Commission debates where to allow farm stands and how to define urban agriculture in Lake Oswego

Planning staff presented two distinct but related proposals for allowing farm stands and a new “urban agriculture” use on residential lots, and the Lake Oswego Planning Commission debated where and how to permit those uses during a work session.

The proposals - Farm stands: Staff proposes permitting farm stands (defined as a structure for sale of fresh produce and seasonal items) as an accessory use in the lowest‑density residential zones (R10 and R15). The existing specific‑use regulation limits farm‑stand structures to 800 square feet, and staff is not proposing to change that size limit but asked whether the allowance should be expanded to additional residential zones. - Urban agriculture: Staff proposed a new use for sites where food is grown for sale. Serving or tasting would be allowed under limits: hours 7 a.m.–8 p.m., up to 70 days per calendar year, and a maximum of 30 clients at once; motorized equipment limited to 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Two options were presented for spatial limits: - Option 1 (preferred by several commissioners): Permit urban agriculture only on larger lots (proposed threshold: lots of at least 1 acre), with a maximum urban‑ag area of 20,000 square feet or 35% of the lot. A conditional use permit (CUP) could allow larger or different configurations. - Option 2: Allow urban agriculture on any lot but cap the area at 4,000 square feet unless a CUP is approved.

Key discussion points and direction Commissioners generally supported expanding farm‑stand allowances beyond the lowest‑density zones (several commissioners noted self‑selection and limited demand would constrain proliferation in denser neighborhoods). Commissioner Jim said he “would be in favor of allowing urban agriculture and farm stands in every residential zone.” Other commissioners cautioned that allowing on‑site sales, tastings or events (up to 30 clients) on small lots could be disruptive; several favored Option 1 (larger lots) or a hybrid that uses a percentage‑of‑lot threshold to scale limits by lot size.

Staff provided scale context: there are about 191 properties in Lake Oswego zoned R10 or R15 that are at least an acre in size. Staff cited Portland’s market‑garden rules as a reference for size and operational limits and said the draft code would allow a CUP where impacts need mitigation.

Allowed activities and limits - Farm‑stand structure area (existing): 800 sq. ft. (no change proposed). - Urban agriculture serving/tasting: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; up to 70 days per year; maximum 30 clients at once. - Option 1 limits: lot ≥ 1 acre; urban‑ag area ≤ 20,000 sq. ft. or 35% of lot. - Option 2 limits: any lot; urban‑ag area ≤ 4,000 sq. ft. unless a CUP is obtained. - Marijuana cultivation/sale: commissioners and staff noted the city code specifically prohibits marijuana cultivation and sale on private property.

Next steps and staff direction The commission leaned toward Option 1 for on‑site sales and tasting (larger lots) while expressing openness to permitting cultivation for sale on smaller parcels under clearer limits (for example, using a percentage threshold). Several commissioners asked staff to incorporate the ability to grow ornamental plants in the urban‑ag definition and to carry forward the 70‑day tasting cap and 30‑person maximum in draft code language. Staff will return with draft amendments for a Planning Commission hearing on July 28 and a subsequent City Council hearing (tentatively Sept. 16).