Development Code Update

This page includes information on the Development Code Update planned as part of the 2050 General Plan.

In addition to the 2050 General Plan and Housing Element, the City is also simultaneously undergoing an update to the Development Code. This update will ensure overall consistency with the updated 2050 General Plan, 7^th Cycle Housing Element, and recent changes in State Law. The Development Code Update will evaluate existing zoning districts and their applicability citywide, associated allowable uses and development standards, as well as performance standards for special classes of uses. In addition, the City will also evaluate opportunities to streamline permitting and approval processes to provide clarity for project approval and review for the public and decision makers.

What is a Development Code?

Zoning is the process used by cities and counties to regulate the use and development of property. The purpose of the Development Code is to specify which uses are allowed on a given property, establish development standards, and implement the policies of the general plan. The Development Code classifies land by category or district. These land use categories define land by use type (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture). By classifying land by these broad categories, the City can assign specific development standards (e.g., lot size, building height, yard setbacks), to maintain compatible and consistent development within a given area. These standards emphasize the importance of the interaction between building facades, site plans, public spaces, and neighboring development.

The City will update the Development Code to modernize current development standards and practices, streamline requirements and processes, and implement the updated General Plan.

What is the Purpose of the Development Code?

To implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the general plan, and to guide and manage the future growth of the city in accordance with such plan.

To establish the City of Big Bear Lake as a safe community with a high quality of life for residents, a diverse economic base, an aesthetically pleasing appearance in keeping with the natural mountain environment, and adequate infrastructure to serve present and future needs, while maintaining and enhancing its character as a year-round destination resort and recreation area.

To protect the physical, social, and economic stability of residential, commercial, recreational, and other land uses within the city to assure its orderly and beneficial development.

To protect existing residents and property owners from the adverse effects of incompatible uses, while allowing for the infill and redevelopment of areas at a scale and character compatible with surrounding properties.

To conserve significant natural resources.

To accommodate expansion of development into vacant and under-utilized lands, while considering environmental and infrastructural conditions.

To permit a variety of businesses so as to strengthen economic vitality.

To reduce hazards to the public resulting from the inappropriate location, use, or design of buildings and other improvements.

To ensure compliance with applicable county, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Click here to view the current Development Code

Project Initiation
This step includes completing a diagnosis of the existing code, a Project kick-off and scoping meeting, one-on-one and group interviews with local stakeholders, and a training session for City Council, the Planning Commission, and City Staff on modernizing the Development Code.
Draft Development Code Update
This step includes draft revisions to the Development Code and preparing a matrix of changes to the Code and zoning map, and facilitating study session with the Planning Commission and City Council to review and provide direction on the draft provisions.
Public Review Draft Development Code Update
This step includes finalizing and publishing a complete draft for public review and collecting public input.
Public Hearings and Adoption
This step include holding public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council to review the Draft Development Code and public input received, and to provide final direction to staff. The step concludes with adoption of the Final Draft Development Code by the City Council.

Get involved!

For the 2050 General Plan to be a success, we need your input! We’ve done our best to make it easy for you. Here’s all you have to do:

Sign up for the Project email list: Click the orange “Join Email List” button on the right side of this page.
We’ll send links to published documents and a deadline for public comments.
Use the green “Comments” button on the Project website to send us your input!