District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw, No. 2200

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, composting, farm retail/farm gate sales, greenhouses, irrigation and drainage, livestock, mobile/street food vending, pollinators, residential development, urban chickens, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Squamish-Lillooet | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2017

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

composting;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 

 AGRICULTURE, URBAN  means the act of growing food on a lot. In addition to produce grown in a garden, this also includes community gardens, fruit and nut tree production, the keeping of hens and/or bees, and agricultural retail sales limited to 30 m2 in gross floor area and provided that at least 75% of goods for sale are produced on site. Urban agriculture is an accessory use on parcels that are zoned residential. (Bylaw 2303, 2013) 1.3  
urban agriculture; zoning;

The following uses shall be permitted in any zone:...

...(o) urban agriculture;

 4.2 (o)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens/orchard;

composting;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

irrigation and drainage;

URBAN AGRICULTURE (Bylaw 2303, 2013)


(a) The following regulations apply to community gardens
(i) Community garden use shall be authorized in accordance with all relevant District policies and bylaws.
(ii) Community gardens must be serviced by and connected to the municipal water system on the same lot as where the community garden is located.
(iii) Notwithstanding 4.4 (e), accessory buildings and structures for community garden use, including but not limited to storage for materials and tools, a composting facility or greenhouse, are permitted. The siting and size of accessory buildings and structures shall be in accordance with Section 4.4 of this bylaw.
(iv) Raised garden beds shall be set back a minimum of 1.52 metres from all lot lines.
(v) Community garden compost shall only be used for the purpose of composting on-site organics. The compost shall be located in a low foot traffic use location, to ensure limited potential conflict between wildlife and people. Composting and storage shall be in accordance with Section 4.5 of this bylaw.
(vi) Where a lot is developed for a community garden use and where such a lot abuts a residential use, a fence or landscape screening is required as per section 4.6 (Fencing) and 4.7 (Screening) of the Zoning Bylaw.

 4.33 (a)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban chickens;

livestock;

 (b) The following regulations apply to coops for the keeping of hens. Coops must be:
(i) No more than 10 m² in floor area;
(ii) No more than 2 m high; 48
(iii) Situated in accordance with the accessory building setbacks identified in Section 4.4;
(iv) No closer than 3 m from any door or window of any dwelling;
(v) Situated in a rear yard only;
(vi) Located at grade level;
(vii) Constructed to prevent access by wildlife and other animals; and
(viii) Surrounded with electric fence, per Fencing Section 4.6.
(c) The following regulations apply to beekeeping. Beehives must be:
(i) Restricted to:
a) No more than 2 beehives on all lots under 929 square metres in size;
b) No more than 4 beehives on all lots over 929 square metres in size and under 1394 square metres in size;		 4.33(b)  
urban agriculture;

zoning;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

 c) No more than 6 beehives on all lots over 1394 square metres in size;
(ii) Situated in accordance with the accessory building setbacks identified in
Section 4.4;
(iii) Situated so as to ensure the flight path of the bees is up over the neighbouring houses in order to minimize the volume of bees at ground
level;
(iv) Positioned so that the beehive entrance faces away from the closest
neighbouring property line;
(v) Located in the rear yard;
(vi) Surrounded with electric fence, per Fencing Section 4.6; and
(vii) Have clear, visible signage on the lot warning that bees are present.		 4.33 (c )  
food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

mobile /street food vending;

PORTABLE FOOD VENDING - CONDITIONS OF USE


Portable Food Vending is permitted to operate:
(a) In any zone that permits a Retail Store, general Retail Sales or Restaurant use; or on other lands for a Special Event with District approval;
(b) Other than on a highway, sidewalk or boulevard providing pedestrian or motor vehicle access;
(c) On parkland or public property with District approval;

 4.34  

urban agriculture;

development and     productive use of agricultural land;

 zoning;

AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS


Despite any provision of this Bylaw, where Agriculture is permitted as a principal use, there will be no limit on the number of buildings used for agricultural purposes.

 4.36  
  zoning; (h) Notwithstanding any Section of this Bylaw, where agriculture is permitted as a
principal use, there will be no limit on the number or gross floor area of accessory buildings used solely for agricultural purposes. Lot coverage provisions continue to apply to this section. (Bylaw 2434, 2016)		 4.4 (h)  
urban agriculture;

zoning;

greenhouses;

 (i) Notwithstanding any Section of this Bylaw, greenhouses shall be exempt from
maximum number of buildings, area and gross floor area restrictions and will be
permitted to exceed the maximum lot coverage provisions by an additional 20% of the total lot area. (Bylaw 2434, 2016)		 4.4 (i)  
food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

residential development;

ACCESSORY RETAIL


Accessory retail shall be limited to the selling of agricultural produce and products grown on the lot or another lot operated as part of the same operation not to exceed an area of 92.9 sq. m. 

 15.10 and 16.12  

District of North Saanich Animal Control Bylaw No. 751

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, livestock, pollinators, urban chickens

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2014

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

 livestock;

FARM ANIMALS

5.1 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal except an equine on any parcel of land zoned Residential, unless said parcel is at least 4000 square metres in area. Where a parcel has an area of more than 4000 square metres, but less than 8000 square metres, one farm animal may be kept. Where a parcel exceeds 8000 square metres, two farm animals may be kept.

5.2 No person shall keep or harbour an equine on any parcel of land zoned Residential, unless said parcel is at least 3400 square metres in area. Where a parcel has an area of at least 3400 square metres, but less than 6000 square metres, two animals of the equine family may be kept. Where a parcel exceeds 6000 square metres, four animals of the equine family may be kept. BL 1291

5.3 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal on land situated in the following zones:...

See document for additional regulations related to farm animals.

 section 5

food production;

urban agriculture;

livestock;

urban chickens;

POULTRY

9.1 No person shall keep more than the number of head of poultry specified in the following table in a Residential Zone:

1,115 m2 (12,000 sq. ft.) to 4,047 m2 (one acre) 10 head
over 0.4 ha (one acre) up to 8,094 m2 (two acres) 20 head
over 8,094 m2 (two acres) 30 head

 

See document for additional regulations regarding the keeping of poultry.

 

 section 9

food production;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livesotck;

BEES

13.1 No person shall place any hive or other device for the housing of bees on any parcel of land unless the said hive or device is located at least 20 feet from any property line, except where such hive or device for the housing of bees is used in conjunction with the operation of a greenhouse.

 section 13

 

City of Revelstoke Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1758

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

food production;

livestock;

urban chickens;

HENS

A. No person shall own, keep or possess any poultry, except for hens in areas designated for that use in the City’s Zoning Bylaw, as amended from time to time. Hens are permitted in conjunction with a single family dwelling.

B. An Owner who engages in hen-keeping must:

(i) be the registered owner of, and reside at, the property where the hens are kept or obtain written permission from the property owner;

(ii) keep no more than five hens on the property;

(iii) possess a valid hen-keeping license with the Municipality by completing and submitting a registration form and an application form issued by the Municipality

(iv) supply a Hen Enclosure at least 0.9 square metres (9.69 square feet) per hen with any combination of vegetated and bare earth located in a fenced rear yard and/or side yard of the property;

(v) not attach the Hen Enclosure to the Owner’s dwelling;

(vi) not situate the Hen Enclosure within 5 metres (16.4 feet) of a neighbouring dwelling’s window or doors;

(vii) ensure the Hen Enclosure is covered entirely on all sides and the top;

(viii) provide at least one Coop at 0.5 square metre (5.38 square feet) per hen of floor area and no more than 2 metres (6.56 feet) in height, within or connected to the Hen Enclosure. The Coop must contain one perch and one nest box for each hen;

(ix) ensure that the maximum size of the Coop and Hen Enclosure combined is 7.5 square metres (80.73 square feet) in area.

(x) provide each hen with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, veterinary care, and opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching, dust-bathing and roosting;

(xi) maintain each Hen Enclosure in good repair and keep the enclosure in sanitary condition, free from vermin and obnoxious smells and substances;

(xii) take steps to reduce wildlife attractants by ensuring feed is enclosed in an airtight container outside of the Hen Enclosure. Store such containers in a location not accessible by wildlife or other animals;

(xiii) eggs are only for personal consumption and not for resale; (xiv) not slaughter a hen on the property or release into the wild; and (xv) not bury a hen on the property.

C. Roosters shall not be kept within the Municipal boundary.

 section 6A - 6C

 

City of Revelstoke Sustainability Action Plan

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, edible landscaping, greenhouses, livestock, pollinators, urban chickens, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Other | Year: 2013

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Sub-Topic Language Rating

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;


edible landscaping;


urban chickens;


beekeeping/apiculture;


pollinators;


greenhouses;


livestock;

 Explore and support options to expand local gardening and agriculture activities such as backyard chickens and bees; school gardens/greenhouses/expand’ Field to Table’ program; community gardens on City lands, edible landscaping on City lands, greenhouse attached to district energy system, etc.  3.2.1 (1)  

 

City of Campbell River Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3475, 2012

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Food Self Reliance, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): amenity density zoning/contributions, food processing, food distribution, food storage, zoning, water rate for agriculture, composting, urban chickens, beekeeping/apiculture, pollinators, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, protection of farming development permit area, buffer at agricultural edge, ALR, community food system education, local procurement, local food culture, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, livestock, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard, residential development

Region: Strathcona | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

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Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; The Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) is recognized as a vital mechanism for preserving the agricultural land base and protecting opportunities for food security. 4.26.1  
  ALR; It is recognized that the ALR boundary may require refining in specific locations in the community based on site specific information pertaining to agricultural capability or suitability demonstrating that specific lands are precluded from soil bound or non soil bound forms of agriculture. In this context, ALR applications will be considered on a case by case basis. 4.26.2 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

 Applications to exclude lands from the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) will be discouraged, except in circumstances where land has demonstrated limited agricultural capability or suitability and where exclusion would be consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the Campbell River Agricultural Plan. 4.26.3 *
 

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Requests to exclude lands from or subdivide lands within the ALR will require an assessment by of a Professional Agrologist to confirm the limited agricultural capability or suitability of the lands, the impact of the proposal on agriculture or potential agriculture in the area and should be identified for the long term development needs of the City. 4.26.4 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 The City will work closely with the Agricultural Land Commission to plan proactively for agricuture and manage"edge" conditions. 4.26.5  
food self reliance;   Campbell River will have capacity to be at least 10% self-sufficient in food. chapter 12 desired outcome 2020  
food self reliance;   Campbell River will have capacity to be 50% self-sufficient in food. This entails having the capacity for a largely self-reliant agriculture and food system, with the majority of food consumed locally being produced, raised and/or produced on Vancouver Island. chapter 12 desired outcome 2060  
food processing, storage & distribution; food sales access, and procurement;

zoning

farmers' markets;

food processing;

food storage;

food distribution;

 Initiatives that help build local food infrastructure capacity will be promoted and supported. This may include an abattoir, apermanent Farmers' market, and other food processing, storage, packaging, and distribution facilities. This can include strategic provisions in the Zoning Bylaw. 12.1.2 *

food production;

urban agriulture;

urban chickens;

beekeeping/apiculture

pollinators;

livestock;

 The keeping of poultry and bees in the City is generally supported. Reviewing and amending zoning regulations may be undertaken to support keeping of poultry and bees. 12.2.3  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Community orchards, community and demonstration gardens, and outdoor kitchens will be planted where feasible and appropriate in the public realm including parks, rights-of-way, boulevards, and vacant lots. 12.2.4 *
urban agriculture;   Food and agricultural spaces will be designed to provide optimal accessibility. 12.2.5 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Residential gardens and other urban agriculture opportunities in the private realm will be supported through education and awareness raising campaigns and events. 12.2.6 *
water management; water rate for agriculture; Irrigation water can be a key component of agricultural operations and establishing specific rates for agriculture water use in areas where the water system has capacity without impacting demand may be considered. 12.2.29  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Collaborate with the development industry to identify opportunities to provide food production opportunities in new multi-family developments. This can include developing a Food and Agriculture Checklist or guidelines that establish a framework that facilitates functional and accessible growing space. 12.3.1 *
urban agriculture;   Development on the urban edge should consider integration of urban and agricultural uses and activities through siting, programming, governance structure, and design. 12.3.2  
urban agriculture; amenity density zoning/contributions; The City will consider establishing density bonus criteria for projects that provide significant food and agriculture production area with the development. 12.3.3  
education; community food system education; Both community education and promotion programs will be supported to raise awareness about various scale and forms of agriculture, backyard composting, extending the growing season, container gardening, where to find local foods, and more. Schools, senior'S centres and other community organizations will be targeted. 12.4.1 *
  local food culture; The City will assess opportunities to host at least one food celebration event per year. 12.4.2  
  local procurement; Promote demand for and sale of agricultural products within the community such as City food and plant procurement. 12.4.5 *
  partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Promote opportunities for education in cooperation with agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, BC Institute of Agrologists or post secondary institutions. 12.4.6 *
  ALR; Strategically manage the land base to create opportunities for the establishment of agricultural nodes focused on lands and locations within the City having the highest agricultural capability and suitability. 12.4.7 *
  zoning;ALR; Consider the impacts on existing or potential agriculture in governance and land use decisions. 12.4.9  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; protection of farming development permit area; Establish development permit guidelines for agricultural interface lands.  12.4.12 *
waste management; composting; Participation in recycling and composting collection or drop-off service is required for all major ICI developments. 15.2.5 *
waste management; composting;  Three-stream waste separation (recyclables, organics/ compostables, and residual garbage) shall be provided in new ICI developments and multi-family buildings. 15.2.7 *
waste management; composting; The City will work with the Regional District to establish long-term and local disposal capacity, a regional compost facility that is capable of accepting food waste, and enhanced services for hazardous material disposal. 15.3.8  

 

District of West Vancouver Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

livestock 

Chickens

10.4.1 No person may:

(a) keep a rooster of any age;

(b) keep a chicken that is less than 4 months old;

(c) keep more than 6 chickens on any one lot, as defined by the Zoning Bylaw, despite the number of dwelling units permissible on that lot;

10.4.2 A person who keeps one or more chickens must:

(a) register the chickens with the District by filling out all fields of the chicken registration form and submitting it to the District;

(b) construct and maintain a chicken enclosure, including a chicken coop and a chicken run;

(c) provide and maintain a floor of any combination of vegetated or bare earth in each chicken enclosure;

(d) provide and maintain in the chicken coop at least one perch, for each chicken, that is at least 15 cm long, and at least one nest box per chicken coop;

(e) construct and maintain each chicken enclosure to prevent any rodent from harbouring underneath or within it or within its walls, and to prevent entrance by any other animal;

(f) secure all food containers indoors or in a manner to prevent access by vermin, wildlife and other animals;

(g) remove leftover feed, trash, and manure in a timely manner so as to prevent obnoxious odours, attraction of pests and wildlife, or conditions that could interfere with the health and well being of a chicken;

(h) follow bio-security procedures recommended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency;

(i) keep chickens for personal use only, and not sell, trade or barter eggs, manure, meat, or other products derived from the chickens;

(j) not slaughter, or attempt to euthanize, a chicken on the property;

(k) not bury a chicken on the property;

(l) not dispose of a chicken except by delivering it to the pound keeper, or to a farm, abattoir, veterinarian, or other facility that has the ability to dispose of chickens lawfully;

(m) not keep a chicken in a cage other than a chicken enclosure unless for the purpose of transport;

(n) ensure that all chickens are kept within a secure and locked coop from dusk until dawn or from 9:00 p.m. where dusk falls later than 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. where dawn occurs earlier than 7:00 a.m.;

(o) ensure that each chicken remains at all other times in the chicken enclosure;

(p) not deposit manure in the municipal sewage or storm drain system.

 10.4

 

District of Saanich Animals Bylaw No. 8556

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, beekeeping/apiculture, pollinators, livestock

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2004

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food production;

urban chickens;

livestock;

POULTRY

38.1 No person shall keep any poultry on any parcel of land having an area less than 1,114.8 square metres (12,000 sq. ft.).

38.2 No person shall keep or harbour any poultry on any parcel of land larger than 1,114.8 square metres (12,000 sq. ft.) in greater numbers than specified below:

Parcel Area Maximum No. of Poultry Permitted

a) 1,114.8 m2 - 1,858 m2

(12,000 - 20,000 sq. ft.)

 10

b) over 1,858 m2 - 0.4 ha

(20,000 - 43,056 sq. ft.)

 30

c) over 0.4 ha

(43,056 sq. ft.)

 no limit

 38.3 Notwithstanding s.38.1, a maximum of five hens are permitted on any parcel in a single family residential zone or rural zone having an area less than 1,114.8 m2 (12,000 sq. ft.) provided:...

See documents for additional regulations for the keeping of poultry. 

 section 38-41

food production;

urban agriculture;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

BEES

48.1 No person shall keep or harbour any bees on any parcel of land unless:

a) the parcel is located within any A Zone.

b) the parcel is located within any RS Zone and has an area greater than 465 m2 (5,005 sq. ft.).

Limitation

48.2 No person shall keep more than four hives on any parcel of land in any RS Zone.

Placement of Hives

49. Except where any hive or other device for the housing of bees is contained within a greenhouse, no person shall place any hive or any other device for the housing of bees on any parcel of land within 6.05 metres (20 feet) of any property line.

 section 48-49

 

City of Victoria Official Community Plan

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, climate change and greenhouse gases, commercial development, community food system education, composting, edible landscaping, emergency preparedness, farmers' markets, farmland trust, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, greenhouses, grocery stores, home occupation/home based businesses, livestock, local food culture, mobile/street food vending, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, pilot project, pollinators, research and data collection, residential development, stormwater management, urban chickens, urban farm, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

urban agriculture;

food production;

zoning;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Parks, schools, public facilities and utilities, public assembly, community services, pathways, open space, urban food production,institutional, and recreational uses are permitted in all designations as determined in accordance with zoning. 6.4; *

urban agriculture;

water management;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

stormwater management;

pilot project;

[Implement the City’s Greenways Plan as shown in Map 6, seeking opportunities to enhance recreational opportunities, identity, green features and the pedestrian and cycling experience by]...

...Piloting green infrastructure and urban food production in greenways

 9.7.3 *

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

food access, sales and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

economic development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food processing;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

local food culture;

Participate in coordinated community and regional efforts to develop a more sustainable food system that considers all stages of the food system as shown in Figure 18, and that:

17.1.1 Contributes to the economic development, environmental management, and social well-being of Victoria and the region;

17.1.2 Encourages local and regional food production and processing, and protection of productive farmland;

17.1.3 Recognizes access to safe, sufficient, culturally appropriate and nutritious food as a basic need for all citizens;

and,17.1.4 Celebrates local food culture, cuisine, and indigenous and local food traditions.

 17.1; *
policy partnerships, advocacy and development   Assess neighbourhood food system features and needs as part of local area planning. 17.3;  

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

Review and develop City policy to increase the number of allotment gardens, commons gardens, edible landscapes, food-bearing trees and other types of food production activities that considers other uses and identifies:

17.4.1 The land types and potential City-held sites where different food production activities might be supported;

17.4.2 The roles and responsibilities of participants; 

17.4.3 Mechanisms to encourage and support food production sites on City-held lands, other publicly-held lands, and on private lands;

and 17.4.4 Mechanisms to acquire land for food production purposes, where appropriate.

 17.4; *

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Encourage food production activities in visible and suitable public places to foster a connection between people and the process of growing, harvesting and eating fresh produce.  17.5; *

urban agriculture;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Include urban food production objectives in the development of management strategies to address pests, disease, invasive species, urban wildlife and other ecological issues on public and private lands. 17.6; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Support the establishment of at least one allotment garden per neighbourhood, co-located with community facilities or services where possible, and more in neighbourhoods that feature a high proportion of rental or attached housing, where feasible. 17.7; *
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

pilot project;

 Work with community groups to develop pilot projects for the planting, maintenance and harvesting of food-bearing trees on suitable City-held lands. 17.8; *

food production;

urban agriculture;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Consider new and innovative approaches to urban food production that increase food security, in partnership with citizens, community groups and other stakeholders. 17.9;  

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Support food production on private land where it is safe, suitable and compatible with the Urban Place Guidelines in this plan. 17.10;  

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Encourage the provision of gardens and other food production spaces for the use of residents in new multi-unit housing. 17.11; *
food production;

urban chickens;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

Support the keeping of small livestock in the city by:

17.13.1 Maintaining regulatory support for the keeping of poultry and honeybees;

and,17.13.2 Reviewing regulations to consider the keeping of other small livestock for food production, appropriate to an urban environment, in collaboration with senior levels of government and the health authority.

 17.13; *
urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban farm;

urban farm;home occupations/ home-based business;

commercial development;

institutional development;

residential development;

greenhouses;

Explore expanded small-scale commercial urban agriculture through a review of policy and regulations to consider the opportunities for, and implications of:

17.14.1 Enabling infrastructure and human resources needed to support small-scale commercial urban agriculture as a home occupation;

17.14.2 Using residential accessory buildings for commercial agricultural purposes; and, 17.14.3 Allowing commercial urban agriculture uses, including greenhouses, in commercial and industrial zones.

 17.14; *
food sales, access and procurement; grocery stores; Support the achievement of residential densities sufficient to support food stores and other food retail uses such as bakeries, restaurants and pubs, in town centres and large urban villages. 17.15;  
food sales, access and procurement; mobile/street food vending Explore expanded street food vending opportunities to animate the public realm and showcase local cuisine, through the review of existing regulations and the development of a program in partnership with local businesses and the health authority. 17.16; *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets;  Encourage the development of farmers markets in Town Centres and Urban Villages, and a viable year-round farmers market in the Downtown Core Area, to animate the public and private realm and support local growers and food processors. 17.17;  

waste management;

urban agriculture;

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

pilot project;

food processing;

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

 Pilot new uses in appropriate locations that enhance urban food production, processing and food waste recycling. 17.18; *
food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

farmland trust;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Work with neighbouring municipalities, the Capital Regional District, the provincial government and other food system stakeholders to increase the regional food supply by:

17.19.1 Establishing policies, tools and initiatives to protect and expand working farmland, such as a regional farmland trust; and,

17.19.2 Implementing strategies to support and re-establish key food system infrastructure such as meat, fruit and vegetable processing facilities. 

 17.19; *

nutrition and public health;

food sales, access and procurement;

 community food system education; Support the efforts of community centres, community organizations, the health authority, the school district, senior government and the private sector to establish programs and resources that build knowledge and skills to help people move towards healthier, and more secure and dignified access to nutritious food. 17.21; *
food sales, access and procurement;

emergency preparedness;

research and data collection;

 Identify short and long-term food supply and infrastructure needs as part of a critical infrastructure assessment in City emergency preparedness planning.  17.22; *
policy planning, partnerships, advocacy and development;

emergency preparedness;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Work with regional partners to enhance the capacity of the regional food system to adapt to climate change impacts, including water shortages, extreme weather events and fluctuations in global food and energy prices. 17.23; *
waste management; food recovery/gleaning/donation; Support the efforts of community organizations and the private sector to establish initiatives that divert recoverable food from the pre-waste stream for redistribution to local food security organizations. 17.25; *
waste management;

composting;

commercial development;

residential development;

Encourage the Capital Regional District to undertake a regionally coordinated approach to the recycling of food waste that retains biological nutrients regionally by:

17.26.1 Promoting household composting systems;

17.26.2 Establishing a household organic waste collection program with opportunities for finished compost to be made available for farmers and other food producers within the region;

and,17.26.3 Developing strategies to encourage organic waste diversion from multi-unit housing and commercial properties.

 17.26; *

City of Victoria Zoning Regulation Bylaw No. 80-159, Schedule L: Small-Scale Commercial Urban Food Production

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, farm retail/farm gate sales, pollinators, urban chickens, urban farm, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2016

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A zoning bylaw amendment to regulate small-scale commercial urban food production.

 

Supplementary Information

 

Food System Coordinator Interview with the City of Victoria Re: Small-Scale Commercial Urban Food Production

Small-scale commercial urban food production has been included as a permitted land use in the most recent revision of Victoria’s Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

Policy Development, Public Consultation, and Policy Adoption

The City of Victoria’s OCP (Chapter 17: Food Systems) and the City of Victoria’s 2015-2018 Strategic Plan spurred the development of policies and programs to increase urban food production. Goal 8 of the Strategic Plan (“Enhance and Steward Public Spaces, Green Spaces and Food Systems”) called for a city-wide consultation to identify tangible projects and bylaw changes that could enhance the urban food system. This gave City staff the mandate to hold a community consultation process called “Growing in the City” in 2015-2016.

 The year-long consultation culminated in the presentation of two reports to Council. The first focused on community food production on public lands, such as community/boulevard gardens, edible landscaping etc. The second, which discussed commercial urban food production suggested several bylaw revisions to accommodate small-scale commercial urban food production.

Overall, to better support small-scale commercial urban food production as part of the "Growing in the City" project, the Zoning Regulation Bylaw, Business Licence Bylaw, Sign Bylaw, Pesticide Use Reduction Bylaw, Streets and Traffic Bylaw, and Official Community Plan, were amended to:

  • Define small-scale commercial urban food production (includes the production of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fibre, seeds, nuts, seedlings, herbs, eggs and honey);
  • Allow small-scale commercial urban food production in all zones;
  • Restrict loadings of delivery trucks;
  • Allow off-site retail sales;
  • Allow on-site retail sales through food stands;
  • Limit odours, noise and light pollution;
  • Exempt rooftop greenhouses from height calculations and floor space ratio calculations;
  • Exempt small-scale commercial urban food production from requiring a development permit for landscaping;
  • Allow permanent farmers market signage;
  • Allow boulevard gardening;
  • Prohibit pesticide uses which constitute noxious or offensive business practices within the context of small-scale commercial urban food production;

As part of these changes, small-scale urban agriculture was established as its own category of permitted use, and urban agriculture was removed from the definition of home occupation. This further enabled urban food production since many of the restrictions associated with home occupation uses do not reflect the business model for urban farming. Additionally, this modification permits the pursuit of both a home occupation and a small-scale urban food production.

Overall, the bylaw changes for small-scale commercial urban food production received wide support from the community. The extensive consultation process afforded opportunities to integrate feedback and concerns as well as revise proposed changes.

Examples of issues\concerns identified through the community consultation and policy adoption process include;

- Pesticide use and compatibility of residential and urban agriculture uses (traffic, odour, parking, aesthetics etc.)

- Long-term integrity of structures such as greenhouses

- Regulatory barriers for community members  wishing to participate

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Collaboration among departments was an essential element of the development, implementation and roll-out processes. The Sustainable Planning and Community Development Department, and the Parks Recreation and Facilities Department worked closely in order to capture both the potential of City lands to contribute to community food production and the potential of private lands to be used for commercial urban food production. Throughout the implementation and roll out of the policy changes, close and ongoing communication was also maintained between many departments, including Parks, Planning, Legal Services, Engagement, Business Licensing, and Bylaw Services.

Policy Implementation

The City of Victoria is in the process of communicating and implementing the new bylaw changes. Doing so requires both internal and public communication strategies.

Given that the bylaw changes impact city operations across departments, substantial effort is being made to ensure that the appropriate information and resources are provided to all implicated departments so that all City staff are aware of the new procedures. This includes preparing “cheat-sheets” to summarize changes, discussing roadside stand regulations with bylaw enforcement officers, working closely with the business licensing department who will receive urban food production business applications, and training staff in the ‘Business Hub’ - Victoria’s first point of contact for business-related enquiries. 

Implementing the new policies requires thoughtful training efforts and dedicated staff time to communicate important nuances. For example, the sale of sprouts, which are considered a high risk food by Island Health, is not permitted under small-scale commercial urban food production, while the sale of shoots is permitted. Therefore City staff must distinguish between these two similar raw, unprocessed food items with different regulatory constraints.

Public resources to aid in policy interpretation have been made available on the City of Victoria’s website at http://www.victoria.ca/foodproduction, as well as distributed at community events. These materials include a handbook summarizing the bylaw changes and providing tips and considerations for the design and implementation of small-scale urban food production, as well as other community resources (e.g. urban agriculture organizations that can provide additional information.) A single page “Urban Food” fact sheet that summarizes the handbook is also available as an initial communication tool to direct those interested to additional resources. A Building and Operating a Food Stand fact sheet provides information specific to food stands.

Policy Outcomes and Recommendations

The City of Victoria is in the process of monitoring business licenses, applications and uptake in order to assess the outcomes of bylaw changes.

 

 

References

‘Growing in the City' - Part 1: Urban Food Production on City-owned lands, 2016. Presented to City of Victoria, of the Whole Feb 25th, 2016. Retrieved from  http://victoria.ca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=690

‘Growing in the City’ - Part 2: Regulatory Amendments to Support Small-Scale Commercial Urban Farming, 2016. Presented to City of Victoria Committee of the Whole, Feb 25th, 2016. Retrieved from http://victoria.ca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=690

City of Victoria, Growing in the City PHASE TWO: COMMUNITY FEEDBACK REPORT, October 2015 – January 2016. Retrieved from https://victoria.civicweb.net/FileStorage/64F2A909F0314676A7FCA65AB93B261C-3_Appendix%20B_Phase%202%20Engagement%20Summary%20Report.pdf, January 2017.

City of Victoria, Parks, Recreation and Facilities, personal communication, November 2016.

 

 

Town of Smithers Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1780

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): livestock, urban chickens

Region: Bulkeley-Nechako | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: n.d.

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

livestock;

FARM ANIMALS

Poultry, Pigeons or Doves - No poultry, pigeons, or doves shall be kept in any part of a dwelling house or in any store or other place of business, except in a business licensed through the Town of Smithers to sell or keep such fowl.

Permitted Areas for Hens

ln residential zones R-l, R-2, R-6 and P-1 in auxiliary to a Community Garden (as well as existing permitted zoned R-7 and A-1 and the Fall Fair Grounds) the keeping of hens will be permitted for personal use, provided that no neighbourhood health, environmental or nuisance problems result.

Keeping of Hens

The keeping of hens for domestic purpose is permitted as an auxiliary use to a detached, singte-family dwelling on any lot with an area greater than 550mt ¡5,920 f() in R-1, R-2, R-6 and P-1 Zones, subject to the following conditions:

a) The owner of the propefty resides on the property where the hens are kept, or obtains written permission from the property owner;

b) Roosters are prohibited;

c) The keeping of hens is limited to a maximum of: i. six (6) hens as an auxiliary use for a detached, single-family dwelling; ii. twelve (12) hens on a P-1 property in conjunction with a Community Garden; iii. twelve (12) poultry for each 0.4 ha of parcel area in zones A-1 or R-7.

d) Hens must be kept in a run that is: i. fenced on all sides and entirely covered from above in a manner that will keep predators and vermin from entering and hems from escaping; ii. of sufficient size to provide at least 1.0 m' (10.76 f() of roofed outdoor enclosure per hen; and iii. sited at least 3.0 m (9.84 ft) from the principal building and 1.5 m from the side or rear property line, while being located to the side or rear of the principal building.

e) At least one (1) coop must be provided in such a way that it: i. is kept clean and be monitored daily for suitable cleanliness; ii. is sited at least 3.0 m (9.84 ft) from the principal building and 1.5 m from the side or rear property line, while being located to the side or rear of the principal building; iii. altows at least 0.5 mz (ffi f() of coop floor area per hen; and iv. includes af /easf one perch no shorter than fifteen (15) cm, per hen and one nest box, per 4 hens

 f) All hens must be provided sufficient food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, veterinary care; and opportunities for essential behaviors such as scratching, dust-bathing, and roosting; to maintain good health; 6-4. TOWN OF SMITHERS BYLAW NO. 1780 Page 10

g) That feed be stored in such a manner as to not provide an attractant to bears, other wildlife, or vermin;

h) Manure must be stored within a fully enclosed structure, with no more than O.O8*t P fÛ of manure stored at one time;

i) All manure not used for composting or fertilizing must be removed from the property;

j) Biosecurity procedures musf be followed as recommended by the Canadian Food lnspection Agency;

k) Hens are permitted for personal use only, and selling eggs, manure, meat, or other products derived from hens is prohibited;

l) Slaughtering or euthanizing hens within Town limits is prohibited unless at a certified facility; and m) Backyard hen flocks must be registered for a fee of $15 with the Town of Smithers by completing Schedule 'C' of this Bylaw.

 6.1-6.3
food production; livestock;

KEEPING OF FARM ANIMALS

No person shall cause or permit any cattle or farm animals to be kept or harboured within the Town, whether on private property or not, unless as allowed in the R-7 Rural Residential Hobby Farm, A-1 Agricultural Zone, or as allowed on the Fall Fair Grounds.

 6.4

 

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