Message From the City Manager |
Greetings City of Grover Beach,
We all know that December 31st is New Year’s Eve with reminisces about the end of the year and aspirations for the following year. However, for local government June 30th is also a “new year’s eve” as we close the fiscal year that begins on July 1 and look forward to the many opportunities in the new year to continue serving and improving our community.
This past fiscal year was unlike any we have ever experienced as a community. We’ve made it through a once-in-a-generation pandemic that challenged our resolve and ability to support one another while causing incredible difficulties for many in our community. We endured an election process that exacerbated societal divisions and tested our faith in our democratic institutions and the foundation that underpins it including our voting process. At the same time, we realized that being an inclusive community is something we have to continually work on so that our diversity is recognized and appreciated as part of the special fabric that makes up Grover Beach.
But as we close this year, we have tremendous opportunities before us as a city. Our economy is strong despite the pandemic and we have businesses growing and relocating in Grover Beach. Our Buy Local program in partnership with the Chamber has led to over $200,000 in spending at local businesses since February with one more month to go until July 31. The City Council just gave its tentative approval for a 53-unit affordable housing project in the heart of the city that will provide much-needed housing for those who live and work here. Our police and fire services are responsive and professional and help ensure our community’s safety. Construction is all around us as we continue to build a better city by repairing streets, adding sidewalks and corner ramps, replacing water lines, and adding new playground equipment. Supporting all of this is a balanced budget that invests in numerous community projects, adds new police officers to address community safety needs, and maintains prudent reserves to deal with unforeseen events or uncertainties.
As I close this message, I want to urge each of you to take time to reconnect with those around you as we emerge from the scope of restrictions and limitations over the past year. Talk with the neighbor that you haven’t seen in a while, form a neighborhood watch block to look after those around you, visit that local business you keep meaning to try out, or attend one of our summer concerts starting up again beginning on July 4 from 3 to 6 PM. This is a unique moment to strengthen the bonds that make Grover Beach special.
Your City government is here to help provide a place where our community can thrive and be proud of. Thank you for being part of Grover Beach and let us know what we can do to assist you at (805) 473-4550 or [email protected]. Happy Independence Day and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Matthew Bronson
City Manager
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Grover Beach Launches City Council Districting Process |
The City of Grover Beach has launched its first City Council districting process, with the second of four public hearings scheduled to take place on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. during the regular City Council Meeting.
Districting for cities is the process where voting district lines for city councils are drawn and later redrawn every 10 years based on Census data, ensuring each council member represents about the same number of constituents.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the districting process to ensure district lines respect neighborhoods, history and geographical elements.
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Grover Beach Approves Two-Year Budget of Community Investments to Advance Council Goals |
On Monday, June 28, the Grover Beach City Council adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2023 Budget to provide a fiscal blueprint for the next two years. This two-year budget represents a significant investment in our community to address and continue to make progress on Council Goals.
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Grover Beach Moves Forward with Affordable Housing Project |
In support of the City’s Major City Goals and consistent with the adopted Housing Element, the Council gave a green light to the development of a 53-unit affordable housing project at 1206 West Grand Avenue and 164 South 13th Street. Under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment set by the State, Grover Beach must ensure that land is available and zoned appropriately for the construction of 369 housing units over the next eight years.
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City of Grover Beach Releases Annual Water Quality Report |
The Grover Beach Public Works Department employees work hard to provide all customers with drinking water that meets or exceeds the safety and quality standards set by the State and Federal governments. As required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the City’s 2020 Annual Water Quality Report is available on our website.
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Erin Wiggin | CIP Project Manager |
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Erin started working for the Public Works Department in 2017 when she was 32 weeks pregnant with her now 4-year-old. After her maternity leave, she even transitioned back to the office with her baby for the first few weeks. Not only does she oversee all of the Capital Improvement Projects (totaling $13 million this year), but in working for a small department she also jumps in to assist with issues as they arise. Her style is very much a common sense and positive “let’s get it done” approach to addressing challenges.
Erin grew up in Michigan, earned her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University, and lived in Southern California and the East Coast before moving to the Central Coast. She and her husband both love to run and so you'll often see the whole family out for a run together, which includes checking out various construction sites on foot from time to time!
Erin’s favorite part about working for the City is seeing the community enjoy the projects that she’s worked on, like the new playground at 16th Street Park which is sure to be an exciting development for the community! She looks forward to residents joining her on August 3 for the official grand opening ceremony.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events |
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City Hall Closed
Independence Day (observed): July 5, 2021
July 6, 2021 @ 6 p.m
Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
July 15, 2021 @ 6 p.m.
City Council Meeting
July 26, 2021 @ 6 p.m.
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The Grover Beach Summer Concert Series is back Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., July 4 through August 16! The community is invited to enjoy a variety of live bands at Ramona Garden Park at 993 Ramona Avenue.
Compliance with all applicable state and local health guidelines for events will be required as part of the concerts.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What are the rules about fireworks use in Grover Beach? |
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As summer festivities begin, residents are reminded that fireworks may legally be discharged ONLY on July 4 between the hours of 10 AM and 10 PM, which will help mitigate wildfire risk and reduce the impact on noise-sensitive neighbors and animals.
Fireworks stands hosted by local nonprofits are open from 9 AM to 11 PM through July 4, and on July 5 from 9 AM to 12 PM:
- Five Cities Optimist Club – 675 Grand Avenue (Epic Entertainment Parking Lot)
- South County Chambers of Commerce – Grand Avenue/Oak Park Blvd (Von’s Parking Lot)
- Oak Park Christian Church – 386 N. Oak Park Blvd (Oak Park Christian Church Parking Lot)
The Grover Beach Police Department will deploy ample police resources during Fourth of July Weekend to ensure compliance. The Police Department appreciates your cooperation and asks that illegal firework discharges be reported by calling (805) 473-4511 for patrol officers to respond.
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Know the Code:
How the Grover Beach Municipal Code (GBMC) City Rules Affect You
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Sheds in Residential Zones
A shed is a small, detached structure which is defined as an “accessory structure” in the Grover Beach Development Code and are only allowed in residential zones. A shed is intended to be for storage and cannot be used as a bedroom, office or other non-storage types of use.
Does My Shed Need a Permit?
If your shed does not exceed 120 square feet in floor area (multiply length x width), does not exceed 10 feet in height, and has no electrical or plumbing, a building permit is not required.
What if My Shed Exceeds 120 Square Feet?
If your shed exceeds 120 square feet, is greater than 10 feet in height, or includes electrical or plumbing, it requires a building permit and must comply with minimum building setback requirements. Many prefabricated sheds are not constructed to comply with the California Residential Code requirements and it may be very costly to upgrade. If you are thinking about buying a shed greater than 120 square feet, please contact us so you can understand the Code requirements.
Where Can I Put My Shed?
If your shed does not need a permit as noted above, it can be placed anywhere in your side or rear yard if there is at least a 5-foot separation from other accessory structures and/or your primary residence. Sheds cannot be located within the street side or front setback.
How Many Sheds Can I Have on My Property?
A property cannot have more than two sheds.
Have More Questions About Sheds?
Contact the Community Development Department at 805-473-4520 or visit the City's website to review the GBMC Article IX Section 4.10.030 that addresses accessory structures including sheds.
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City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550
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