Community Gardens
Is there vacant land in your community that could be put to good use as a community garden with a little hard work and cooperation by a group of citizens? A community garden is the noncommercial use of vacant land for the purpose of providing residents an equal opportunity to use the land. It also offers a way to help residents ‘make ends meet’ during difficult economic times. We offer sample legislation to help ensure a successful harvest for all involved. Consider enacting legislation that states that products from the garden are intended for home consumption and not for commercial activity. Include a plan for refuse storage and disposal; a policy for use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides; restrict the use of machinery to customary home tools, not heavy machinery or tractors; require the proper maintenance of compost piles; control nuisances, such as odors and noise; and restrict structures on the site. The property should be maintained so that it does not become overgrown with weeds, infested by invasive or noxious plants, insects or wild animals, or become a source of pollution, erosion or stormwater runoff. Finally, the site should be left neat and clean after the fall harvest.
Sample Ordinances
Town of Huntington, NY – Ch. 95
City of Ithaca, NY – § 325-9C(4)(e)
City of Troy, NY – Ch. 83, Art. II
Township of Readington, NJ – § 148-79.1F
City of Royal Oak, MI – § 770-56
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