ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Recommendation to APPROVE a PILOT URBAN FARM PROGRAM.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On April 12, 2016, the City Council remanded back to the Planning & Zoning Commission the development of an ordinance that would allow the introduction of urban farms in Peoria. The Council also directed staff to bring back a pilot ordinance that would allow for the development of urban farms until such time as the permanent ordinance was brought back for consideration.
Follow are the standards recommended for the pilot urban farm program.
URBAN FARM PILOT PROGRAM
Intent Statement
Throughout residential districts in the City of Peoria, there exists vacant lots that must be mowed and otherwise maintained. Urban Farms allow a viable use of vacant land for the cultivation of crops by community groups, individuals and entities. The following items help ensure that urban farm areas are appropriately located and protected to meet needs for local food production, community health, community education, garden-related job training, environmental enhancement, preservation of green space, and community enjoyment on sites for which urban gardens represent the highest and best use for the community.
As a test pilot program and at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, an Urban Farm will be permitted through the administrative approval process by the Zoning Administrator (no fee) as long as all of the following standards are met:
Definition
Urban farm. An establishment where food or ornamental crops are grown or processed to be sold or donated that includes, but is not limited to, outdoor growing operations, indoor growing operations, and rooftop farms.
a. Approval: Consent of the property owner is required.
b. Size & Location: Urban Farm shall be limited to 10 acres or less and may be established in all Zoning Districts.
c. Setbacks: Planting area and accessory structures ...
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