VOP: You Need a Permit for your Garden? by Jeffrey McConnell - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MAY ►
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 01 02
03 04 05 06 07 08 09
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
View Events
Submit Events

VOP: You Need a Permit for your Garden?

By Jeffrey McConnell, Community Writer
January 12, 2017 at 11:27am. Views: 86

GRAND TERRACE>> How far is too far for big government overreach? When do you tell your government to stop? When our Planning Director tells me that I can’t have a “garden” on my property without going through the review process, then that to me is too far. She then followed it up by ordering a ‘Notice of Correction” and then citation for my compost pile that I started to organically recondition the soil for my vegetables. Granted my compost pile as is my 5 acres is larger but proportionate to your average piece of Grand Terrace land. Most all of the property, as is mine, between the 215 Freeway and La Cadena is zoned with an “AG”, agricultural overlay. The municipal code says that “Horticulture” is permitted in the AG zone. The dictionary defines horticulture as: “The science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants.” All of my neighbors that are growing fruit, vegetables, etc., are all in violation of the municipal code. So what is going on here? Is it selective enforcement because I am too involved in what goes on in my community, some say outspoken when I see an injustice? Is it a government bureaucrat’s abuse of power under the color of authority? Or is it just someone who forgot that they are a public servant and lost all common sense of the public’s basic human right to grow food on their land? I thought we voted to become a city for self determination of how we wanted Grand Terrace to be. I thought in the last national election is was made clear that the people are fed up with too much government regulation. Keep government small and in its place! Take a stand and fight for your rights! Paid for by Jeffrey McConnell, community advocate

Related Articles

Wood Pallet Shelf for Garage
Photo Courtesy of: Photonia

By Miles Thornton, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 107

A reclaimed wood pallet shelf demonstrates how practical storage can be built affordably while adding rustic character to a garage space.

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Anthony Romano, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 120

Tender oven-baked salmon topped with fresh dill and bright lemon wedges delivers a light, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Choosing Forgiveness

Photo Courtesy of: Bente Boe

By Jonah Whitman, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 92

Forgiveness is not forgetting the hurt, but surrendering it to God and allowing His grace to heal what once felt broken.

Removing Wallpaper the Easy Way
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Patrick Boone, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 100

Peel back the past and give your walls a fresh start without the frustration.

Protecting Your Car’s Battery in Extreme Heat and Cold
Photo Courtesy of: Emkanicepic

By Dana McAllister, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 120

Temperature extremes can quietly shorten battery life, making seasonal car care more important than many drivers realize.

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Southern California?
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 08:34am. Views: 228

Timing matters, but the best time to sell ultimately depends on your local market conditions, personal goals, and how prepared your home.

Mask Making with Paper Plates
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Natalie Finch, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 215

Have fun making masks out of household items!

CalKIDS and California Association of School Counselors Team Up to Help Students Claim Scholarships
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group Ai Generated Image

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 540

A school counselor meets with students to discuss scholarship opportunities and college planning resources aimed at helping California students prepare for their future.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Mia Mezzanatto
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 437

Mia Mezzanatto continues to shine as one of Grand Terrace High School’s top student-athletes, balancing a 4.5 GPA while excelling on the softball field for the Lady Titans.

Jubilee Pantry Named A Nonprofit of the Year

Photo Courtesy of: Carl M. Dameron.

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 616

Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor, names Jubilee Pantry of Loveland Church one of the top five nonprofits of the Year for providing food to more than 2,000 families each month. In the photo, left to right, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Director Dr. Nita Alexander, and Senior Pastor Chuck Singleton.

Heroes on Greens Golf Tournament Support Families and Their Children
Photo Courtesy of: The Alexander Family Foundation

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 528

Felicia and Damon Alexander created the Heroes on Greens Golf Tournament to drive change for marginalized children and create brighter futures through our enrichment program. For more info, go to https://heroes-on-the-greens.perfectgolfevent.com

Remembering Guadalupe S. Aldama, also known as Lupe “The Barber,”
Photo Courtesy of: The Aldama Family

By The Aldama Family, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1933

Guadalupe S. Aldama, also known as Lupe “The Barber,” in Colton for 71 years.

--> -->