District of Saanich Animals Bylaw No. 8556

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

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

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

urban chickens;

livestock;

POULTRY

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

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

Parcel Area Maximum No. of Poultry Permitted

a) 1,114.8 m2 - 1,858 m2

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

10

b) over 1,858 m2 - 0.4 ha

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

30

c) over 0.4 ha

(43,056 sq. ft.)

no limit

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

See documents for additional regulations for the keeping of poultry. 

section 38-41

food production;

urban agriculture;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

BEES

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

a) the parcel is located within any A Zone.

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

Limitation

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

Placement of Hives

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

section 48-49

 

District of Saanich Miniature goats pilot project on urban residential lots

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): livestock, pilot project, residential development

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In spring 2016, the District of Saanich Council approved a Pilot Study allowing miniature goats to be kept on a maximum of 10 single family zoned residential lots in order to explore opportunities for urban agriculture in residential settings.

From http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/minia… 

City of Victoria Animal Control Bylaw

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

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

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urbn agriculture;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock'

Requirements for keeping bees

21 (1) A person who keeps bees must (a) provide adequate water for the bees on the person’s property,

(b) maintain the bees in a condition that will reasonably prevent swarming, and

(c) keep hives at least 7.6 m away from each property line, unless there is a solid fence or hedge at least 1.8 m tall parallel to the property line.

(2) The Fence Bylaw applies to a fence erected in accordance with paragraph (1)(c).

 

section 21

 

City of Victoria Community Gardens Policy

Topic(s): Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban gardens/orchard

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

City of Vancouver Urban Farm Guidelines

Topic(s): Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban farm

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These guidelines have been prepared to assist the development of safe, neighbourly and productive urban farms and create a more sustainable food system for Vancouver. Urban farming will improve the resilience of Vancouver’s food systems in accordance with the vision, principles and goals defined in the Vancouver Food Strategy and the Greenest City Action Plan which calls for an increase of urban farms to improve economic, social and environmental objectives. The guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the Zoning and Development By-law and the License By-law.


The purpose of the guidelines is to assist both urban farm applicants to apply as well as City staff to evaluate applications by:
(a) Providing details on suitability of urban farms in Vancouver; and
(b) Ensuring that urban farms meet City policy and regulations. from Urban farm Guidelines, City of Vancouver  http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/growing-food-for-sale.aspx

 

From City of Vancouver Urban Farm Guidelines, 2016

City of Vancouver Zoning & Development Bylaw 3575

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

Sub-topic(s): urban farm, zoning, farm retail/farm gate sales, farmers' markets

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food sales, access and procurement farmers' markets;

Farmers’ Market

11.21.1 A Farmers’ Market must be in: (a) open air stalls or booths; (b) stalls or booths partially or totally covered by tents or similar temporary structures; and (c) stalls or booths in a building approved for use as a Farmers’ Market.

11.21.2 A Farmers’ Market must have at least 11 stalls or booths, except that the Director of Planning may permit a lesser number of stalls or booths, if the Director of Planning first considers all applicable policies and guidelines adopted by Council.

11.21.3 The site area of a Farmers’ Market must not exceed 2 323 m2 , except that the Director of Planning may permit an increase in site area, if the Director of Planning first considers all applicable policies and guidelines adopted by Council.

11.21.4 A vendor at a Farmers’ Market must only sell: local fresh, dried or frozen fruit and vegetables; local dried or frozen meat and seafood; local eggs; local dairy products; local plants; local prepared foods; local ready-to-eat foods; local artisan crafts; or local wine, cider, beer or spirits.

11.21.5 No more than 40% of the total number of stalls or booths in a Farmers’ Market may be used for the sale of local ready-to-eat foods and local artisan crafts.

11.21.6 There must be no more than three vendors selling or providing samples of local wine, cider, beer or spirits at a Farmers’ Market.

11.21

urban agriculture;

urban farm;

Urban Farm - Class A

Notwithstanding anything else in this By-law, Urban Farm - Class A is subject to the following:

11.29.1 The planting area must not exceed 325 m2 on any single parcel unless the primary use of the parcel is Park or Institutional in which case the Director of Planning may permit an increase in planting area to a maximum of 7 000 m2 .

11.29.2 If two or more parcels are operated jointly as an Urban Farm - Class A, the combined planting area for all parcels must not exceed 7 000 m2 .

11.29.3 No on-site processing of fruits and vegetables, or manufacturing of food products is permitted.

11.29.4 No mechanical equipment may be used other than that designed for household use including lawnmowers, rototillers, garden hoses and pruners.

11.29.5 No herbicides or pesticides are permitted.

11.29.6 No on-site sales are permitted, unless the primary use of the parcel is Institutional.

11.29.7 No Urban Farm - Class A operated on a single parcel may generate revenue exceeding $9,999 in any calendar year, unless the primary use of the parcel is Park or Institutional.

11.29.8 If an Urban Farm - Class A is operated, in whole or in part, by a person other than an owner or full-time resident of the parcel, the planting area must be subject to a lease authorizing the operation of the farm.

11.29.9 No offensive noise, odour, light, smoke, or vibration or other objectionable effect may be produced.

11.29.10 No mechanical equipment may be stored outside.

11.29.11 Any development permit or waiver of a development permit for an Urban Form-Class A is time limited to 1 year.

Urban Farm - Class B

Notwithstanding anything else in this By-law, Urban Farm – Class B is subject to the following:

11.30.1 The planting area for a single parcel or the combined planting area for all parcels operated jointly as an Urban Farm – Class B, may not exceed 7 000 m2 , unless relaxed by the Director of Planning due to unnecessary hardship associated with the location, shape or size of the parcel or parcels.

11.30.2 If located within 30 m of a residential use, no mechanical equipment may be used other than that designed for household use including lawnmowers, rototillers, garden hoses and pruners.

11.30.3 No herbicides or pesticides are permitted.

11.30.4 No offensive noise, odour, light, smoke, or vibration or other objectionable effect may be produced.

11.30.5 If an Urban Farm - Class B is operated, in whole or in part, by a person other than an owner or full-time resident of the parcel during the farm operation, the planting area must be subject to a lease authorizing the operation of the farm.

11.30.6 Any development permit for an Urban Farm Class B is time limited to 1 year

section 11, 11.29- 11,30

 

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

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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 Vancouver License By-law No. 4450

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

Sub-topic(s): urban farm

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
urban agriculture; urban farm;

URBAN FARMING

(1) Every parcel operated as an Urban Farm ― Class A or Urban Farm ― Class B or as part of an Urban Farm ― Class A or Urban Farm ― Class B, requires a separate business license.

(2) An Urban Farm - Class A or Urban Farm - Class B may only operate on more than one parcel if all the licenses are issued to the same person.

(3) A licence holder may not operate an Urban Farm – Class A that exceeds a combined planting area of 7,000m2 .

(4) A licence holder may not operate an Urban Farm – Class B that exceeds a combined planting area of 7,000m2 , unless approved under section 11.30.1 of the Zoning and Development By-law.

(5) No activities associated with an Urban Farm – Class A may take place outside the hours of 8 am to 9 pm.

(6) If located within 30 m of a residential use, no activities associated with an Urban Farm – Class B may be carried on outside the hours of 8am to 9 pm.

(7) If the holder of a license for an Urban Farm – Class A or an Urban Farm – Class B applies for farm class tax status under the BC Assessment Act, the applicant must inform the Chief License Inspector at the time the application is made.

(8) If part of the planting area of an Urban Farm – Class A or Urban Farm – Class B is subject to a lease, the lease must be provided to the City License Inspector

26.4 

 

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

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

urban agriculture;

food production;

zoning;

urban gardens/orchard;

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

urban agriculture;

water management;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

stormwater management;

pilot project;

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

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

9.7.3 *

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

food access, sales and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

economic development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food processing;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

local food culture;

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

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

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

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

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

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

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

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

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

17.4.2 The roles and responsibilities of participants; 

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

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

17.4; *

urban agriculture;

food production;

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

urban agriculture;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

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

urban gardens/orchard;

pilot project;

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

food production;

urban agriculture;

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

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

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

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

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

urban chickens;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

Support the keeping of small livestock in the city by:

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

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

17.13; *
urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban farm;

urban farm;home occupations/ home-based business;

commercial development;

institutional development;

residential development;

greenhouses;

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

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

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

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

waste management;

urban agriculture;

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

pilot project;

food processing;

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

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

food processing;

farmland trust;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

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

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

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

17.19; *

nutrition and public health;

food sales, access and procurement;

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

emergency preparedness;

research and data collection;

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

emergency preparedness;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

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

composting;

commercial development;

residential development;

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

17.26.1 Promoting household composting systems;

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

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

17.26; *

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

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

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

 

Supplementary Information

 

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

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

Policy Development, Public Consultation, and Policy Adoption

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Long-term integrity of structures such as greenhouses

- Regulatory barriers for community members  wishing to participate

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

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

Policy Implementation

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

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

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

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

Policy Outcomes and Recommendations

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

 

 

References

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

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

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

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