(A) Community garden areas may be divided into separate garden plots for cultivation by one or more individuals or may be farmed collectively by members of the group. A community garden may include common areas (e.g. storage sheds) maintained and used by the groups. The community garden must comply with the lot and building standards for its zoning district.
(B) Community garden or private garden may serve as a permitted accessory use in any residential, business, public institution district or city owned park or open space. A community garden may be permitted as an interim use on a vacant lot in any residential district. A community garden area may count towards required open space in any zoning district. The following conditions shall be met for all community gardens:
(1) The garden area shall be limited to growth of food crops and/or non-food ornamental crops such as flowers. Maintaining beehives, livestock and poultry shall be prohibited.
(2) Location. Community gardens may not be located within any easement without the property owner obtaining written permission from the easement holder.
(3) Setbacks. The garden shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from all property lines in order to provide a vegetated buffer of grass or other plants to minimize the transfer of sediment and to delineate the edges of the garden.
(4) Access. Paths may be installed to access the garden and individual garden plots provided the paths are constructed using natural landscape materials including wood chips, mulch, landscape rock or pea gravel.
(5) Fences. Fences are allowed as permitted by this chapter and provided they are made of sturdy, rust resistant woven wire and/or rot resistant wood, are well maintained and neat in appearance.
(6) The garden area shall be properly maintained throughout the year by:
(a) Weekly mowing the grassy areas.
(b) Weekly removing the weeds and grasses from the actual garden.
(c) Weekly collecting rotting vegetables/fruits from garden areas and providing off-site disposal of this waste.
(d) Weekly collecting and removing all trash and debris that is deposited on the site.
(e) Providing for season end removal of all dead plant growth/waste no later than October 31.
(7) Trash containers. Trash containers may be provided on site provided they have a cover and meet accessory structure setbacks for the underlying zoning district. All trash shall be removed from the site at least once per week.
(8) Compost bins are permitted provided they meet the accessory structure standards of the district in which it is located.
(9) No overhead lighting shall be permitted on the site.
(10) One non-illuminated sign not exceeding four square feet in area and six feet in height shall be permitted. The sigh face shall be located parallel to the front property line and shall not be located in the front yard area. The content of the sign shall be limited to identification of the site as a community garden, sponsorship contact information and rules/guidelines for the community garden.
(11) Parking. Parking for the garden shall be provided on streets where parking is permitted or on an existing parking surface with the written permission of the owner of the parking surface.
(12) Seasonal sales stands. Seasonal sales stands shall be permitted but must be removed from the premises or stored inside a building on the premises during that time of the year when the garden is not open for public use. All products sold must be grown within the community garden.
(13) One portable restrooms shall be permitted on the site.
(14) One utility shed shall be allowed on the site under the following conditions:
(a) Maximum area of 150 square feet.
(b) Must be located within the rear yard setback and at least five feet off the side and rear property lines.
(c) Maximum height of ten feet.
(15) Any power equipment and attachments, hand tools, fertilizer, chemicals and other equipment and materials that is kept on the site shall be stored within a utility shed.
(16) The following miscellaneous improvements shall be permitted on the site:
(a) Trellises.
(b) Raised planting beds.
(c) Benches.
(d) Covered trash receptacles.
(17) Negative impacts. The site shall be designed and maintained to prevent negative impacts to adjacent properties from individual gardeners and gardening activities including, but not limited to, irrigation, fertilizer, soils, stormwater, cultivated areas, trespassing and garden debris.
(18) Site restoration. Upon cessation of the community garden, the site shall be fully restored to the pregarden status. All aboveground remains of the garden shall be promptly removed and the ground leveled and restored so it can be utilized for uses permitted in the zoning district.
(Ord. 2012-1133, passed 3-5-12)