City of Calgary Municipal Development Plan

Topic(s): Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, composting, food distribution, stormwater management, urban gardens/orchard

Year: 2009

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Parks, open spaces and outdoor recreation h. Ensure sufficient community open space provision in Inner City and Established Areas by maintaining a minimum of 2.0 hectares of open space per 1,000 residents. Calculations should be applied to logical community clusters where parks and recreation amenities are accessible and shared between communities. Community open space includes areas dedicated for schools; community centres; playfields; outdoor performance spaces; community gardens; and habitat areas that offer public amenity. 2.3.4 h

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Complete communities Objective: Foster distinctive, complete communities with a strong sense of place. Communities should be planned according to the following criteria for complete communities and provide spaces for community gardens and local food production 2.2.4 b (vii)
food processing, storage & distribution; food distribution; Goods movement Objective: To recognize the important economic role of goods movement by providing a safe, efficient and connective goods movement network that supports the Calgary International Airport, the Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CP) intermodal facilities, transportation and distribution districts and goods movement routes, while also minimizing impacts on surrounding communities 3.4

food production;

 

 Future Greenfield Area Future Greenfield Areas are those large land areas in the city identified for future urban development that do not have an approved ASP in place. Planning for these areas should identify Activity Centres and/or Corridors that provide for a variety of housing types, opportunities for daily needs within walking distance to residential communities, and centres for transit access. Supporting the land use pattern is a street network that connects residents, jobs and commercial services through direct automobile, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian routes. The overall community design should integrate natural area protection within the open space and green infrastructure systems. Land use policies a. Future Greenfield Areas should: iv. Allow for local food production. 3.6.2 a (iv)

water management;

urban agriculture;

education;

waste management;

composting;

stormwater management;

community food system education;

 Green infrastructure Objective: Connect green infrastructure throughout the urban fabric b. Identify and protect strategic parcels, blocks, and corridors that increase ecosystem connectivity, provide opportunities for source control of stormwater infiltration, promote food production and composting, and encourage play and learning. 2.6.1 b

urban agriculture;

water management;

stormwater management;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Alternative Use Open Space Alternative Use Open Space (AUOS) consists of land acquired by The City, through dedication or otherwise, for purposes other than those of Recreational and Environmental Open Space such as plazas, utility corridors, urban agriculture, community gardens and stormwater management facilities. AUOS is planned to be functionally connected with the broader open space network and meet the objectives of MDP sections 2.3.4 (“Parks, open spaces and outdoor recreation”) and 2.6.1 (“Green infrastructure”), and is directed by the policies therein. 1. Planning for Acquired Alternative Use Open Space a. Lands should be functionally connected to other open space via green infrastructure. b. Lands should be used, in part, to establish buffers to help maintain the ecological function of protected EOS. c. Lands should be planned and designed to support stormwater management, while not negatively affecting public use of the area. d. Impervious surfaces and compacted soils should be minimized to allow stormwater to soak into the ground and replenish ground water supplies. volume 2: section 3.4.3 (pg 36)

 

City of Airdrie Land Use Bylaw B-01/2016

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production

Sub-topic(s): food processing, livestock, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2016

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

protection and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

livestock;


food processing;

 Agricultural Operations (1) An Agricultural Operation may incorporate, at the discretion of the Development Authority, the use of land or a building for the upgrading of a product for distribution or for sale that is originally produced in an agricultural operation. (2) Any livestock that is kept on site in association with an Agricultural Operation use shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements and standards outlined under Section 7.16 (Keeping of Livestock). 6.3
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchards;

zoning;

 Community Gardens Community gardens shall be subject to a Development Permit and are considered a permitted use in all districts provided that the following requirements are met: (1) The total area which may be under cultivation on any given parcel does not exceed more than 600m² in area except where the lot size is greater than 2,400m², in which case the area occupied by an urban food garden shall be at the discretion of the Development Authority; (2) Production is limited to the growing and harvesting of fruits, vegetables and edible plants. Limited cultivation of flowers and other ornamental plants may be permitted at the discretion of the Development Authority; (3) There is no creation of noise, dust, vibration, odour, smoke, glare, fire hazard, or any other hazard or nuisance, to any greater or more frequent extent than that usually experienced in the applicable zone under normal circumstances. 6.7
       

 

District of North Vancouver Official Community Plan Bylaw 790

Topic(s): Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): farmers' markets, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2011

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food production;

urban agriculture;

food sales, access and procurement;

urban gardens/orchard;

farmers' markets;

 Encourage sustainable, local food systems through initiatives such as promotion of healthy, local foods and food production, and the facilitation of community gardens, farmers markets, urban agriculture initiatives in appropriate locations.  pg 55 *

food production;

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Integrate opportunities for urban agriculture in planning Town and Village centres.  pg 55  

food access, sales and procurement;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Collaborate with Vancouver Coastal Health and other community partners in their efforts to provide increased access for all members of the community to safe, nutritious food pg 55  

 

Village of Port Clements Official Community Plan Bylaw #398

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): composting, urban gardens/orchard, pesticide and pest management, irrigation and drainage, water restrictions and conservation

Region: Skeena-Queen Charlotte | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2013

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Topic Sub topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food production;

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Accommodate food production and shared gardening ventures such as cooperatives, village community gardens, and neighbourhood gardens in appropriate areas and in areas designated Resource Areas on Schedule B. 13.1  
water management;

irrigation and drainage;

water restrictions and conservation;

 Ensure that water used for large scale commercial agricultural purposes is from a source other than the Village domestic water supply. 13.3  
waste management; composting; Encourage development of a community green waste and compost facility. 13.4  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; pesticide and pest management; Support the control of invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed which was introduced to the islands in the 1950’s and is becoming a serious problem in  many jurisdictions, through limited and careful chemical treatment as mechanical treatment is not effective for some species. 13.7  

 

City of Dawson Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4042

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, ALR exclusion, aquaculture, beekeeping/apiculture, buffer at agricultural edge, commercial development, community kitchen, composting, edible landscaping, farmers' markets, food policy council, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, food storage, grocery stores, institutional development, local food culture, local procurement, nuisance complaints, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, pilot project, residential development, tax mechanisms, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Peace River | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: revised 2010

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development & productive use of agricultural land; ALR; Encourage and support agricultural uses on ALR lands within and adjacent to the City boundary. 3.16.2  
development & productive use of agricultural land; ALR;
AlR exclusion;		 Discourage unnecessary extension of urban areas into agricultural lands by discouraging ALR exclusion applications. 3.16.3 *
development & productive use of agricultural land;
policy partnerships, advocacy & development;		 ALR:
residential development;
institutional development;
commercial development;
partnerships, advocacy/liaising;		 Collaborate with the ALC to ensure development of ALR land designated for future residential, commercial, and industrial uses occurs in an incremental, orderly manner. 3.17.1  
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;   Ensure agriculture is integrated with development at the City’s edge such that they are mutually-beneficial. Integration considerations include land uses, design strategies, and programs to increase the visibility and experience of urban and regional food systems for residents. 3.17.2  
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;
policy partnerships, advocacy & development;		 buffer at agricultural edge;
nuisance complaints;
ALR;
partnerships, advocacy/liaising;		 Collaborate with the ALC to ensure that the interface between urban and farm areas does not result in excessive trespass or complaints. Urban/rural interface design policies might include, but are not limited to, transitional densities, fencing, residential building setbacks, and vegetative buffering. 3.17.3 *
urban agriculture; edible landscaping;  Encourage planting of edible plant species in lieu of
landscaping in private developments, parks, utility corridors, and local
right-of-ways where appropriate, or require a portion of all
landscaping to include edible plant species. 		 9.1.1 *
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge;
urban gardens/orchard;		 Count food production elements, including but limited to:
allotment gardens, community gardens, green walls (i.e. vertical
landscaping), and green roofs toward or in lieu of landscaping or
screening requirements. 		 9.1.2 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 zoning;
urban gardens/orchard;
aquaculture;
beekeeping/apiculture;		 Permit community gardens, apiculture, and aquaculture
uses in all land uses. 		 9.1.3 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 urban gardens/orchard; Permit temporary or permanent use of City-owned
vacant lots for community gardens. 		 9.1.4 *
water management; urban gardens/orchard;  Provide water hook-up and secure supply storage area
for community gardening groups on public land. 		 9.1.5 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 pilot project;
edible landscaping;		   Investigate the feasibility of piloting an edible green roof
project on a municipal building. 		 9.1.6  
food processing storage & distribution; food storage; Provide space in community centres for drop-off and storage of food for Community Supported Agriculture initiatives. 9.2.1 *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Support and promote the existing Farmer’s Market, and work toward securing a long-term location for it. 9.2.2 *
food processing storage & distribution; food processing; Provide site selection support for food processors considering locating in the community. 9.3.1 *
food processing storage & distribution;
food sales, access and procurement;		 zoning;
food processing;
community kitchen;		 Encourage small-scale community kitchens, food processing facilities, and outdoor community ovens through permissive zoning. 9.3.2 *
food sales, access and procurement; grocery stores; Encourage the establishment of neighbourhood-scale food vendors, including grocery stores and eating establishments. 9.4.1  
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement;
food recovery/gleaning/donation;		 Support links between Dawson Creek’s food emergency organization and local producers. 9.4.3  
food sales, access and procurement; tax mechanisms; Provide incentives such as partial tax exemptions to emergency food organizations to increase their viability and efficacy. 9.4.5 *
  local food culture; Support food fairs and other food-related public events in community facilities, parks, and right-of-ways (e.g. car-free street fairs, as per the Dawson Creek Temporary Road Closure and Event Manual.) 9.5.1  
economic development; local food culture; Continue ongoing support of the “Branding of the Peace” marketing strategy to promote the region and its agricultural products. 9.6.1  
waste management; composting;
residential development;
commercial development;
institutional development;		 Provide multi-season compost facilities in all multi-family developments, and in all commercial, institutional, and industrial developments where food is consumed. 9.7.1 *
waste management;
education;		 composting; Develop a public education and awareness campaign on the importance and benefits of composting. Campaigns should use plain, accessible language. 9.7.2 *
policy partnerships, advocacy & development; food policy council; Where possible, work with the community to develop a Food Policy Council made up of local experts and members of the community, which will advise Council on matters dealing with the local food system. 9.8.1 *
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement; Where possible, develop and adopt a food procurement policy, which requires that all of the City’s facilities and services involving food include organic, local, healthy, and fair-trade options. 9.8.2  

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Community gardens shall be a permitted use in Neighbourhood Parks if organized by a local or neighbourhood society or adjacent institution (school, seniors centre, etc.) and as approved by the City Parks & Recreation Department. If desired by residents, dedicated space for growing food shall be permanent, viable, and determined as follows:

Table 3.

Density (dwelling units/acre)

Dedicated Growing Space m2 (sq ft.)
7 to 14 18 (200sqft.)
> 14 and ≤ 22 9 (100sqft.)
> 22 and ≤ 28 7.5 (80sqft.)
> 28 and ≤ 35 6.5 (70sqft.)
> 35 ) 5.5 (60sqft.
or approx. 3m2 or 40sqft. for each person interested in growing

Appendix 2: Harvest View – Sunset Ridge Neighbourhood Plan

6.10

 *

Village of Alert Bay Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 75

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

Sub-topic(s): hunting/fishing/gathering, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Mount Waddington | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2014

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
education;   Build awareness of food security issues. 9.2.1.11  

food production;

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Support the tradition of backyard food gardening on Cormorant Island. 9.2.5.1  

food production;

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Support the establishment and maintenance of a volunteer-operated community garden on Cormorant Island. 9.2.5.2  
food production;   Support the establishment of one or more commercial farms on Cormorant Island. 9.2.5.3  
food sales, access and procurement;   Support improved local access to bulk and organic foods on Cormorant Island. 9.2.5.4  

food sales, access and procurement;

 

 hunting/fishing/gathering; Support local access to sources of wild foods located on, and adjacent to, Cormorant Island. 9.2.5.5  
food production;   Support new and innovative approaches to agriculture and permaculture on Cormorant Island. 9.2.5.6  

 

City of Cranbrook Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3550

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

Sub-topic(s): buffer at agricultural edge, farmers' markets, irrigation and drainage, livestock, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, residential development, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: East Kootenay | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2006 (consolidated 2016)

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy excerpt Document Location Language Rating
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

Mitigate Impacts of New Development on Existing Agricultural Operations


Agricultural operations may, at times, have unpleasant side effects on neighbouring properties. Consideration shall be given to existing agricultural operations when new residential development is proposed in their vicinity. Appropriate measures including
fencing, vegetative buffering and building setbacks may be required as means to address the potential negative impacts on the existing agricultural operations.

 6.2 (i)  

waste management;

water management;

 irrigation and drainage;

Spray Irrigation

Continue the successful operation of the effluent spray irrigation program.

 9.2 (c)  

water management;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

livestock;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Livestock in Watershed

Work in cooperation with the Regional District of East Kootenay, senior government authorities and landowners to restrict the access of livestock to streams within the City’s watershed.

 9.2 (d)  

wildlife/ecosystem management;

education;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 

Invasive/Noxious Plants

Work in cooperation with the Regional District of East Kootenay and senior government authorities to raise public awareness about the problems associated with invasive/noxious plants such as knapweed and precautionary steps that should be taken to prevent such infestation. Develop an overall Invasive Plant Management Strategy in cooperation with the RDEK.

 9.2 (e)   
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

Urban/Rural Interface

Consider impacts of proposed new residential development in urban/rural interface areas keeping in mind that agriculture is an industry that may, at times, have unpleasant impacts on nearby residences. Appropriate measures including fencing, vegetative buffering and building setbacks shall be considered for proposed residential subdivision interfacing with agricultural lands in the interest of mitigating potential negative impacts.

 9.2 (f)  

urban agriculture;

 

urban gardens/orchard;

research and data collection;

Urban Agricultural

encourage the expansion of urban agriculture in forms such as community gardens as a creative and productive use of parks and other underutilized green spaces. Conduct an inventory of potential lands.

 9.2 (g)  

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

 farmers' market;

Local Agricultural 

continue to promote and support the Cranbrook’s Farmer’s Market and encourage other initiatives involved with local food production.

 9.2 (h)  

 

City of Revelstoke Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1950

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2009

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
education; community food system education; Increase community awareness of food security issues by encouraging local food production and purchasing, potentially creating local food co-ops. pg 41  

protection and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

   Increase land use resilience by allowing and encouraging local food
production, local materials and services use, and protection of the local and regional agricultural lands.		 pg 56  

food production;

urban agriculture;

   Support production of locally grown food products and urban agriculture. pf 72-73  

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Support community gardens as a way of locally producing food. pg 72-73  

 

City of Victoria Food Tree Stewardship Pilot Program

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): pilot project, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Capital | Document Type: Pilot Program | Year: 2016

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Under the Food Tree Stewardship pilot program residents can apply to partner with community organization to plant food trees on  City parks & green spaces. See attached guide for details.

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  
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