading docks, and why the council declined to add LEED environmental standards.
🏛️ Coming up at City Hall: The Redlands Planning Commission meets Tuesday, Oct. 13, with two major housing developments on the agenda.
Commissioners will consider a 194-unit apartment complex at San Bernardino Avenue and Texas Street, including 17 units designated for lower-income households.
Also on the agenda is the proposed Pioneer Park development, which would convert approximately 35 acres of commercial land near the 210 Freeway into a residential neighborhood with 255 single-family lots and a separate parcel for multifamily housing. The proposal would require several land-use changes and ultimately City Council approval.
The commission meets at 4 p.m. at the Civic Center, 35 Cajon St.
👻 Olive Avenue Halloween Extravaganza canceled: Redlands will not host its annual Olive Avenue Halloween Extravaganza this year, citing growing crowds, pedestrian safety concerns, budget constraints and staff resources. Instead, the city is focusing its resources on Plane-or-Treat at Redlands Municipal Airport on Sunday, Oct. 25.
But Halloween on Olive Avenue isn't canceled. The city still plans to close the street to vehicle traffic for a limited period on Halloween night to accommodate trick-or-treaters. The hours and boundaries of the closure have not yet been announced.
Read more about the city's decision and what families can expect this Halloween.
🏫 Coming up at Redlands Unified: The Redlands Unified School District Board of Education is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Oct. 13. Residents can check the district's online meeting portal for the agenda and supporting documents once they become available.
🚔 A man was arrested after allegedly firing a handgun outside Whiskey Republic in downtown Redlands Wednesday evening. Police recovered an unregistered "ghost gun" from a vehicle connected to the incident. No injuries were reported. This week's police update also includes a robbery arrest at Circle K and an investigation into an armed robbery near Citrus Valley High School. Read more here.
🚨 Mentone man arrested after alleged vehicle ramming: Redlands police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after they say a domestic dispute escalated into a vehicle pursuit through Redlands, during which the suspect rammed a vehicle carrying his ex-girlfriend and another person. Read more here.
🚙 More free parking for Redlands Public Market customers: Visitors to the downtown food hall can park for free in 53 designated spaces on the east side of the former LOOK Cinemas property. Additional free parking is available in the Stuart Avenue parking structure and along nearby streets with 90-minute limits. Customers picking up to-go orders can also use the 10-minute parking zone on Third Street. Read more about where to park when visiting RPM.
📖 From Washington politics to Redlands: A near-fatal car accident in 2002 changed the course of Jen Thompson's career as a Republican political strategist. More than two decades later, the University of Redlands chief of staff is sharing her journey of reinvention in her debut memoir, "Wild Pivot." At an Oct. 1 book launch in Redlands, Thompson reflected on leaving politics behind, the eight drafts it took to publish her story and the lessons she hopes readers will take away. Read more here.
🎭 Just in time for Halloween: The Haunting of Hill House opens Friday, Oct. 9, bringing Shirley Jackson’s classic supernatural thriller to the stage. The production follows a paranormal investigator and three companions as they explore a mysterious mansion with a dark past. Performances run through Oct. 25, with a free opening-night gala following Friday’s show. Ticket information.
🌧️ Weekend weather watch: Tropical Storm Rachel could bring rain to Redlands. After a week of triple-digit temperatures, Southern California is bracing for a dramatic weather shift as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches the region. The storm, which weakened from a hurricane Thursday, could bring showers, gusty winds and localized flooding Sunday into early next week. Redlands could see temperatures drop from around 100 degrees Thursday to the 70s Sunday. Check the latest National Weather Service forecast.
Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m. Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM.
The Haunting of Hill House (Opening Night Gala) | 7:30 p.m. Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors. Rain or shine.
Downtown's Morning Market | 7 a.m.–11 a.m. The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market.
Outdoor Education: How Live Oak Canyon Was Saved | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Learn about the Serrano people, outlaws, railroads, stagecoaches, and ranchers in Live Oak Canyon. More information.
Heritage Club Fair | 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 20+ Redlands clubs with displays and family-friendly activities at the Contemporary Club, 173 S Eureka St. More information.
STEAM Saturdays: Monster Mash | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monster-themed crafts in the museum's STEAM Lab for young learners at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Drop in any Saturday in October. More information.
The Haunting of Hill House | 7:30 p.m. Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
Sunday, Oct. 11
Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.
The Haunting of Hill House | 2:00 p.m. Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
In case you missed it... Tails will be wagging in downtown Redlands on Oct. 25 at the Redlands Chamber Dog Jog. The ninth annual event will bring costumed pups, contests, demonstrations and adoptable animals to downtown Redlands, with proceeds supporting the Redlands Animal Shelter. Read more below.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
CFR News Desk
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Siw Heede
CFR News Desk
CFR News Desk
