(a)

Community gardens. A community garden, where allowed as a principal use in a zoning district, shall comply with the district density, intensity and dimensional standards of the applicable zoning district for residential development and with the following standards:

(1)

A site plan, pursuant to Sec. 64.10, depicting the layout of the individual garden plots, setbacks from property lines, access points to site, location of storage shed, trash and organic material storage containers, and off-street parking space. The following additional information shall also be provided:

a.

A photograph of the property from the street abutting the property.

b.

A description of intended use of organic materials, chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

c.

Operating rules identifying the governance structure of the garden and maintenance and security responsibilities.

d.

Contact information for individual responsible for oversight of the community garden.

(2)

Development standards. The following development standards shall apply to community gardens:

a.

The community garden shall be a maximum of one acre in area.

b.

The community garden shall be designed to prevent any chemical pesticide, fertilizer, garden waste, soil, drainage or runoff onto adjacent property.

c.

Plantings and containers used for storage shall be located no closer than 15 feet to the side or rear property line and no closer than 25 feet to the front property line.

d.

Accessory storage shed of no more than 100 square feet in floor area and a maximum of ten (10) feet in height may be placed on the property. The structure shall be located 25 feet from the front property line and fifteen (15) feet from side and rear property lines.

e.

Any fencing shall comply with the accessory structure standards for the applicable zoning district.

f.

Stakes, trellises or other similar structures of no more than ten (10) feet in height used to support plant growth may be placed on the property.

g.

One small freestanding sign per street frontage may be placed on site. The sign shall be maximum of four (4) square feet in area and five (5) feet in height and comply with the sign type standards for small freestanding signs in Chapter 38, Article I, Signs, of this Code.

h.

One parking space may be allowed on site, if the Planning Director determines that access to the site can be accomplished without crossing a public sidewalk or curb and that the parking space is stabilized with a durable surface approved by the City Engineer.

i.

No exterior lighting is permitted, except for solar power lighting fixtures that are no higher than 1.5 feet above grade.

j.

Community gardens are not bona fide agriculture under F.S. § 823.14, the Florida Right to Farm Act.

(3)

Permit conditions.

a.

The owner of the property on which the garden is located shall be responsible for maintaining the property in accordance with the conditions of the special use permit and the property maintenance requirements of Chapter 38, Environment, of the City Code.

b.

No produce or plants grown on the site shall be sold, but may be used for the consumption and enjoyment of individuals or group participating in the community garden activity or, for donation to a not-for-profit or governmental organization.

c.

Hours of operation shall be limited to the hours between sunrise and sunset.

d.

No power machinery shall be operated between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

e.

The community garden site shall be maintained as follows:

i.

Powered or motorized equipment used on site shall be similar to that normally used in connection with home gardening, such as walk-behind rototillers and lawnmowers. Small farm tractors or other heavier machinery shall not be employed on site except as authorized by the Planning Director.

ii.

Equipment, small tools and supplies shall be stored indoors or removed from the property daily.

iii.

Compost and organic matter to be used for the community garden shall not be stored in open air. Such matter shall be contained in appropriate containers or within a storage shed. The containers shall be maintained to prevent odors and prevent the harborage of rodents, pests, and other vermin.

iv.

Composting materials shall only be those materials generated on-site or contributed by active members of the community garden. No fresh manure shall be used or composted.

v.

Additional dirt for distribution and other bulk supplies shall be stored to the rear or center of the property, shall be kept in a neat and orderly fashion, and shall not create visual blight or offensive odors.

vi.

No trash or debris shall be stored or allowed to remain on the property, except within containers so as not to produce offensive odors or attract animals and vermin. Such containers will be emptied at least once a week.

vii.

Pesticides and fertilizers may only be stored on the property in a locked building and shall comply with any other applicable requirements for hazardous materials.

viii.

Storage of toxic and flammable materials is prohibited.

ix.

Any other reasonable condition that the Planning Director may impose to ensure consistency with the site development and other applicable provisions of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2023-17, §§ 6, 7, 9-26-2023)