Yucaipa to consider referendum certification on freeway corridor plan, weigh election options

YUCAIPA, Calif. — The City Council on Monday will consider accepting signatures submitted by Yucaipa Neighbors Opposing Warehouses for a voter referendum on the Freeway Corridor Specific Plan (Resolution 2025-54).

Why it matters: If accepted, the certificate of sufficiency would confirm that opponents gathered enough valid signatures to qualify the referendum for the ballot. The council would then decide whether to repeal the resolution or place it on a future ballot. If the measure is ultimately repealed by the council or rejected by voters, it could halt or reshape the large distribution warehouse proposed near Live Oak Canyon Road.

Details: Residents filed the petition on Sept. 30 challenging Resolution 2025-54, which the council approved Aug. 25 as part of a suite of actions to update the corridor plan, including a proposed 2-million-square-foot warehouse off Live Oak Canyon Road. Under state law, a citywide referendum requires signatures from at least 10% of registered voters — 3,617 in Yucaipa based on the state’s Feb. 10 report — to qualify. Organizers with Yucaipa NOW say they gathered more than 5,000 signatures.

The agenda item recommends that the council accept the certification and discuss next steps, which could lead to either a repeal or placing the question before voters at a future election.

Possible election dates, if the council does not repeal:

• Consolidated election (most cost-effective): The council could consolidate with the next regular statewide election, which would be the June 2, 2026 statewide primary or the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
• Standalone special election: April 14, 2026
• Mail-ballot election: May 5, 2026 or Aug. 25, 2026

The staff report notes that a consolidated election is generally more cost-effective than a standalone election.

Background: On Aug. 25, the council voted 4–1 to approve the Freeway Corridor Specific Plan update and to introduce Ordinance 448, which amends the city’s land-use plan and zoning ordinance.

Strong community opposition has centered on plans to allow distribution warehouses along the I-10 corridor near Live Oak Canyon. Opponents argue diesel truck traffic, air pollution, noise and congestion would disrupt the area’s rural lifestyle and harm community health.

At a Sept. 22 study session, officials outlined potential impacts if the update is overturned, including effects on housing-element compliance, infrastructure financing, and where warehouse uses could be located relative to the 2008 plan.

What’s next: The specific timing will depend on council direction and election scheduling rules.

(This story will be updated following the council’s discussion and any action taken.)