Planning commission recommends City Council adopt ordinance to expand produce-stand rules

The Harrisville Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council adopt Ordinance 573, a package of text amendments that would broaden allowed produce-stand uses while setting limits on structure size, setbacks, sourcing and operations. The commission’s recommendation follows a staff presentation and public comments and was approved by voice vote.

Staff explained key elements of the proposal, including a new definition of "produce stand" and a requirement that at least one product be grown on the subject property. "At least 50% of all produce and products offered for sale shall be grown or produced within Harrisville City," the staff presentation stated, and staff also proposed that accessory consumable products be allowed only if produced in-city and limited to no more than 20% of a vendor’s offerings. The text changes cited multiple HCMC sections and apply special allowances in the A‑1 agricultural zone while keeping stricter limits in residential zones.

The draft ordinance caps temporary structures, proposes a 1,000-square-foot maximum in A‑1 (with smaller caps proposed for residential zones), and ties off‑street parking to stand size (one parking space per 100 square feet). Staff told commissioners the off‑street parking must have a gravel or hard‑surface transition to reduce mud tracked onto city roads and recommended language referencing SWPPP or similar erosion-control standards. The motion to recommend adoption instructs staff to include the final staff memo and other agency requirements when the item goes to City Council.

Commissioners emphasized safety and neighborhood impacts while supporting agricultural viability. The commission’s recommendation does not itself change the municipal code; City Council will consider the recommended ordinance on a later agenda.