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Council adds urban-agriculture uses to zoning code, including market gardens and indoor operations
Summary
Council adopted zoning amendments to allow market gardens and indoor urban agriculture with performance standards; vote passed 6-0 with one abstention.
The council held a public hearing and adopted amendments to the Hopewell zoning ordinance to add two primary urban agriculture uses: market gardens (small outdoor produce-growing and on-site produce sales/stands) and indoor urban agriculture operations.
Deputy Director Davis said market gardens include definitions for accessory structures (hoop houses, greenhouses) and produce stands, and the package adds performance standards to prevent conversion of properties to junk storage, inoperable vehicle lots, or similar nonconforming uses. Standards address exterior storage, composting and maintenance. Davis said indoor urban agriculture is proposed for B districts and manufacturing districts with limits on exterior storage, no live animals and requirements to maintain retail frontage in business districts to keep storefront activation.
Anthony Sylvester of Crescent Avenue spoke in support after working with staff and said he applauds the department’s work and supports adoption. Councilor Harris moved to approve the zoning changes; the motion was seconded and adopted by roll call with Councilor Stokes recorded as abstaining, resulting in a 6-0 passage (one abstention).
Davis said she incorporated comments from the work session, including language additions to maintenance standards.
