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The City of Flagstaff’s Experience with Community Gardens

The City of Flagstaff’s Experience with Community Gardens. Roger E. Eastman, AICP, Comprehensive Planning and Code Administrator Nicole A. Woodman, Sustainability Manager. Supported by City Policy and Code?. 2001 Flagstaff Regional Land Use and Transportation Plan, April 2001

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The City of Flagstaff’s Experience with Community Gardens

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  1. The City of Flagstaff’s Experience with Community Gardens Roger E. Eastman, AICP, Comprehensive Planning and Code Administrator Nicole A. Woodman, Sustainability Manager

  2. Supported by City Policy and Code? • 2001 Flagstaff Regional Land Use and Transportation Plan, April 2001 • Silent on community gardens and local agriculture • Urban Growth Boundary = no more sprawl! • ARS requires review and re-adoption every 10 years. • 2014 Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030, May 22, 2014 • Food policy recommendations submitted • Last minute revisions and edits • Result – also silent on community gardens and local agriculture!

  3. Supported by City Policy and Code? • 2014 Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 • Goal ED3: Regional economic development partners support the start-up, retention, and expansion of existing business enterprises. • Policy ED 3.7: Support and encourage regional agriculture.

  4. Supported by City Policy and Code? • 2011 Flagstaff Zoning Code, November 1, 2011 • Former Land Development Code was complex, inconsistent, hard-to-use, and disliked by all • And it did not allow community gardens • New Zoning Code adopted after 3.5 years of broad-based community participation • Success at providing for local food production – be innovative! • Community gardens now specifically allowed.

  5. Supported by City Policy and Code? • 2011 Flagstaff Zoning Code, November 1, 2011 • Section 10-40.60.140 Community Gardens • Land used for cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, or herbs by multiple users • Water supply required – support cultivation practices on site • Operating rules and a garden coordinator – responsible • Specifically allowed on roof tops • No drainage to downstream properties • No retail sales; but produce from the garden may be sold • Shed to store tools and green houses – 120 sq. ft. max. • Maintenance required • In unmaintained or abandoned for >12 months, then landscaped.

  6. Supported by City Policy and Code? • 2011 Flagstaff Zoning Code, November 1, 2011 • Section 10-50.60.140 Landscaping Standards • Food production sites (vegetable gardens) excluded from landscape standards • Oasis standards do not apply to community gardens • Edible landscape plants are permitted. • Section 10-40.30.050 Industrial Zones • Allows food production and composting facilities. • Future amendments – more explicitly allow local food production in all zones. Roger E. Eastman, AICP, Comprehensive Planning and Code Administrator reastman@flagstaffaz.gov (928) 213-2640

  7. Sowing Seeds in Flagstaff • 1st community garden established as a “pilot” in 2009 • Community desire • Vacant City property • High density neighborhood • Public transit route • Launched Community Agriculture Project in 2010 • Community gardens promote sustainable communities by providing locally grown food and building a sense of community • Partnered with Flagstaff Foodlink to manage existing garden and future gardens in 2010 • 2nd garden established as a “pilot” in 2010 • 3rd garden established in 2012 – property donated to the City as an educational site • In 2013 community action helped establish 4th and 5th gardens

  8. Being Creative and Resourceful • Permit Agreement for operating a recreational community garden • Community garden participant waiver, release and hold harmless agreement • Rules and guidelines for community gardens on City property • Analysis of all City owned property to identify future gardens – gardens that would stay gardens • Community grants and volunteers funded a majority of infrastructure, labor and supplies • Partnered with Affordable Housing Section on Izabel and O’Leary gardens

  9. To this

  10. Building Community • Community empowerment • Long term commitment • Work with neighborhood before breaking ground • No fencing • Group or individual plots • Senior and children plots • Organic design • Summer workshop series

  11. Lessons Learned • Neighborhood needs may surprise you • Community partners are critical to success • Reporting impact can be challenging • What to measure? Pounds? Bushels? Money saved during growing season? • Infrastructure is expensive

  12. Nicole A. Woodman nwoodman@flagstaffaz.gov 928.213.2149 www.facebook.com/FlagstaffSustainabilityProgram www.flagstaff.az.gov/gardens

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