(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BEEKEEPING. The keeping or propagation of honeybee hives for collection of honey or other bee products.
COMMUNITY GARDEN. A neighborhood-based development with the primary purpose of providing space for members of the community to grow plants for beautification, education, recreation, community distribution, or personal use.
COMPOSTING. Accumulating a mixture of various decaying organic substances, such as dead leaves or manure, intended to be used for fertilizing soil.
HOME AGRICULTURE. The gardening or production, principally for use or consumption of the property owner or resident, of plants or their products including, but is not limited to, fruits of all kinds including grapes, nuts, and berries; vegetables; floral, ornamental, and other non-commercial greenhouse products; and bees and apiary products.
HYDROPONICS. The cultivation of plants in nutrient solution rather than soil.
LIVESTOCK. Any hog, pig, goat, cow, horse, pony, emu, alpaca, or other hoofed animal.
(B) The responsibility of managing, maintenance, and operations of community garden sites shall be that of the land owner or designated public or civic entity, nonprofit organization, or other community- based organization. Processing and storage of plants or plant products are prohibited on site. Garden tools and supplies may be stored within an accessory structure.
(C) Composting shall take place at least 20 feet from any dwelling, except a dwelling associated with the use.
(D) The keeping of rabbits is permitted as an accessory use to a dwelling, provided that the number of rabbits on property less than one acre shall not exceed six and the number of rabbits kept on property greater than one acre shall not exceed 12, subject to the following provisions.
(1) A dwelling shall be located on the same lot as the rabbits.
(2) Rabbits shall be kept within a building, coop, or enclosure, and within a fully enclosed and fenced rear or side yard such that rabbits may not be at large within the city. The building, coop, or enclosure in which the rabbits are kept must be at least ten feet from any dwelling, except the primary dwelling situated on the property. The building, coop, or enclosure shall be durably constructed and maintained in conformance with the state’s Building Code.
(3) A permit is required for keeping rabbits within the city. A permit may be obtained from the City Clerk after application to the Zoning Officer and an inspection performed by the Zoning Officer.
(E) Any sale resulting from composting, home agriculture, or keeping of rabbits shall constitute a home-based business and is subject to all applicable provisions of this code.
(F) (1) Composting, home agriculture, and keeping of rabbits shall not take place in the front yard of any lot, except plants that are integrated with the principal structure’s landscaping and primarily serve an ornamental purpose.
(2) Any of these practices occurring in the front yard at the time of enactment of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming use which may not be expanded, including by adding new plantings intended for home agriculture.
(G) Prohibitions include the following:
(1) Beekeeping;
(2) Livestock shall not be kept within the city, except up to two livestock animals under 100 pounds that are primarily kept indoors as pets; and
(3) Slaughtering and processing more than 12 rabbits per year is prohibited within the city.
(Ord. passed 6-3-2019)