Council adopts market-farm ordinance to allow small urban farms in R-120 neighborhoods

LINDON, Utah — After a public hearing the Lindon City Council voted unanimously May 19 to adopt a market-farm ordinance that creates a conditional-use pathway for small, owner-operated urban farms in the city’s R-120 (one-acre) residential zone.

The ordinance, adopted as Ordinance 2025-5-O, was the culmination of a multi-meeting planning-commission review and a council hearing that included a presentation by applicants Brian and Chelsea Bueller, who operate Sunnyside Urban Farm on East 400 North.

The ordinance itself defines a market farm as a small-scale agricultural operation for cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and animal products and allows related educational classes and pick‑your‑own activities when listed conditions are met. Key conditions listed in the ordinance include:

- Owner-occupied, on-site residence required. - Maximum market-farm parcel size: 2 acres. - Public-access hours limited to 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; owners may perform maintenance outside those hours. - Up to two employees or the part‑time equivalent of two full-time employees. - Parking: up to 14 stalls allowed plus use of on‑frontage parking; exemptions from pavement requirements possible for certain gravel parking configurations. - Retail sales limited to goods produced on-site; no outside vendors permitted. - Signs limited to the types and sizes allowed in residential sign code, with some allowances for monument or temporary banner signage.

Chelsea Bueller described the enterprise during the hearing: “I run the Sunnyside Urban Farm. Primarily, I’m selling wholesale flowers, cut flowers... I grow flowers for this wholesale market.” She also described small public classes and community events as part of the farm’s plan.

Planning commission review and council action

Community Development staff and the planning commission reviewed the ordinance language over multiple meetings and recommended approval to the council. Staff noted the ordinance is intended to balance small-scale commercial activity, neighborhood character and traffic/parking impacts.

Council member Lincoln Jacobs moved to adopt the ordinance and Council member Steve Stewart seconded the motion; the mayor called the question and the vote was announced as unanimous.

What happens next

Adoption of the ordinance establishes the regulatory framework; individual market-farm operators must still apply for conditional-use permits, site-plan approvals and any required building permits or business licenses before expanding operations or hosting regular public events.

The council directed staff to process the rule changes and work with applicants on the site-specific approvals and conditions.