Re-Zoning Approved for Downtown Beaumont

The Beaumont city council has passed an ordinance re-zoning part of the city to accommodate certain businesses and allow for future expansion.

Ordinance number 1016, passed 3-1 with Councilwoman Nancy Gall in opposition and Councilman Jeff Fox absent, reverses a 2007 decision that reclassified an area of town near California Avenue and 6th Street.

Prior to 2007, the area already was a hybrid commercial, light manufacturing zone—which it now returns to once again.

“This zoning really should never have been changed from the way it was,” Mayor Roger Berg said during discussion on the topic. “We made a mistake [in 2007]…We’re trying to correct a wrong.”

With this ordinance, businesses that operate light manufacturing operations like welding, tool & die and stamping—who had been grandfathered into the zone when it was changed in ’07—will now have the freedom to expand if they desire.  That had not been possible for the last five years, because they were classified as “non-conforming” and could not get necessary permits approved. 

Property value will also be saved for these businesses, which can sell to other light manufacturing businesses in the future if they desire.

The issue was the most contentious of the night’s meeting, saved for the end of the agenda.

A half dozen residents took the podium to voice their opposition to the ordinance, while two voiced their support.  Several others sat in the audience in support of those speaking on both sides of the issue.

Those against the ordinance said they were concerned about increased traffic in the area and a less-than-appealing downtown for pedestrians. 

Those for it—like Joe Zerr, owner of —pointed to the good things light manufacturing businesses have already done to the area, such as removing blight and adding curbside appeal.

“All of the businesses take care of their properties, their landscaping, trees,”  Zerr said.  “It’s a pretty place from what it was 30, 35 years ago [when light manufacturing businesses first came to town].”

Zerr, whose father Rudy, started their business 34 years ago, said after the ordinance was passed that he was grateful the council voted the way they did, and for the help to his property value.

“It’s good for the rest of the business if we ever decide to sell it or move,” Zerr said.  “Somebody else can come in there and use it for light manufacturing also.”