City zoning rules squelch urban farm

Zoned out: A few months ago, a restaurateur in Culver City (a small city adjacent to Los Angeles) managed to get permission to plant hundreds of tomato plants and a few dozen fruit trees on an abandoned lot next to his cafe. Whatever he didn't use in his restaurant or give away to those living next to the lot could be sold, he thought, to help bring in a little income and provide local food to the area. Before the first tomato was even ripe city zoning regulations changed the plan: growing crops for sale is strictly forbidden in Culver City. Eventually, however, that might change, as city officials think that it might be time to take a new look at that part of the zoning code.  As enthusiasm grows for urban farming across the nation, other cities should take a look at their regulations, and try to find a way for urban and suburban areas to help feed their residents. (Los Angeles Times, via green LA girl)

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By mIEKAL aND on August 5th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

I guess it just depends where you live.  I'm still finding this a little hard to believe.

'Urban Farm' on North Side gets $106,000 city grant/loan

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/460842