Neighbor News
Encinitas City Council Approves Urban Agriculture Ordinance
New Urban Agricultural Ordinance allows small-scale agricultural activities, lowers cost, and simplifies the permit approval process.
Encinitas, CA - The Encinitas City Council has adopted an Urban Agriculture Ordinance, which allows small-scale urban agricultural activities and creates a simplified and affordable regulatory process for those interested in pursuing urban agriculture activities in the City of Encinitas.
The Ordinance establishes:
- A new simplified permitting process for urban agriculture activities.
- Allowances for “Community Garden” and “Farmers’ Market” use.
- “Temporary Food Stand” as a new use for residents interested in selling agricultural or cottage foods as defined by state law.
The Ordinance also:
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- 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 rather than a Minor Use Permit (where a permit is required).
- Allows beekeeping in all single family residential zones. Beekeeping was previously limited to two single family residential zones.
The Ordinance is subject to Coastal Commission approval before becoming effective. City staff anticipates Coastal approval could occur as early as September 2016, based on when the item can be presented to the Commission for their consideration.
Complete information about the Ag Ordinance can be found on the City’s website under “Urban Agriculture Subcommittee”.
