10/13/2010 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • AGENDA ITEM 5.A. STAFF ORIGINATOR: Paul Bengtson P &Z MEETING DATE: October 13, 2010 TOPIC: Continued 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. 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/community gardening is not listed as an allowable use in many zoning districts. The Board requested that staff contact surrounding communities to determine how they handled temporary sales, farmer's markets, and community gardens. Information was collected from Blaine, Hugo, Forest Lake, and also White Bear Lake. Examples of the ordinance language they enforce is attached. COMMUNITY GARDENS Community Gardens provide garden plots for residents who have insufficient space, soil quality, or sun access on their own property. They can also create an opportunity for neighborly interaction and thereby community building. The development of a site with such an amenity will involve very minimal improvements and therefore will not present an obstacle to a site being developed with an appropriate, ultimate use per the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. A key aspect to the use not presenting an obstacle to developing the site, and the use therefore remaining consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, is control of the garden and the rules that govern the garden. Staff is recommending that the use only be allowed when operated by the city. This gives the city an opportunity to craft rules that will clearly identify that the site is available for development and that with sufficient notice the garden may be removed for development. Additionally, the city will have the authority to keep the site properly maintained so it does not detract from the marketability of the site or create a blight on the surrounding area.