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City Slicker Farms
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Oakland, CA 94607
Urban Agriculture Changes Going Before Oakland City Council
Thanks to the voices of Oakland gardeners like you, our city is one step away from approving changes to our urban agriculture policy that would make it easier for everyone to grow and sell food.
Last week, Oakland City Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee approved amendments to the City’s Zoning Policies that will make it easier and cheaper to have urban farms and gardens in Oakland. The items are moving on to to the full City Council’s Consent Calendar on November 5. Will you join us on Wednesday, November 5 at 5:30 p.m. to show City Council that Oakland residents believe growing food is a right? You can also contact your council person to voice your support for the policy changes.
These much needed regulatory updates would empower our city to grow our own food in a few major ways: It expands the areas of the city where community gardens can exist, makes it easier for anyone to start growing food by changing the definition of a community garden from land cultivated by “more than one” to “one or more” persons, and removes the lengthy and expensive permitting process that used to be required for growing and selling food.
In most areas of the city, community gardens have been required to apply for a Conditional Use Permit, a process that could cost thousands of dollars and take several months. The proposed changes designate certain agricultural activities as “permitted outright” in many zones, including commercial corridors. These activities include growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs; keeping up to three beehives; and, in some areas, selling those food products on- or off-site.
What won’t change: Livestock laws. Community gardens that want to raise chickens, sheep, goats, or other livestock still need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit.
This is a big step forward for urban farmers in Oakland! Join City Slicker Farms, Oakland Food Policy Council and other food justice advocates on Wednesday, November 5 at 5:30 p.m. to show your support.