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  

 

City of Victoria Community Gardens Policy

Topic(s): Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban gardens/orchard

Region: Capital | Document Type: Policy | Year: 2016

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A policy to outline the City of Victoria's support and criteria for community gardens on public and private land.

District of Saanich Community Gardens Policy

Sub-topic(s): urban gardens/orchard

Region: Capital | Document Type: Policy | Year: 2003

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The District of Saanich endorses the following goals in its Community Gardens Policy:
 support the establishment of one community garden for each neighbourhood (local area)
 recognize the need for community gardens as parks are being acquired or redeveloped. The document continues describes guidelines for community gardens on municipal land, guidelines for selecting new sites and retaining existing sites and avenues in which the Municipality will support community gardens.

See document for full text and details.

City of Vancouver Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments

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

Sub-topic(s): amenity density zoning/contributions, community kitchen, edible landscaping, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard

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

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A policy requiring development proposals for large developments put forward through rezoning application to create defined plans or studies on the following:
1. Sustainable Site Design
2. Access to Nature
3. Sustainable Food Systems
4. Green Mobility
5. Rainwater Management
6. Zero Waste Planning
7. Affordable Housing
8. Low Carbon Energy Supply.

from City of Vancouver Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments, 2010, accessed Oct 2016

 

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 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 Park Board Urban Agriculture Policy

Topic(s): Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Policy | Year: 2015

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Description of appropriate sites, operations, supporitng facilities etc for urban agriculture in City Parks.

City of Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500

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

Sub-topic(s): zoning, farm residence maximum setback, farm retail/farm gate sales, agri-tourism, home occupation/home based businesses, siting and coverage, farm worker accommodation, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2009

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
development and productive use of agricultural land; siting and coverage;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agriculture and Golf Zones. 

 14.1.5 - 14.1.6
development and productuve use of agricultural land; farm residence maximum setback; No portion of a single detached housing building, including any additional dwelling units, shall be located further than 50.0 m from a constructed public road abutting the property. On a corner lot or double fronting lot, the 50.0 m from a constructed public road abutting the property shall be determined based on the location of the permitted access to the single detached housing building or additional dwelling unit(s). 14.1.6.1
development and productuve use of agricultural land; home occupation/home based business; A home business shall be limited to a maximum floor area of 100.0 m2 and must be located and carried out wholly within the dwelling unit and not an accessory building. 14.1.11.3
economic development; agri-tourism; A bed and breakfast use may have up to four guest accommodation rooms and two facia signs with maximum dimensions of 0.6 m by 1.2 m.  14.1.11.4
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm worker accommodation;

6. Seasonal farm labour accommodation shall only be permitted on:

a) a site zoned AG3;

b) a lot located in the Agricultural Land Reserve;

c) a lot designated for ‘agriculture’ in the General Land Use Map contained in the Official Community Plan; and

d) a lot classified as ‘farm’ under the BC Assessment Act. 7.

The following provisions must be met to permit seasonal farm labour accommodation:

a) minimum farm operation size of 8.09 ha;

b) the seasonal farm labour accommodation must be located on the same lot as an existing single detached housing;

c) only one seasonal farm labour accommodation is permitted per farm operation;

d) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation shall not exceed 400.0 m2;

e) a maximum of 40 seasonal farm labour occupants per seasonal farm labour accommodation is permitted; Section 14: Agriculture and Golf Zones 14.1-5 2706166

f) minimum floor area per occupant is to be 10.0 m2 ; and

g) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation shall be considered a dwelling with all regulations relating to density, minimum and maximum yards and height to apply.

8. The following limitations apply to seasonal farm labour accommodation:

a) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation must adhere to all relevant components of the Building Code and the City’s Building Regulation;

b) a lot that contains a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation is subject to inspections by the City during any 12 month period to ensure that occupation is in compliance with the regulations contained in this zone;

c) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation does not need to be removed when not occupied by seasonal farm labour if the use is required on an ongoing, annual basis for the agricultural purpose of the farm operation;

d) if seasonal farm labour accommodation is no longer required for the farm operation, all buildings used for seasonal farm labour accommodation must be removed and the land restored to its original state; and

e) costs of removal of the seasonal farm labour accommodation building and restoration of land to its original state are to be the responsibility of the property owner.

 14.1.11.6-14.1.11.8
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retails/gates sales;

Roadside Stands and Farm-Based Wineries 

.1. A roadside stand that is used for farm retail sales shall: a) have an interior floor area of not more than 93.0 m², except for sites zoned Roadside Stand (CR) which shall have an interior floor area of not more than 190.0 m²; and b) have a use which is accessory to the use of the farm operation upon which the roadside stand is situated.

.2. Farm retail sales at a roadside stand are permitted if: a) all the farm product offered for sale is produced on the farm on which the retail sales are taking place; or b) at least 50% of the retail sales is limited to the sale of farm products produced on the farm on which the retail sales are taking place.

.3. The total area, both indoors and outdoors, used for the retail sales of all products shall not exceed 300.0 m².

.4. The floor area of all farm-based winery buildings and structures shall not exceed the lesser of: a) 1,000.0 m²; or b) a maximum floor area ratio of 0.05”. 

 5.10.1-5.10.4

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Uses Permitted in All Zones

...Agriculture is permitted as a secondary use in all zones (i.e., it occurs in conjunction with a principal use, for example single detached housing) in order to encourage and accommodate community gardens, green roofs, vertical farming and other forms of urban agriculture. The following conditions apply in certain instances with respect to agriculture being permitted as a secondary use in all zones:

a) There may be covenants or caveats registered on the title of the land which could restrict the type of agriculture permitted (e.g., prohibition on the raising of chickens, rabbits or other domesticated animals). Property owners and tenants are advised to check their current certificate of title for any covenants or caveats which may be registered and affect the use of the site.

b) Only properties which are assessed as a “farm” under the Assessment Act are permitted to raise livestock. c) A medical marihuana production facility and medical marihuana research and development facility is not permitted.

 5.13.4

 

Note: uploaded document includes agricultural zones only, see link to City of Richmond complete zoning bylaw for details of regulations outside of agricultural zones.

City of Nelson Zoning Bylaw No. 3199, 2013

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

Sub-topic(s): zoning, food storage, food distribution, agricultural industry services, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Central Kootenay | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2013

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topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Uses Permitted in All Zones

The following uses shall be permitted in all zones within this bylaw:

... d. Community Gardens...

 1.1.2 (d)
food procesing, storage and distribution;

food storage;

agricultural industry services;

food distribution;

 See document for regulations of Industrial Zones (M1) and Waterfront Mixed-Use Industrial & Commercial Zone (MU4), which permit food storage (warehousing).

7.1;

5.4;

 

Supplementary Information

 

Municipal Planner Interview with the City of Nelson Re: Zoning for Community Gardens and Food Storage

Nelson’s 2013 OCP and Zoning Bylaw update included accommodations to increase food storage and distribution in the City and permit community gardens in all zones.

Policy Development and Community Consultation

The OCP and zoning bylaw updates in 2013 were informed by Nelson’s Sustainability Plan (“Nelson Path to 2040”, 2011), which identified food security and agriculture as a focal area for future planning and development. This precedent in a high-level planning document facilitated the inclusion of food security/agricultural goals and policies within the OCP and Zoning Bylaw, including increased land use accommodations for warehousing and permitting community gardens throughout the City.

Both the OCP and the zoning bylaw included public engagement components in the form of open houses. At these forums, members of the public were invited to review and comment on the proposed bylaw and plan changes. The proposed changes to these policies were supported throughout the community consultation process.

Policy Adoption

The adoption of these particular zoning bylaw amendments resulted from discussions of how the City of Nelson can best support local food security. Recognizing the importance of agriculture and food production in the region, and the limited land base available within the City to support food production, Nelson adopted policies within its OCP and zoning bylaw to allow community gardens in all zones as well as support the storage and distribution of food from the surrounding agricultural region.

Policy Outcomes and Recommendations

Since the policies were adopted, one community garden has been established in a residential area of Nelson. The community garden project, proposed by a local food charity called the Nelson Food Cupboard, provides fresh produce and skills training to community members.

Now that the changes allowing warehousing and commercial storage in the City have been put in place, the City of Nelson aspires to play a more significant role as a distribution hub for the region’s agricultural sector.  With these provisions in the City’s zoning bylaw, and a food policy council currently being formed in the region, Nelson is anticipating identifying and enhancing its role in the regional food system.

 

References

City of Nelson, Development Services and Engineering, personal communication, October 2016

 

 

City of Kelowna Zoning Bylaw No. 8000

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR subdivision, farm home plate, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, greenhouses, home occupation/home based businesses, livestock, residential development, siting and coverage, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2019

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

greenhouses;

Urban Agriculture

Where food is produced for consumption by residents of the subject parcel only, and is
in association with an existing principal use – single family dwelling,urban agriculture
must comply with the following:
a) greenhouses are permitted to a maximum of 30m2 in total floor area;
b) greenhouses, accessory buildings or structures associated with urban agriculture
shall conform to the applicable zoning requirements for accessory buildings or
structures and the relevant zone. A greenhouse is not included in the calculation
of site coverage for accessory buildings or structures;...

See document for additional regulations related to urban agriculture.

 9.10

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens and orchards;

Multi-residential Shared Garden

A Multi-residential shared garden must be solely for the use of the residents on
the parcel. Multi-residential shared gardens shall:
(a) be screened from adjacent streets and/or parking area by landscaping;
(b) be integrated into the overall landscape design;
(c) be located on a parcel where exposure to sunlight is optimal;...

See document for additional regulations related to multi-residential shared gardens.

 9.11

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens and orchards;

Community Gardens

In order to be permitted on a parcel a Community Garden shall:
(a) conform to the applicable zoning requirements for accessory buildings or
structures, or greenhouse when accommodating these structures in
conjunction with a community garden;
(b) be delineated from adjacent streets and/or parking areas by landscaping;
(c) have no or materials related to the community garden stored outside on the
parcel;...

See document for additional regulations related to community gardens.

 9.12
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

farm worker accommodation;

 See document for additional regulations related to temporary farm workers accommodations. 9.13
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Subdivision Regulations

(a) The minimum lot width is 40.0 m.
(b) The minimum lot area is 4.0 ha

 11.1.5
development and productive use of agricultural land;

siting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agricultural Zones.

 11.1.6
development and productive use of agricultural land

farm home plate;

residential development;

 For lots 0.4 ha and greater, a residential footprint must be registered on title for any residential development triggered by a Farm Protection Develoment Permit.The
maximum residential footprint is 2,000 m2. A second residential footprint up to 1,000 m2 may be registered for a mobile home for immediate family where permitted.		 11.1.6 (c)
food processing, storage & distribution;

food processing;

siting and coverage

 Not withstanding subsections 11.1.6(a), confined livestock areas and/or buildings housing more than 4 animals, or used for the processing of animal products, shall not be located any closer than 30.0 m from the lot line where the lot line borders a residential zone. 11.1.6 (f)
food processing, storage and distribution;

home occupation/home based businesses;

food processing;

livestock;

ALR;

 

When a home based business, rural involves the cutting and wrapping of wild game
or any meat, the lot must have a minimum lot area greater than 0.33 ha.

 11.1.7 (a)
food sales, access and procurement;

farn retail/gate sales;

ALR;

 Agricultural and garden stands selling only produce grown on the site or another site operated by the same producer do not have a maximum area. The maximum gross floor area of stands selling produce that is produced off-site shall be 50.0 m². For sites within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the maximum gross floor area of agricultural and garden sales for produce produced off-site or off-farm products shall be the lesser of one-third of the total floor area of the agricultural and garden sales stand or 100.0 m². 11.1.7 (c)
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

residential development;

(j) Bed and breakfast homes or group homes, minor in combination with a secondary suite shall not be located on parcels less than 2.0 ha in size. 

 11.1.7 (j)
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

residential development;

The following uses are specifically prohibited in the A1 – Agriculture Zone, in accordance with the requirements of the ALC Regulations to prohibit explicitly: (a) agri-tourist accommodation, as defined by the ALC Regulation....

 11.1.10.
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Urban agriculture permitted in all urban residential zones. section 13
food sales, access & procurement;

farmers' markets;

 Purpose
The purpose is to provide for an agribusiness and agritourism zone that meets local and tourist demand for agricultural products, services and experiences. Due to the seasonal nature of agriculture, this zone also provides for a flexible range of secondary uses which serve local residents on a year round basis.		 Section 18, Schedule B, CD23

 

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