LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. (AP) -- A Southern California urban farmer may be forced to cut down his persimmon grove or find himself an outlaw.

The Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/Wmid5m ) says the Los Angeles foothill suburb of La Canada Flintridge is drafting a general plan that doesn't permit agriculture on the land where William Johnson planted 475 trees several years ago.

If the City Council adopts the planning blueprint in the next two months, Johnson might have to tear out his grove -- which hasn't borne fruit yet.

However, City Manager Mark Alexander says the Planning Commission could find a way to accommodate Johnson's operation after the fact if he submits an application.

Johnson, meanwhile, isn't stopping at persimmons. He used to have cows and says if he gets approval, he'd like them again.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com

Copyright 2013 The AP.