Vallejo Municipal Code Ch. 16.314 Community Gardens

These provisions establish requirements and regulations for the creation and operation of community gardens; aligned with the general plan's healthy community policies, that contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of residents. Additionally they intend to:

A. Increase community access to fresh local produce;

B. Strengthen the health and social environment of the community by supporting projects that engage and involve a wide variety of community members while providing an opportunity for physical exercise;

C. Provide a potential source of additional income to households and individuals through cooperative marketing of home-grown produce;

D. Improve the natural environment by adding vegetation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions;

E. Beautify neighborhoods by reducing the blighting effect of vacant lots; and

F. Ensure that urban agricultural activities are compatible with and do not have negative impacts on surrounding residents.

A. Zoning Compliance Review Required. Community gardens are allowed as a primary or interim use in as provided in Table 16.301-A: Land Use Regulations, subject to a determination of zoning compliance review as provided for in Chapter 16.603, Zoning Compliance Review.

B. Interim Use. When an application proposes establishing a community garden as an interim use, the application shall specify the proposed duration of the use.

C. Garden Management. Community gardens can be organized by community groups, nonprofit organizations, the city, or landowners. In all cases, the garden shall be managed by a garden coordinator who serves as liaison between gardeners, property owners, and the city, and shall be operated according to a set of rules addressing governance, hours of operation, maintenance and security responsibilities, and the system for assigning plots.

D. Structures. Structures are limited to storage sheds, plant cultivation structures (greenhouses, hoop houses, and cold frames), benches, bike racks, raised planting beds, compost or waste bins, picnic tables, fences, and rain barrel systems. Individual structures may not exceed one hundred twenty square feet in size or twelve feet in height without a building permit. The combined area of all covered structures excluding compost bins and trash enclosures shall not exceed fifteen percent of the garden area. All structures shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zoning district and Section 16.501.02, Accessory Buildings and Structures.

E. Fencing. Community gardens shall be fenced in accordance with the development standards of the underlying zoning district and the applicable requirements of Section 16.505, Fences, Walls and Screening.

F. Signs. One sign per street frontage is permitted. Signs shall not exceed four square feet of sign face area and shall not exceed six feet in height. The sign shall include a contact telephone number and/or contact e-mail address/website address for the garden coordinator. No advertising for garden sponsors, donors, supporters, suppliers, etc. is permitted on site.

G. Water. Community gardens shall have a metered water supply with costs paid by the garden coordinator on behalf of the body.

1. Watering may be provided by a drip irrigation system or by hand using a hose or watering can.

2. The garden coordinator shall provide information to plot holders including advice on water conservation, mulching, effective watering techniques, etc.

H. Composting. Composting in compliance with the following requirements may be performed on the site:

1. Compost materials shall be stored in a container or containers located at least three feet from an adjacent property in a manner that is not visible from any adjacent property

2. Odors and infestation shall be controlled so they do not exceed levels typically found in a well-maintained residential garden;

3. Compost materials may only be generated on site or by active members of the community garden.

I. Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organic Waste. Appropriately sized trash and recycling receptacles shall be screened and located on the site in compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 16.501.08, Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organic Waste Storage. The garden coordinator shall be responsible for arranging for and making payment for regular trash collection. The operating rules shall encourage onsite composting of plant materials only and encourage gardeners to take their trash off-site for disposal.

J. Lighting. Outdoor lighting shall be located and designed to meet the applicable requirements of Chapter 16.506, Lighting and Glare, to avoid glare that would be visible from adjacent properties. Low level light controlled by motion sensors is preferred.

K. Other Operational Requirements.

1. Allowable uses include the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, or herbs. The cultivation of cannabis and any plants prohibited by the Solano County Department of Agriculture is not allowed.

2. Gardening activity shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is more restrictive.

a. Heavy equipment may be used initially to prepare land for agricultural use;

b. Landscaping equipment designed and used for home use is permitted;

c. Equipment shall be enclosed or screened from sight when not in use.

3. Plants and produce grown in a community garden may be sold and marketed in the following manner:

a. At farmers' markets subject to compliance with the market's rules and requirements;

b. Community garden members may sell plants and flowers that they have grown on their own plots as a home-based business subject to the requirements of Chapter 16.321, Home-Based Business.

c. Produce may be distributed or sold from the community garden site subject to approval of a temporary use permit issued in compliance with Chapter 16.339, Temporary Uses.