Urban Farming Ordinances in Spokane, WA
Navigating Local Regulations
Urban Farming in Spokane, Washington, has experienced significant advancement due to changes in the city's ordinances. In 2014, Spokane's City Council approved amendments to the municipal code, thereby allowing market gardens and the keeping of small livestock within city limits. This regulatory shift was designed to encourage local food production and provide residents with the opportunity to engage in small-scale agriculture.
With the introduction of these amendments, Spokane residents can cultivate produce, fruits, and flowers on their property for sale, which is defined as a market garden by the municipal code. Additionally, the updated ordinances include provisions for the sale of eggs. The aim is to support sustainable urban living practices, expand access to locally grown foods, and bolster urban greening initiatives.
In developing these urban farming regulations, the city faced the challenge of creating a comprehensive code that could accommodate a variety of small farm-type animals while also addressing potential complications. Education certificate requirements were introduced for the keeping of less common animals, indicating the city's commitment to responsible urban farming practices. The code adjustments reflect the city's ongoing efforts to balance urban development with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Understanding Urban Farming
Urban farming in Spokane, WA, encapsulates the cultivation of produce, ranging from vegetables to fruit and flowers, within the city limits. This section explores its definition, the advantages it brings to the community, and the challenges it faces.
Urban Agriculture Definition
Urban agriculture, often referred to as urban farming, is the practice of growing, processing, and distributing food and other produce through plant cultivation and livestock rearing within and around cities. In Spokane, this includes market gardens, allowing residents to sell homegrown food directly from their properties. Local regulations have been amended to facilitate this form of agriculture in residential areas, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency within the community.
Benefits of Urban Farming
Urban farming offers an array of benefits:
Nutrition: Access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables can lead to a healthier community.
Education: Gardening practices provide educational opportunities for children and adults, fostering an understanding of where food comes from.
Economic: Selling produce can generate additional income for urban farmers.
Environmental: It contributes to biodiversity, helps reduce food miles, and can mitigate urban heat island effects.
Challenges of Urban Farming
Despite the benefits, urban farming in Spokane is met with challenges:
Space: Limited availability of arable land in urban settings poses a constraint.
Regulation: Navigating the legalities, such as Spokane's requirements for educational certificates for the keeping of certain farm animals, can be complex.
Community Impact: Balancing urban farm operations with neighborhood aesthetics and community norms can be difficult, leading to potential disputes or the need for additional code enforcement activity.
Spokane Urban Farming Ordinances
Spokane's municipal code has undergone amendments to accommodate urban farming practices. These provisions reflect the growing trend of urban agriculture by setting clear guidelines for keeping small livestock and gardens within the city limits.
History of Ordinances in Spokane
The City of Spokane passed significant amendments to its municipal code on March 24, 2014, to facilitate urban farming practices. This was a pivotal moment as it allowed for market gardens and the keeping of small livestock within the city—an acknowledgment of the importance of sustainable, local food sources. Previously, such practices were heavily restricted or not explicitly addressed by city regulations.
Key Provisions of Spokane's Ordinances
The current ordinance stipulates the following:
Chickens and Small Livestock: Residents can keep up to 1 chicken or similar small animal per 1,000 square feet of lot area. For every 2,500 square feet, one small livestock is permitted.
Roosters are generally not allowed due to the noise issues they can create.
Urban Farming Spaces: Market gardens are recognized and supported as part of urban farming initiatives.
The Spokane Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 17C.310, provides detailed regulations on animal keeping.
Comparative Analysis with Other Cities
Spokane's approach to urban farming bears resemblance to ordinances in other cities while maintaining its unique specifications. For example, both Cleveland and Portland have progressive urban agriculture ordinances, but Spokane differentiates itself with clear lot size to livestock ratios. Cities in Washington state such as Blaine, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, and Bridgeport may have similar or varying regulations, reflecting the specific needs and priorities of their communities regarding urban agriculture.
By understanding Spokane's direction, it becomes evident that the city recognizes the importance of urban agriculture and has laid the groundwork for its citizens to engage in these practices sustainably and responsibly.
Animal Husbandry and Property Use
In Spokane, WA, urban farming ordinances are designed to encourage responsible animal husbandry in residential areas while maintaining community standards. The regulations address which animals are allowed, as well as detailed requirements for their housing and management to prevent issues related to noise and odors.
Permitted Animals and Restrictions
Small Animals: Spokane permits the keeping of small livestock, including poultry and rabbits, within certain limits. Residents can keep chickens but need to apply for permits if exceeding certain numbers. Roosters might be restricted.
Poultry: Poultry are allowed under the Spokane Municipal Code with stipulations on the number allowed based on property size. Roosters are often subject to additional restrictions to minimize noise.
Larger Livestock: The keeping of larger animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs is regulated, often requiring larger property sizes and a special animal-keeping certification.
Housing and Space Requirements
Coops and Hutches: Structures for small animals and poultry, such as coops and hutches, must meet specific construction standards and should be kept in the backyard.
Minimum setback distances from neighbor dwellings and property lines are enforced.
Large Animal Shelters: Housing for larger animals like horses and mules must provide adequate space consistent with humane standards and local property use codes in residential neighborhoods.
Noise and Smell Regulations
Noise Control: Measures are in place to control noise impacts, especially from roosters, which can lead to complaints and enforcement by animal control services.
Habitual noise offenders may be removed by animal control.
Odor Management: Owners are required to manage waste and odors to prevent any nuisances to the surrounding residential zones.
Regular cleaning of animal housing and proper waste disposal are essential to comply with smell regulations.
Enforcement strategies ensure that urban farming activities coexist harmoniously within Spokane's residential areas, with a focus on community satisfaction and animal welfare. Permits and spot checks by animal control services ensure compliance with the ordinances.
Small Livestock Management
In Spokane, WA, urban farmers can keep certain types of small livestock, which include chickens, rabbits, goats, and bees, under specific conditions detailed by amendments to the City’s Municipal Code.
Keeping Chickens and Rabbits
Chickens: The Spokane Municipal Code permits urban residents to keep chickens with the requirement of one chicken per 1,000 square feet of lot area. This is a move to encourage sustainable living and support local food production.
Lot Size vs. Chicken Allowance:
Up to 5,000 square feet: A maximum of five chickens.
No roosters are permitted, to minimize noise.
Rabbits: While the search results do not directly mention regulations on rabbits, typically, rabbits are grouped with small livestock like chickens and subject to similar space requirements.
Regulations for Bees and Goats
Bees: Keeping of bees for honey production is part of Spokane's urban agriculture landscape. The city allows for the maintenance of beehives, emphasizing the importance of these pollinators in urban settings. Regulations and certification can be implied but specifics were not provided.
Goats:
The local ordinance specifies that for every 2,500 square feet of lot area, residents may keep one small livestock animal, which includes goats.
Goat keepers must adhere to proper enclosure and waste management practices to maintain public health standards.
Spokane Valley and nearby Liberty Lake may have their own regulations and are worth researching for anyone interested in urban farming within those jurisdictions.
The Spokane City Council continuously evaluates these ordinances to balance the benefits of urban agriculture with maintaining an orderly city environment. Prospective urban farmers are advised to consult the latest version of the Municipal Code for comprehensive and current regulations.
Zoning and Land Use Policies
In Spokane, urban farming is shaped by specific zoning restrictions and allowances which affect how city residents can engage in agriculture. The Spokane Municipal Code and Spokane County Zoning Code provide frameworks within which urban farming must operate.
Zoning Restrictions for Urban Farms
Urban farms in Spokane are subject to zoning restrictions that preserve the city's structural integrity while promoting agricultural practices. The Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 17C.380 specifically outlines Market Garden rules, which detail permissible urban agricultural activities. These restrictions are designed to ensure that urban farming activities reconcile with the Spokane's overall development plan and neighborhood characteristics. Entities wishing to start urban farms must carefully consider these restrictions, which can dictate site selection, size of the operation, and types of allowable agricultural practices.
Urban Farming in Residential Zones
When it comes to residential zones, the City of Spokane has created provisions within its council to accommodate urban farming in these areas. Market gardens, for instance, are types of urban agriculture allowed within residential zones under certain conditions determined by the City's ordinance. These conditions are set to minimize conflict between typical residential applications and those of an agricultural nature. Residents interested in starting urban farms or market gardens in residential zones need to consult the Planning and Development office for guidance on the proper procedures and adherence to specific land use standards.
Local Government and Community Involvement
The progression of urban farming in Spokane has been significantly influenced by the local government and the community, demonstrating a mutual dedication to sustainable development and local food security.
Role of the City Council and Council President
The City Council in Spokane demonstrated its commitment to urban agriculture by amending the Municipal Code to facilitate market gardens and small livestock keeping. This key legislation, passed on March 24, 2014, was an initiative indicative of the council's progressive stance on urban agriculture. Council President Ben Stuckart was an involved figure in this context, playing a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing the ordinances that shaped Spokane's urban farming landscape.
Community Initiatives and Public Support
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of Spokane's urban farming ordinances. Neighborhood groups and local stakeholders, including educational institutions like Washington State University, have actively participated in discussions and initiatives promoting urban farming. This engagement has been critical, providing the public support necessary to propel legislative changes and ensure successful integration of urban farming into Spokane's fabric. Public forums and community workshops have often been spaces where residents could voice their opinions and contribute to the development of policies that reflect their needs and aspirations for urban farming.
Legal Considerations and Compliance
Urban farming within the City of Spokane is governed by specific municipal codes and ordinances that require compliance to avoid penalties. Residents must carefully navigate these regulations to ensure their urban farming activities are legally sound.
Understanding Municipal Codes
The City of Spokane's Municipal Code serves as the legal framework that all urban farmers need to understand to operate within the law. An important amendment, which went into effect on May 9, 2014, allows for Market Gardens and the keeping of small livestock within Spokane's city limits. It is imperative that individuals refer to Chapter 17C.310 to understand the permissible activities related to urban agriculture. It is also required for residents to obtain any necessary permits before initiating urban farming projects.
Animal Control and Violation Penalties
When it comes to animal keeping, Spokane residents must adhere strictly to the established animal control regulations. These are critical not only for community harmony but also for the welfare of the animals. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in violation penalties. For instance, there are clear provisions for the keeping and raising of small domesticated farm animals, including the number that can be kept based on lot size. Spokane County specifies different zoning categories such as Rural, Resource, and Low Density Plus, where different rules apply. Enforcement of these codes ensures that all urban farming practices coexist with the urban environment without causing nuisances or public health issues.
Outreach and Education
Spokane emphasizes the importance of providing its community with educational resources and certification opportunities to foster a knowledgeable urban farming culture.
Educational Opportunities
Washington State University plays a pivotal role in the educational aspect of urban farming in Spokane. The university offers a range of services tailored to urban agricultural endeavors, extending from vegetable gardening to the management of small animals. They provide:
Workshops on sustainable farming techniques.
Seminars on the integration of dogs and cats in urban agriculture settings.
Practical guides for community members on establishing and maintaining market gardens.
Certification Programs
Certification programs assure a standard level of expertise and practice within urban farming in Spokane. Participants can gain certification in areas such as:
Small Animal Care: Focusing on best practices for keeping animals within city limits.
Urban Crop Production: Offering insights on high-yield, small-scale farming.
These programs not only certify individuals but also assist in elevating the standards of urban farming across the community.
Future of Urban Farming in Spokane
Urban farming in Spokane, WA, continues to evolve, with potential legislative updates and agricultural advancements shaping the trajectory of the city's food systems.
Innovations in Urban Agriculture
Spokane's urban agriculture landscape has shown a marked openness to innovation. Stakeholders and policymakers have been considering technologies like vertical farming, which maximizes output in small areas, potentially transforming urban spaces into productive agricultural sites. Hydroponic systems, which allow for soil-less farming, could further enhance urban yields by facilitating all-year-round growth under controlled conditions. These methods underline a move toward more sustainable and efficient city farming practices.
Potential Amendments to Current Legislation
Legislative adjustments are vital to the growth of urban farming in Spokane. The Municipal Code Chapter 17C.380 currently governs market garden operations, and amendments to this code may occur to support the expanding interest in urban agriculture. For instance, the city may revise animal husbandry regulations within urban zones to streamline the integration of small livestock into urban farm ecosystems. Key to this process is ongoing dialogue between urban farmers, residents, and city officials to ensure that updates to legislation will facilitate growth while maintaining community harmony.
