Village of Cumberland Zoning Bylaw No. 1027, 2016

Topic(s): Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management

Sub-topic(s): zoning, composting, urban chickens, beekeeping/apiculture, signage in agricultural areas, urban farm, pollinators, farm retail/farm gate sales, livestock, nuisance complaints

Region: Comox Valley | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

urban farm;

nuisance complaints;

Urban Agriculture

a) Urban agriculture shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or parking, in excess of that which is characteristic of the Zone in which it is.

b) Urban agriculture activity shall not generate odour, waste, noise, smoke, glare, fire hazard, visual impact, or any other hazard or nuisance, in excess of that which is characteristic of the Zone in which it is located under normal circumstances wherein no urban agriculture exists.

 4.13 (a) (b)
       

waste management;

urban agriculture;

 composting; c) Compost bins and composting shall: i) be located at least 3.0metres (9.8feet) from any lot line; however, this setback may be reduced to 0.0metres (0.0feet) when opaque screening is in place or a solid bin is in use; and ii) only consist of plant, plant based material, or animal manure and shall not utilize any mechanized processes. 4.13 (c)

urban agriculture;

food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales;

urban farm;

 d) A roadside stand shall: i) be the only form of commercial sales for an urban agriculture use; ii) have a GFA of not more than 5.0square metres (53.8square feet); iii) only allow sales between 7am and 9pm; iv) be entirely located on the lot on which the produce is grown; and v) be located on the property and must not impede sightlines to and from a public road, driveway or laneway. 4.13 (d)

urban agriculture;

food production;

beekeeping/apiculture;

polinators;

livestock;

e) Beekeeping (beekeeping for domestic purposes) is permitted on all lots allowing urban agriculture provided that:

i) lots have a minimum lot width of 15.0metres (49.2feet);

ii) lots have a minimum lot area is 550.0square metres (1,804.4sqaure feet); Zoning Bylaw No. 1027, 2016 Page 43 As Adopted September 6, 2016 Part 4 – Additional Zoning Regulations for Certain Uses or Circumstances

iii) a solid fence or dense hedge, known as a “flyway barrier,” at least 1.8metres (6.0feet) in height, shall be placed along the side of the hive that contains the entrance to the hive, and shall be located within 1.5metres (5.0feet) of the hive and shall extend at least 0.6metres (2.0feet) on either side of the hive. No such flyway barrier shall be required if all beehives are located at least 7.6metres (25.0feet) from all property lines and for hives that are located on porches or balconies at least 3.0metres (10.0feet) abovegrade, except if such porch or balcony is located less than 1.5metres (5.0feet) from a property line;

iv) hives shall be at least 6.0metres (19.6feet) from any neighbouring house, sidewalks, streets and public areas (e.g., parks);

v) honey bees shall be housed in hives;

vi) hives shall be registered with the Provincial authority, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) [for additional information contact the Provincial Apiculturist Apiary Inspector];

vii) only two hives with colonies shall be permitted on each lot;

viii) hives shall be securely located to prevent accidental disturbance or trespass by people and pets, and to prevent damage from wildlife;

ix) hives shall be equipped with adequate ventilation and near a water source; x) honey production is for personal consumption only; and

xi) beekeeping is not permitted in multi-family residential areas, including strata developments, or commercial and industrial areas.

 4.13 (e)

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban chickens;

livestock;

f) The keeping of hens is permitted on all lots allowing urban agriculture use, provided that:

i) a coop and run shall be located at least 1.5metres (4.9feet) from all property lines unless there is a solid barrier such as a wall or fence;

ii) coops and runs shall not be located within a 4.5metre (14.8feet) buffer of habitable structures on adjacent property(ies);

iii) runs shall not exceed 4.5metres (14.8feet) in height;

iv) hens shall only be located in the rear yard;

v) the maximum number of hens shall be six (6) per lot;

vi) roosters are not permitted;

vii) sales of eggs, manure and other products associated with the keeping of hens are prohibited;

viii) coops and runs shall be maintained in a clean condition and the coop shall be kept free of obnoxious odours, substances and vermin;

ix) stored manure shall be kept in an enclosed structure such as a compost bin and no more than 3.0cubic metres (105.9cubic feet) shall be stored at any one time;

x) manure shall be disposed of in accordance with municipal bylaws; hen waste must be solid and bagged; and

xi) home slaughter of hens is prohibited and any deceased hens shall be disposed of at a livestock disposal facility or through the services of a veterinarian.

   4.13 (f)

food production;

urban agriculture;

 livestock; g) The keeping and raising of livestock shall only be permitted on lots greater than 0.4hectares (1.0acre). 4.13 (g)

urban agriculture;

food sales, access and procurement;

urban farm;

farm retail/gate sales;

Market Gardens

a) In zones permitting market gardens, the following is permitted:

i) only food and value-added products made from produce grown on site may be sold;

ii) selling requires a Business License from the Village;

iii) sales are only allowed between 7am and 9pm; iv) sales are allowed up to six months between April 1 and September 30 in each calendar year; and v) only one sign is permitted per lot (see Part 5.0 Signage).

 4.14 (a)

urban agriculture;

urban- agriculture conflict and edge planning;

nuisance complaints;

urban farm;

b) Market gardens must not:

i) generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or parking, in excess of that which is characteristic of the Zone in which it is located;

ii) generate odour, waste, noise, smoke, glare, and fire hazard, visual impact, or any other hazard or nuisance, in excess of that which is characteristic of the Zone in which it is located under normal circumstances wherein no urban agriculture exists;

iii) Include the growing and sale of mushrooms;

iv) include composting for producing mushroom growing media; and v) include medical marihuana facilities, marihuana dispensary, or any portion thereof, or be used for the growing of marihuana or other controlled substances.

 4.14 (b)

urban agriculture;

food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales

 c) On-site sales of fruits, vegetables and edible plants shall be permitted within roadside stands for products grown on site provided that the size of the roadside stand does not exceed a GFA of 5.0square metres (53.8square feet). 4.14 (c)
urban agriulture;

urban farm;

signs in agricultural areas;

...b) Signs pertaining to the commercial components on a lot where a mixed use, residential multifamily, commercial, public assembly, industrial, agricultural, or retail development is permitted, provided that the signs permitted by this Part shall only be located on those portions of the lot and building that contain the commercial component. ....

 5.4 (b)

 

Supplementary Information

 

Municipal Planner Interview with the Village of Cumberland Re: Urban Agriculture and Market Garden Uses

The Village of Cumberland’s zoning bylaw, adopted in September 2016, includes provisions for urban agriculture and market garden land uses including the production and sale of select agricultural and horticultural products.

Permitted activities are described in the Urban Agriculture and Market Garden Toolkit as well as the Zoning Bylaw.

Policy Development and Community Consultation

Cumberland’s zoning bylaw was amended to include urban agriculture and market garden provisions after community members voiced interest in keeping backyard chickens as well as growing and selling agricultural products on properties in the Village.

A number of communities with existing urban agriculture and backyard chicken bylaws were consulted during the development of the bylaw amendments, including the City of Vancouver, the City of Victoria and the City of Campbell River.  Given capacity and resource constraints of the Village, the provisions of practical information and educational resources regarding agricultural practices was prioritized over regulatory enforcement, such as coop registration and inspection.

Community members were consulted regarding bylaw amendments, including this one, in public meetings held during the zoning bylaw revision process. Urban agriculture and market garden provisions were strongly supported by the community. Provisions to include beekeeping among the permitted urban agriculture activities were added as a result of community input. 

Policy Adoption

Urban agriculture and market garden provisions were strongly supported by Council and the community during the adoption of Cumberland’s new zoning bylaw.

Policy Implementation and Outcomes

The new urban agriculture provisions will be communicated to the public in the form of informational brochures/handouts and potential public workshops.  Having adopted the new zoning bylaw in September 2016, the Village of Cumberland is looking forward to new food production enterprises and local food access opportunities.

 

References

Village of Cumberland, Planning and Development, personal communication, October 2016

Village of Cumberland, Urban Agriculture and Market Garden Toolkit, 2016 Retrieved from https://cumberland.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tool_kit_urban_ag_market_grdn_20160817.pdf, December 2016.

 

 

City of Vancouver Food Strategy

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, Nutrition and Public Health, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management

Sub-topic(s): local procurement, food distribution, edible landscaping, composting, urban chickens, mobile/street food vending, beekeeping/apiculture, urban farm, pilot project, pollinators, grocery stores, farm retail/farm gate sales, community kitchen, community food system education, commercial development, livestock, farmers' markets, residential development, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Food Strategy | Year: 2013

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

urban agriculture;

land access;

 urban gardens/orchard; Explore opportunities to improve security of tenure for community gardens and community orchards on city property.  1.1  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard;  Improve accessibility and clarity of application processes for creating or participating in community gardens and community orchards,  particularly for under-represented ethno-cultural communities.  1.2  

urban agriculture;

education;

urban gardens/orchard;

community food system education;

 Encourage community garden models which promote community  development opportunities with local schools, Neighbourhood Houses, and other local organizations as part of their education programming.  1.3 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchards; Enhance funding partnerships to support the creation, operation, improvement and capacity building opportunities for community gardens and community orchards. 1.5  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Work with the Association of Community Garden Coordinators to implement strategies that will reduce community garden waiting lists  and to improve access for ethno-cultural communities.  1.8  
urban agriculture;

urban farm;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

 Explore possibilities for urban farmers to sell produce directly from an urban farm (farm gate sales) with appropriate limitations and  mitigation strategies. 1.11  

urban agriculture;

food processing, storage and distribution;

food distribution;

urban farm;

farmers' markets;

 Enable alternative food retail and distribution models for urban farming produce such as community food markets, food distribution hubs and pre-approved Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) distribution sites in locations such as community centres, neighbourhood houses and schools.  1.12 *
 

edible landscaping;

commercial development;

institutional development;

residential development;

 Promote edible landscaping as an alternative to ornamental or flowering plants in residential, commercial, institutional and parks landscaping plans.  1.18  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

 Increase the planting of food-bearing trees when planting new trees in parks and on other civic lands, and encourage community stewardship of those trees. 1.19 *

food production;

education;

urban agriculture;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

community food system education;

livestock; 

 Support public education programs on pollinator bees, honeybees and beekeeping in response to community demand and interest. 1.22 *

food production;

education;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

community food system education;

livestock; 

 Support public education programs on backyard hens in response to community demand and interest. 1.25 *
food processing, storage and distribution; food distribution; Support businesses and social enterprises involved in processing and distribution of healthy, local and sustainable food within Vancouver and connect to local agricultural producers in the region. 2.4 *
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement; Explore opportunities to increase the percentage of local and sustainable food purchased by City and  school facilities as a way to support local farmers and producers.  2.6  
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement; Explore opportunities to increase the percentage of local and sustainable food purchased by Park facilities including community centres and concessions in parks and beaches.  2.7  
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement; Examine opportunities for aggregation of local and sustainable food purchasing among neighbourhood houses, smaller community centres  and childcare centres. 2.8  
food sales, access and procurement;

community kitchen;

residential development;

 Encourage installation of community kitchens or retrofit existing kitchens in new developments, social housing  sites or City facilities.  2.9 *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Explore opportunities to support farmers markets on Park Board sites with electricity and water where appropriate.  3.5  
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Establish community food markets as a permitted use and streamline application process.  3.9 *

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

 farmers' markets; Encourage integration of community food markets into Vancouver School Board programming as part of healthy food options for youth and families.  3.10 *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Incorporate community food markets into community centre programming. 3.11 *

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

mobile/street food vending; 

pilot project;

grocery stores;

 Test pilot programs that improve access to healthy food in neighbourhoods (e.g. healthy corner stores, pop-up grocery stores or mobile green grocers). 3.14 *
food sales, access and procurement; mobile/street food vending; Explore options to enable street food vending on private property.   3.16  
food sales, access and procurement;

local procurement;

mobile/street food vending;

 Encourage street food vendors to source local and sustainable ingredients in their menus, and require vendors to use reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.  3.18 *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 mobile/street food vending; Encourage street food vending as an economic development opportunity for low-income groups 3.19 *
waste management;   Develop strategies to reduce food packaging in City facilities. 4.2 *
waste management; composting; Ensure that food composting is available in City facilities, and that dishes and food packaging are reusable, recyclable or compostable.  4.3 *
waste management; composting; Support community composting model. 4.6  

 

Supplementary Information

 

Municipal Planner Interview with the City of Vancouver Re: City of Vancouver's Food Strategy

After over a decade of food policy and planning initiatives, the City of Vancouver developed a Food Strategy to establish a coordinated approach to food systems planning.

Policy Development

In 2003, Council approved a motion to develop a “just and sustainable food system for the City of Vancouver”. The motion spurred the formation of Vancouver’s Food Policy Council (a citizen advisory group on food policy issues) as well as the creation of two planning positions to focus on food systems. Subsequently, a number of food-related policy and programs took root between 2003 and 2013. Some of these include the development of urban chicken keeping and beekeeping guidelines, grants to support neighbourhood food networks, street food program expansion, a kitchen scrap collection program, Vancouver’s Food Charter, and the Greenest City Action Plan. The latter two policies, which called for a coordinated strategy to focus the City’s efforts surrounding food systems, ultimately paved the way for the creation of the Food Strategy.

Consultation

Both internal and public engagement were priorities during the development of the Food Strategy.

These included broad engagement efforts with the general public as well as targeted engagement with specific community groups such as urban farmers, community organizations, cultural groups and youth.

Internally, the planning department reached out to many city managerial divisions, including Real-Estate, Parks, Finance, Sustainability, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and others to increase bureaucratic capacity for the project and foster cross-departmental cooperation.

Policy Adoption

The magnitude and range of ideas that were proposed by the draft plan complicated the adoption process, necessitating numerous iterations and a strategic evaluation of the contents against the local government’s capacity and jurisdiction. Applying such a pragmatic approach to refining the document was deemed necessary for the Food Strategy to be useful and achievable.

Policy Implementation

Vancouver’s dedicated staff planning positions have been key to implementing the Food Strategy since its adoption in 2013. It was reported that an ongoing challenge in implementing the Strategy has been adapting and accounting for emerging topics in food systems planning. Examples of these emerging themes include school food programs, indigenous food systems and the relationship between food security and income security.

Policy Outcomes and Recommendations

The Food Strategy has resulted in the creation and implementation of a multitude of policies and projects that are helping Vancouver move toward a just and sustainable food system. Some of these outcomes include:

Given the descriptive nature of the Food Strategy goals, it was reported that monitoring impact is an ongoing challenge. The Food Strategy provides directives, but not measurable goals, and therefore presents a challenge in evaluating progress. While annual reviews are conducted, it was reported that further monitoring could be beneficial.

 

References

City of Vancouver, Department of Social Policy, personal communication, November 2016.

 

City of Vancouver Animal Control By-law No. 9150

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

Registration of hens

7.15 A person must not keep a hen unless that person first registers with the city:

(a) electronically by: (i) accessing the city's animal control computer website at http://vancouver.ca/animalcontrol, (ii) accessing the link from that website to the on-line registry at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/licandinsp/animalcontrol/chicken/inde x.htm, (iii) reading the information on keeping hens at the on-line registry site, (iv) completing the application at the on-line registry site including the following mandatory fields: (A) the date, (B) the person's name, address and postal code, (C) confirmation that the person resides on the property where he or she will be keeping hens, (D) confirmation that the person has read the information referred to in clause (iii), and - 10 - (v) submitting the application to the on-line registry site; or

(b) by requesting, by telephone to 311, the mailing to that person of the information on keeping hens and an application form, and by: (i) reading such information, (ii) completing the application including the mandatory fields referred to in subsection (a)(iv), and (iii) submitting the completed application to the city; and such person must promptly update, and provide to, the city any information given when any change occurs.”

Keeping of hens

7.16 A person who keeps one or more hens must:

(a) provide each hen with at least 0.37 m² of coop floor area, and at least 0.92 m² of roofed outdoor enclosure;

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

(c) provide and maintain, in each coop, at least one perch, for each hen, that is at least 15 cm long, and one nest box;

(d) keep each hen in the enclosed area at all times;

(e) provide each hen with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, veterinary care, and opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching, dust-bathing, and roosting, all sufficient to maintain the hen in good health;

(f) maintain each hen enclosure in good repair and sanitary condition, and free from vermin and obnoxious smells and substances;

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

(h) keep a food container and water container in each coop;

(i) keep each coop locked from sunset to sunrise;

(j) remove leftover feed, trash, and manure in a timely manner;

(k) store manure within a fully enclosed structure, and store no more than three cubic feet of manure at a time;

(l) remove all other manure not used for composting or fertilizing;

(m) follow biosecurity procedures recommended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency;

(n) keep hens for personal use only, and not sell eggs, manure, meat, or other products derived from hens;

(o) not slaughter, or attempt to euthanize, a hen on the property;

(p) not dispose of a hen except by delivering it to the Poundkeeper, or to a farm, abattoir, veterinarian, mobile slaughter unit, or other facility that has the ability to dispose of hens lawfully; or

(q) not keep a hen in a cage.

 7.15 -7.16

 

City of Vancouver Guidelines for the Keeping of Backyard Hens

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Guideline | Year: 2010

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This report provides recommendations for the humane and sanitary keeping of backyard hens in Vancouver. These recommendations include amendments to Zoning and Development Bylaw No. 3575 and Animal Control By-law No. 9150, creation of an on-line registry for hen keepers, and funding for facilities to house hens at the Vancouver Animal Control shelter. The Zoning and Development By-law amendments must proceed to Public Hearing prior to Council action. Since the Zoning and Development By-law amendments are integral to the proposed system of regulation, the remainder of the recommendations are contingent upon their approval. 

from http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/backyard-chickens.aspx

City of Surrey Zoning Bylaw 12000

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, farm home plate, farm residence maximum setback, farm retail/farm gate sales, food distribution, food processing, food storage, livestock, mobile/street food vending, siting and coverage, urban chickens, zoning

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

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

livestock;

urban chickens;

Keeping of Animals

(a) The keeping of livestock, poultry, rabbits and chinchillas in the RA, RH, RF and RF-SS Zones is subject to the following maximum permitted numbers:

i. Two (2) livestock for every 0.4 hectare [1 acre], with the minimum lot size of 0.4 hectare [1 acre]; ii. Six (6) sheep or goats, for every 0.4 hectare [1 acre], with the minimum lot size of 0.4 hectare [1 acre]; iii. Twelve (12) head of poultry, excluding roosters, for every 0.4 hectare [1 acre], with the minimum lot size of 0.4 hectare [1 acre]; iv. Rabbits and chinchillas where the lot is 0.4 hectare [1 acre] or greater, or 2 rabbits or chinchillas where the lot is less than 0.4 hectare [1 acre]...See document for additional regulations for the keeping of animals including regulations for the keeping of urban chickens.

 part 4 B.7
food sales, access and procurement; mobile/street food vending;

Portable Food Services

Portable food services providing temporary food services from a vending cart may be permitted in all commercial and industrial Zones provided that the vending cart: (a) does not exceed 4.0 sq. metres [43.0 sq. ft.] in area; (b) is capable of being moved on its own wheels without alteration or preparation; and (c) is fully self-contained with no service connection, excluding electrical connections, provided the portable vending cart is located no more than 2.0 metres [6 ft.] from the point of electrical connection.

 part 4 B .9
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales;

Accessory uses limited to the following:

(a) Display and retail sale of products provided all of the following are satisfied:

i. all of the products offered for sale shall be produced by the farm operation or at least 50% of the floor area for product sales and display shall be limited to product produced by the farm operation;

ii. products offered for sale shall be limited to agricultural and/or horticultural products and shall exclude dressed fowl or poultry, butchered meat and/or preserved food unless dressed, butchered or preserved off-site;

iii. the cumulative maximum floor area for the display and sale of products shall not exceed 93 square metres [1,000 sq. ft.];

iv. all products offered for sale and related displays shall be located entirely within a building; and v. products offered for sale and related displays shall be an accessory use to a single family dwelling and the agricultural and/or horticultural use of the lot;

(b) i. Food and beverage service lounge associated with a farm-based winery in accordance with the Agricultural Land Commission Act/Regs/Orders;

ii. Retail sales associated with a farm-based winery in accordance with the Agricultural Land Commission Act/Regs/Orders; provided the maximum floor area for retail sales and wine tasting does not exceed 93 sq.m. [1,000 sq.ft.].

 part 10 B. 9 (a) (b)
food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

ALR:

 Primary processing of products provided at least 50% of the product being processed shall be produced by the same farm operation or is feed required for the farm operation; part 10 B. 9 (c)
development and productive use of agricultural land;

siting and coverage;

ALR:

See document for siting regulations for buildings and structures in General Agriculture Zone (A-1) and Intensive Agriculture Zone (A-2)

part 10 F. 1 (a);

part 11 E;

part 11. F.1;
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm residence maximum setback;

ALR:

Maximum setbacks:

No portion of a single family dwelling and an additional single family dwelling or a duplex shall be located farther than 50.0 metres [164 ft] from the front lot line provided that, on a corner lot, no portion of a single family dwelling and an additional single family dwelling or a duplex shall be located farther than 50.0 metres [164 ft] from either the front lot line or the side lot line on a flanking street..

part 10 F. 1(b);

part 11 F.1(b)
development and productive use of agricultural land;

residential development;

ALR:

A secondary suite shall:

(a) Not exceed 90 square metres [968 sq.ft.] in floor area; and

(b) Occupy less than 40% of the habitable floor area of the building.

part 10 J. 1;

part 11. J.1;
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm home plate;

ALR:

The following provisions shall apply to a farm residential footprint:

(a) The maximum size of the farm residential footprint shall be 2,000 square metres [0.5 acres];

(b) Despite Sub-section J.2.(a), the maximum size of the farm residential footprint may be increased by 1000 square metres [0.25 acres] for an additional single family dwelling or duplex where the lot is 4 hectares [10 acres] or more and is a farm operation;

and The maximum depth of the farm residential footprint from the front lot line, or the side lot line on a flanking street if it is a corner lot, shall be 60 metres [197 ft.].

part 10 J. 2;

part 11. J..2
food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

food storage;

food distribution;

 This Zone is intended to accommodate and regulate industries which process agricultural products or provide services to agriculture. See document for regulations for Agro-Industrial Zone (IA). part 51

 

Supplementary Information

 

Municipal Planner Interview with the City of Surrey Re: Farm Homeplate Restriction

The City of Surrey’s farm home plate restriction requires the clustering of non-agricultural buildings and structures in Agricultural Zones close to the front property line. By clustering non-agricultural uses and regulating the size and siting of the associated footprint, known as the farm residential footprint, the City of Surrey aims to curtail the impact of estate development on agricultural land and the installation of long residential driveways over prime agriculture soils.

Policy Development

Given the urban areas within Surrey, the use of ALR land for residential development is an ongoing challenge within the municipality.  Approximately 7 years ago, the municipality began developing regulations for the size and siting of the farm home plate on ALR lands. It was a contentious process which resulted in the adoption of the farm residential footprint provisions into the zoning bylaw in 2012.  While the final home plate provisions cluster and limit the total footprint of residential uses (eg lawns, pools, residences, accessory buildings), they do not restrict the footprints of houses themselves. 

Public Consultation and Policy Adoption

The agricultural industry, Surrey’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and the general public were engaged during the farm home plate development and review process. Strong opposition toward limiting house size was expressed at open houses. As a result, house size restrictions were not included in the home plate provisions.

Policy Implementation

While non-compliant, pre-existing and pre-loaded sites were granted development variances and building permits, variances for future farm home plate adjustments are only to be supported where the proposal will benefit agriculture. Communicating this priority to the public and the need to implement it, takes time which was evident in the large number of variance applications submitted after the new regulations were adopted.

Policy Outcomes and Recommended Improvements

It was reported that the policy has generally helped reduce the loss of productive ALR land to residential development, but it has been less effective than initially intended. It was expressed that, to have the desired influence on restricting the use of ALR land for estate homes, a policy should ideally limit the footprint of farm residences in addition to restricting the footprint of the home plate.

References

City of Surrey, Planning and Development Division, Department of Community Planning, personal communication, October 2016

 

 

City of Surrey Chicken Keeping Bylaw, 2016, No. 18754

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

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

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A Bylaw to regulate the control and keeping of domestic chickens on residential lots greater than 669 square meters [7,200 sq. ft.] but less than 0.4 hectares [1 acre]. 

Village of Cumberland Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 990

Topic(s): First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): zoning, edible landscaping, urban chickens, protection of farming development permit area, pilot project, ALR, climate change and greenhouse gases, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, farmers' markets

Region: Comox Valley | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2014

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

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Participate in regional initiatives such as the IH Food Security HUB endorsed by Let Us Share the Harvest (LUSH) organization, to develop a more sustainable food system, including food production, processing, transportation, and waste diversion.

 6.3.3 (1) *
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting, fishing and gathering Support opportunities for First Nation partnerships in local food production and ecotourism through wildcrafting and traditional gathering knowledge. 6.3.3 (3) *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Support the use of public spaces for farmers markets and community food events. 6.3.3 (4) *
wildlife/environmental/pest managmeent; climate change and greenhouse gases Explore opportunities in the agricultural sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy by using targets, policies, and actions. 6.3.3 (6)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

edible landscaping;

pilot project;

 Seek opportunities to pilot urban food production and edible landscapes in greenways.

6.3.3 (7)

 

  

food production;

urban agriculture;

pilot project;

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. 6.3.3 (8)  
food production;   Encourage small-scale, neighbourhood-level food production within the community. 6.3.3 (9)  
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Protect agricultural areas from the incursion of non-food industries such as federally licensed medical marijuana production facilities. 6.3.3 (10) *
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

protection of farming development permit area ;

ALR ;

buffer at agricultural edge;

 See document for Protection of Farming Development Permit Area 

10.3

 *

 

City of Vernon Animal Regulation and Animal Pound Bylaw, Bylaw No.5252

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

Region: North Okanagan | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2010

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food porduction; livestock;

 The keeping of animals where permitted in the Zoning Bylaw as an agricultural use, shall comply with the following restrictions:

(i) In the A1, A2, A3 zones, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw, where the lot is a ½ acre (.20 ha.) in area or less: three (3) rabbits or three (3) urban hens as regulated in Schedule A, or a combination thereof are permitted.

(ii) In the A1, A2, A3 zones, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw, where the lot is more than ½ acre (.20 ha.) but less than 1 acre (.40 ha.) in PAGE 6 BYLAW NUMBER 5252 area: ten (10) rabbits or ten (10) poultry or a combination thereof are permitted.

(iii) In the A1, A2, A3 and RR zones, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw, where the lot is more than 1 acre (.40 ha.) but less than two acres (.81 ha.) in area: one (1) horse, or one (1) cow, or one (1) sheep, or one (1) other large animal; plus ten (10) rabbits or ten (10) poultry or a combination thereof are permitted.

(iv) In the RR zone, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw, where the lot is or exceeds 2 acres (.81 ha.) in area: not more than two (2) of any of horses, cattle, sheep, or a combination thereof; plus an additional (3) animals consisting of horses, cattle, or sheep, or a combination thereof if temporarily kept as part of an Animal Clinic, Minor or Major as defined in the Zoning Bylaw; plus twenty (20) rabbits or twenty (20) poultry, or a combination thereof are permitted.

(v) In the A1, A2, A3 zones, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw, where the lot is more than 2 acres (.81 ha.) in area, the number of animals and poultry is limited to a reasonable number of animals, to be determined by the poundkeeper acting reasonably, in relation to the primary or secondary uses to which the lot is put. 

 2 (c)

food production;

urban agriculture;

livestock;

urban chickens; 

URBAN HEN REGULATIONS

1. No owner shall allow his or her urban hen to run at large.

2. No person shall keep more than 3 hens, except as an agricultural use within an agricultural zone as established by the Zoning Bylaw.

3. An owner of urban hens shall keep them on a lot that has: a) at least one single family detached dwelling on it; b) a frontage of at least 12 meters; and, c) a depth of at least 20 meters.

4. Every owner of urban hens shall provide a coop for the urban hens.

5. All coops shall be located in the rear yard of a lot and shall fully enclose the urban hens and prevent them from escaping. “Chicken tractors” may be used to move urban hens to new areas for foraging during daylight hours.

6. Rear Yard Siting of Coops a) If a property line is 23 meters or more from any neighbouring residential structure, a coop shall be located a minimum of 1 meter from the rear lot line.. b) If a property line is less than 23 meters from a neighbouring residential structure, or the neighbouring lot is vacant, a coop shall be located at least 3 meters from the rear lot line. c) Every coop shall be located at least 3 meters from any side lot line of the lot on which the coop is located. 

7. Every coop shall be designed and constructed to ensure proper ventilation and sufficient space for the urban hens and shall be maintained in accordance with good animal husbandry practices and shall keep all vermin out. Every coop shall be constructed in such a manner that a person may easily access the coop to remove feces, clean nest boxes, and undertake other maintenance of the coop and care of the urban hens.

8. All dead urban hens shall be legally disposed of immediately, and in any event, within 24 hours.

9. No backyard slaughter is allowed.

10. Hygienic storage of and prompt removal of feces is required. No accumulation of more than 1 cubic meter of composted manure is allowed.

11. All types of food supply shall be protected against vermin.

12. No person may keep urban hens unless registered with the Clerk or designate and upon paying the required fees and charges, as outlined in the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw, as amended from time to time.

13. If the owner of urban hens suspects any urban hen is infected with a communicable disease, the owner shall immediately contain the urban hen or urban hens affected and consult a veterinarian licensed to practice in British Columbia to diagnose the condition. If the diagnosis confirms that the urban hen is infected with a communicable disease, the owner shall immediately notify the Public Health Department of Interior Health and comply with any direction that may be issued by a Public Health Inspector in this regard.

 Schedule A

 

City of Terrace Zoning Bylaw No. 2069-2014

Topic(s): Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): agricultural industry services, zoning, greenhouses, siting and coverage, ALR, urban chickens, livestock

Region: Kitimat-Stikine | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2014

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Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Ecerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

food production;

livestock;

urban chickens;

greenhouses;

Urban Agriculture

.1 The keeping of backyard hens and bees is a permitted use in the City of Terrace, as set out in the City’s Animal Control Bylaw.

.2 Small Scale Urban Agriculture is a permitted use in the R1, R1-A, R2, RS1, P1 and P2 zones, under the following conditions: a. A greenhouse is subject to the setback requirements for an accessory building, and is permitted to a maximum size of 20 m2 ; and b. Lighting is permitted within a greenhouse, provided that the lighting is not directed onto neighbouring parcels.

 3.3
development and productive use of agricultural land;

sinting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting regulations for buildings and structures in agricultural zones (AR1 and AR2).

 10.1.3; 10.2.3
food processing, storage and distribution; agricultural industry services; See document for regulations for Light Industrial (M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) zones. 13.1 and 13.2

 

City of Terrace Animal Control Bylaw No. 1255-1991

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

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

Region: Kitimat-Stikine | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2011-2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

livestock;

Backyard Hens (Added by #1977-2011)

Permitted Areas

In residential zones R1, R1-A and R2 (as well as existing permitted areas shown on SCHEDULE “B”) the keeping of up to four (4) backyard hens will be permitted for personal use, provided that no neighbourhood health, environmental or nuisance problems result. Keeping of Hens A person who keeps one (1) or more hens, up to a maximum of four (4), must:

(a) reside on the property where the hens are kept, or obtain written permission from the property owner;

(b) situate hens in a back or sideyard which is fully fenced;

(c) situate coops at least one and a half (1.5) metres from the property line and three (3) metres from windows and doors of a dwelling; Animal Control - 12 - Bylaw No. 1255-1991 (Consolidated)

(d) provide each hen with at least 0.5 metres squared (0.5 m2 ) of coop floor area, and at least 1.0 metre squared (1.0 m²) of roofed outdoor enclosure;

(e) provide and maintain, in each coop, at least one perch, for each hen, that is at least fifteen (15) centimetres long, and one nest box;

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

(g) not keep hens in a cage;

(h) provide each hen with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, veterinary care, and opportunities for essential behaviors such as scratching, dust-bathing, and roosting, all sufficient to maintain the hen in good health;

(i) maintain each hen enclosure in good repair, in a manner that prevents entrance by other animals (fully enclosed) and keep the enclosure in sanitary condition, free from vermin and obnoxious smells and substances;

(j) follow biosecurity procedures recommended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency;

(k) keep hens for personal use only, and not sell eggs, manure, meat, or other products derived from hens;

(l) not slaughter, or attempt to euthanize, a hen on the property; and (m) register the backyard hens with the City of Terrace Animal Shelter.

 13.3

food production;

urban agriculture'

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

Keeping of Backyard Bees: (Added by #1991-2012)

Permitted Areas

In residential zones R1, R1-A, R2 and designated City of Terrace Community Garden properties (in addition to existing permitted areas shown on SCHEDULE “B”) the keeping of up to two (2) beehives as well as (2) nucleus colonies will be permitted for personal use, provided that no neighbourhood health, environmental or nuisance problems result. Keeping of Beehives Animal Control - 13 - Bylaw No. 1255-1991 (Consolidated)

(a) no more than two beehives and two nucleus colonies are permitted in residential zones R1, R1-A, R2 and designated City of Terrace Community Garden properties;

(b) beehives are for personal use only;

(c) residents keeping beehives must reside on the property where the beehives are kept, or obtain written permission from the property owner;

(d) beehives are restricted to backyards;

(e) all permitted beehives must be registered with the apiculture registration system for British Columbia, coordinated by the BC Ministry of Agriculture (BCMA). Under the authority of the Provincial Bee Act, a person must not keep bees or possess beehive equipment unless the person is registered;

(f) site of all beehives shall comply with a 1.5 metre setback from side and rear parcel lines; and

(g) each beehive shall comply with one of the following requirements in order to ensure the appropriate height of honeybee flight path:  The entrance to the beehive(s) will be facing away from neighbouring properties and be located in a backyard which has a continuous fence or hedge that is 1.8 metres in height, or;  If installed on an elevated platform (deck, rooftop, etc.) beehive(s) will be situated 2.5 metres or more above ground level.

 13.4

 

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