City Commission OKs Urban Agriculture Changes

City Commission OKs Urban Agriculture Changes

Jennifer Bowman , Battle Creek Enquirer

7:49 p.m. ET Jan. 17, 2017

Gardening on vacant property will be allowed in Battle Creek after city commissioners unanimously approved ordinance changes on Tuesday.

Commissioners cast their adoption vote during their regular meeting, allowing community gardens on vacant parcels that are at least 66 feet wide and that have at least 7,500 square feet. Rules for urban commercial farms also were set, permitting them where adjoining properties are at least two acres in size.

Commissioners support urban agriculture in first vote

A farm stand can operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily once the ordinance goes into effect in seven days.

Commissioners are expected later this year to take on whether to allow farm animals in the city's residential areas.

Commissioner Deb Owens was traveling Tuesday and did not attend the meeting.

Read more of the Enquirer's urban agriculture coverage

Contact Jennifer Bowman at 269-966-0589 or jbowman@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow her on Twitter: @jenn_bowman. Listen to the podcast she co-hosts, The Jump Page, at soundcloud.com/enquirerpodcasting.

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