Perris · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Perris public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide data center prohibition
The council unanimously directed staff to draft a citywide ban on data centers, sending it to the Planning Commission before a final council vote. Residents cited water and power strain, noise, air quality, and the region's warehouse saturation.
Code enforcement treatment of residents
Several residents described aggressive, disrespectful code enforcement officers, undocumented instructions, repeated citations and even a $44,000 lien on a homeowner's property. Council members promised staff will review the department's conduct and consider customer service training across departments.
Pedestrian safety for deaf child on East Sixth Street
Resident César Macías asked the city to have traffic engineers evaluate East Sixth Street, where a deaf child lives, to consider warning signs or traffic calming before an accident happens. Councilwoman Vallejo asked staff to look into it ASAP.
Ellis Avenue road closure timeline
IDI Logistics wants to keep Ellis Avenue fully closed between Case Road and Goetz Road until October 30, but the council pushed the decision to September 8 to get a clear reopening timeline first.
Park West CFD bond financing
Up to $12.25 million in bonds will reimburse the developer for roads and infrastructure at the 211-home Park West project, secured by special taxes on the homes themselves. City officials stressed there's no general fund risk and strong value-to-lien coverage.
Fire Station 105 Construction Contract Delay
The council awarded the $16.49 million contract to build the new fire station and administration building — a 281-working-day project.
FY 2026-27 Budget Amendments and First $100M General Fund
Perris is projecting its first-ever $100 million general fund, with a $4.7 million surplus thanks to Measure B sales tax money and a mostly-resolved state tax adjustment. About 76% of new spending goes to public safety and insurance, including a $3.6 million sheriff's contract increase driven by deputy pay raises.
Homelessness Services Update (City Net)
City Net reported 593 clients served and 353 positive housing exits over two years, with 41 active clients. Mayor Vargas pressed for weekend shelter voucher capability so deputies and code enforcement can house people on the spot instead of waiting until Monday.
Gas station and car wash near residential mobile home park
A previously approved convenience store, gas station, car wash, and beer/wine sales got re-approved next to single-family mobile homes. Neighbors face noise, traffic, and air quality impacts, though the project includes an 8-foot wall, added trees, and limited car wash hours.
Pending citywide gas station spacing regulations
With 23 gas stations today and 8 more approved, the council wants to cap the count — two per intersection — and study setbacks from schools and homes. Final rules come back after Planning Commission review.
Warehouse/Industrial Business License Tax on November Ballot
The council is asking voters to approve a tax of up to 10 cents per square foot on warehouses, distribution facilities and truck yards — about $2.5 million a year for streets, public safety and services. E-commerce facilities are exempt, which several speakers criticized, and a business group called the process rushed. It needs only a simple majority to pass.
Ironwood 106-unit cluster condominium development
Lennar Homes' gated condo project brings 106 three-bedroom, for-sale units to the Green Valley Specific Plan area, offering a lower-cost path to homeownership. Commissioners balanced tight open space against Perris' housing needs, squeezing in amenities while adding conditions for shade, lighting, and pedestrian connections.
Measure B transactions and use tax certification and implementation
Voters approved Measure B on June 2, and the council has now certified the results and set up the state agreement to collect the tax. Collections are targeted to start October 1.
ShotSpotter gunshot detection renewal
The council extended its ShotSpotter contract one year at $399,000 despite community pressure to redirect the money to youth programs and behavioral health. Supporters pointed to lives saved when no one called 911.
Acacia Pointe project denial
D.R. Horton wanted to build 141 townhome condos on 11.6 acres near Nuevo Road and Wilson Avenue. Neighbors complained about construction damage to their homes, unresolvable damage claims, and already-packed street parking. The Council denied it 3-2, and the land defaults to a 57-home entitlement.
Traffic congestion at Ramona and Evans Road near school
Construction trucks and flaggers near a school intersection are creating massive backups during drop-off and pick-up, with students and teachers arriving up to 30 minutes late. Staff pledged to work with the contractor to limit work during peak school hours.
Upcoming freeway interchange traffic with Target and Sam's Club
Chair Hammond warned that the freeway interchange near the new Target and Sam's Club is already stacking up and will be a 'madhouse' when the stores open; the city has left-turn pocket and signal improvement projects planned for the fall.
Weed abatement and fire prevention concerns
Councilman Rabb pressed staff to get ahead of summer fires by pushing weed abatement on vacant lots near homes and clearing trees around power lines, after three homes burned recently in the area.
Assembly Bill 2083 — Moreno Valley–Perris Childcare Special District
A proposed Moreno Valley-Perris childcare district failed to win the council's endorsement on a 2-3 vote, with opponents warning its voter-approved funding mechanism could mean new sales or property taxes despite genuine childcare needs in Perris.
37-unit condominium development at G Street and 2nd Street
A revived 37-unit gated condo project on vacant land in the downtown Urban Village zone. It brings new for-sale multifamily housing to an area the city expects to see more of, with amenities like a tot lot, BBQ areas, and EV charging. Commissioners focused heavily on resident safety — fence height, gate access, and trash enclosure placement near the tot lot.
Perris Gateway Commercial Center denial
The council formally killed a 20-acre commercial project near the I-215 and Ramona Expressway, rejecting its environmental review 3-2. The developer could sue or come back with a new plan.
Just cause eviction protections
Perris adopted local just-cause eviction rules supplementing state law (AB 1482), a win for tenant advocates who have pushed for three years, though some speakers vowed to return seeking stronger terms.
Junk Food Checkout Ban Ordinance
Perris is making supermarkets remove candy, soda, and other junk food from checkout aisles starting in 2024. The goal is to cut impulse buys and nudge people toward healthier choices. If you usually grab a snack while waiting in line, that routine is about to change.
Junk Food Checkout Ban
Perris has banned junk food from grocery checkout lines, so the candy and chips you usually grab while waiting to pay won’t be there anymore. It’s a public health push, but it’s also sparking debate over how much say a city should have in what stores stock.
Healthy Checkout Ordinance
Perris is requiring grocery stores to replace candy and soda at checkout with healthier options, a first-of-its-kind local rule. The idea is to make the easy grab on your way out a better one. It could reshape impulse purchases and public health at the register.