Urban Farm Plot Violates Zoning

A small strip of land in Los Angeles is being used to grow vegetables for the cafe next door. But officials say the plot violates zoning rules.

1 minute read

July 31, 2009, 1:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


At issue is the fact that the vegetables and fruits are being grown for sale in the restaurant, not just for personal use.

"City officials have told Donald Barr, the developer who owns the strip of land, that zoning prohibits raising crops for sale within the city limits. Growing fruits and vegetables for personal use is fine, they say. Selling them is not.

Trevino, 45, and Barr, 76, thus have arrived at the uneasy junction of urban and rural. With edible gardens sprouting in yards and vacant lots in metropolitan areas throughout the country, Culver City officials are pondering the implications of a commercial pocket farm in the midst of factories and houses."

Friday, July 31, 2009 in Los Angeles Times

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