New zoning code provisions were approved today to promote the expansion of community gardening and urban farming within city limits.

 The provisions will:

• Expand the size limit on community gardens to 25,000 square feet
• Relax fencing and parking requirements on larger commercial urban farms in order to hold down overhead costs for entrepreneurs and  community organizations that launch and maintain these enterprises
• Allow for hydroponic and aquaponic systems and keeping honey bees under set conditions
• Create green jobs and provide fresh produce in communities

The City worked with its sister agencies, urban agriculture experts and community members in an effort to help strengthen community ties and turn available empty lots into viable, productive urban green spaces.