Agenda packet — Cotati City Council, June 30, 2022

AGENDA

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
Thursday June 30, 2022 at 7:00 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 (2021), Teleconference Restrictions of the Brown Act Have Been Suspended, as Well as the Requirement to Provide a Physical Location for Members of the Public to Participate in the Meeting.

Cotati City Council and Planning Commission Meetings will be conducted virtually through Zoom Online video conferencing, and will still be available to watch or listen in the following ways:

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The Cotati City Council welcomes you to its meetings that are generally scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Your interest and participation are encouraged and appreciated.

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Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Cotati City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for inspection in the online Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.org and in the City Manager’s office located at 201 West Sierra Ave, Cotati, CA during the City’s posted business hours.

Cotati City Council Agenda June 30, 2022

Page 2 of 2 ends

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City Council meetings are conducted according to City Council Policy 2021-01: City Council Rules. This policy is available for inspection in the online Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.org and in the City Manager’s office located at 201 West Sierra Ave, Cotati, CA, during the City’s posted business hours.

Persons wishing to address the Council are not required to identify themselves or complete a speaker card; (Gov’t Code § 54953.3); however, this information assists the Mayor by ensuring that all persons wishing to address the Council are recognized and it assists the Deputy City Clerk in preparing the City Council meeting minutes.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.3(a), members of the public wishing to address the Council/Board may do so at the beginning of the special meeting, and such comments shall be limited to the special meeting topic(s).

3. STUDY SESSION
A. City Council Workshop on Local Food Production
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a workshop with the goals of 1) identifying potential strategies to promote local food production (urban agriculture) in order to implement General Plan policies, 2) receiving community input, and 3) providing appropriate direction to staff for follow-up and inclusion into a future ordinance. It is further recommended that the City Council direct staff to prepare for the Council’s consideration a property re-zoning and Zoning Code amendment for Veronda-Falletti Ranch.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Certification of Posting of the Notice: I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Cotati and that I posted this notice on the bulletin boards of City Hall, Veterans' Memorial Building and the SMART Train Station on or before 6 pm June 27, 2022.
/s/ Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type:

To: City Council
Subject: City Council Workshop on Local Food Production Date: June 30, 2022
Written by: Autumn Buss, Associate Planner
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a workshop with the goals of 1) identifying potential strategies to promote local food production (urban agriculture) in order to implement General Plan policies, 2) receiving community input, and 3) providing appropriate direction to staff for follow-up and inclusion into a future ordinance. It is further recommended that the City Council direct staff to prepare for the Council’s consideration a property re-zoning and Zoning Code amendment for VerondaFalletti Ranch.

I. Background
The General Plan includes a number of goals to promote local food production and increase access to healthy food in Cotati. For example, the General Plan supports the development of appropriate agriculture in residential and open space zones, strengthening of local food systems including community gardens and community supported agriculture, and diversification of local economic activities. (See Attachment 3: General Plan Goals Related to Local Food Production)
Definition of “Urban Agriculture”
The General Plan makes a number of references to the importance of supporting “urban agriculture,” and this term is in general usage throughout the U.S. to refer to local food production in urban, suburban, and urban-rural fringe areas—typically on a smaller scale than more conventional farming operations taking place on many-acre parcels in rural areas.

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The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Program (UCANR) defines urban agriculture as follows: “Urban agriculture includes production, distribution, and marketing of food and other products within the cores of metropolitan areas and at their edges. Examples include community, school, backyard, and rooftop gardens with a purpose extending beyond home consumption and education, urban market gardens, innovative food-production methods that maximize production in a small area, community supported agriculture based in urban areas, and family farms located in metropolitan greenbelts.”
In its references to “urban agriculture,” Cotati’s General Plan appears to be consistent with the definition put forth by the UCANR. However, in keeping with the small-town character of Cotati, this staff report uses the term “local food production” as more appropriate to this community, but with the same basic meaning as UCANR’s definition of urban agriculture.

Previous Actions
In Summer 2021, the owner of an 8-acre property in the southern part of Cotati zoned Residential Very Low Density (RVL) approached City staff to express interest in creating a commercial farm on the property, and was informed that this is prohibited as the RVL zoning does not allow the Crop Production or Produce Stand land uses. At the September 28, 2021 Council meeting, under “Direction on Future Agenda Items” Councilmember Sparks proposed a discussion on urban agriculture zoning policies. The task of drafting an “Agricultural Zoning Amendment” was subsequently added to the Community Development Department’s workplan, and at its October 26, 2021 meeting, the Council supported the goal of staff preparing a proposed zoning amendment for consideration in early 2022.

Accordingly, staff developed a proposed urban agriculture Zoning Code amendment ordinance, with the primary focus to reduce administrative hurdles and increase the financial feasibility of small commercial urban gardens and farms.

On March 7, 2022, the Cotati Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed urban agriculture ordinance, and voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the ordinance.

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On March 22, 2022, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance, and voted to reject the ordinance in light of the need for more discussion and consideration of a broader range of potential options and impact reduction, directing staff to prepare a workshop for the Council to hear more community input and consider a variety of strategies.

II. Analysis/Discussion
Local Food Production (Urban Agriculture) Regulations in Cotati Currently, local food production may be accomplished in several ways in Cotati, in terms of zoning regulations:

1. Home gardens for personal food production are permitted by-right (P) in all residential zones.

2. Crop Production for commercial purposes, including “retail sales in the field,” is allowed with a Use Permit (UP) in the Rural Residential (RR) zoning district.

3. Farm stands accessory to a Crop Production use are allowed with a Minor Use Permit (MUP) in the RR zone.

4. Community Gardens are allowed with a MUP in all residential districts and the Open Space-Recreation (OSR) zone.

5. Up to 20 chickens for non-commercial purposes are allowed by-right per property in the RR, Residential Very Low (RVL), and Neighborhood-Low Density (NL) districts, with a zoning clearance letter in the Neighborhood-Medium Density (NM) and Neighborhood-Urban (NU) districts, and in residential uses in all commercial districts. (Roosters are allowed only in the RR district.) For more detailed information, see Attachment 4: Current Zoning Code Definitions Related to Agriculture, including Crop Production, Produce Stands, and Community Gardens; Attachment 5: Zoning District Subdivision and Density Standards, including a table of minimum parcel size and allowed residential density for Cotati’s zoning districts; and Attachment 6: Cotati Zoning District Map, for reference.

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Comparative Context
Since the goal of this workshop is to identify potential additional strategies that the City of Cotati may wish to pursue in order to promote local food production, it may be helpful to review other cities’ regulations.

Several of the jurisdictions in Sonoma County have zoning regulations that are more permissive than Cotati’s in relation to urban agriculture. This is particularly the case in relation to crop production, which is allowed in lower-density residential districts byright in Sebastopol, Petaluma, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and the unincorporated County, and with a minor or major use permit in some of the higher-density districts. See Attachment 7: Urban Agriculture Regulations in Sonoma County, for more details and a comparison of the regulations of each of the cities and the County.

A commonality among Sonoma County’s cities, however, is that they do not address different scales and intensities of crop production, farming, and related sales. Crop production and on-site produce stands are often treated with one-size-fits-all zoning designations. However, there are jurisdictions elsewhere in California and the U.S. that have begun differentiating between the types of farming operations that are possible within city limits, and the zoning rules that might best apply to them. In California, three examples are Sacramento, Oroville, and National City. Each of these cities allows smaller-scale commercial gardening and farming in its residential neighborhoods byright, differentiating between such operations and larger-scale, more conventional agriculture, and setting specific limitations and performance standards to reduce neighborhood impacts.

See Attachment 8: Sacramento, Oroville, and National City Examples Table, Attachment 9: City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations, Attachment 10:

City of Oroville Agriculture Regulations, and Attachment 11: City of National City Urban Agriculture Regulations for more information.

Potential Actions
Drawing on the idea of tailoring the regulation of local food production based on scale and intensity, Attachment 1: Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production lists a “menu” of potential actions that the City could

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consider pursuing. The list is divided into categories: Crop Production, Produce Stands and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Community Gardens, and Animal Keeping, and offers a range of regulatory approaches for different scales of food production activity that might be feasible in Cotati. For each strategy, the General Plan goals potentially addressed are noted, along with previous direction if any from the Planning Commission. It is recommended that the Council use this list as a guide to discussion during the workshop and as a tool to provide specific direction to staff.

The most significant feature of the Potential Strategies is the option of adding a new land use, “Market Garden,” to the Zoning Code that would recognize and provide an approval framework for a smaller-scale, lower-intensity version of agriculture than that anticipated by the existing Crop Production land use. The Market Garden land use could be considered for some or all of the residential zoning districts, with approval set at the byright, MUP, or UP levels. Market Gardens would grow food for sale or donation and could be allowed a temporary on-site produce stand. Potential operational and performance standards could include limited work hours, limited mechanical equipment, limits on cultivation area, limits on produce stand days, hours, and size, and other limits.

Further details are included in Attachment 1: Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production.

Veronda-Falletti Ranch
Veronda-Falletti Ranch can be an important component to the City’s efforts to promote local food production. The City partnered with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD) to purchase the 4.37-acre historic ranch in 2008, with the goal of preserving the property as a demonstration farm with animals, agriculture, and farm-based educational activities. The conservation easement on the property held by SCAPOSD allows for agricultural, historic, educational, and recreational uses; residential uses beyond caretaker quarters in the historic farmhouse on the site are prohibited. In Fall 2018, the City signed a license agreement with the nonprofit Farmster to begin operations and stewardship of Veronda-Falletti Ranch as a demonstration farm. This was extended in 2021, as well as expanded to a second licensee (Ammamma Tati).

The current zoning for Veronda-Falletti Ranch, Neighborhood-Low Density (NL), does not currently allow the activities stipulated by the conservation easement and to which the City has committed in its license agreements for the property. Rezoning the property to Open Space-Recreation (OSR) has been recommended by staff as an appropriate strategy to move forward, as it would allow community use of the site as a public

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recreation area and removes the residential designation.

However, the OSR zoning district does not currently allow many of the uses that have been identified for the Veronda-Falletti Ranch property. Therefore, staff further recommends that the Council consider amending the Zoning Code to allow a broader array of uses in OSR—with appropriate regulatory review and approval such as a UP— including the following: Crop production, artisan/craft product manufacturing, plant nursery, community garden, meeting facility, caretaker quarters, farmers market, produce stand, child care/day care center, animal keeping, agricultural accessory structure, and community supported agriculture. See Attachment 2: Veronda-Falletti Ranch Potential Strategies for more information.

IV. Summary and Staff Recommendation
It is recommended by the Community Development Department that the City Council conduct a workshop with the goals of 1) identifying potential strategies to promote local food production (urban agriculture) in order to implement General Plan policies, 2) receiving community input, and 3) providing appropriate direction to staff for follow-up.

It is further recommended that the City Council direct staff to prepare for the Council’s consideration a property re-zoning and Zoning Code amendment for Veronda-Falletti Ranch, as described above.

Attachments:

1. Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production

2. Veronda-Falletti Ranch Potential Strategies

3. General Plan Goals Related to Local Food Production

4. Current Zoning Code Definitions Related to Agriculture

5. Zoning District Subdivision and Density Standards

6. Cotati Zoning District Map

7. Urban Agriculture Regulations in Sonoma County

8. Sacramento, Oroville, and National City Examples Table

9. City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations

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10. Excerpts from City of Oroville Code related to Local Food Production

11. Excerpts of City of National City Code Related to Local Food Production

12. Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop
Attachments:

Attachment 1 Potential Strategies to Promote Local Food Production (PDF) Attachment 2 Falletti Ranch Potential Strategies (PDF)
Attachment 3 General Plan Goals Related to Local Food Production (PDF) Attachment 4 Current Cotati Zoning Code Definitions Related to Agriculture (PDF) Attachment 5 City of Cotati Zoning District Subdivision and Density Standards (PDF) Attachment 6 Cotati Zoning District Map (PNG)
Attachment 7 Local Urban Agriculture Comparison Table (PDF) Attachment 8 Sacramento, Oroville, and National City Summaries (PDF) Attachment 9 City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations (PDF) Attachment 10 Excerpt of Oroville Zoning Code on Urban Agriculture (PDF) Attachment 11 Excerpt from National City Zoning Code (PDF) Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop(PDF)

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Attachment 1: Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production # Potential Strategy Potential Standards General Plan Goals Addressed
Planning
Commission
Direction -
March 7, 2022
1 Promote home food gardening through
education and outreach by working with
nonprofit partners
Must conform to existing Code standards for
residential uses and general nuisance abatement
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.4, CHW3-
n/a
2 Create new "Market Garden" land use in
Zoning Code:
"Market Garden: Small-scale crop
production for sale or donation, which is
allowed on-site retail sales at a temporary
produce stand with limited hours/days."
Gardening work hours 9am-5pm; mechanical
equipment limited to typical residential
equipment; maximum area of cultivation and
related activities is 1/2 acre; 5' setbacks for
cultivation area. Produce stand: Maximum 100
sqft size, allowed on-site (not in public right-ofway (ROW)) 2 days/week, 9am-6pm, and must be a temporary structure that can be dismantled and
stored away out of sight of public ROW on offdays. Dwelling unit required on site as the primary land use. 2 parking spaces required, on- or offstreet.

CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
d.4, CHW3-d.6
n/a
2A
Allow "Market Garden" land use by-right
(P) in some or all residential districts (NU,
NM, NL, RVL, and RR)
See above #2
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
n/a
2B
Allow "Market Garden" land use with MUP
in some or all residential districts (NU, NM,
NL, RVL, and RR)
See above #2
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
n/a
2C
Allow "Market Garden" land use with UP in
some or all residential districts (NU, NM,
NL, RVL, and RR)
Standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
n/a
3 Allow Crop Production land use (existing
land use in Zoning Code) with UP in RVL
district
Will conform to existing standards in Code for
Crop Production land use in the RR district and to
standards set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
Yes (as P)
Crop Production

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Attachment: Attachment 1 Potential Strategies to Promote Local Food Production (Local Food Attachment 1: Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production # Potential Strategy Potential Standards General Plan Goals Addressed
Planning
Commission
Direction -
March 7, 2022
Produce Stands and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) 4 Allow limited day/hour produce stands with sales from onsite home gardens by-right (P) in all residential districts Produce stand subject to same
standards as for "Market Garden"
above (#2)
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3-d.5, EV1.11, LU2.9
n/a
5A
Allow on-site produce stands by "Market Gardens" byright (P) in some or all residential zoning districts (Consistent with #2A above)
See Produce stand standards above
(#2) for "Market Garden"
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3--d.6, EV1.11,EV1.12,
LU2.9
n/a
5B
Allow on-site produce stands by "Market Gardens" with
MUP in some or all residential zoning districts (Consistent with #2B above)
See Produce stand standards above
(#2) for "Market Garden"
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3--d.6, EV1.11,EV1.12,
LU2.9
n/a
5C
Allow on-site produce stands by "Market Gardens" with
UP in some or all residential zoning districts (Consistent with #2C above)
Standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3--d.6, EV1.11,EV1.12,
LU2.9
n/a
6 Allow produce stands with UP in RVL district
Conform to existing standards in Code
for this land use in the RR district;
further standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3--d.6, EV1.1,
EV1.11,EV1.12, LU2.9
Yes (as MUP)
7 Confirm CSA as accessory activity to Crop Production land use in RR, consistent with "retail sales in the field" Code language (UP required per existing Code)
Standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3--d.6, EV1.11,EV1.12,
LU2.9
Yes
8 Allow CSA as accessory use to Crop Production land use in RVL, consistent with "retail sales in the field" Code
language (UP would be required; See #3 above)
Standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2,
CHW3--d.6, EV1.11,EV1.12,
LU2.9
Yes

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Attachment: Attachment 1 Potential Strategies to Promote Local Food Production (Local Food Attachment 1: Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production # Potential Strategy Potential Standards General Plan Goals Addressed
Planning
Commission
Direction -
March 7, 2022
Community Gardens
9 Allow community gardens by-right (P) in all
residential districts
Non-commercial only; Work hours 9am6pm; mechanical equipment limited to typical residential equipment; 5'
setbacks for cultivation area; Nuisance
abatement per current Code standards
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2, CHW3-
d.4, CHW3-d.5, LU 2.9, LU 3C
Yes
10 Allow community gardens at City facilities and in
OSR, with UP; would require partnership with
community organizations or institutions to operate
gardens
Standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2, CHW3-
d.4, CHW3-d.5, LU 2.9, LU

3.14 n/a
11 Encourage private community gardens in
multifamily developments Conform to existing Code standards CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2, CHW3-
d.4, CHW3-d.5, LU 2.9, LU 3C
n/a
Animal Keeping
12 Allow the keeping of hens for commercial purposes
and in excess of the 20 chicken/property limit with
a UP in the RR and RVL zones
Minimum property size 1 acre; other
standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW 3.3,
CHW3-d.1 CHW3-d.2, CHW3-
-d.6, EV1.1, EV1.11,EV1.12,
LU2.9
Yes, as P

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Attachment: Attachment 1 Potential Strategies to Promote Local Food Production (Local Food Attachment 2: Potential Strategies for Veronda-Falletti Ranch # Potential Strategy
Planning
Commission
Direction -
March 7, 2022
1 Change zoning for Veronda-Falletti Ranch property from Neighborhood, Low Density (NL) to Open Space, Recreation (OSR) to meet terms of Conservation Easement
Yes
2 Amend OSR zoning to allow land uses/activities at Veronda-Faletti Ranch and other City-owned park properties that serve the community while fostering financial sustainability, with a UP:
2A: Crop Production Yes, as P
2B: Plant Nursery Yes, as MUP
2C: Animal Keeping (consistent with Open Space, Conservation (OSC): Up to 20 chickens including 1 rooster per acre, 2 horses/cows per acre, 4 other large animals (goats, sheep, llamas, etc) per are, 4 other small animals (rabbits, chinchillas, etc) per acre)
Yes
2D: Agricultural accessory structure Yes, as MUP
2E: Child care/day care center Yes, as MUP
2F: Produce stand Yes, as MUP
2G: Farmers market Yes, as MUP
2H: Artisan/craft product manufacturing Yes, as MUP
2I: Meeting facility Yes, as MUP
2J: Caretaker quarters Yes, as MUP
3 Ensure equity/inclusion in programming at Falletti ranch to extend gardening education to all community members through license agreements. Strategies might include Spanish-language programming, targetted community outreach, school programs, and others Yes

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Attachment: Attachment 2 Falletti Ranch Potential Strategies (Local Food Production Workshop) Attachment 3

GENERAL PLAN GOALS RELATED TO LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS ELEMENT
Objective CHW 3A: Increase the Availability and Variety of Healthy Food Options Work with appropriate local agencies, service providers, non-profits, community groups and regulatory agencies to explore the potential for creating, expanding and sustaining local urban agriculture, including community gardens, and orchards. The work effort should explore the feasibility of implementing the following strategies:

1. Promote urban agriculture as a desirable civic activity that improves the quality of urban life, food security, neighborhood safety and environmental stewardship

2. Supporting the development of appropriate agriculture in residential, industrial, business, and open space zones

3. Support farm to institution (such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers) and businesses (such as restaurants and food outlets), while creating economic opportunities for urban growers and related industries

4. Support efforts of local gardening organizations to promote the development and expansion of family and community gardens as well as edible landscaping

5. Encourage and promote local garden food exchanges and local food cooperatives; and

6. Work with representatives of local farming organizations to meet needs unique to urban farm enterprises Continued next page
GOAL CHW 3: Ensure All
Residents Have
Convenient Access to
Healthy and Nutritional
Food Options
Policy CHW 3.1: Promote the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy foods and support a wide range of healthy food sources Policy CHW 3.2:Encourage sustainable local food systems including farmer’s markets, community gardens, edible school yards, community supported agriculture, neighborhood garden exchanges, urban agriculture, federal food assistance programs, and healthy food retailers Policy CHW 3.3: Recognize that urban agriculture has the potential to supplement the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables in the community, provide economic opportunities to Cotati residents, lower food costs, reduce overall energy consumption and build social cohesion.

Action CHW3d:

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Attachment: Attachment 3 General Plan Goals Related to Local Food Production (Local Food Production

ECONOMIC VITALITY ELEMENT
Objective EV 1A: Diversify the Local Economy

LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy EV 1.1:Attract and retain economic sectors in which Cotati has competitive advantages, and capitalize on these strengths in order to diversify local economic activities
GOAL LU 2: Enhance the
quality of life of Cotati
residents through the
creation and
maintenance of welldesigned and
appropriately served
neighborhoods
GOAL EV1: Establish and
Maintain a Healthy Local
Economy that Includes a
Diversity of Commercial
and Industrial
Enterprises which
Provide Goods, Services,
and Employment
Opportunities to
Residents Consistent
with Cotati's SmallTown Image
GOAL LU 3: Provide for a
range of commercial,
industrial, and mixed uses
to provide Cotati's residents
access to jobs and
employment and to support
the local economy
Policy LU 3.14: Provide new opportunities for community gathering and social interaction through park facilities, community centers, cultural/art facilities
Objective EV 1C: Strengthen, and where possible, expand the commercial sector to increase the number of jobs, meet the needs of residents and visitors, and generate revenue that supports City services Policy EV 1.12:Encourage the growth of new commercial enterprises within appropriately zoned areas while maintaining the stability of existing commercial businesses
Objective LU 2A: Establish and maintain residential neighborhoods as safe and attractive places to live with convenient access to commercial services, recreational facilities, employment opportunities, public services, and other destinations Policy LU 2.9:Encourage a concentration of neighborhood, community, and retail amenities and services within walking distance of residential areas
Objective LU 3C: Provide adequate and compatible public and semi-public uses, including public facilities, transit stations, community gathering areas, parks, recreation, and public/quasi-public services, in support of existing and new residential, commerical, and industrial land uses

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Attachment: Attachment 3 General Plan Goals Related to Local Food Production (Local Food Production Attachment 4: Current Cotati Zoning Code Definitions Related to Agriculture “Crop production, horticulture, orchard, vineyard” means commercial agricultural production field and orchard uses, including the production of the following, primarily in the soil on the site and not in containers, other than for initial propagation prior to planting in the soil on the site:

1. Field crops;

2. Flowers and seeds;

3. Fruits;

4. Grains;

5. Melons;

6. Ornamental crops;

7. Tree nuts;

8. Trees and sod;

9. Vegetables;

10. Wine and table grapes.

Also includes associated crop preparation services and harvesting activities, such as mechanical soil preparation, irrigation system construction, spraying, crop processing and retail sales in the field, not including sales sheds, which are instead defined under “Produce stand.” Does not include greenhouses which are instead defined under “Plant nursery,” and “Residential accessory use or structure,” or containerized crop production, which is instead defined under “Plant nursery.” Does not include noncommercial home gardening, which is allowed as an accessory use in all zoning districts without city approval. “Community garden” means a site used for growing plants for food, fiber, herbs, flowers, and others, which is shared and maintained by community residents. “Produce stand” means a temporary business established and operated for a specific time, selling raw, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other produce in its raw or natural state, and that is accessory to an on-site or adjacent agricultural operation.

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Attachment: Attachment 4 Current Cotati Zoning Code Definitions Related to Agriculture (Local Food Production Workshop) Attachment 5

17.24.0920 Zoning district subdivision and density standards.

Each subdivision and residential development project shall comply with the minimum parcel size and density requirements shown in Table 2-4 for the applicable zoning district.

Table 2-4
Parcel Size and Density Standards
Zoning
District
Minimum Parcel Size(1) Residential Density
Area(2) Width(1) Minimum Density Maximum Density
OSC Determined through subdivision review 1 caretaker unit; no other residential allowed
OSR Determined through subdivision review No residential units allowed RR-1.5 1.5 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 1.5 acres
RR-1.0 1 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per acre
RVL-0.66 0.66 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 0.66 acres
RVL-0.5 0.5 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 0.5 acres
NL 6,000 sq. ft.(4) 60 ft. 4 units per acre(3) 6 units per acre NM 5,000 sq. ft.(4) 50 ft. 8 units per acre(3) 10 units per acre NU 3,500 sq. ft.(4) 45 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CE 6,000 sq. ft.(4) 60 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CG 10,000 sq. ft.(4) 100 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CD 2,000 sq. ft.(4) 20 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CI 10,000 sq. ft.(4) 100 ft. N.A. 15 units per acre
IG 10,000 sq. ft.(4) 100 ft. N.A. N.A.

PF Determined through subdivision review N.A. N.A.

SP Determined by applicable specific plan
Note: 1 acre = 43,560 square feet

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Attachment: Attachment 5 City of Cotati Zoning District Subdivision and Density Standards (Local Food Production Workshop)

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Attachment: Attachment 6 Cotati Zoning District Map (Local Food Production Workshop) Attachment 7
Urban Agriculture Regulations in Sonoma County 1 acre = 43,560sqft Crop Production
Residential Lot size
minimums Produce/Farm Stand Community Garden
Cotati UP in RR RR=1 acre; RVL=0.5 acre UP in RR MUP in all residential districts and OSR
Sebastopol P in R-1 and R-2; UP in R-3, R-4, R5, and Office Light Industrial R-1=1acre; R-2=17,500 sqft;
R-3=8,000sqft; R4=5,000sqft; R-5=4,000sqft
Permitted as accessory to Crop
Production where P
P in all residential zones and
commercial zones except UP
in Central Core
Petaluma P in RR, R-1, Open Space and Park
(OSP), Agriculture (AG)
AG=20,000sqft; RR=1 acre; R1=20,000sqftSales are included as accessory to crop production
Listed as a use in City-owned
parks
Windsor
P in Estate Residential (ER), Light
Industrial, Heavy Industrial, Open
Space, and Public/Institutional
ER=10,000sqft "Roadside stands" MUP in ER Not addressed Santa Rosa P in RR; MUP in R-1 RR=20,000sqft-1acre; R1=6,000-15,000sqft MUP in RR and Transit Village
Residential, P in Neighborhood Mixed
Use; must be "temporary" and
accessory to on-site/adjacent ag use
P in all residential,
commercial, and industrial
districts
Sonoma
P in R-Hillside (R-HS) and RR, UP in
R-Low (R-L). P in Agriculture and
Wine districts
R-HS= 10 acres;
RR=21,500sqft, RL=8,500sqft
P in RHS and RR; UP in RL. P in Ag
district. At least half of parcel must be
in ag production. If structure,
temporary only and needs temp use
permit
UP in Park and Public Facilities
districts
Rohnert Park
UP in RR, Residential Estate (ER),
OSC-Agriculture Resource Mgmt
(ARM). P or UP in some zones of
Sonoma Mtn Village (SMV)
RR=40,000sqft;
RE=17,000sqft P in the OSC/ARM district
<2 acres P in almost all SMV
and all DT zones zones; >2
acres is UP in SMV, MUP in DT
zones
Unincorporated
County
P in Ag and Residential (AR), RR,
and in 3 of 4 industrial zones AR=1 acre; RR=20,000sqft P in AR; UP in RR Not addressed Note: If a use is not addressed or explicitly allowed in the Code, it is prohibited

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Attachment: Attachment 7 Local Urban Agriculture Comparison Table (Local Food Production Workshop) Gardening/Farming/Crop Production Produce/Farm Stand
Identifies "Urban Agriculture" land use category, including the specific uses Private Garden, Market Garden, and
Community Garden
Private Garden: Where food production is an accessory
use of site (not primary): By-right (P) in all zones
Produce stand is a permitted accessory to Private
Gardens, except where Private Garden is located in
a front yard
Market Garden: Primary use of site is crop production for sale or donation. Allowed by-right (P) when 1 acre or less in residential zones, up to 3 acres in commercial zones, any size lot in industrial/manufacturing zones. MUP
required for 1+ acre in residential zones, 3+ acres in
commercial zones.

Produce stand up to 120 sqft in size is a permitted
accessory to Market Gardens in residential and
commercial zones; larger stands allowed with MUP.

Community Garden: Permitted by-right/P when up to 1
acre in residential zones, up to 3 acres in commercial
zones, any size lot in industrial/manufacturing zones.

MUP required for 1+ acre in residential zones, 3+ acres in commercial zones.

Produce stand up to 120 sqft in size is a permitted
accessory to Community Gardens in residential and
commercial zones; larger stands allowed with MUP.

Heavy mechanized farm equipment prohibited in
residential districts, except for initial land preparation.

Landscaping equipment designed for household use
permitted.

Other standards for Produce Stands: Sales of onsite grown produce only. Hours of operation 8am7pm. In residential zones, may operate Tuesdays and Saturdays only (except vacant lots), and must
be dismantled and removed during non-operating
hours. 2 parking spaces required; may be on- or offstreet.

Crop Production Produce/Farm Stand
Identifies "Local Food Uses" land use category including specific uses Urban Agriculture (UA) and Agriculture (A).

UA is defined as food crop production and livestock
raising, and includes retail sales, education, small-scale processing, and events. 3 types of UA identified: Home
Garden, Community Garden (<1 acre), and Urban
Farm(>1 acre).

On-site sales are a permitted accessory activity to
all Urban Agriculture uses. Sales limited to 7am7pm; and at least 50% of products must be produced onsite, 75% produced within Butte
County.

Home Gardens and Community Gardens allowed by-right
(P) in all zoning districts except Industrial. An Urban Farm is allowed with a MUP in all zoning districts except
Industrial. Any UA activity that violates noise regulations or generates significant flies or odors/dust/emissions that violate Air District limits, requires a UP.

The Agriculture land use is conventional agriculture and is permitted by-right only in the Residential Agriculture (min lot size 2 acres), Open Space, and Public Facilities zones.

As with UA, certain activities that create nuisances may require a UP.

Attachment 8: Sacramento, Oroville, and National City Examples Oroville, CA
Sacramento, CA

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Attachment: Attachment 8 Sacramento, Oroville, and National City Summaries (Local Food Production Workshop) Gardening/Farming/Crop Production Produce/Farm Stand
Identifies "Urban Agriculture" land use, which is
permitted by-right (P) in all residential and mixed use zones, and the Institutional and Open Space zones and
with a UP in the Light Industrial zone. Urban Agriculture is broken down into Home Garden, Neighborhood Garden,
and Community Farm.

Home Gardens may be grown for personal consumption
or for sale or donation, although on-site sales are not allowed. A dwelling unit must be on the site as the
primary use.

Not permitted.

Neighborhood Gardens may be up to 1 acre in size; may
be cultivated by an individual or a group, collectively or divided into plots; for personal consumption, sale, or
donation. Allowed to sell produce on-site. May be the
primary or accessory use on the site. May function like a community garden, in which case a garden coordinator is required and operating rules with coordinator contact info must be on file with the City.

Seasonal farm stands are allowed at a
Neighborhood Garden.

Community Farms are larger than 1 acre, growing food for sale, donation, or shareholder consumption (as in a CSA).

Allowed to sell produce on-site. May be the primary or
accessory use on the site.

A Community Farm is allowed to have a "market
stand" (not defined).

Farm-related machinery allowed for Urban Agriculture,
but must not create a nuisance.

Retail sales and other public use of the site are
limited to 7am-7pm daily for Neighborhood
Gardens and Community Farms.

National City, CA

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Attachment: Attachment 8 Sacramento, Oroville, and National City Summaries (Local Food Production Workshop) Attachment 9: City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations The Urban Agriculture Ordinance was adopted by the Sacramento City Council on March 24, 2015. Its purpose is to reduce the regulatory burden for urban agriculture. The ordinance amended Sacramento City Code to allow small-scale urban agriculture as the primary land use in most zones, and accessory uses such as temporary on-site urban agriculture stands. In addition, it included development and operational standards.
• “Market garden” is allowed as a primary land use (see table 1). • The allowable size of “community garden, private” is increased (see table 1).
• Onsite urban agriculture stands up to 120 square feet are allowed on the site of an urban agriculture use by right in most zones (see table 2). • Aquaculture operations are allowed as an accessory uses in residential zones, and as primary uses in non-residential zones, subject to the regulations of the underlying zone.

Urban Agriculture Stands
Urban agriculture stands are permitted on the site of an urban agriculture use, subject to the regulations in 17.228.810 (E) of the urban agriculture ordinance. Product sales at urban agriculture stands are limited to produce and value-added product grown on site. Parking for two cars is required for urban agriculture stands. This may be provided either on-street or at an offstreet parking facility accessed by an approved driveway.

Table 2 shows that there are more limitations and regulations for urban agriculture stands in residential zones than in commercial and industrial zones.

Additional Information:
• Development standards, operations and maintenance
• Urban Beekeeping
• Community Food Producers
Definitions:
“Aquaculture” means the cultivation of marine or freshwater fish, shellfish, or plants under controlled conditions. Aquaculture includes aquaponics which integrates aquaculture with hydroponics by recycling the waste products from fish to fertilize hydroponically growing plants.

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Attachment: Attachment 9 City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations (Local Food Production Workshop) “Community garden, public” and “community garden, private” were created to differentiate between public community gardens that are established, operated, and maintained by the City from private community gardens that are established, operated and maintained by persons other than the City. “Community garden, public” is not subject to the Planning and Development Code but is instead subject to Parks and Recreation Department rules.
“Market garden” means the primary use of a site for cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fiber, nuts, seeds, or culinary herbs for sale or donation of its produce to the public which is in a zone other than an A or A-OS. “Private garden” means a private food-producing garden that is accessory to the primary use of the site and which is located in the front yard, side yard, rear yard, rooftop, courtyard, balcony, fence, wall, window sill or basement. “Urban agriculture stand” means a temporary produce stand that is accessory to an urban agriculture use.

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The Urban Agriculture Ordinance adds a new section, (Article VIII, including

17.228.810 and 17.228.820) to Sacramento City Code to provide development and operational standards for urban agriculture.

Structures to support urban agriculture, such as storage sheds, hoop-houses, and greenhouses, are permitted, subject to the regulations of the underlying zone. Aquaculture operations must be screened from street view. Fencing is not required for private community gardens and market gardens.

Garbage and compost receptacles at market gardens and community gardens must be screened from the street and adjacent properties by utilizing landscaping, fencing or storage within structures. Compost piles and containers must be set back at least 20 feet from residential buildings when an urban agriculture use abuts a residential land use.

For questions about zoning, development and operational standards for urban agriculture uses, contact [email protected] or call 311.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Except for initial preparation of the land, heavy mechanized farm equipment is prohibited in residential districts. Landscaping equipment designed for household use is permitted. When not in use, equipment must be enclosed or otherwise screened from sight.

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Attachment: Attachment 9 City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations (Local Food Production Workshop) Urban agriculture uses must be maintained in an orderly manner, including litter removal, irrigation, weeding, pruning, pest control and removal of dead or diseased plant materials. All garbage must be removed from the site weekly.

Vacant lots that have been turned into market gardens and private community gardens are considered commercial enterprises and are not eligible for city collection services. Commercial enterprises such as market gardens and private community gardens are not allowed to place any yard waste in the street at any time. If they contract with private hauler to manage waste, it must be a franchised hauler approved by the Sacramento Waste Authority.

Property owners of parcels are ultimately responsible for any violation of code related to waste removal. Questions on waste removal and urban farming can be sent to [email protected].

Urban agriculture activities must include best practices to prevent pollutants from entering the stormwater conveyance system and must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, or regulations, including, but not limited to, the stormwater management and discharge control code in chapter 13.16 and the grading, erosion and sediment control ordinance in chapter 15.88. For questions about urban agriculture and water quality, contact [email protected] or (916) 808-4H20

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Attachment: Attachment 9 City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations (Local Food Production Workshop) TABLE 1 - URBAN AGRICULTURE USES

ZONE CATEGORY ALLOW BY RIGHT ZA CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT

ACCESSORY
USES

RESIDENTIAL ZONES
(RE, R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A,
R-2B, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-5,

RMX, AND RO)
MARKET

GARDEN AND COMMUNITY
GARDEN, PRIVATE UP TO 1
ACRE

AQUACULTURE
MARKET

GARDEN AND COMMUNITY

GARDEN,
PRIVATE EXCEEDING 1
ACRE

PRIVATE

GARDEN,
URBAN

BEEKEEPING,

AQUACULTURE
COMMERCIAL ZONES (C-1, C-2,
C-3, C-4, OB, OB-2, OB-3, SC)

MARKET GARDEN

AND COMMUNITY
GARDEN, PRIVATE UP TO 3
ACRES;

AQUACULTURE
MARKET

GARDEN AND COMMUNITY

GARDEN,
PRIVATE EXCEEDING 3
ACRES

PRIVATE

GARDEN AND
URBAN

BEEKEEPING

INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING
(M-1, M-1(S), MIP, MRD, H,

SPX, HC)

MARKET GARDEN

AND COMMUNITY

GARDEN, PRIVATEHAVE
NO UPPER SIZE LIMIT.

NA PRIVATE

GARDEN AND
URBAN

BEEKEEPING
TABLE 2 - URBAN AGRICULTURE STANDS
Zone Category Allow by right Limitations ZA Conditional Use Permit Residential Zones (RE, R-1,
R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A, R-2B,
R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-5,
RMX, and RO)
On-site urban
agriculture
stands* up to
120 sq. ft.
- Hours of
operation: 8:00 am-7:00
pm (must be dismantled
and removed during nonoperating hours)
-Days: Limited to
Tuesdays & Saturdays,
except on vacant lots
-Prohibited on lots where
a private garden is in
front yard
On-site urban agriculture
stands greater than 120 sq.
ft.

Commercial & Industrial
Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4,
OB, OB-2, OB-3, SC, M-1, M1(s), MIP,MRD, H, SPX, HC)
On-site urban
agricultural
stands* up to
120 sq. ft.
- Hours: 8:00 am-7:00 pm On-site urban agricultural
stands greater than 120 sq.
ft.
* Off-site stands will continue to use existing code provision for community markets.

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Attachment: Attachment 9 City of Sacramento Urban Agriculture Regulations (Local Food Production Workshop) Attachment 10: Excerpts from City of Oroville Zoning Code Definitions:

Agriculture. The tilling of soil, the raising of crops, horticulture, livestock farming, dairying or animal husbandry, including accessory supply, service, storage and processing areas and facilities to accommodate agricultural products produced on the premises; provided, however, that the accessory uses shall not include slaughter houses, feed yards, hog farms, fertilizer works, bone yards, plants for the rendering of animal matter or similar commercial or industrial uses.

Agriculture, urban. Growing, harvesting, and raising agricultural products in an urban setting for personal, institutional, or commercial use. Includes growing of food crops and ornamental crops (e.g., flowers), and raising of livestock, as well as uses that are complementary and accessory to agricultural pursuits, including retail sales, education, small-scale processing, and events.

Types of urban agriculture include the following:

1. Home garden. The property of a single-family or multi-family residence used for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, herbs, or the raising of animals, by the residents of the property, guests of the property owner, or a gardening business hired by the property owner.

2. Community garden. Privately or publicly owned land, less than one acre in size, used by multiple households for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, herbs, or the raising of animals.

3. Urban farm. Privately or publicly owned land, more than one acre in size, used for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, herbs, or the raising of animals, by an individual, organization, or business with the primary purpose of growing food for sale.

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Attachment: Attachment 10 Excerpt of Oroville Zoning Code on Urban Agriculture (Local Food Production Workshop) Oroville Municipal Code
Up Previous Next Main Search Print No Frames
Title 17 ZONING
Chapter 17.16 USE-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

17.16.230 Urban agriculture.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow local food to be produced, sold, and available for community development and education in areas close to where people live and work.

B. Permit Requirements.

1. Administrative Permit. An administrative permit shall be required for an urban farm use.

2. Use Permit. A use permit is required for uses and activities that create noise in violation of Chapter 9.20 (Noise) of the municipal code or that create flies, strong odors (as addressed in Section 17.12.010(E), Air Emissions), frequent dust, or other significant impacts or hazards to surrounding properties.

3. Uses Permitted By Right. All other urban agriculture uses that are not covered by subsections (B)(1) (Administrative Permit) and (B)(2) (Use Permit) are permitted by right.

C. Animals and Livestock. Livestock-keeping and other animal-related agricultural uses are subject to the provisions of Section 17.16.120 (Animal keeping).

D. Chemicals. Agricultural chemicals or pesticides shall not impact abutting properties or the surrounding neighborhood.

E. Sales. Sales on-site are limited to the following:

1. Hours. Sales may only occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

2. Local Food. At least 50% of the products sold on site must be produced on-site, and 75% produced within Butte County.

F. Events. Events and educational activities at a community garden or urban farm use are limited to between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Ord. 1819 § 4, 2017)
View the mobile version.

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Attachment: Attachment 10 Excerpt of Oroville Zoning Code on Urban Agriculture (Local Food Production Workshop) Oroville Municipal Code
Up Previous Next Main Search Print No Frames
Title 17 ZONING
Chapter 17.16 USE-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

17.16.100 Agricultural uses.

A. Permit Requirements. A use permit shall be required for the following related uses:

1. Uses and activities that may create noise in violation of Section 17.12.010 or that would create flies, strong odors, frequent dust or other significant impacts or hazards to surrounding properties.

2. Permanent structures for the commercial processing or sale of plant crops.

B. Animals and Livestock. The keeping of livestock and other animal-related agricultural uses shall be subject to the provisions of Section 17.16.120.

C. Farmworker Housing. Farmworker housing and migrant farmworker housing consisting of not more than 12 units designed for use by a single household, or 36 beds in a group quarters, in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 17000, et seq. shall be treated as an agricultural use in residential zones only, as defined by Section

17.04.060. All structures shall fully comply with the development standards of the underlying land use designation, city building codes, and other applicable city, county, state, federal, or local regulations that may apply. For the purpose of this title, farmworker housing shall be treated as a commercial agricultural use in residential zones. (Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1804 § VII, 2014)
View the mobile version.

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Attachment: Attachment 10 Excerpt of Oroville Zoning Code on Urban Agriculture (Local Food Production Workshop) A.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. C.

1. a.
b.

18.30.240 - Urban agriculture.

Purpose. The purpose of urban agriculture is to ensure that urban garden areas are appropriately located and protected to meet needs for local food production, community health, recreation, community education, garden-related job training, environmental enhancement, preservation of green space, and community enjoyment.

Definitions.
"Coldframe" means an unheated outdoor structure consisting of a wooden or concrete frame and a top of glass or clear plastic, used for protecting seedlings and plans from the cold. "Community farm" is an area of land larger than one acre managed and maintained by an individual or group of individuals to grow and harvest food and horticultural products for shareholder consumption or for sale or donation. Shareholders may arrange to work on the farm in exchange for a share of the crops and/or pay for a portion of the crop in advance. A community farm may be a principal or accessory use.

Sale and donation of food and horticultural products grown in the community farm may occur on-site. "Greenhouse" means a building made of glass, plastic, or fiberglass in which plants are cultivated. "Home garden" means a garden maintained by one or more individuals who reside in a dwelling unit located on the subject property. Food and horticultural; products grown in the home garden may be used for personal consumption or for donation or sale. On-site sales are not permitted. A home garden is an accessory use to a principal residential use.
"Hoophouse" means a structure made of PVC piping or other material covered with translucent plastic, constructed in a "half-round" or "hoop" shape.
"Neighborhood garden" is an area of land, one acre or less, managed and maintained by an individual or group of individuals to grow and harvest food and horticultural products for personal or group consumption, for sale or donation. A neighborhood garden may be divided into separate garden plots for cultivation by one or more individuals or may be farmed collectively by members of the group. Sale and donation of food and horticultural products grown in the neighborhood garden may occur on-site. A neighborhood garden may be a principal or accessory use. "Rooftop garden" means any garden on the roof of a building. Besides the decorative benefit, roof plantings may provide food, temperature control, hydrological benefits, architectural enhancement, habitats or corridors for wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

Permitted Primary Uses. Cultivation of edible vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits and other plants in the ground, in raised beds, and in greenhouses which may have occasional sales of items at the site. Sale of nonagricultural times is prohibited.

Permitted Accessory Uses.

Only the following accessory uses and structures shall be permitted in both neighborhood gardens and community farms:

Open space associated with and intended for use as garden areas.

Signs limited to identification, information and directional signs, including sponsorship information where the sponsorship information is clearly secondary to other permitted information on any particular sign, in conformance with the regulations of the signage sections.

Attachment 11: City of National City Code Excerpt 3.A.k Packet Pg. 29
Attachment: Attachment 11 Excerpt from National City Zoning Code (Local Food Production Workshop) c.
d.
e.
f.

2. a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

9. Benches, bike racks, raised/accessible planting beds, compost bins, picnic tables, seasonal farm stands, f art, rain barrel systems, and children's play areas.

Buildings, restroom facilities with composting toilets, and planting preparation houses.

Off-street parking and walkways, in conformance with the regulations of Division 4.

Tool sheds and shade pavilions.

Only the following accessory uses shall be permitted on community farms:

Greenhouses, hoophouses, coldframes, and similar structures used to extend the growing season.

Buildings limited to barns, restroom facilities with composting toilets, and planting preparation houses.

Cold storage.

Packing facilities.

Market stands.

Supplemental Regulations. Uses and structures shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the following regulations:

Location. Buildings associated with a community farm or neighborhood garden shall be set back from property lines of a residential district a minimum distance of ten feet, Height. No building or other structure shall be greater than sixteen feet in height.

Building Coverage. The combined area of all buildings, excluding greenhouses and hoophouses, shall not exceed fifteen percent of the garden site lot areas for community farms and five percent for neighborhood gardens. Buildings and other structures may not exceed 12 feet in height.

Parking and Walkways. Off-street parking shall be permitted only for those garden sites exceeding 15,000 square feet in lot area. Such parking shall be limited in size to 15 percent of the garden site lot area and must be surfaced in accordance with the parking section of this Land Use Code. Walkways shall be paved in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Signs. Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area per side and shall not exceed six feet in height.

Farm Stands. Farm stands that sell produce grown on site shall 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.

Interior Fences. Fences around individual garden plots is permitted but not required. Interior fences shall be open and shall not exceed four feet in height.

Exterior Fences. Fences located on the perimeter of a community farm or neighborhood garden shall not exceed six feet in height, shall be at least fifty percent open if they are taller than four feet, and shall be constructed of wood, chain link, or ornamental (tubular) steel. For any garden that is fifteen thousand square feet in area or greater and is in a location that is subject to design review and approval by the regulating authority, no fence shall be installed without review by the city planning division.

Operating Rules. The garden management shall have an established set of operating rules addressing the governance structure of the garden, hours of operation, maintenance and security requirements and responsibilities; a garden coordinator to perform the coordinating role for the management of the

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Attachment: Attachment 11 Excerpt from National City Zoning Code (Local Food Production Workshop)

10. F.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. G.

1. 2.

3. 4.

1. 2.

L.
community gardens; and, must assign garden plots according to the operating rules established for that garden. The name and contact number/address of the garden coordinator and a copy of the operating rules shall be kept on file with the city planning division.

Hours of Operation. Retail sales and all other public use of the farm shall begin no earlier than seven a.m. and end by seven p.m. every day of the week.

Certain Activities Prohibited.

Use of insecticides made from synthetic chemical materials is forbidden.

Use of synthetic herbicides and weed killers is prohibited.

Composting of animal parts is prohibited.

Production of intoxicating or poisonous plants is forbidden.

Use of chemical rodenticides, except for those that are acceptable under organic regulations.

Water, fertilizer, and other organic materials shall not drain onto adjacent property.

Use of barbed wire is prohibited.

Procurement of Water.

Procurement of water from public supplies should be negotiated between the Sweetwater Authority and the individual or organization conducting agricultural activities on the site.

Use of private sources of water, such as water delivered through a hose from a spigot attached to a participant's house, is permitted.

Use of on-site rainwater (i.e., rain barrels) shall be permitted providing it is not maintained for human consumption.

The use of water for irrigation shall be in conformance with Section 18.44.190 (Water Efficient Landscape Regulations) of this Land Use Code.

Toxic or Flammable Chemicals.

Gasoline used for the operation of lawnmowers or other combustion engine-driven gardening machinery must be kept in sealed containers in locked, ventilated structures.

No flammable materials or other chemical except the permitted chemicals mentioned above may be used or stored for an urban agriculture land use.

Machinery. Tractors, lawnmowers, and other farm-related machinery may be used and stored a long as they are in good working order and do not create a nuisance as defined elsewhere in the Municipal Code.

Prevention of Growth of Poisonous or Injurious Weeds.

Parties using or otherwise occupying urban agriculture land uses are responsible for preventing the growth of those weeds defined as poisonous or injurious.

Invasive species as defined by the California Native Plant Society and San Diego County American Society of Landscape Architects are not permitted and shall be promptly removed from the site.

Handling and Preparation of Food for Sale. Refer to county health department for rules regarding food and food establishments. These rules are to apply where parties involved in agriculture activities seek to sell food on-site.

Soil Dangers and Toxicity.

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Attachment: Attachment 11 Excerpt from National City Zoning Code (Local Food Production Workshop)

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

Prior to implementing neighborhood gardens and community farms and before any food products may be grown in topsoil, such soil should be tested for contaminants that would render it unsuitable for cultivation, including, but not limited to: lead and other toxic heavy metals; industrial solvents; gasoline; perclorethylene; and other chemicals that can be transmitted to people via soil contact or consumption of foods grown in such soil.

Area of dry, loose soil that may be moved by wind should be covered by mulch or plastic or otherwise confined.

Rooftop Gardens. For multi-unit residential buildings and residential care facilities, rooftop gardens are highly encouraged. Rooftop gardens are also permitted on nonresidential buildings. Rooftop gardens can be grown in containers or as a "green roof system." A rooftop must be structurally capable of supporting the additional weight of a rooftop garden and the people who use them. Rooftop gardens should:

Be accessible to all residents of a residential building.

Have access to water.

Be provided with a storage area for equipment, material, and gardening tools.

Have a minimum safety enclosure of forty-two inches in height.

Be provided with shade if used by the elderly.

Be provided with a composting bin or bins.
(Ord. No. 2012-2372, Exh. B-1, 2-7-2012)

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Attachment: Attachment 11 Excerpt from National City Zoning Code (Local Food Production Workshop) Promoting
Local Food Production
City Council Workshop
City of Cotati
Community
Development
Department
UCANR June 30, 2022

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Overview
The goals of this workshop are to :
 Receive community input
 Identify potential strategies to facilitate local
promote food production (urban
agriculture) in Cotati
 Provide direction to staff
Workshop Format
 List of potential strategies for focused discussion:
 Crop Production, Produce Stands/CSA, Community
Gardens, Animal Keeping, Veronda-Falletti Ranch
 Background, context, informational resources in staff report. Questions at this time?

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Cotati’s Current Food Production Regulations
 Home gardens permitted by-right (P) in all residential zones.
 Commercial Crop Production allowed with a Use Permit
(UP) in the RR district.
 Farm stands accessory to Crop Production allowed with a MUP in the RR district.
 Community Gardens allowed with a MUP in all
residential districts and the Open Space, Recreation
(OSR) district.
 Up to 20 chickens for non-commercial purposes
allowed by-right per property in the RR, RVL, and NL
districts, and with a zoning clearance letter in the NM and NU districts and in residential uses in all
commercial districts.
 Roosters allowed only in the RR district.

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Attachment 1: Potential Strategies to Implement General Plan Policies Related to Food Production # Potential Strategy Potential Standards General Plan Goals Addressed
Planning
Commission
Direction -
March 7, 2022
1 Promote home food gardening through
education and outreach by working with
nonprofit partners
Must conform to existing Code standards for
residential uses and general nuisance
abatement
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.4, CHW3-
n/a
2 Create new "Market Garden" land use in
Zoning Code:
"Market Garden: Small-scale crop
production for sale or donation, which is
allowed on-site retail sales at a
temporary produce stand with limited
hours/days."
Gardening work hours 9am-5pm; mechanical
equipment limited to typical residential
equipment; maximum area of cultivation and
related activities is 1/2 acre; 5' setbacks for
cultivation area. Produce stand: Maximum 100
sqft size, allowed on-site (not in public right-ofway (ROW)) 2 days/week, 9am-6pm, and must be a temporary structure that can be
dismantled and stored away out of sight of
public ROW on off-days. Dwelling unit
required on site as the primary land use. 2
parking spaces required, on- or off-street.

CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
d.4, CHW3-d.6
n/a
2A
Allow "Market Garden" land use by-right
(P) in some or all residential districts
(NU, NM, NL, RVL, and RR)
See above #2
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
n/a
2B
Allow "Market Garden" land use with
MUP in some or all residential districts
(NU, NM, NL, RVL, and RR)
See above #2
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
n/a
2C
Allow "Market Garden" land use with UP
in some or all residential districts (NU,
NM, NL, RVL, and RR)
Standards to be set by UP
CHW3.1, CHW3.2, CHW

3.3, CHW3-d.1 CHW3-
d.2, CHW3-d.3, CHW3-
Yes (as P)
Crop Production

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies for Cotati
Crop Production/Growing Food

1. Promote home gardening

2. Create the Market Garden land use: Smaller-scale crop production for sale or donation, allowed on-site retail sales at temporary produce stand with limited
days/hours
. . . and allow in some or all residential neighborhoods (NU, NM, NL, RVL, and RR) with:
a. By-right (P), or
b. MUP, or
c. UP

3. Allow existing Crop Production land use with UP in RVL

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Some Market Gardens . . .

Since 2010, the “Urban Homestead” farm in Pasadena has produced enough food to feed the resident family plus run a CSA, on 1/10 acre (3,900 sqft). The entire lot size is 8,700 sqft.

Urban Homestead

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Site Plan of Urban Homestead
Farm, Pasadena
Urban Homestead
Front yard of Urban
Homestead Farm

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food WD Dickinson Urban Farm, National City, CA—3/4 acre, veteran-run, organic farm with event center, farm sales, CSA on historic property Female Farmer Project

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food ¼ acre suburban farm in Indiana
Edible Michiana

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Front yard food garden in Boulder, CO
Sustainable Dwelling

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies: Crop Production
# Potential Strategy Potential Standards
1 Promote home food gardening through education and
outreach by working with nonprofit partners
Must conform to existing Code standards for residential uses and general nuisance abatement
2 Create new "Market Garden" land use in Zoning Code:
"Market Garden: Small-scale crop production for sale or donation, which is allowed on-site retail sales at a
temporary produce stand with limited hours/days."
Gardening work hours 9am-5pm; mechanical equipment limited to typical residential equipment; maximum area of cultivation and related activities is 1/2 acre; 5' setbacks for cultivation area. Produce stand: Maximum 100 sqft size, allowed on-site (not in public right-of-way (ROW)) 2 days/week, 9am-6pm, and must be a temporary structure that can be dismantled and stored away out of sight of public ROW on off-days. Dwelling unit required on site as the primary land use. 2 parking spaces required, on- or off-street.
2A Allow "Market Garden" land use by-right (P) in some or all residential districts (NU, NM, NL, RVL, and RR) See above #2 2B
Allow "Market Garden" land use with MUP in some or
all residential districts (NU, NM, NL, RVL, and RR) See above #2 2C
Allow "Market Garden" land use with UP in some or all
residential districts (NU, NM, NL, RVL, and RR) Standards to be set by UP 3 Allow Crop Production land use (existing land use in
Zoning Code) with UP in RVL district
Will conform to existing standards in Code for Crop Production land use in the RR district and to standards set by UP
Crop Production

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food DISCUSSION:

Public and City Council Direction
on Crop Production/FoodGrowing Regulations
UCANR

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies for Cotati
Selling Food: Produce Stands and CSA

4. Limited-day/hour produce stands at home gardens (P)

5. Limited-day/hour produce stands at Market Gardens
a. As P/by-right
b. With MUP
c. With UP

6. Produce stands in RVL with UP

7. CSA as accessory to Crop Production in RR (UP)

8. CSA as accessory to Crop Production in RVL (UP)

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Produce Stands  East Sac Farms,
Sacramento (6,000 sqft)—
mobile
produce stand
wheels out to
street 2x/week
East Sac Farms

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Produce Stands
 Swainway Urban Farm, Columbus, OH (4,000 sqft)
UCANR

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies: Produce Stands and CSA
# Potential Strategy Potential Standards
Produce Stands and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) 4 Allow limited day/hour produce stands with sales from on-site home gardens by-right (P) in all residential districts
Produce stand subject to same standards as
for "Market Garden" above (#2)
5A
Allow on-site produce stands by "Market Gardens" by-right (P) in some or all residential zoning districts (Consistent with #2A above)
See Produce stand standards above (#2) for
"Market Garden"
5B
Allow on-site produce stands by "Market Gardens" with MUP in some or all residential zoning districts (Consistent with #2B above)
See Produce stand standards above (#2) for
"Market Garden"
5C
Allow on-site produce stands by "Market Gardens" with UP in some or all residential zoning districts (Consistent with #2C above)
Standards to be set by UP
6 Allow produce stands with UP in RVL district
Conform to existing standards in Code for
this land use in the RR district; further
standards to be set by UP
7 Confirm CSA as accessory activity to Crop Production land use in RR, consistent with "retail sales in the field" Code language (UP required per existing Code)
Standards to be set by UP
8 Allow CSA as accessory use to Crop Production land use in RVL, consistent with "retail sales in the field" Code language (UP would be required; See #3 above)
Standards to be set by UP

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food DISCUSSION:

Public and City Council Direction
on Produce Stands and CSA
Regulations
UCANR

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies for Cotati
Community Gardens

9. Allow by-right (P) in all residential zones

10. Allow in City facilities, OSR, with UP

11. Encourage private community gardens in multifamily
City of Portland

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Community Garden at Mosswood Park in Oakland
CA

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies: Community Gardens
# Potential Strategy Potential Standards
Community Gardens
9 Allow community gardens by-right (P) in all residential districts
Non-commercial only; Work hours 9am-6pm;
mechanical equipment limited to typical
residential equipment; 5' setbacks for
cultivation area; Nuisance abatement per
current Code standards
10 Allow community gardens at City facilities and in OSR, with UP; would require partnership with community
organizations or institutions to operate gardens
Standards to be set by UP
11 Encourage private community gardens in multifamily
developments Conform to existing Code standards

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food DISCUSSION:

Public and City Council Direction
on Community Garden
Regulations
UCANR

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies for Cotati
Animal Keeping—Hens

12. Allow commercial hen-keeping, in excess of 20-chicken limit, in RR and RVL with UP
 Minimum property size 1 acre
 Other standards set by UP

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food DISCUSSION:

Public and City Council Direction
on Commercial Animal Keeping
(Hens)
UCANR

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food James Wirth Photography

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies: Veronda-Falletti Ranch
James Wirth Photography

1. Change Zoning from NL to OSR

2. Amend OSR to allow land uses that have been
identified for Veronda-Falletti Ranch,
with UP, including potentially:
a. Crop production
b. Plant nursery
c. Animal keeping (to match OSC)
d. Ag accessory structure
e. Child care/day care center
f. Produce stand
g. Farmers Market
h. Artisan/craft product manufacturing
i. Meeting facility
j. Caretaker quarters

3. Ensure equity/inclusion programming

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Potential Strategies: Veronda-Falletti Ranch
# Potential Strategy
1 Change zoning for Veronda-Falletti Ranch property from Neighborhood, Low Density (NL) to Open Space, Recreation (OSR) to meet terms of Conservation Easement 2 Amend OSR zoning to allow land uses/activities at Veronda-Faletti Ranch and other City-owned park properties that serve the community while fostering financial sustainability, with a UP:
2A: Crop Production
2B: Plant Nursery
2C: Animal Keeping (consistent with Open Space, Conservation (OSC): Up to 20 chickens including 1 rooster per acre, 2 horses/cows per acre, 4 other large animals (goats, sheep, llamas, etc) per are, 4 other small animals (rabbits, chinchillas, etc) per acre) 2D: Agricultural accessory structure
2E: Child care/day care center
2F: Produce stand
2G: Farmers market
2H: Artisan/craft product manufacturing
2I: Meeting facility
2J: Caretaker quarters
3 Ensure equity/inclusion in programming at Falletti ranch to extend gardening education to all community members through license agreements. Strategies might include Spanish-language programming, targetted community outreach, school programs, and others

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food DISCUSSION:

Public and City Council
Direction on Veronda-Falletti
Ranch Re-Zoning

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food Next Steps/Conclusion

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food

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Attachment: Attachment 12 Staff Presentation Powerpoint for Workshop (Local Food

Cotati City CouncilJune 30, 2022

Cotati City Council
June 30, 2022