Membership Agreements
Garden Rules and Operations
Welcome to the Redondo Beach Community Garden. The mission of the Redondo Beach Community Garden is to provide residents of Redondo Beach with a space to grow food, build community, and practice sustainable and healthy living.
Garden beds and land are in high demand and require time and effort. Please understand the commitments and guidelines below to keep the gardens a wonderful place for the community.
1. Hours of operations are from sunrise to sunset year-round. For safety reasons gardeners must ensure gates are locked at all times, especially when leaving.
2. Garden members will be given access to the garden with a lock combination. Combination codes cannot be given out to non-members.
3. Garden members must only manage their assigned plots. Do not weed, water, or take from other plots without clear permission.
4. Garden members must not use abusive or profane language or discriminate against others for any reason including but not limited to: age, race, religion, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or ability.
5. Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, firearms, and gambling are prohibited in the garden. Access to the garden is a privilege and can be revoked if an individual is found to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
6. Guests are welcome, but only while accompanied by a garden member. Guests and visitors must follow the same rules as members.
7. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised and accompanied by a responsible adult.
8. Pets are not allowed in the garden.
9. Community events may only be held in the garden with the permission of the Garden Leadership Team.
10. Headphones must be used if playing music in the garden, except for at a community event with the permission of the Garden Leadership Team.
11. Report accidents or vandalism promptly to the garden leadership team. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies or (310) 379-5411 for the City of Redondo Beach non-emergency police services.
Garden Plot Responsibilities and Requirements
12. Gardeners must begin working on their plot within 15 days of receiving access.
13. Plots must not remain fallow for three weeks or longer. Please notify the Garden Leadership Team if you wish to relinquish your plot.
Note: If gardeners are unable to attend for an extended period of time due to illness or other circumstances please notify the Garden Leadership Team. If such circumstances arise, you may appoint another person to temporarily maintain your plot.
14. For the safety of others and longevity of the garden space, garden members are not allowed to grow any of the following substances**: invasive species, illegal plants, marijuna/cannabis, tobacco, coffee, mint & woody herbs, bamboo, morning glory, poisonous plants, berry vines, cactus, thorny plants, & trees of any kind. **This list is subject to addition and change by the Garden Leadership Team
15. Garden members must keep plants within the border of their assigned plots. Plants should not exceed 4 feet in height, to prevent shading of neighboring plots or extending to pathways.
16. Gardeners are responsible for keeping their plot and surrounding area clean and clear. Removal of all trash, recyclables, and garden trimmings is required. Pathways must be kept clear to allow shared access to neighboring beds.
17. Garden members with plots must remove all weeds, pests, and disease. Swift removal prevents further invasion to the entire garden. Removal methods must be chemical and pesticide-free. ○ No pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers are allowed. If you have questions about organic and pesticide-free amendments to use, please ask the Garden Leadership Team.
18. Garden members are permitted to bring tools, garden bags, and equipment. All items must not obstruct pathways and cannot be left at the garden. All community tools and hoses must be returned to their original storage location upon completion of use. Please report any damaged tools or equipment to the Garden Manager immediately.
19. California state standards for conservation of water must be followed.
20. Garden members are required to complete two volunteer hours per month in the communal garden areas.
Volunteer hours can be completed at designated workdays or outside of workdays with tasks outlined by the Garden Manager.
21. Garden members are required to attend biannual meetings at the community garden. Other community meetings, workdays, and events will be held regularly for members to attend.
Plot Assignment
22. Garden member plots are available only to current residents of Redondo Beach. Proof of residency is required before plot assignment and plot renewal.
23. Only one garden plot can be reserved per household.
24. Mid-year or end-of-year transfer of a plot to other individuals is not permitted. Interested plot-holders should place applications via the standard application process.
25. Plots are assigned for a 12-month period. Renewal is not automatic and is based on gardeners’ following the rules. After a plot has been renewed once (after 2 years), it may be reassigned to someone on the garden waitlist.
26. If all plots have been assigned, an applicant will be placed on a waitlist. The volunteer Garden Leadership Team will maintain this waitlist.
27. A plot fee of $100 per year is due on the 2nd Saturday in January. The plot fee will be reassessed on an annual basis to ensure that it covers the cost of the water bills and basic garden maintenance. (This yearly fee is subject to change based on increased garden maintenance costs and/or water supply cost from the City of Redondo Beach.)
28. There are no refunds of fees upon forfeiture or removal from the garden plot.
Violation of Agreement
❖ Gardeners can be asked to leave the garden if found violating the rules. ❖ If the conditions for participation are not met, there will be a minimum of one verbal warning. If no response or corrective action is made, written notice will be given one month later. Following one month, if no corrective action has been taken then a final notice will be issued and the plot is forfeited. At any point during this process, an appeal to the full Garden Leadership Team may be made.
❖ After a period of one year, a terminated applicant may reapply subject to Leadership Team approval.