San Bernardino opens review of 2050 plan that could reshape downtown zoning

San Bernardino has opened public review of a draft environmental impact report for a planning package that could shape the city’s growth through 2050. The draft was dated June 16, 2026, and written comments are due July 31, 2026.

The package combines a 2050 General Plan update, a Development Code update and a Downtown Specific Plan. City planning documents say the work is meant to guide long-range decisions on land use, housing, mobility and infrastructure.

Citywide rules, plus a downtown plan

The downtown component is separate from the citywide update and covers about 621 acres in the city core. That means downtown residents, property owners and businesses have a specific planning document to watch, not just the broader General Plan.

For homeowners, renters, developers and business operators, the practical stakes are zoning and development standards: what can be built, where it can go and how future projects are reviewed. The city’s documents frame the package as a long-range update rather than a final decision, so the current review period is the main chance to comment before officials move ahead.

What to watch next

After the comment window closes, the city will respond to feedback and continue the planning process. For San Bernardino readers, the immediate takeaway is simple: this is a live deadline on the rules that could influence housing, redevelopment and downtown investment for years to come.

Sources

• City of San Bernardino draft EIR notice of availability
• California CEQA Net project record