Local Food Production – Above Green

(1 point)

Intent

To promote the environmental and economic benefits of community-based food production and improve nutrition through better access to fresh produce.

Requirements

Establish covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) or other forms of deed restrictions stating that the growing of produce is not prohibited in project areas, including greenhouses, any portion of residential front, rear, or side yards; or balconies, patios, or rooftops. Greenhouses but not gardens may be prohibited in front yards that face the circulation network Meet the requirements of one of the following three options.

Option 1. Neighborhood gardens (1 point)

Dedicate permanent and viable growing space or related facilities (such as greenhouses) within the project as specified in Table 1 (exclusive of existing dwellings). Ensure solar access and provide fencing, watering systems, garden bed enhancements (such as raised beds), secure storage space for tools, and pedestrian access for these spaces. Ensure that the spaces are owned and managed by an entity that includes occupants of the project in its decision making, such as a community group, homeowners association, or public body.

Table 1. Minimum garden space, by project density

Imperial units		Metric units
Project density (DU/acre)	Growing space (sf/DU)	Project density (DU/hectare)	Growing space (sq. meters/DU)
> 7 and ≤14	200	> 17.5 and ≤ 35	18.5
> 14 and ≤ 22	100	> 35 and ≤ 55	9
> 22 and ≤ 28	80	> 55 and ≤ 69	7.5
> 28 and ≤ 35	70	> 69 and ≤ 87	6.5
> 35	60	> 87	5.5

DU = dwelling unit; sf = square feet; sq. meters = square meters. An established community garden outside the project boundary but within a ½-mile (800-meter) walking distance of the project’s geographic center can satisfy this option if the garden otherwise meets all the requirements.

Option 2. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) (1 point)

Purchase shares in a community-supported agriculture program located within 150 miles (240 kilometers) of the project site for at least 80% of dwelling units within the project (exclusive of existing dwelling units). Each counted dwelling unit must receive CSA service for at least two years, beginning when it is occupied. Shares must be delivered to a point within 1/2 mile (800 meters) of the project’s geographic center on a regular schedule not less than twice per month at least four months of the year.

Option 3. Proximity to farmers market (1 point)

Locate the project’s geographic center within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of an existing or planned farmers market that is open or will operate at least once weekly for at least five months annually. Farmers market vendors may sell only items grown within 150 miles (240 kilometers) of the project site. A planned farmers market must have firm commitments from farmers and vendors that the market will meet all the above requirements and be in full operation by the time 50% of the project’s total floor area is occupied.