Something for EVERYONE to worry About...

City to Update Zoning OrdinancePublic input requested for a more "user friendly" ordinance. The Grand Terrace Community Development Department is in the process of updating the City Zoning Ordinance.

The Zoning Ordinance is the guideline for all land development activities within the City limits. It provides standards and guidelines on everything from what types of land uses are permitted in a specific zone to building setback requirements and fence designs.


The Zoning Ordinance was last updated in the mid-1980's, approximately 20 years ago. Since then, development conditions and State zoning laws have changed, warranting a review of the existing City ordinance.

The City Community Development Department has been working on a preliminary draft of the new ordinance. Recommended changes to the ordinance include items addressing new State zoning requirements such as new requirements regarding second units or "granny flats" on residential property. Other proposed changes clean up confusing language in the existing ordinance and make it more "user friendly".


City staff anticipates that a complete draft of the proposed ordinance will be available for public review by the end of the year. The draft ordinance will be presented to the City Planning Commission in early 2005 at which time the Commission will hold a formal public hearing to receive input and comments from the general public. The Planning Commission will take an action that will be sent to the City Council. Their action may include recommending that the city Council approve the changes proposed by staff.

They may also recommend additional changes based upon public input and discussions during their public hearing. The City Council will also hold a formal public hearing to receive further input from the general public prior to taking any final action. The City Council may also make changes to the draft document.



The public is encouraged to submit comments and suggestions to the Community Development Department at any time during the preparation and review of the proposed revision. Comments may be received in writing, in person, or by email. Please contact the Community Development Department at (909) 430-2247 or by email at jlampe@cityofgrandterrace.org.

Here is a comment: How about having a City Code that does not exceed in any measure or means the requirements of the State Code, and where ever possible minimizes the intrusions of the enjoyment of private property by taking the LEAST intrusive application of the California Code.