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Community and Economic Development

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1. What is the Barton Road Specific Plan?

The Barton Road Specific Plan is a special zoning document that governs the use and development of commercial land along Barton Road from the I-215 Freeway to Preston Street. The document includes design guidelines which show how the community wants its primary commercial area to look and feel.

2. What is a variance?

A variance applies to development standards when there is a unique hardship concerning a property not present on other properties in the area. For example, one lot on a block may not be as deep as the others and therefore a person could not build a room addition without violating the zoning standard for rear yard setbacks, where all the other houses could. Variances do not apply to uses not otherwise permitted.

3. What is a conditional use permit (CUP)?

A conditional use permit is a special review of a use of land which is allowed by the Zoning Code, but which may require special conditions to help reduce possible negative effects of the use, and which requires review by the City of Grand Terrace Planning Commission.

4. Can I park an RV or boat on my property?

An RV or boat should be parked in the rear yard area or side yard area, behind a solid fence/wall and not be easily seen from the street.

5. Where can commericial vehicles be parked?

Commercial vehicles over one ton cannot be parked or stored on any residential street in Grand Terrace. Vehicles for trade's people that are less than one ton and which are used as primary transportation to jobs can be parked on the drive way at the worker's home, but should not be parked on the street.

6. Can I operate a business out of my home?

You can operate the office only related activities of a business out or your home with the approval of a Home Occupation Permit and Business License by te City. A home business should not have customers or employees coming to the house, and no commercial deliveries to or from the house. There should be no storage of large quantities of products or materials and no heavy machinery operated. No signs are allowed to identify the business. Adjacent neighbors are notified of an application for a Home Occupation Permit so home based businesses must be a good neighbor.

7. Do I need a business license?

All businesses operation within Grand Terrace are required to have a current business license registration on file with the City of Grand Terrace. This applies to business based in the City as well as businesses and contractors doing work in the City but who are based elsewhere.

8. What kind of signs can I have for my business?

All signs are governed by the Zoning Code or the Barton Road Specific Plan. Appropriately regulated signs enhance the visual environment and economic stability of the City. The type and size of signs allowed for a use depend on the zoning of the site and the size and nature of the use. Consult the Planning Department for specific information regarding signs.

9. What are setbacks?

Setbacks are areas of the property in which no building can be built. Generally, there are front yards and back yards and side yards to allow for fire safety, light and air circulation between buildings, privacy, private recreation and separation from traffic. Setback distances vary by zoning district and what a building is used for. Consult the zoning map and zoning code.

10. Can I convert my garage to living space for my house?

The parking regulations of the zoning code require a two-car garage for every house. If you choose to convert an existing garage to living space, you will have to build a new two-car garage to replace the converted garage.

11. What kinds of construction projects have to go through design review?

All new buildings and houses go to the Planning Commission for site and architectural review. Residential room additions that do not expand the house more than sixty five percent and match the existing character of the house can be reviewed administratively.