09/08/2010 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • AGENDA ITEM 5.A. STAFF ORIGINATOR: Paul Bengtson P &Z MEETING DATE: September 8, 2010 TOPIC: Public Hearing Zoning Ordinance Amendment to add Temporary Outdoor Sales, Farmer's Markets, and Community Gardens as allowable uses under certain conditions BACKGROUND There is a movement afoot all over the United States to improve access to fresh, local produce. There are a number of ways this movement is being implemented, but two fundamental approaches are direct sales to consumers and access to garden plots. The Board has had a couple of discussions regarding outdoor sales activities ranging from corner fruit/vegetable vendors to organized farmer's markets. Staff is working on the Zoning Ordinance portion of the equation, but in doing so we have identified a number of other factors that need to be addressed. Instead of approaching the Board with draft language at this meeting, our intention is to outline all of the factors in the outdoor sales equation and highlight all things that must be considered in order to make this use conform to the desires of the city. On the side of self - supply, the Environmental Board and the city's Environmental Coordinator have been making inroads towards establishing the city's first community garden, but to do so will likely require a change to the zoning ordinance. Currently, agricultural production/gardening is not listed as an allowable use in many zoning districts. OUTDOOR SALES / FARMER'S MARKETS Products allowed: At the last meeting, the Board entertained the option of limiting sales to agricultural products only. Since that meeting staff has conferred with the city attorney and learned that the city can not specify the type of product that will be sold. A typical objection to outdoor sales is that it will allow fireworks stands, something which many communities frown upon. The Centennial Fire District has informed staff that they have no objection to allowing outdoor sales, so long as all fire codes are met (especially in the case of fireworks stands). Any outdoor sales that are allowed will need to be product neutral and the ordinance restrictions should reflect that allowance.