Coastal Commission Approves Encinitas' Urban Agriculture Ordinance

ENCINITAS, CA — The city of Encinitas announced Aug. 17 that the California Coastal Commission approved the city of Encinitas' Urban Agriculture Ordinance on Aug. 11. The new regulations allow for small-scale urban agricultural activities and create a simplified and affordable regulatory process for those interested in pursuing such activities within the city, according to a city news release.

Adopted by the Encinitas City Council on May 25, the ordinance establishes:

• A new simplified permitting process for urban agriculture activities.
• Allowances for "Community Garden" and "Farmers' Market" uses.
• "Temporary Food Stand" as a new use for residents interested in selling agricultural or cottage foods as defined by state law.

The ordinance also:

• Allows existing uses such as Agricultural Production and Roadside Agricultural Stands with an Agriculture Permit rather than a Minor Use Permit.
• Allows the existing animal related activity, "Small Animal Raising," with an Agriculture Permit (where a permit is required) rather than a Minor Use Permit.
• Allows beekeeping in all single-family residential zones (as many as two hives with no permit required). Beekeeping was previously limited to two single-family residential zones in the city.

For more information on the urban agriculture regulations, click here or contact the Planning & Building Department at planning@encinitasca.gov or call 760-633-2710. Community members can also visit the department's public counter at the Encinitas City Hall to learn more.

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