An Atlanta-area man is facing fines of up to $5000 for growing too many vegetables on his land.
Steve Miller (not Steve Miller of classic rock fame), has had an organic vegetable garden on his property for years. He grows food for himself and has even sold some of his bounty at local farmers markets.
He received his first citation from code enforcement back in January and has since incurred $5000 in fines. The tricky thing here is that after citations in January and February, Miller got his property rezoned to allow his garden. The county is still suing him for the fines related to the earlier charges.
Here is an interview with Miller and his attorney from WSBTV:
The question I have is how did code enforcement find out about Miller’s garden in the first place? Code enforcement isn’t in the habit of randomly dropping in on properties – did someone complain?
Have you guys run across zoning laws that prevent large-scale gardens? I know many areas have laws restricting things like backyard chickens, but this is the first case I’ve heard involving edible plants.
Source: WSBTV
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by wheatfields
Becky Striepe
Hi there! I'm Becky Striepe, a green crafter and vegan foodie living in Atlanta, Georgia with my husband and two cats. My mission is to make eco-friendly crafts and vegan food accessible to anyone who wants to give them a go.
187 Responses to Georgia Man Fined for Growing Vegetables
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[...] Georgia Man Fined for Growing Vegetables [...]
Code enforcement for a garden? Sounds to me the nanny government is in full force.
People are accustomed for govts taking away their freedoms “for a better good”. better good of who? If you think that this is bs you should watch freedomainradio for more issues.
What about Michelles garden that was made such a woop-t-doo over? It’s not like she’s the first person in the WH to have a garden out back. It’s been there since the WH was built. Does that mean she will be fined for growing her own veggies? What’s fair for the goose is fair for the gander. I feel I have every right to grow a garden in my backyard if I so choose (and I do) and not have to buy seeds from some chemical company to do so. People on fixed incomes aren’t abel to afford that stuff ( EVEN AT WALMART) it has gotten so high priced I don’t know how they sell any of it in the stores.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DumbAgent. DumbAgent said: RT @libertyideals Atlanta man is facing fines of up to $5000 for growing too many vegetables on his land. #libertarian http://bit.ly/gG3XEw [...]
I mean , we encouraged gardens during World War. 2 , it would solve a lot of hunger issues
Yeah ! Crack down on those pesky backyard farmers ! Who is he to de value someones poorly constructed McMansion with his silly food !
What a stupid use of government time and resorces! Big brother run amoke.
I thought the South was better than this. Glad I don’t live in Georga!
From what I understand there are two Georgias, Atlanta then the rest of the state.
It sometimes feels that way!
They should Shut down ALL private vegetable gardens. Citizens can not be trusted to grow their own food. This is dangerous. Jut Go to Wall-Mart for cryin’ out loud. Stop endangering everyone with your gardens.