Title
PROPOSED NEW ZONING CODE CHAPTER TO ALLOW FARMERS' MARKETS ON RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT OR SCHOOL GROUNDS
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Preserve and enhance neighborhoods, address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
At the March 2016 meeting, the Planning Commission agreed to initiate a process to examine allowing small farmer’s markets to locate on church or school grounds. This was at the request of representatives from the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. At the April regular meeting, the Planning Commission considered a staff-prepared discussion draft of possible code amendments to address the issue. The Planning Commission considered the draft, made some changes and then unanimously voted to hold a public hearing on the draft. At their May 2016 regular meeting, the Planning Commission held the public hearing. Several persons spoke in favor of the proposal, none spoke against it. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of draft zoning code chapter.
The purpose of the proposed zoning code amendments is to allow small local farmer’s markets to be located on places of worship sites or school sites. These local markets would provide greater access for the community to healthy food; enhance the sense of community in livable neighborhoods; encourage walking instead of driving and generate economic benefit to the community. The intention is to serve local households within the neighborhood of the market. Limits on the scale of these markets are needed to avoid significant adverse impacts to individual neighborhoods. The new zoning code chapter would be applicable to the City’s residential districts. The draft chapter is attached.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to accept the Planning Commission recommendation and direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for Council review and approval
STAFF CONTAC...
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