SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–More San Diegans will be able to raise chickens, miniature goats, and bees at home, and have more options for selling the food they grow on urban farms, thanks to new regulations approved by the City Council on January 31st.
“More and more, we realize the important role urban agriculture can play in providing San Diegans with greater access to healthy foods,” said Councilmember Emerald. “This is the type of smart policy we need to see more of—especially when we know so many San Diegans face food insecurity, on top of the alarming rate of obesity among our youth.” Councilmember Emerald and her colleagues approved revisions to the Municipal Code which increase the number of properties on which San Diegans may raise chickens, goats, or bees. The revisions also designate new categories for retail farms and farmers’ markets.
Many people who live in single-family homes will now be able to keep two miniature goats and several chickens. Some restrictions apply; for example, no roosters are permitted. These regulations are expected to go into effect in mid March. The Council’s decision will also make it easier for San Diegans to establish farmers’ markets on private property as well as to establish retail farms, which are farms on properties of up to four acres which produce and sell food and related products on the premises. Both retail farms and farmers’ markets would be allowed primarily in commercial areas, subject to some restrictions but without needing a permit.
Earlier in June, the Council voted to make it easier for San Diegans to establish community gardens in the city. “I am excited to see the trend toward community gardens both here in my own District and throughout the region,” Councilmember Emerald stated, adding: “Urban farms provide residents with greater access to fresh produce and good nutrition, promoting healthy living for our youth and families.” District 7 is home to the New Roots community garden in City Heights, which is run by the International Rescue Committee and farmed by dozens of families living in the Mid City area.
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Preceding provided by City Councilwoman Marti Emerald