Public Hearing for Proposed City of Pgh Ag Zoning Ordinance
Public Hearing Regarding Proposed City of Pittsburgh Agriculture Zoning Ordinance
The City of Pittsburgh, in an effort to help guide and support the development of urban agriculture, community gardens and greening projects, has drafted a set of ordinances. These ordinances are related to production of produce as well as bee and chicken keeping. Penn State Extension, Allegheny County welcomes the Planning Commission’s work and the City of Pittsburgh as a valuable partner in shaping the evolution of urban agriculture.
The benefits of urban agriculture extend past the value of the calories grown and harvested. Creating and sustaining gardens can beautify neighborhoods, create a sense of community and neighborhood pride, positively affect property values and increase food security. Having guidelines in place is a valuable tool to help guide development of urban agriculture activities.
There will be an opportunity for public comment on the proposed ordinances. While the proposed ordinances are mainly positive, some members of the urban agriculture community would like to request that the Planning Commission clarify some areas related to permitting fees, and bee and chicken keeping.
The public hearing will be held Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 2pm, at 200 Ross Street.
Penn State Extension, Allegheny County, is requesting that the ordinance be tabled for a period of four weeks at the February 16th meeting as it pertains to bees, chickens and other non-domestic farm animals, but passed for vegetable production with the exception of permit fees. The request for an additional four weeks of time would be used for the urban agriculture community to come together and propose changes related to the aforementioned areas.
Tags: local foods, permaculture, Pittsburgh, public hearing, urban ag, zoning
