JOINT SPECIAL MEETING CC/BFPD/ODESSA
BARSTOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
2700 BARSTOW RD.
BARSTOW, CA 92311
JUNE 2, 2026
5:00 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
AGENDA
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING
Agenda-June 2, 2026
MAYOR
Timothy R. Silva
COUNCILMEMBERS
Carmen M. Hernandez
James M. Noble
Barbara Mae Rose
John “Tex” Williams
ELECTED CITY CLERK
Andrea Flores
ELECTED CITY TREASURER
Michael Lewis
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Juanantonio DeLucas
Paul Niemeyer
Richard Bremen
Beatrice Lint
Ted Weasma
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT
A Subsidiary District of the City of Barstow
Timothy R. Silva
Carmen M. Hernandez
James M. Noble
Barbara Mae Rose
John “Tex” Williams
CALL TO ORDER – JOINT SPECIAL MEETING: 5:00 PM
INVOCATION:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
❑ Council Member Carmen Hernandez
❑ Council Member Barbara Rose
❑ Council Member John “Tex” Williams
❑ Mayor Pro Tem James Noble
❑ Mayor Timothy Silva
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED: IF YOU WISH TO BE HEARD ON ANY
ITEM ON THE AGENDA, PLEASE INDICATE BY FILLING OUT A
SPEAKER REQUEST CARD AND HANDING IT TO THE CITY STAFF
LOCATED IN THE BOX OFFICE LOCATED IN THE LOBBY OF THE
PERFORMANG CENTER PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF THE PUBLIC
HEARING. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48
HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
CODE OF ETHICS: AS YOUR ELECTED GOVERNING BOARD WE
WILL REMEMBER THE "CODE OF ETHICS" THAT WE
VOLUNTARILY AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. DURING THIS
MEETING WE WILL TREAT EACH OTHER AND THE PUBLIC WITH
PATIENCE, CIVILITY, AND COURTESY. THE DECISIONS MADE
TONIGHT WILL BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BARSTOW
COMMUNITY AND NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN.
Agenda-June 2, 2026
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA: THIS IS THE TIME FOR MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD TO CALL FOR REARRANGING THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA; ADDING ITEMS TO OR REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE AGENDA; OR REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR SEPARATE ACTION. ITEMS MAY ONLY BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA AS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2, SUBDIVISION (B),
ALLOWING EMERGENCY ITEMS TO BE ADDED BY MAJORITY VOTE AND ALLOWING ITEMS THAT AROSE TO THE CITY’S ATTENTION AFTER THE AGENDA POSTING DEADLINE, BUT WHICH REQUIRE
IMMEDIATE ACTION, TO BE ADDED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
AT THE MEETING, OR, IF LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PRESENT, A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE, BARSTOW INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY (BIG) SPECIFIC PLAN,
AND RELATED ACTIONS
Recommended Action:
That the City Council conduct a public hearing, make appropriate findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and take these actions:
• Adopt Resolution No. 5256-2026 to certify the City of Barstow General Plan and Barstow International Gateway (BIG) Development Project Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2024020501) with technical appendices, adopt CEQA Findings on Impacts and Mitigation Measures, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs for the General Plan and BIG Project; • Adopt Resolution No. 5257-2026 to adopt an update to the City of Barstow General Plan;
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1035-2026 to adopt a new zoning map and amend Title 19 of the Barstow Municipal Code (BMC) to create a Business Park (BP) and High Density Residential (HDR) Zone Districts; adopt minor changes to the Medium Density Residential Zone (MDR) District; eliminate the Estate Residential Zone District; require adopted specific plans be incorporated by reference into the BMC, with copies available for review at the Clerk's office; and repeal Chapter 1.05 as it is unnecessary and superseded by the updated General Plan, and make conforming amendments throughout Title 12 and Title 19;
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1043-2026 to adopt the BIG Specific Plan;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5258-2026 to approve the BIG Tentative Tract Map (20878-1-10) as consistent with the BIG Specific Plan and conditions of approval; • Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1044-2026 to approve the Development Agreement (DA) that memorializes agreements negotiated between the City of Barstow and BNSF over fees, service arrangements, and other aspects of the BIG Project;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5259-2026 to authorize a Road Maintenance Agreement with the County of San Bernardino for maintenance of the portion of Main Street southeast of the Agenda-June 2, 2026
BIG Specific Plan boundary that is excluded from the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Action Area A reorganization as defined in Resolution 5276-2026;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5260-2026 to authorize and direct the City Manager to accept assignment of certain easements from BNSF related to the BIG Project, consent to recordation of the assignment of easements, and record said easements; • Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1045-2026 to prezone LAFCO Action Area A for the BIG Project, including 2,676 acres of the proposed BIG Specific Plan area and an approximately 10-acre parcel;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5274-2026 of the City of Barstow acting as the City Council and acting as the Board of Directors for the Barstow Fire Protection District (BFPD) to authorize principal terms for the exchange of property tax revenues with the San Bernardino County and the San Bernardino County Fire District resulting from the reorganization of LAFCO Action Area A for the BIG Project; • Adopt Resolution No. 5276-2026 to approve a resolution of application by the City of Barstow requesting LAFCO initiate proceedings for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area A comprised of: annexations to the City of Barstow, BFPD, and Odessa Water District; detachment from the County Fire Protection District, its north desert service zone, and its zone FP-5; and detachment from County Service Area 70; • Adopt BFPD Resolution No. 76-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the BFPD in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization of LAFCO Action Area A;
• Adopt Odessa Water District Resolution No. 01-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the Odessa Water District in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area A;
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1046-2026 to prezone LAFCO Action Area B for the BIG Project, inclusive of six parcels totaling 99 acres; • Adopt Resolution No. 5275-2026 of the City of Barstow to authorize principal terms for the exchange of property tax revenues with the San Bernardino County resulting from the reorganization of LAFCO Action Area B for the BIG Project; • Adopt Resolution No. 5277-2026 to approve a resolution of application by the City of Barstow requesting LAFCO initiate proceedings for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area B comprised of: annexations to the City of Barstow and Odessa Water District and detachment from County Service Area 70; and
• Adopt Odessa Water District Resolution No. 02-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the Odessa Water District in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization of LAFCO Action Area B.
Agenda-June 2, 2026
ADJOURNMENT:
I hereby certify, UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY that this agenda has been posted 72 hours prior to the stated meeting in a place accessible to the public.
Posted on the 26TH day of May , 2026.
Approved:
_____________________________________ ___________________________________ Timothy R. Silva, Mayor/BFPD Chair Rochelle Clayton, City Manager ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Cory Cisneros, Fire Chief Andrea Flores, City Clerk/Secretary Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
1 AGENDA MATTER:
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE, BARSTOW INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY (BIG)
SPECIFIC PLAN, AND RELATED ACTIONS
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council conduct a public hearing, make appropriate findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and take these actions:
• Adopt Resolution No. 5256-2026 to certify the City of Barstow General Plan and Barstow International Gateway (BIG) Development Project Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2024020501) with technical appendices, adopt CEQA Findings on Impacts and Mitigation Measures, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs for the General Plan and BIG Project;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5257-2026 to adopt an update to the City of Barstow General Plan; • Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1035-2026 to adopt a new zoning map and amend Title 19 of the Barstow Municipal Code (BMC) to create a Business Park (BP) and High Density Residential (HDR) Zone Districts; adopt minor changes to the Medium Density Residential Zone (MDR) District; eliminate the Estate Residential Zone District; require adopted specific plans be incorporated by reference into the BMC, with copies available for review at the Clerk's office; and repeal Chapter 1.05 as it is unnecessary and superseded by the updated General Plan, and make conforming amendments throughout Title 12 and Title 19;
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1043-2026 to adopt the BIG Specific Plan;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5258-2026 to approve the BIG Tentative Tract Map (20878-1-10) as consistent with the BIG Specific Plan and conditions of approval; • Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1044-2026 to approve the Development Agreement (DA) that memorializes agreements negotiated between the City of Barstow and BNSF over fees, service arrangements, and other aspects of the BIG Project; • Adopt Resolution No. 5259-2026 to authorize a Road Maintenance Agreement with the County of San Bernardino for maintenance of the portion of Main Street southeast of the BIG Specific Plan boundary that is excluded from the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Action Area A reorganization as defined in Resolution 5276- 2026;
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
2 • Adopt Resolution No. 5260-2026 to authorize and direct the City Manager to accept assignment of certain easements from BNSF related to the BIG Project, consent to recordation of the assignment of easements, and record said easements; • Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1045-2026 to prezone LAFCO Action Area A for the BIG Project, including 2,676 acres of the proposed BIG Specific Plan area and an approximately 10-acre parcel;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5274-2026 of the City of Barstow acting as the City Council and acting as the Board of Directors for the Barstow Fire Protection District (BFPD) to authorize principal terms for the exchange of property tax revenues with the San Bernardino County and the San Bernardino County Fire District resulting from the reorganization of LAFCO Action Area A for the BIG Project;
• Adopt Resolution No. 5276-2026 to approve a resolution of application by the City of Barstow requesting LAFCO initiate proceedings for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area A comprised of: annexations to the City of Barstow, BFPD, and Odessa Water District; detachment from the County Fire Protection District, its north desert service zone, and its zone FP-5; and detachment from County Service Area 70;
• Adopt BFPD Resolution No. 76-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the BFPD in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization of LAFCO Action Area A; • Adopt Odessa Water District Resolution No. 01-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the Odessa Water District in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area A;
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1046-2026 to prezone LAFCO Action Area B for the BIG Project, inclusive of six parcels totaling 99 acres; • Adopt Resolution No. 5275-2026 of the City of Barstow to authorize principal terms for the exchange of property tax revenues with the San Bernardino County resulting from the reorganization of LAFCO Action Area B for the BIG Project; • Adopt Resolution No. 5277-2026 to approve a resolution of application by the City of Barstow requesting LAFCO initiate proceedings for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area B comprised of: annexations to the City of Barstow and Odessa Water District and detachment from County Service Area 70; and
• Adopt Odessa Water District Resolution No. 02-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the Odessa Water District in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization of LAFCO Action Area B.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
3 Executive Summary
The City of Barstow is preparing to take a transformative step toward long-term economic growth and infrastructure modernization through the adoption of the updated General Plan and approval of the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) Development Agreement and Specific Plan (collectively “the BIG Project”). The BIG development is a 4,335-acre rail and logistics hub designed to streamline freight movement and
strengthen Barstow’s position as a regional
economic center and linchpin in the national
supply chain. The BIG Project includes a state-ofthe-art trains-to-warehouses-to-trains intermodal facility, a block swap yard, and approximately 9
million square feet of transload warehouse space.
The proposed City approval actions conclude
more than three years of planning, environmental
review, and extensive public outreach. The
updated General Plan will accommodate a
projected 2048 City population of 52,833 and
support the creation of approximately 25,235 jobs.
BIG will generate 5,400 direct jobs in the City of
Barstow and is expected to generate over 15,000
jobs statewide at full build-out. Together, these
initiatives will modernize land use policies, expand
housing opportunities, and provide the
infrastructure necessary to support Barstow’s
vision for sustainable growth.
Approval of the recommended resolutions and
ordinances will enable annexation of key areas,
adoption of updated zoning and development
standards, and execution of agreements critical to
the BIG Project’s implementation. While the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) identifies certain significant and unavoidable impacts, the proposed Statement of Overriding Considerations explains that the BIG Project’s economic, social, and environmental benefits of the project outweigh these impacts, leading staff to recommend City Council approval.
The proposed project approvals include the General Plan Update, the BIG Specific Plan, the Development Agreement, an implementing zoning ordinance, zoning map amendments, and At a Glance
Executive Summary - 3
Public Outreach – Page 5
Planning Commission Hearing – Page 6
CEQA Compliance – Page 9
General Plan – Page 11
Land Uses Map - Page 13
BIG Specific Plan – Page 14
BIG Project Map – Page 16
Development Agreement – Page 17
LAFCO Actions – Page 20
LAFCO Action Area A Map – Page 23
LAFCO Action Area B Map – Page 24
Fiscal Impact – Page 25
Attachments – Page 26
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
4 related LAFCO actions. Together, these actions allow the applicant to build the BIG Project; pay all City costs incurred in processing the application and implementing the BIG Project; pay the City’s applicable development impact fees, as agreed to the Development Agreement; fund infrastructure improvements Citywide; fund the purchase of a new ladder truck for the Barstow Fire Protection District; and to meet all other City requirements.
Given the complexity of the proposed efforts, the staff report does not attempt to cover all the detailed information from the attachments and instead highlights key information and proposed actions, providing directions to where the complete set of materials can be found at the end.
Discussion
The recommended actions complete over three years of work, public outreach, and discussion of the updated General Plan and the BIG Specific Plan. The BIG Specific Plan would be the driver for the City’s future and result in the development of a 4,335-acre rail facility that includes 9 million square feet of transload warehouse space.
There are four main parts to this agenda item that must be considered before making a recommendation to the City Council: EIR, General Plan Update, BIG Specific Plan and Project, and San Bernardino Local Agency Formation Commission Request and related Prezoning.
Rather than repeat the information contained in the attached resolutions and ordinances, and their exhibits, this staff report provides a general summary.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
5 Public Outreach & Meetings
The City and BNSF conducted extensive public outreach for the EIR, General Plan, and BIG Project simultaneously to ensure that comments on all were heard and considered. In addition to traditional workshops, there were surveys, town hall meetings, open houses, and several Planning Commission and Council meetings when the public commented. A summary of the public outreach is included in the City of Barstow General Plan, attached as C-2 and available on the City’s website: www.barstowgeneralplanupdate.com.
The public outreach process continues until adoption of the updated General Plan by the City Council. The PowerPoint presentation will be made available prior to the hearing on the City’s website (above).
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
6 Planning Commission Public Hearing
The May 16, 2026 Planning Commission hearing generated substantial public interest. The City received testimony from 26 speakers in support (including 2 neutral) and 29 in opposition. Many opposition speakers identified themselves as coming from East Los Angeles or the Inland Empire, not Barstow.
Supporters included labor organization representatives, local residents, business representatives, a Barstow Community Hospital representative, and individuals with connections to the railroad industry through jobs or family, who generally emphasized job creation, construction and trade employment, long-term rail-related employment, and broader economic development for Barstow.
Opposition comments raised concerns about air quality, diesel emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, public health, noise, vibration, water supply, groundwater, traffic, emergency response, environmental justice, and cumulative impacts. Several commenters said the Final EIR does not adequately evaluate or mitigate impacts to the Sylvan Community, nearby residential areas, or communities along the rail corridor, including communities in Los Angeles, Riverside County, Carson, Wilmington, and the Inland Empire.
Environmental and community organizations, including East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Californians for Electric Rail, urged the City to perform additional analysis or to require BNSF to implement mitigation measures that were deemed infeasible within the Draft EIR.
Generally, the comments summarized below reflect testimony received at the Planning Commission hearing.
• Air Quality and Health Risk. Several commenters focused on diesel emissions and public health. Commenters questioned whether the Final EIR adequately analyzed diesel consumption, cancer risk, particulate matter, and cumulative health impacts, and several requested zero-emission measures including electric rail operations, catenary infrastructure (i.e., electric overhead wire to power trains), electric yard equipment, and electric cranes. Each of these measures was evaluated in the EIR and deemed infeasible.
The project results in significant and unavoidable air quality impacts, including a mitigated cancer risk of approximately 40 in one million for nearby residents that exceeds the MDAQMD threshold. This is in contrast to the 1 in 4 cancer risk experienced by the general population. A regional Health Impact Analysis found the broader effect on health outcomes across the air basin is not statistically meaningful. The city has adopted all feasible mitigation measures.
• Diesel Fuel Usage. Several commenters raised concerns the BIG Project would increase diesel fuel consumption by 3 million gallons due to an update reflected by the Final EIR Errata. Staff clarified that this claim is not accurate. Diesel fuel use was fully analyzed and Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
7 disclosed in the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas analyses in the Draft EIR, and those analyses have not changed.
The update to the Energy section in the Final EIR Errata was made solely to ensure consistency with the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas analyses. No new information was introduced and no environmental findings were revised. The initial Energy analysis in the Draft EIR was conservative and took credit only for reductions in diesel fuel consumption from truck miles traveled within California, which is appropriate under CEQA. However, as disclosed in the Draft EIR, BIG would also remove hundreds of millions of truck miles traveled nationally. When those national reductions are accounted for, the BIG Project still results in a net reduction of between 20 and 30 million gallons of diesel fuel consumption.
Because the change was made to ensure consistency across the Final EIR and the environmental findings remain unchanged, recirculation of the EIR is not required. • Zero-Emission Technology Feasibility. Multiple commenters requested full electrification of the rail corridor as a project alternative or mitigation measure. Technical studies determined full rail electrification is currently infeasible under CEQA, costing between $1 billion and $9 billion and taking up to 20 or more years to construct. Batteryelectric locomotives are not commercially available for long-distance heavy-haul operations. In addition, as noted above, the regional Health Impact Analysis deemed that the broader effect on health outcomes across the air basin is not statistically meaningful.
Thus, there is no legal or evidentiary justification for electrification. • Sylvan Avenue Community Impacts. Several commenters focused specifically on the Sylvan Community, arguing that residents would bear project impacts without adequate benefits or protections. Issues raised included noise, vibration, air quality, cancer risk, lighting, truck traffic, groundwater impacts, private wells, the Sylvan Community Well, emergency response, and the lack of enforceable mitigation. Commenters requested additional measures such as a sound wall, air quality monitoring, noise and vibration monitoring, HEPA/HVAC retrofits, groundwater and well monitoring, truck route restrictions, property buffers, voluntary acquisition or relocation discussions, and a community oversight process. The Final EIR analyzed Sylvan Avenue residents as sensitive receptors across all relevant impact categories, and various mitigation measures identified within the EIR would mitigate to the extent feasible the impacts to the Sylvan Community. A dedicated sound and vibration wall was deemed not feasible mitigation.
Groundwater impacts were also found to be less than significant, and the Mojave River provides a natural barrier against the PG&E Hinkley chromium plume. • Silver Lakes and Helendale Access. Commenters raised transportation and emergency response concerns, including potential delays at at-grade crossings, impacts to ambulance response times, and the need for grade-separated crossings. By the 2048 Horizon Year, total daily gate-down time at Vista Road increases by only 13 minutes, translating to an average vehicle delay of 15.6 seconds per vehicle. The crossing, which is in the County, will continue to operate acceptably and does not trigger a CEQA requirement for grade separation.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
8 • Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Costs. Supporters consistently emphasized the project's economic promise. The project is projected to generate 25,881 constructionperiod jobs and approximately 15,673 total jobs by 2048, along with substantial state and local tax revenues. Barstow Community Hospital submitted a letter of support highlighting the BIG Project's potential to stimulate local businesses and support essential public services.
Commissioners also raised several notable questions during the hearing about the BIG Project and General Plan spanning noise mitigation, environmental performance, economic context, public safety, and legal enforceability which are summarized below. • Noise and Construction Impacts. Commissioners asked about the specifics of nighttime construction and how noise would be managed for nearby residents. Staff confirmed that standard construction hours run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but certain tasks require nighttime work, including concrete pours (to avoid daytime heat) and mass grading. Loud impact activities such as pile driving are prohibited at night. On soundwall feasibility, staff clarified that while stationary sources like substations will be screened with 10 to 14 foot barriers, soundwalls for residential areas along Main Street were determined to be infeasible, and their effectiveness would be further compromised by the need for driveway openings.
• Environmental and Diesel Concerns. Commissioners asked for clarification on the use of biodiesel and its benefits over conventional diesel. BNSF consultants explained that the project will use 10% renewable diesel for both the locomotive fleet and on-site equipment, a significant increase from the 1% currently used in Southern California, with a direct reduction in particulate matter emissions.
• Economic Impacts and Jobs. Commissioners requested a comparison of projected new jobs to Barstow's current employment base and a timeline for job arrival. Staff noted the project is expected to add roughly 5,400 permanent jobs and the City currently supports approximately 14,000 total jobs. Construction-related employment, totaling approximately 25,881 jobs, is expected to begin arriving in late 2026, with full operational build-out targeted for 2048. Commissioners also asked how the City would manage the eventual departure of thousands of construction workers. Staff indicated the General Plan is designed to bridge this transition by fostering long-term housing development and operational job growth projected at 15,000 regional jobs, ensuring the city retains lasting economic benefit after construction concludes.
• Public Safety and Financials. Commissioners questioned the need for six additional police officers during the construction phase. Staff explained that any significant population influx, including temporary construction workers, increases demand for City services. The project's projected annual surplus of $2.6 million to the City, realized after construction, will fund a total of 9 new police officers and 12 firefighters to keep pace with growth.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
9 • Enforcement and Legal Binding. Commissioners asked how the city can ensure BNSF fulfills its commitments under the development agreement. The City Attorney clarified that the development agreement is a legally binding contract enforceable in court. This is separate from the EIR's mitigation measures, which are enforced through a mitigation monitoring and reporting program covering both the construction and operational phases of the project.
Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution 600-2026 recommending the City Council certify the Final EIR, adopt the General Plan Update, BIG Specific Plan, BIG Project Development Agreement, and the resolutions and ordinances regarding the same.
CEQA Compliance
The City Council action required to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) includes an action to:
• Adopt Resolution No. 5256-2026 to certify the City of Barstow General Plan and Barstow International Gateway (BIG) Development Project Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2024020501) with technical appendices, adopt CEQA Findings on Impacts and Mitigation Measures, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs for the General Plan and BIG Project. [See C-1] Environmental Impact Report
The General Plan designates land use throughout the City, and the EIR provides environmental analysis for future development, including all the actions proposed with this agenda item.
The EIR for the General Plan and BIG Project is provided as Attachment B. The City must consider the environmental impacts before acting on the General Plan or BIG Project. The Draft EIR was circulated for review from November 10, 2025 through January 12, 2026.While adherence to existing regulations and new mitigation measures would avoid significant impacts in many environmental topics, the EIR concluded that, even with all feasible mitigation measures, the following impacts from implementing the General Plan and BIG Project cannot be mitigated below the level of significance disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
10 EIR Topics with Significant and Unavoidable Impacts
Environmental Topic GP BIG Primary Impact
Aesthetics * * Construction and light in nighttime sky
Agriculture * Conversion of agricultural land
Air Quality * * Regional air criteria
Cultural Resources * * Inadvertent discovery
Mineral Resources * Development overtop resources
Greenhouse Gas * General Plan only, BIG net benefit to GHG Noise * * Construction, traffic, operational noise
Vehicle Miles Travelled * Employee trips
Tribal Cultural Resources * * Inadvertent discovery
Utilities & Service Systems * *
Utility construction may contribute to impacts
listed above
Attachment C-1.A provides the findings for each environmental impact disclosed in the EIR, and a statement of overriding considerations for the General Plan and the BIG Project. The intent of the statement of overriding considerations is to allow the City to discuss whether the benefits of the General Plan and the BIG Project outweigh the disclosed environmental impacts, and to approve the General Plan and the BIG Project if the City Council finds that they do. Without making findings of overriding considerations, the City cannot approve the City of Barstow General Plan or BIG Project.
BNSF applied to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research for certification of the BIG Project as a transportation-related infrastructure project under The Jobs and Economic Improvement Through Environmental Leadership Act of 2021 (Public Resources Code §§ 21189.80 to 21189.91), more commonly known as “SB 149”). The BIG Project was certified by the Governor on April 30, 2026 (See Attachment A). Under SB 149, BIG is subject to a judicial streamlining program designed to accelerate judicial review for critical infrastructure projects across California to modernize the State’s transportation system. Under the SB 149 program, litigation challenging an approval of a certified transportation infrastructure project must be resolved within 270 days after the filing of the record of proceedings with the court, if feasible. SB 149 also requires that BNSF pay the costs of preparing the record of proceedings for the BIG Project concurrent with review and consideration of the project.
The City’s website for the General Plan Update and BIG Project is www.barstowgeneralplanupdate.com. Consistent with SB 149, the City's website provides access Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
11 to these documents in an accessible electronic format per SB 149 timelines: (1) the Draft EIR, technical appendices, the Final EIR, and all documents submitted to or relied upon by the City in preparing these documents; and (2) all post-Draft EIR documents in the record of proceedings, including public comments received during the comment period and responses to these comments are available on the website. Additional correspondence received after the close of the comment period is also on the City’s website (above).
As noted, the comment period for the Draft EIR ended on January 12, 2026. Between the close of the public comment period on the Draft EIR and the May 16 Planning Commission meeting, the City received additional comment letters. These are considered “late” comment letters that do not require a response under CEQA. As a courtesy and for informational purposes, the City has chosen to respond to some points in the late comments, as provided in Attachment B-4, without waiving its position that written responses to late comment letters are not required by CEQA.
As part of project approval, the City will also need to adopt Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs) to ensure that all mitigation measures identified in the EIR, to reduce or avoid an environmental impact, as disclosed in the EIR are implemented. BIG’s MMRP has been updated from the FEIR to clarify the implementation timing and the monitoring and reporting methods. These updates are non-substantive and there have been no changes to the mitigation measures themselves, other than to correct minor typographical errors. The final MMRPs are attached for both the General Plan (see Attachment C-1.B-1) and for the BIG Project (see Attachment C-1.B-2).
City of Barstow General Plan Update
City Council actions to adopt the City of Barstow General Plan and related zoning includes actions to:
• Adopt Resolution No. 5257-2026 to adopt an update to the City of Barstow General Plan. [See C-2]
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1035-2026 to adopt a new zoning map and amend Title 19 of the Barstow Municipal Code (BMC) to create a Business Park (BP) and High Density Residential (HDR) Zone Districts; adopt minor changes to the Medium Density Residential Zone (MDR) District; eliminate the Estate Residential Zone District; require adopted specific plans be incorporated by reference into the BMC, with copies available for review at the Clerk's office; and repeal Chapter 1.05 as it is unnecessary and superseded by the updated General Plan, and make conforming amendments throughout Title 12 and Title 19. [See C-3]
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
12 General Plan
Recent and forecasted changes in economic conditions, and increased interest from both community stakeholders and local businesses, have the potential to dramatically transform and improve the City of Barstow through the year 2048. The City of Barstow General Plan is a comprehensive update of the City’s 2015 General Plan to refine current goals and policies to reflect the opportunities, refine and expand circulation and infrastructure plans to align with the City’s updated vision, and expand opportunities for economic development and growth, prosperity, and community health.
The proposed General Plan covers all state-mandated topics, including the previously updated Housing Element. An overview of major changes to the goals, policies, and programs in each General Plan element is provided in Section 3.0 Project Description of EIR. The General Plan is included as Attachment C-2.A. Changes made to the General Plan from the November 2025 version is included as Attachment C-2.B.
While several policy updates address activities and investments the City already conducts, below are key policy revisions in the proposed General Plan that support new actions and direction:
• Discourage new housing west of I-15 and discourage new industrial uses in Central Barstow to ensure greater land use compatibility now and in the future. (See Figure 1: General Plan Land Use Plan)
• Encourage a wider range of housing densities east of I-15, including introducing a new High Density Residential designation that allows up to 30 units per acre, and designating additional areas for single-family and multi-family residential development. • Eliminate the unused Estate Residential designation that is largely redundant with the density and uses allowed through the Low Density Residential designation. • Create a Business Park designation to accommodate future job growth with low-impact industrial and office land uses.
• Encourage industrial and logistics uses that minimize the use of freeways and highways. • Designate truck routes that ensure adequate access and efficient movement of goods within and through the planning area while minimizing exposure of residents and other sensitive receptors.
• Designate the previously planned road connecting Veteran’s Parkway/Highway 247 to Lenwood Road and the Lenwood Commercial Area as a Primary Arterial (shown but undefined in the 2015 General Plan).
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
13 Figure 1: General Plan Land Use Plan
New Zoning Map and Zoning Amendments
Proposed amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance (i) create a new Business Park zone district to implement the General Plan, especially around BIG; (ii) create a new High Density Residential zone district to implement the adopted Housing Element; (iii) eliminate the unused Estate Residential zone district that overlaps with the Low Density Residential (LDR) zone district; (iv) make minor changes to the Medium Density Residential zone district to implement the Housing Element and adhere to state law; (v) require adopted specific plans be incorporated by reference into the BMC, with copies available for review at the Clerk's office; (vi) repeal Chapter
1.05, which is superseded by the new General Plan, and (vii) adopt a new Zoning Map.
BP Zone District
The purpose of the Business Park district is to provide designated areas for large numbers of employees, corporate professional offices, research and development, support services, and light industrial and manufacturing that generally confine operational impacts to the property.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
14 HDR Zone District
The High Density Residential district is intended to support higher density multifamily housing units built at a density between 20 and 30 units to the acre, both to expand the housing options for future Barstow residents and enhance the City’s ability to address state housing requirements in future Housing Element updates.
MDR Zone District
Minor changes are proposed for the Medium Density Residential district to implement programs from the recently updated Housing Element and ensure the City’s regulations comply with state law.
ER Zone District
The Estate Residential district is proposed for removal as it is currently unused and overlaps with the density and uses allowed through the low-density residential district.
Zone District Map
Updates to the Zoning map are intended to reflect the zone changes including BIG, LAFCO Action Areas A & B, the new Business Park and High Density Residential Zone Districts, changes to the Medium Density Residential Zone, and elimination of the Estate Residential Zone District. For the text of the zone changes, please see Attachment C-3, and for the new Zone District Map please see Figure 5: Zone District Map.
BIG Specific Plan
City Council actions needed to adopt and implement the BIG Specific Plan includes actions to:
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1043-2026 to adopt the BIG Specific Plan. [See C-4]
• Adopt Resolution No. 5258-2026 to approve the BIG Tentative Tract Map (20878-1-10) as consistent with the BIG Specific Plan and conditions of approval. [See C-5] • Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1044-2026 to approve the Development Agreement (DA) that memorializes agreements negotiated between the City of Barstow and BNSF over fees, service arrangements, and other aspects of the BIG Project. [See C-6]
• Adopt Resolution No. 5259-2026 to authorize a Road Maintenance Agreement with the County of San Bernardino for maintenance of the portion of Main Street southeast of the BIG Specific Plan boundary that is excluded from the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Action Area A reorganization as defined in Resolution 5276-2026. [See C-7]
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
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Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
15 • Adopt Resolution No. 5260-2026 to authorize and direct the City Manager to accept assignment of certain easements from BNSF related to the BIG Project, consent to recordation of the assignment of easements, and record said easements. [See C-8] These actions are part of BIG Project approval and represent maintenance agreements for improvements outside of BIG and, in some cases, within unincorporated San Bernardino County.
The financial arrangements for the agreements are part of the Development Agreement.
Barstow International Gateway Project Overview
Of the BIG Specific Plan’s 4,335-acre project area, roughly one-third is currently within City boundaries and roughly two-thirds is proposed for annexation into the City. (See Figure 2: Barstow International Gateway Conceptual Site Plan). At full operation in 2048, the BIG Project is projected to have generated 5,373 direct jobs and 10,300 indirect and induced jobs for a total 15,673 jobs.
The BIG Specific Plan will be adopted as an ordinance and will serve as zoning and development standards. (See Attachment C-4).
The BIG Project consists of a large rail yard that includes a block swap yard where blocks of train cars are transferred between tracks for assembling departing trains, an ancillary rail storage area, and an intermodal facility (IMF) where goods in containers are transferred between trains and electric hostler trucks and transported internally to/from on-site warehouses for transloading, and then later depart by train, through a closed loop system within the BIG Specific Plan area. BIG also includes a 9-million square foot transload warehouse center that would be designed and dedicated to processing the contents of containers from intermodal operations. These warehouses, however, are not designed to function like other conventional, truck-based warehouses in the region. While a relatively small number of trucks will access the facility, these warehouses and the overall facilities are designed to process the transport of goods from incoming train cars to outgoing train cars.
The site plan for the BIG Project includes a Mojave River Buffer along the northwest portion that may be used to provide access, utilities, drainage, and other onsite improvements, with a portion protected by a conservation easement.
Other BIG Project features include a Private Solar Power Utility dedicated to generating electric solar power to supplement BIG’s energy needs, as well as three substations, and distribution lines to support energy transmission. Infrastructure improvements include:
• an upgrade of the flood control channel known as the Lenwood channel, including the construction of a new Main Street bridge over the Lenwood Channel; • the construction and/or enhancement of several roadways, including Main Street, Lenwood Road, Hinkley Road;
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
16 • the construction of utility infrastructure, including a water main extension down Main Street, and significant sewer and drainage improvements on Main Street and in the Lenwood area; and
• removal of the at-grade crossing of the railroad at Hinkley Road and replacement of the Hinkley Road bridge over the Mojave River with a new bridge and a new roadway alignment.
Attachment C-1.A contains the environmental findings for each impact disclosed in the EIR, along with a statement of overriding considerations for BIG. The statement of overriding considerations allows the City Council to weigh the BIG Project's benefits against its disclosed significant and unavoidable environmental impacts and, if the Council finds that those benefits outweigh the impacts, to approve the project accordingly.
In addition to the findings, a separate Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for BIG is included. (Attachment C-1.B-2). The MMRP identifies each mitigation measure required for BIG, designates the responsible party for implementation, and establishes a monitoring and reporting schedule to ensure compliance.
Figure 2: Barstow International Gateway Conceptual Site Plan Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
17 Development Agreement
A development agreement is a tool used for large and complex development projects.
Development agreements are legally binding contracts negotiated between the City and the developer stating the terms and conditions of a proposed development project. Since large developments often take many years to complete, a development agreement provides assurance to the developer that the project entitlements will remain valid for the term of the agreement. In exchange for providing this assurance, a development agreement provides the City an enforceable agreement regarding infrastructure improvements and the project’s specified community benefits. The requirements and procedures governing development agreements are in Government Code section 65864, et seq. and BMC Chapter 19.46.
A development agreement must include the duration of the agreement, the permitted uses of the property, applicable development standards, and the project’s public benefits, such as land dedications for new roads and public purposes. To take effect, a development agreement requires review by the Planning Commission, approval by the City Council, and the developer to agree to the contract’s terms. The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the Development Agreement at its May 16, 2026 meeting. The Development Agreement is adopted by ordinance and is included with Attachment C-6 for the City Council’s consideration.
Key public benefits of the BIG Project Development Agreement to be provided by BNSF include:
• Fire Truck Purchase: BNSF will pay its fair share for the City to purchase a new quint ladder fire truck. This new ladder truck will allow the Barstow Fire Protection District to better serve the BIG Project and the community’s existing larger buildings. Staffing for this new ladder truck is accounted for in the BIG Action Area A Fiscal Impact Analysis [Attachment D] and BIG Action Area B Fiscal Impact Analysis [Attachment E] and will be funded by tax revenues from BIG and other developments in the City and Fire Protection District.
• Skid-Steer Purchase: BNSF will pay for the City to purchase a skid-steer loader to support storm drain culvert maintenance in the Lenwood Channel and other public works operations. A skid steer is a compact and highly maneuverable, four-wheeled or tracked machine with lift arms used for digging, lifting, pushing, and hauling in construction, landscaping, and farming.
• Payment of All City Processing and Review Costs: BNSF will cover all City fees related to processing, plan review, and permits for the BIG Project, and will also fund a dedicated consultant to streamline City processing and approvals for BIG.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
18 • Flagging for City Utilities: BNSF will provide railroad flagging it requires at no cost to the City. This reduces the City’s operating costs for the sewer system components that run underneath and adjacent to the rail lines.
• On-Site and Off-Site Infrastructure: BNSF will construct all required on-site and offsite infrastructure improvements at its sole cost. For certain off-site improvements, BNSF will pay its proportionate share of off-site public infrastructure improvements that serve both the BIG Project and the surrounding area, with remaining costs shared among future developers. The net Development Impact Fees for the BIG Project are detailed in the proposed Development Agreement. The infrastructure improvements constructed by BNSF include:
o Sanitary sewer relocation in the Lenwood and Jasper Road Areas adjacent to BNSF tracks and routes.
o Installation of traffic signals at the intersections of (1) Main Street and Petit Road, (2) Lenwood Road & High Desert Road Traffic Signal (with fiber interconnect), (3) Lenwood Road & Truck Freightliner Service Point.
o Widening of Main Street and construction of a new signalized intersection at Country Club Drive to serve access and circulation for the Barstow International Gateway area.
o Intersection widening, turn lanes, and signalized improvements at Hinkley Road, Jasper Road, and Lenwood Road to support transload, warehouse, and industrial development.
o Construction of a new Main Street bridge over the Lenwood Channel to maintain reliable east–west circulation and provide flood-resilient access during major storm events.
o Widening of Main Street between the Lenwood Channel and Country Club Drive to add travel lanes and support BNSF intermodal driveway and signalized intersection improvements.
o Installation of a new water main down Main Street.
• Development Impact fees: In addition to building those infrastructure improvements, BNSF will pay a one-time net development impact fee of $5.44 per square foot for an estimated total amount of $48,927,017. The City and Barstow Fire will use these development impact fees, together with development impact fees paid by other developers, to pay for public infrastructure improvements as laid out in the City and Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
19 Barstow Fire’s capital improvements programs, consistent with the Mitigation Fee Act, such as sewer system improvements and new roads and transportation infrastructure. • Unitary Property Tax Reporting & Possessory Interest Taxes on Leased Warehouses: BNSF will report the rail yard portion of the BIG Project for unitary tax purposes, supporting ongoing property tax revenues to the City and other local agencies, to the extent permitted by law. The warehouse ground leases will generate possessory interest property taxes paid by tenants, creating a continuing local revenue source. These requirements will ensure that more property tax revenue comes to the City and Barstow Fire than would occur by default. These property tax revenues will fund the City’s police, public safety, public works, and other public services and Barstow Fire’s firefighters protecting the community and the BIG Project. These overall new revenues, as detailed below in the Fiscal Impact discussion, are expected to fund a total of nine new police officers and twelve new firefighters.
• Construction Sales & Use Tax Sharing: For the first ten years, the City and BNSF will each share 50 percent of project job-site construction related Bradley-Burns [default 1%] sales and use tax revenues received by the City from the BIG Project. This fifty percent share is only for the standard one-percent sales and use tax, not Measure Q. These onetime, extra revenues may help the City fund needed public services and infrastructure • Permanent Public Easements: BNSF will grant and record easements, at its expense, ensuring the City’s long-term access for operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of public improvements, including the new Hinkley Road, the widened Main Street, and the new Main Street Bridge over the Lenwood Channel.
• Facilitation of Annexation and Service Delivery: BNSF will cooperate with annexation and local agency reorganization actions, enabling the City and Barstow Fire to provide police, fire, and other municipal services to the BIG Project area.
Tentative Tract Map (20878-1-10)
The BIG Specific Plan Area is currently divided into 277 parcels that include several previous home sites, and public and private roadways. The intent of the Tentative Tract Map is to support development of the BIG Specific Plan by reconfiguring the area into 89 legal parcels and vacate and dedicate public roads and easements (See Figure 2: Conceptual Site Plan).
In approving or conditionally approving the tract map, the Planning Commission will need to review the tract map and determine that the design and improvements are consistent with the General Plan and Specific Plans adopted by the City. (Section 18.06.015(b) of the BMC.) The Planning Commission reviewed the tract map at its May 16, 2026 meeting and recommended that Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
20 the City Council approve it, having determined that the design and improvements are consistent with the General Plan and Specific Plans adopted by the City. In this instance the tract map is specifically designed to be consistent with BIG. Further, the conditions of approval (See Attachment C-5.B) ensure consistency with the General Plan requirements for provision of services. The tract map is valid for the duration of the Development Agreement. The map is considered “Tentative” until the required conditions of approval are met. At that point one or more “Final Maps” may be filed to create legal parcels. For a project of this size, there will likely be several Final Maps. The City Engineer will review each Final Map for substantial compliance with the Tentative Map.
San Bernardino County LAFCO Request
In order to include the portions of BIG that are outside the City, the City must make a formal request to San Bernardino Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for the reorganizations involving the annexation, transfer of responsibility, and detachments of the property which includes a portion of BIG and a separate 10-acre parcel (LAFCO Action Area A). Because approval of LAFCO Action Area A would create an unincorporated island, the City is also required to request that LAFCO reorganize and annex additional adjacent unincorporated territory (LAFCO Action Area B).
Each Resolution provides for related changes of municipal boundary lines so that LAFCO Action Area A would be within the City, the Barstow Fire Protection District (BFPD), and Odessa Water District and LAFCO Action Area B would be within the City and within the Odessa Water District boundary. Both LAFCO Actions would require detachments from other County Services including, as applicable, County Fire Protection District, San Bernardino County Sheriff and other special districts. As part of each annexation request to LAFCO, the City must also enter into a property tax sharing agreement with the County. Resolutions of support for the reorganization from BFPD and Odessa Water District are included in BIG Project approvals, consistent with Government Code Section 56857.
Prezoning is a method by which the City approves zoning outside of its jurisdiction in anticipation of annexation. The zoning does not take effect until the property is within the City’s jurisdiction.
Prezoning is required by law before the City can make an application to LAFCO.
Reorganizations of San Bernardino County LAFCO Action Areas A & B.
For LAFCO Action Area A:
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1045-2026 to prezone LAFCO Action Area A for the BIG Project, including 2,676 acres of the proposed BIG Specific Plan area and an approximately 10-acre parcel. [See C-9] Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
21 • Adopt Resolution No. 5274-2026 of the City of Barstow acting as the City Council and acting as the Board of Directors for the Barstow Fire Protection District (BFPD) to authorize principal terms for the exchange of property tax revenues with the San Bernardino County and the San Bernardino County Fire District resulting from the reorganization of LAFCO Action Area A for the BIG Project. [See C-10] • Adopt Resolution No. 5276-2026 to approve a resolution of application by the City of Barstow requesting LAFCO initiate proceedings for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area A comprised of: annexations to the City of Barstow, BFPD, and Odessa Water District; detachment from the County Fire Protection District, its north desert service zone, and its zone FP-5; and detachment from County Service Area 70. [See C-11]
• Adopt BFPD Resolution No. 76-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the BFPD in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization of LAFCO Action Area A. [See C-12]
• Adopt Odessa Water District Resolution No. 01-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the Odessa Water District in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area A. [See C-13]
For LAFCO Action Area B:
• Waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1046-2026 to prezone LAFCO Action Area B for the BIG Project, inclusive of six parcels totaling 99 acres. [See C14] • Adopt Resolution No. 5275-2026 of the City of Barstow to authorize principal terms for the exchange of property tax revenues with the San Bernardino County resulting from the reorganization of LAFCO Action Area B for the BIG Project. [See C-15] • Adopt Resolution No. 5277-2026 to approve a resolution of application by the City of Barstow requesting LAFCO initiate proceedings for reorganization for LAFCO Action Area B comprised of: annexations to the City of Barstow and Odessa Water District and detachment from County Service Area 70. [See C-16] • Adopt Odessa Water District Resolution No. 02-2026 acting as the Board of Directors of the Odessa Water District in support of the City of Barstow’s application for reorganization of LAFCO Action Area B. [See C-17]
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
22 LAFCO Action Area A Pre-Zoning
Most of LAFCO Action Area A, approximately 2,676 acres, is designated as Industrial in the proposed General Plan and pre-zoned as BIG Specific Plan. The remaining portion of LAFCO Action A is an approximately 10-acre parcel currently zoned for Rural Living that will be annexed to prevent the creation of an “unincorporated island.” This parcel would be designated and prezoned as Business Park (BP). The pre-zoning would also include the disestablishment of an area of approximately 110 acres of County-zoned Agricultural Preserve that was previously utilized for agricultural activities. (See Figure 6: Prezoning SBLAFCO Action Area A) LAFCO Action Area B Pre-Zoning
This area is approximately 99 acres south of Main Street and west of Delaney Road and is proposed for annexation to prevent the creation of an unincorporated island resulting from SBLAFCO Action A. All parcels within this annexation area are currently County-designated Rural Living and would be designated in the proposed General Plan and Zoning Map as the new Business Park (BP). The BP zoning allows for legacy residential uses to remain and a limited number of new homes developed. (See Figure 7: Prezoning SBLAFCO Action Area B.) Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
23 Figure 6: Prezoning LAFCO Area A
LAFCO Action
Area A:
Area A includes
annexations to the
City, Barstow Fire
Protection District, and
Odessa Water District.
The entire BIG Project
area will have a
General Plan land use
designation of
Industrial and be
zoned, for the part
already within the City,
and prezoned, for the
part being annexed,
“BIG Specific Plan.”
The small 10-acre
parcel outside the BIG
Project, being
annexed to avoid
creating an island, will
be designated and
prezoned Business
Park.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
24 Figure 7: Prezoning LAFCO Area B
LAFCO Action Area B: includes separate proposed annexations to the City and Odessa Water District, and related County detachments, of six parcels totaling about 99 acres. These areas will be designated and prezoned Business Park; with provisions in the zoning code allowing for existing legacy residential uses to remain and a limited number of new homes developed subject to specific conditions. Area B does not include an annexation to the Barstow Fire Protection District because Area B is already in Barstow Fire’s boundaries.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Rochelle Clayton
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
25 FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed project approvals are expected to result in significantly increased tax revenues for the City at buildout. BIG Action Area A Fiscal Impact Analysis (Attachment D) and BIG Action Area B Fiscal Impact Analysis (Attachment E), estimate the overall net fiscal impact to the City's General Fund from the BIG Project at its build-out will be a significant annual recurring fiscal surplus of $2,507,303. The Fiscal Impact Analysis also estimates the overall net fiscal impact to the Barstow Fire Protection District from the BIG Project at its build-out will be an annual recurring fiscal surplus of $111,325.
These estimated annual fiscal surpluses include accounting for expected increases in police and fire staffing. Specifically, using the City’s current police service levels as a baseline, the BIG Project needs six (6) police officers. The extra tax revenues from the BIG Project will pay for three (3) additional police officers, who will improve the current level of police staffing and police services in the BIG Project, for its workers and facilities, the areas in the City near BIG Project, and the entire City. Overall, the City intends to use the tax revenues from the BIG Project to pay for the total of nine (9) new police officers.
Using current fire service levels as a baseline, the BIG Project needs four (4) firefighters. The extra tax revenues from the BIG Project will pay for seven (7) additional firefighters, who will improve the current level of firefighter staffing and fire safety services in the BIG Project, for its workers and facilities, the areas in the City near BIG Project, and in the entire BFPD. Other developments, both new and existing, will generate revenue to fund a twelfth new firefighter. The total expected twelve (12) new firefighters will staff a new ladder truck company needed to serve the BIG Project and ensure public safety for the BIG Project facility. The new ladder truck Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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26 company will also provide improved fire protection services to the areas in the City near BIG Project, and in the entire Barstow Fire Protection District service area.
The overall estimated net fiscal impact to the City and Barstow Fire in the aggregate from the BIG Project at its build-out will be an estimated annual recurring fiscal surplus of $2,618,629. In addition, BNSF as the BIG Project developer will pay an estimated $48,927,017 in one-time development impact fees for City-wide infrastructure improvements, will pay an estimated $25 million in permitting and application processing fees, and will pay for several hundred million in additional infrastructure improvements necessary for the BIG Project.
Attachments
For a project of this type, there are several attachments and exhibits. There are, for example, 12 resolutions and 5 ordinances needed to adopt the City of Barstow General Plan, and both adopt and implement the BIG Specific Plan and Development Agreement. While some of the attachments have exhibits of their own, those important to the discussion have been included directly in the staff report. Attachments are being provided separately because the volume of information generated by this project exceeds the City's agenda system file size limits. The following is a summary of the Attachments attached to this staff report.
Attachments to this staff report are available at
https://www.barstowca.org/departments/community-developmentdepartment/planning/general-plan-update or though links below.
Attachment A: PowerPoint Presentation and Governor’s Certification for Judicial Streamlining of BIG Project
A-1 PowerPoint Presentation [link]
A-2 Governor’s Certification for Judicial Streamlining of BIG Project [link] Attachment B: Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2024020501) B-1 Draft Environmental Impact Report [see links in Section D of the CEQA Record of Proceeding]
B-2 Draft EIR – Technical Appendices [see links in Section D of the CEQA Record of Proceeding]
[See next page for balance of Attachment B]
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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27 B-3 Final EIR [see links below]
Contains all public comments, responses to comments, and changes to the EIR.
A. Final EIR – 1.0 Introduction
B. Final EIR – 2.0 Comments and Responses
C. Final EIR – 2.0 Comments and Responses (Earth Justice) D. Final EIR – 3.0 Errata
E. Final EIR – 3.0 Errata Appendices
F. Final EIR – 4.0 MMRPs
G. Final EIR – 5.0 Updates to Final EIR
B-4 Responses to Select Late Comments [link]
Attachment C: Entitlements
CEQA Compliance
C-1 City Council Resolution No. 5256-2026 — Certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2024020501), and adoptions of Findings of Fact, MMRPs, and Statement of Overriding Considerations [link]
A. Adoption of Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations – General Plan and BIG Development Project
Provides findings the EIR complies with CEQA and represents the independent judgment of City decisionmakers
B-1. Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program - General Plan
Creates the process for monitoring completion of EIR mitigation measures.
B-2. Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program - BIG Development Project
Creates the process for monitoring completion of EIR mitigation measures.
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
28 General Plan Adoption
C-2 City Council Resolution No. 5257-2026 — City of Barstow General Plan [link]
A. City of Barstow General Plan
Replaces all existing General Plan elements except the 2021–2029 Housing Element; incorporates the Housing Element into the updated General Plan.
B. Summary of Changes to General Plan Since November 2025 C-3 City Council Ordinance No. 1035-2026 — New City Zoning Map and Zoning Amendments [link]
Amends Title 19 by adding Business Park (BP), High Density Residential (HDR), and Medium Density Residential (MDR) zone districts; removes the Estate Residential zone district; and adds adopted specific plans to the BMC; adopts a new zoning map consistent with the updated General Plan; and repeals Chapter
1.05 as it is unnecessary and superseded by the updated General Plan and make conforming amendments throughout Title 12 and Title 19.
BIG Specific Plan
C-4 City Council Ordinance No. 1043-2026 — Adopts BIG Specific Plan [link]
A. BIG Specific Plan
C-5 City Council Resolution No. 5258-2026 — BIG Tentative Tract Map [link]
A. BIG Tentative Tract Map
B. BIG Tentative Tract Map Conditions of Approval
C-6 City Council Ordinance No. 1044-2026 — Approves Development Agreement [link]
A. Development Agreement
C-7 City Council Resolution No. 5259-2026 — Maintenance Agreement with San Bernardino County [link]
A. Maintenance Agreement with San Bernardino County
C-8 City Council Resolution No. 5260-2026 — Assignment and Acceptance of Easements [link]
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
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Rochelle Clayton
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Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
29 San Bernardino LAFCO Reorganization Actions
Action Area A
C-9 City Council Ordinance No. 1045-2026 — Prezoning, LAFCO Reorganization Action Area A [link]
A. Prezoning Map Action Area A
C-10 City Council Resolution No. 5274-2026 — Property Tax Sharing for LAFCO Reorganization Action Area A [link]
C-11 City Council Resolution No. 5276-2026 — Application for Reorganization, LAFCO Action Area A [link]
C-12 Barstow Fire Protection District Resolution No. 76-2026 — Resolution of Support for Reorganization, LAFCO Action Area A [link]
C-13 Odessa Water District Resolution No. 01-2026 — Resolution of Support for Reorganization, LAFCO Action Area A [link]
Action Area B
C-14 City Council Ordinance No. 1046-2026 — Prezoning, LAFCO Reorganization Action Area B [link]
A. Prezoning Map Action Area B
C-15 City Council Resolution No. 5275-2026 — Property Tax Sharing for LAFCO Reorganization Action Area B [link]
C-16 City Council Resolution No. 5277-2026 — Application for Reorganization, LAFCO Action Area B [link]
C-17 Odessa Water District Resolution No. 02-2026 — Resolution of Support for Reorganization, LAFCO Action Area B [link]
Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odessa
06/2/26 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Public Hearing
Doc ID: 6415
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
30 Attachment D. BIG Action Area A Fiscal Impact Analysis [link] — Fiscal Impacts Resulting from the Proposed Annexation of Certain Portion of Barstow International Gateway Project LAFCO Action Area A into the City of Barstow, the Odessa Water District, and the Barstow Fire Protection District.
Attachment E. BIG Action Area B Fiscal Impact Analysis [link] — Fiscal Impacts Resulting from the Proposed Annexation of Certain Portion of Barstow International Gateway Project LAFCO Action Area B into the City of Barstow and the Odessa Water District.
Attachment F. Planning Commission Resolution 600-2026 [link] — recommending the City Council certify the final EIR, adopt the General Plan Update, BIG Specific Plan, BIG Project Development Agreement, and the resolutions and ordinance regarding the same.
Attachments to this staff report are available at
https://www.barstowca.org/departments/communitydevelopment-department/planning/general-plan-update or though links above.
Please note: Attachments are being provided separately because the volume of information generated by this project exceeds the City's agenda system file size limits.
Staff Report
ATTACHMENT A-1
Barstow General Plan Update & BIG Project
PowerPoint Presentation
City Council
Planning the Future of Barstow
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions La reunión comenzará a las
17:00. Si tiene alguna pregunta
o desea una tarjeta de
intervención, acérquese a
taquilla.
Si necesita ayuda con la
traducción, acérquese al
mostrador situado junto a la
taquilla.
The Meeting will start at
5:00 PM. If you have
questions or want a
speaker card, please
visit the box office.
City Council
Planning the Future of Barstow
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions TONIGHT’S MEETING
1. Translation
2. Staff Presentation
3. Public Comment
Speaking order
2 minutes per speaker
4. Council Discussion & Deliberation
5. Council Action
6. Adjournment
Si necesita ayuda con la
traducción, acérquese al
mostrador situado junto a
la taquilla.
Project Components
General Plan Update
Zoning Updates
2 BIG Specific Plan & Project
Development Agreement
Tentative Tract Map
Road Maintenance Agreement
Easements
3 LAFCO Actions
Reorganizations
Prezoning
Tax Sharing Agreement
4 1 Environmental Impact Report
City Council
General Plan & Zoning Update
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions BEFORE
1776
1880
1925
1980
2020
TRIBAL TRADE ROUTES
SILVER &
RAILROADS
RTE 66 &
MILITARY
PROPOSALS FOR
ECONOMIC GROWTH
FOCUSED
PLANNING
1830
OLD SPANISH TRAIL
BARSTOW’S ECONOMIC HISTORY
2015
PLANNING FOR NEW
OPPORTUNTIES
Development interest for around
4,000 new homes and 11,000 new
jobs created the need to take a
comprehensive look at all of
Barstow’s long-range plans.
BNSF BIG
CASINO
LOGISTICS
RESIDENTIAL
INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT INTEREST SINCE 2020
GENERAL PLAN
CITY CONSULTANTS
CEQA / EIR SPECIFIC PLAN MASTER PLANS
FEHR & PEERS MOBILITY TRAFFIC PEER REVIEW
PLACEWORKS GENERAL PLAN CEQA / EIR PEER REVIEW CONTRIBUTOR
BNSF CONTRIBUTOR APPLICANT
APPLICANT
TEAM EVALUATING
GROWTH
RCS CONTRIBUTOR IMPACT FEES
CAROLLO CONTRIBUTOR CONTRIBUTOR SEWER
MERRELL JOHNSON ADVISOR ADVISOR ADVISOR ADVISOR
FUSCOE INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTOR PEER REVIEW
CITY STAFF
KIMLEY HORN &
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS CONTRIBUTOR SPECIFIC PLAN
UNIFIED PLANNING SYSTEMS
State law requires everything
to be consistent with the
General Plan, including the
BIG Specific Plan.
Cities use a variety of tools to
plan, regulate, and manage
growth.
The General Plan serves as
the hub for these planning
systems.
ZONING
GENERAL
PLAN
SPECIFIC PLAN
SUBDIVISION
FINANCING
PUBLIC
FACILITIES
The General Plan serves as a
long-term framework or
“blueprint" guiding future
development and positive
change in the community.
GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan is also used by
property owners, service providers, and
other community members to understand
and reinforce how local resources are
allocated and what decisions are made.
GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan provides long-term
guidance and direction for the City Council,
Planning Commission, and City staff when
evaluating decisions about new development,
public services and facilities, improvements,
and investments.
The General Plan reflects the community’s
vision and values, laying out goals and policies
to shape the physical, social, and economic
environment for the next 20+ years.
2038 2028
PLANNING FOR THE NEXT 20+ YEARS
2023
2025
2048
Starting in late 2022,
the City conducted an
extensive outreach
effort involving
thousands of Barstow
residents, businesses,
and organizations.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
O N D
GPU START
75th
CELEBRATION
2022
JAN FEB MAR APR
12 FOCUS
GROUPS
High Desert
Symposium
MWA
Committee
2023
JUL
TOWN HALL
Helendale CSD
Town Hall
Barstow
Chamber
Local Agencies &
Community Groups
SURVEY
NOV
Draft GP, SP, & EIR
Public Review
SPRING JAN PUBLIC HEARINGS
N O JUL MAR
OPEN HOUSE &
SCOPING MTG
High Desert Symposium
High Desert
Chamber TOWN HALL
Sylvan
Mtg
MAR
High Desert
Symposium
TOWN HALLS
AUG
Top Questions
When will it all happen?
How will all this growth affect me?
How many jobs? Job training?
Will there be a lot of truck traffic?
Can the infrastructure handle it?
Where will schools and parks go?
Top Priorities
Encourage investment in community
Livable wage jobs/careers
Expand housing options
Support local schools/college
Improve public services & safety
Increase recreation amenities
PUBLIC INPUT
PUBLIC AGENCIES CONSULTED
GENERAL PLAN
2048
Barstow, nestled at the crossroads of history and progress in the heart of the Mojave Desert, is poised to be at the center of regional growth and serves as the Hub of the West.
The City and its people honor its past while forging a dynamic future, creating a complete community where residents thrive, visitors discover, and businesses flourish.
Through collaboration between city leaders, residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders, Barstow will proactively address current challenges while seizing opportunities to create a prosperous and resilient future.
NEW GENERAL PLAN VISION
1. Residential and jobgenerating use spread
throughout / adjacent
2. High density diverseuse (mixed-use)
planned outside City
boundaries next to
industrial uses
3. Interim Open Space
placeholder for future
development, both in
and around the City
4. East-west connection
via Veterans Parkway
ADOPTED 2015
GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE PLAN
1. New residential within
Central Barstow
2. New job-generating
uses outside of Central
Barstow
3. BIG Specific Plan
4. New Business Park
designation
5. Reflect County land
use designations for
unincorporated areas
6. Realignment of
Veterans Parkway
PROPOSED
GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE PLAN
GENERAL PLAN
Note: Figures shown exclude unincorporated Barstow, which is not forecasted to change, but represents ~3K HH, 9K POP, 1K JOBS Households Residents Jobs
Existing (2023)
Growth (25 yrs)
Future (2048)
9K
6K
15K
25K
19K
14K
10K
44K 24K
Includes
BIG
The land use plan, along with improvements
identified for transportation and infrastructure
systems, establishes the City’s capacity for growth.
With the opportunities available to Barstow,
the City could potentially double in size over
the next 20+ years.
• Responsibly managed natural resources
• Quality parks & rec facilities
• Healthy air and water
OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION
• Minimized risk from and enhanced
resiliency in the face of emergencies,
natural disasters, and hazards
SAFETY
• Connectivity across the entire city,
while enhancing safety and
comfort for all modes of mobility
CIRCULATION &
MOBILITY
• New Vision / Objectives
• Streamlined format
• Documents incorporated by reference
• Environmental Justice in all policies
INTRODUCTION
• Compatible land use patterns that promote the health and prosperity of Barstow residents, businesses, and institutions
LAND USE
• Reliable and cost-effective infrastructure
• Quality public facilities and services
• Support public safety, community health,
and educational and financial success
PUBLIC FACILITIES &
SERVICES • More housing options
• Support for existing residents
• No change to State certified element
HOUSING
GENERAL PLAN
New district for employment-generating
uses and low-impact industrial
NEW: Business Park
New district to add more housing options
and address the Housing Element
NEW: High Density Residential
Applicable to few (if any parcels) and
redundant with Low Density Residential
REMOVE: Estate Residential
Other changes associated with the
Housing Element statutory compliance
Other Changes
Regulatory plan for the development
and implementation of the BIG Project
BIG Specific Plan
ZONING UPDATES
Based on the proposed General Plan (and to ensure consistency), the City will be considering several changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
PROPOSED
ZONING
CHANGES
City Council
BIG Specific Plan
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions JUNE 2026
Barstow International
Gateway Project
• Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
• ~37,000 employees
• Average of 1,200 trains/day,
approximately 10 million units
per year across the country
• 32,500+ route miles in 28
states and three Canadian
provinces
About BNSF Railway
BNSF in Barstow
• BNSF and its predecessor railroads have
operated in Barstow since 1886
• For more than 140 years, BNSF has
operated a railyard here, most recently
as a classification yard
• The City of Barstow is named for William
Barstow Strong, president of the Atchison,
Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad
• BNSF currently employs approximately 1,000
people in Barstow
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the largest in the nation, approximately 30% of goods entering the U.S.
CURRENT PROCESS
1. International cargo arrives in 40-foot containers that are then trucked from the Ports to warehouses in Los Angeles or Inland Empire
2. Containers are unloaded, classified, and re-loaded
onto 53-foot domestic containers
3. Domestic containers are either transported by truck
to a railyard and loaded onto trains headed for
destinations across the United States; or are
trucked across the country
Credit: Nick C Prior, Wikipedia
Goods Movement in Southern California
Barstow International Gateway will allow for fast, efficient and cost competitive rail service, moving goods on trains directly from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
through the underutilized Alameda Corridor to Barstow, CA. • $4B+ state-of-the-art master-planned intermodal facility • Fully integrated rail and transload for a streamlined supply chain
• On-site warehouse development
• Access to the fastest intermodal route and largest hub network • More sustainable supply chain solution
Barstow International Gateway (BIG)
BIG Conceptual Site Plan
BIG Close Loop System
• BNSF has signed Project Labor Agreements to ensure union labor for construction
• Dedicated Tier 4 locomotive fleet between the Ports and BIG’s Intermodal Facility
• Zero-emission electric cranes and cargo handling equipment • Clean Tier 4 switchers at BIG
• Commitment to increased use of renewable fuels for the entire Southern California locomotive fleet
(from 1% to 10% RD)
• 140-acre solar farm, rooftop solar on warehouses
beyond legal requirements, and solar on railyard
canopies
BNSF Commitments for BIG
• Voluntary replacement of existing switchers at existing Barstow yard with 99% cleaner Tier 4 switchers
• MDAQMD MOU for the testing of Tier 4 Hybrid
Linehaul Locomotives
• CARB MOU to explore the feasibility of additional
emissions reduction measures
These commitments will be implemented by the
Development Agreement, MMRP, Conditions, MOUs and
a MDAQMD Cooperative Agreement.
BNSF Commitments for BIG (cont'd)
Economic Benefits
• 62,000 direct, indirect and induced construction jobs, including union construction jobs and approximately
15,000 direct, indirect, and induced operation jobs.
• Estimated construction economic benefit is
approximately $11 billion and operational economic
benefit is approximately $7 billion.
• City of Barstow economic benefit of approximately
$7.85 billion
BIG Benefits
First of Its Kind Rail Facility in the U.S.
• Allows for more efficient transfer of cargo directly between ships and rail
• Maximizes rail and distribution efficiency regionally and across the U.S. supply chain
• Improves fluidity and reliability of rail corridor
• Reduces truck and freeway congestion by eliminating
approximately 800,000 truck trips each year
• Net decrease in GHG emissions
Barstow Community Benefits
• Tax revenue generated by BIG will support
local schools, including the Barstow Unified
School District
• BIG will supplement existing programs at
Barstow Community College by adding new
programs aligned with industry standards to
meet specific employer needs
• Additionally, tax revenue generated by BIG
will support improved public services,
purchase of a new ladder truck
and additional staffing for firefighters and
police beyond what is needed to service
BIG, providing a citywide benefit
• Upgrades of city infrastructure, including
flood management, bridges and roadways
and purchase of maintenance equipment
BIG’s Benefits between Port Communities and BIG
1. Maximizes use of existing on dock infrastructure at Ports and underutilized Alameda Corridor.
2. Dedicated Tier 4 locomotive fleet between Ports and BIG’s Intermodal Facility.
3. 900% increase in use of renewable diesel for ALL BNSF trains leaving the Port (not just those stopping at BIG), resulting in reduced GHG and other key emissions.
4. DECREASES in local and regional truck-related emissions and traffic impacts. Average annual 800,000 truck trips eliminated in the South Coast Air Basin.
5. Diesel Particulate Matter reductions along Corridor.
6. Comprehensive regional Health Impact Analysis shows NO regional or cumulative impacts in South Coast Air Basin.
BIG Supports a Fluid and Efficient Supply Chain
BIG will provide additional efficiency,
resiliency and reliability as recognized in the
2024 State Rail Plan by:
• Dramatically reducing the need for truck trips and
corresponding reduction in emissions and highway
congestion
• Distributing rail freight staging and processing
efficiency away from ports and into parts of California with more space and ability to accommodate freight
development
• Reducing or eliminating the need for drayage moves
by promoting on-dock rail and alleviating chassis
shortage issues
“The Barstow International Gateway is the first
facility of its kind to be developed by a Class I
railroad. The facility will provide the space to sort
the containers that arrive on ships within 130
miles of the port. Instead of requiring many truck
trips to move the containers to this location, the
containers will be expeditiously loaded onto trains
regardless of their final destination. Organization
of the containers and their contents will take place
at a new facility near the location of the long-time
classification yard in the Barstow-area desert.”
- California State Rail Plan, p. 41
• BIG is the first transportation-related infrastructure project certified by the Governor under SB 149, and one of only 10 transportation projects that will receive this designation.
• BIG helps accelerate critical infrastructure projects that advance the goals of the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI). • The Governor determined that:
o The Project represents a $4 billion private investment in California, will help reduce congestion in port adjacent communities, improve supply chain reliability, and support the transition to a zero-emission freight system. o BIG would result in mode shift from heavy duty truck to rail that would removes hundreds of thousands of truck miles from the national highway network o BNSF has provided information establishing that the Project will minimize impacts to disadvantaged communities
o BIG results in net reductions of GHG emissions
• BIG will serve Californians for decades by strengthening the state’s freight infrastructure, supporting climate and air quality goals, and delivering long-term economic opportunity.
Governor's Certification Under SB 149
Thank you
City Council
Making Sure
Everything Works
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions
KEEPING BARSTOW FLOWING SMOOTHLY
ROADWAY
NETWORK
Capacity & Maintenance
ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS
Substation & Lines
WATER
SYSTEMS
Supply & Quality
SEWER
SYSTEMS
Citywide Study
STORMWATER
DRAINAGE
Channels & Basins
ROADWAY NETWORK
BIG ON-SITE CIRCULATION
IMPROVEMENTS
BIG ON-SITE SEWER
IMPROVEMENTS
BIG WATERLINE
IMPROVEMENTS
BIG ON-SITE STORMWATER
IMPROVEMENTS
MAIN ST. AT LENWOOD
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION
BIG ELECTRICAL
IMPROVEMENTS
City Council
Environmental Impact Report
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions
CEQA PURPOSE
Allows the City to
weigh both the impacts
and the benefits of the
project before deciding.
INFORMED DECISION
identify feasible ways to avoid
or mitigate such impacts and
evaluate alternatives
REDUCE IMPACTS
Inform officials and the
community about potential
impacts of a decision that
could significantly affect the
environment.
INFORM
CEQA PROCESS & TIMELINE
NOP 2/16 to 3/26/24
Scoping Meeting 3/13/24
Notice of Preparation
& Scoping Meeting
Public Review Period
11/10/25 to 1/12/26
Draft EIR &
Public Review
Draft EIR and technical studies
prepared in 2024 & 2025
Revisions and
Response to Comments
Final EIR
Final EIR prepared in
winter/spring 2026 PC – 5/16/26
CC – 6/2/26
Public Hearings
WE ARE HERE
EIR SCOPING MEETING
• NOP published February 15, 2024 – March 26, 2024
• Scoping Meeting held March 13, 2024, Cora Harper Fitness Center • 200+ attendees | 55 comment letters/cards
Project Components
General Plan Update
Zoning Updates
2 BIG Specific Plan & Project
Development Agreement
Tentative Tract Map
Road Maintenance Agreement
Easements
3 LAFCO Actions
Reorganizations
Prezoning
Tax Sharing Agreement
4 1 Environmental Impact Report
ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS
Aesthetics Hazards, Hazardous Materials and Wildfire
Agricultural & Forestry Resources Hydrology and Water Quality Air Quality Land Use and Planning
Biological Resources Noise and Vibration
Cultural Resources Population and Housing
Energy Public Services and Recreation
Geology, Soils and Mineral Resources Transportation
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Utilities and Service Systems
Tribal Cultural Resources
TOPICS ANALYZED IN THE EIR
GENERAL PLAN & BIG PROJECT
What is a Mitigation Measure?
What Mitigation Can Do: What Mitigation Cannot Do:
If the EIR discloses a significant environmental impact, the City must apply and monitor the implementation of feasible mitigation measures (conditions on the project) to avoid, minimize, or compensate for the impact. CEQA does not expand the City’s legal authority.
The purpose of the mitigation measure is to reduce the environmental impact to a level that is less than the threshold disclosed in the EIR.
Reduce significant environmental harm
Require feasible mitigation measures
Mitigation must be proportional to project’s
impacts
Address non-environmental issues
Fix existing problems
Require more than the project’s fair share
Be applied outside of the City
In some instances, even with mitigation measures, some
impacts cannot be reduced to less than significant. These are called significant and unavoidable impacts.
AESTHETICS
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Visual changes, lighting, and glare from large-scale development cannot be fully screened or mitigated over time, especially at night.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
Construction Lighting & screening
plan that includes:
• Shielded and directional lighting
• Temporary privacy fencing
• Use of minimum lighting levels
approved by OSHA
Construction Lighting & screening
plan that includes:
• Shielded and directional lighting
• Temporary privacy fencing
• Use of minimum lighting levels
approved by OSHA
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan and BIG.
AGRICULTURAL & FORESTRY RESOURCES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Urban development under the General Plan would conflict with agricultural zoning and farmland preservation.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
• Avoid development on land
designated as Prime Farmland
• Prepare a Land Evaluation Site
Assessment (LESA)
• Provide Agricultural Easement
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan.
Less than significant
AIR QUALITY
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Development under the General Plan and construction and operation of BIG would generate emissions that exceed thresholds even after applying feasible mitigation.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
• Prepare technical assessment evaluating project
level construction related air quality impacts
• Prepare technical assessment evaluating project
level operational related air quality impacts
• For certain developments, prepare a Health Risk
Assessment (HRA)
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan and BIG. For BIG, the City will require 14 Air Quality Mitigation Measures such as those listed in the examples above. • Dust Control Plan during construction
• Low VOC Paint
• Reduced Exhaust Emissions from Off-Road
Construction Equipment
• Tier 4 construction Equipment
• Any trucks accessing BIG will reduce idling and
follow truck routes
CULTURAL RESOURCES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Development could permanently alter or destroy unknown or significant historic/archaeological resources despite surveys and documentation.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
• Conduct project level Historical
Resources Assessment
• Apply applicable preservation
standards for historic resources
• Conduct project level Archaeological
Resources Assessment
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan and BIG.
• Recovery of known resources prior to
construction
• Develop Monitoring plan in coordination
with Native American tribes
• Train construction workers on
procedures if they encounter resources
• Archaeological and tribal monitors
during construction
GEOLOGY, SOILS, & MINERAL RESOURCES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Development could prevent access to mineral resources, which cannot be replaced or mitigated.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
No feasible mitigation
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan.
Less than significant with mitigation
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Citywide growth increases emissions beyond targets; long-term reductions cannot fully offset increases.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
• Qualified Climate Action Plan
• Implementation of project specific measures,
including:
• Dust Control Plan during construction
• Low VOC Paint
• Reduced Exhaust Emissions from
Off-Road Construction Equipment
• Tier 4 construction Equipment
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan.
BIG results in a REDUCTION of GHG Emissions, with the implementation of several Air Quality and Energy mitigation measures, which have the added benefit of reducing GHG Emissions to less than significant.
Less than significant with mitigation
NOISE & VIBRATION
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Construction, traffic, and operational noise impacts cannot be fully reduced due to proximity to receptors.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
• Limit hours of construction and use
best available noise control techniques
on construction equipment and trucks
• Consider use of sound wall barriers
when feasible
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan and BIG.
• Construction Noise Plan
• Two Noise barriers will be
constructed based on Caltrans
standards
• Rubberized Asphalt will be used
for Main Street Improvements
TRANSPORTATION
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Increased vehicle miles traveled (VMT) from projected growth exceeds CEQA thresholds.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
No feasible mitigation
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan.
Less than significant
TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Culturally significant tribal resources may be accidentally disturbed and cannot always be preserved even with mitigation.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
• Conduct project level Historical
Resources Assessment
• Apply applicable preservation standards
for historic resources
• Conduct project level Archaeological
Resources Assessment
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan and BIG.
• Recovery of known resources prior to
construction
• Develop Monitoring plan in coordination
with Native American tribes
• Train construction workers on
procedures if they encounter resources
• Archaeological and tribal monitors during
construction
UTILITIES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Growth under the General Plan and BIG would require the construction of additional infrastructure.
EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED MITIGATION
Various mitigation measures throughout the
EIR would reduce impacts on future
development related to construction of
additional infrastructure, including:
• Tier 4 construction Equipment
• A Construction Noise Plan
With implementation of feasible mitigation measures, impacts would be significant and unavoidable for the General Plan and BIG.
Various mitigation measures throughout the
EIR would reduce impacts on future
development related to construction of
additional infrastructure, including:
• Tier 4 construction Equipment
• A Construction Noise Plan
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
Project objectives are used to help develop and evaluate alternatives to the project.
JOB CREATION: Adding a substantial number of livable wage and head of household jobs to strengthen the City’s economic base, fiscal resiliency, and provide career pathways.
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES: Providing a larger amount and wider range of housing to address the needs of the community, military installations, and various lifestyles and life stages.
COHESIVE LAND USE: Implementing a plan that transitions appropriately between residential, commercial, and industrial areas while leveraging and improving existing infrastructure.
ECONOMIC REINVESTMENT: Creating opportunities that allow residents and local businesses to reinvest in the community and build generational wealth.
SUPPLY CHAIN CAPITALIZATION: Using land use and circulation plans to capitalize on Barstow’s unique position in the national supply chain and its existing industrial and rail infrastructure.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: Establishing goals and
policies that ensure Barstow remains a healthy and safe community for residents, businesses, and visitors.
EFFICIENT GOODS MOVEMENT: Increasing the speed and reliability, and lowering the cost, of moving goods from the Ports to their destinations, with the end effect of reducing traffic congestion and associated air emissions from trucking of goods to and from transload facilities, by constructing a facility comprising an IMF, an on-site transload warehouse center, and a block swap yard.
SYMBIOTIC DESIGN: Site design that allows the most efficient interplay between the operations of the block swap, IMF and transload warehouse center to ensure that the site will accommodate projected future demand.
PUBLIC POLICY ALIGNMENT: Construct and operate the facility in a manner that promotes the public policy goals in the State Rail Plan to reduce the disproportionate impacts of truck-borne goods movement in urbanized and densely populated areas adjacent to Port facilities.
ADVANCED TRACKING: Utilizing a single technology platform to track goods throughout their journey.
MAINLINE INTEGRITY: Designing the facility so construction and operations do not interfere with existing operations of mainline.
STRATEGIC SITING: Locating the facility at a large enough site near existing BNSF maintenance facilities, mainlines and a reasonable distance from heavily urbanized areas.
Alternative
No Project:
Continuation of 2015
General Plan
No BIG / Proposed
General Plan Reduced
Development
No BIG /
No Annexation
Reduced Intensity
West Transload
Warehouse Center
Alternative
Advantages
Generally results in fewer direct physical
environmental impacts due to less overall
development
Reduces the severity of significant impacts (air quality, noise, traffic) compared to the proposed project while
updating the GP for state law compliance
Generally results in fewer direct physical
environmental impacts due to less overall
development
Reduces the development footprint and intensity by
50%, leading to proportionally fewer impacts on noise,
energy, and population growth
Locates all warehouses west of the Lenwood Channel,
requiring 12% less earthwork and a smaller overall
transload warehouse footprint than BIG
Disadvantages
Fails to meet most project objectives, including job
creation, enhancing quality of life for residents, and
updating the GP for compliance with new state laws
Does not meet the economic growth or supply chain
capitalization objectives associated with BIG
Fails to meet most project objectives, including job
creation, state rail plan alignment, and updating the
GP for compliance with new state laws
Significantly less effective at reducing regional truck traffic, reducing GHG emissions, and meeting freight
movement goals
19% fewer containers processed; thus, more truck
miles traveled and GHG emissions. Vacant area west
of Lenwood Channel could be developed with
traditional truck-fed warehouses
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL TOPIC
Aesthetics
Agricultural & Forestry Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Energy
Geology, Soils and Mineral Resources
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hazards, Hazardous Materials and Wildfire
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Noise and Vibration
Population and Housing
Public Services and Recreation
Transportation
Utilities and Service Systems
Tribal Cultural Resources
Significant and
Unavoidable
with Mitigation
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
No Impact or
Less Than
Significant
X
O
X
O
X
O
O
O
O
O
O
X
O
O
O
X
X
No Impact or
Less Than
Significant
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Significant and
Unavoidable
with Mitigation
X
X
X
O
X
O
X
X
O
O
O
X
O
O
X
X
X
EIR IMPACT DETERMINATIONS
GENERAL PLAN BIG PROJECT
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
The City may determine that a
project’s potential benefits may
outweigh its potential impacts.
POTENTIAL
IMPACTS
POTENTIAL
BENEFITS
The City Council can adopt
statements of overriding
considerations for impacts that are
potentially significant and
unavoidable (even with mitigation).
All feasible mitigation for these
impacts must still be implemented.
Quality of life
Community health & safety
Hazards / evacuation
Land use compatibility
Accessibility & circulation
Lighting & noise
Biological resources
Water quality / supply
Frequent Concerns
TYPES OF EIR COMMENTS
1,500+ 500+
COMMENT LETTERS WITH
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
LETTERS
OF SUPPORT
2,052
TOTAL COMMENT LETTERS
The Final EIR contains
extensive and detailed
responses to all the
comments as well as
minor refinements and
corrections.
Local living wage jobs
Career opportunities
Workforce training
Support for the hospital
Demand for new homes
Funding for public services
Frequent Comments
City Council
Annexation, Financing,
and Next Steps
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions
ANNEXATION &
PREZONING
Area A to
reflect full
boundary of
the BIG SP
BIG SP
Area B to avoid creating
an unincorporated island
ANNEXATION
Action A to
annex area
into Barstow
Fire Protection
District
Action A & B
to annex area
into Odessa
Water District Action A
Action B
ANNEXATION FACTORS
Adjacent to City limits
Police Services
Fire Protection Services
Other government services,
streets, and infrastructure
Consistent with General Plan
Avoid unincorporated islands
City and LAFCO consider several factors when
evaluating an annexation, primarily implications
for city finances and public services.
Factors
WHAT DOES BIG MEAN FOR THE CITY?
NEW POLICE
OFFICERS
NEW FIRE
FIGHTERS
Strengthening public safety and
building stronger connections in
our community
9 12
GENERAL CITY
SERVICES
Enhancing services
that support a safe,
vibrant, and growing
community
ENHANCE
SURPLUS EVEN
AFTER NEW HIRES
Primarily from
property tax
$2.6M
BIG Project Timeline & Direct Jobs Onsite at BIG
2026
DURING
CONSTRUCTION
8,188
Construction
Jobs
2028
INITIAL
OPERATIONS
2048
HORIZON
YEAR
WHAT DOES BIG MEAN FOR THE CITY?
3,627
Direct On-site
Jobs
5,373
Direct On-site
Jobs
2033
INTERIM YEAR
OPERATIONS
4,670
Direct On-site
Jobs
The estimate the total number of direct, indirect, and induced jobs that would take place throughout the region: 34,100 construction jobs and 11,000 permanent jobs. Statewide, BIG is expected to support 62,100 construction and 15,700 operational jobs.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
• Development Impact Fees related to development of 9 MSF of warehouse totaling approximately $49M
• Broad range of environmental commitments
• Substantial contributions to offsite City infrastructure improvements • Purchase of a new fire ladder truck to enhance citywide fire services • Purchase of new equipment for maintenance of drainage facilities • Enhance City tax base
KEY COMMUNITY BENEFITS
NEXT STEPS
1. Open Public Hearing / Public Testimony
2. Close Public Hearing
3. City Council Discussion
4. Decide whether to:
• Certify the EIR
• Approve the General Plan and Zoning Updates
• Approve the BIG Specific Plan and Tentative Map
• Approve other actions needed to implement the project
5. Roll Call Vote
6. If approved tonight, City Council second reading of ordinances to be held on June 16, 2026
City Council
Planning the Future of Barstow
Public Hearing | June 2, 2026
General Plan & Zoning Update, EIR, BIG Specific Plan, and LAFCO Actions
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED. If you wish to address the Council, please complete a speaker request card and submit it to the Box Office located in the lobby prior to the close of the Public Hearing. Please note that the Public Comment period is an opportunity for the Council to hear from the public. The Council will not engage in dialogue or respond to questions during the public comment period, to ensure that all speakers can be heard.
CODE OF CONDUCT. During this meeting, we will treat each other with patience, civility, and courtesy.
Please direct comments to the Council and not to the audience or City staff. Actions taken tonight will be for the benefit of the Barstow community and not for personal gain.
SPEAKING ORDER. Speakers will be called in numerical order. When your number and name appear on screen, please move to the speaker seating area and hand your ticket to City staff. Staff will call your number and name up to 3 times before moving to the next speaker. Once you start speaking, you have up to 2 minutes to make and complete your comment. If you need translation, you will be granted 4 minutes to accommodate translation services.
Si necesita ayuda con la traducción, acérquese al mostrador situado junto a la taquilla.