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� FILE#11-3504 <br /> 10 May 2011 <br /> Page 4 of 5 <br /> The Planning Commission should discuss and make recommendations regarding the following <br /> issues for discussion: <br /> 1. Property Size: Is a certain size property more appropriate for a community garden? <br /> 2. Zoning: <br /> a. Are certain zoning districts a better fit than others? <br /> b. Should a community garden be limited to residential districts? <br /> c. Is a garden use appropriate on a commercially zoned property(I, B-1, B-2, B-3, <br /> B-4, B-5, B-6 or B-6 PUD)? <br /> 3. Is a multi-user community garden an appropriate use for Orono? Is a single user/non- <br /> profit community garden an appropriate use? <br /> 4. Would an Interim Use Permit(IUP)which includes a sunset date be an appropriate <br /> mechanism for allowing a community garden? <br /> 5. Garden Sheds: <br /> a. Should a shed require a special permit tied to the garden use? <br /> b. What is an acceptable maximum size for a private garden shed?5'x5'? 6'x8'? <br /> 10`x10'? <br /> • c. What if the garden is only used for a limited amount of time?Should the shed <br /> be removed? <br /> 6. What type(s)of fencing is appropriate for a private garden? Community garden? <br /> Summary&Staff Recommendation <br /> �In order to address the desire for locally grown foods,encourage a healthier community and <br /> enhancement of green spaces, staff finds that while there are a few minor logistical challenges <br /> with private residential gardens on vacant properties it may be appropriate to amend the zoning <br /> code to allow private gardens as a permitted use in each residential district. Consideration <br /> should be given to the issues around fencing and garden sheds etc. <br /> Staff finds that community gardens require a different approach altogether. There are many <br /> considerations to take into account regarding a community garden. The Planning Commission <br /> should discuss each of the issues outlined within this report and give general direction to staff <br /> and Council. Ultimately the City Council must determine their interest in moving forward with <br /> allowing private gardens, community gardens(and what type(s)to allow),where community <br /> gardens are appropriate, and the use of City property for that purpose. <br /> The Planning Commission should review the sample definitions in Exhibit A and decide on the <br /> most appropriate definitions for"private garden" and "community garden". Staff recommends <br /> approval of a zoning code text amendment to allow private gardens as a permitted use on <br /> residentially zoned properties as well as the following standards—private gardens should be set <br /> back at least 10 feet from all property lines; a garden shed should be permitted up to 50 square <br /> feet and must meet principal structure setbacks for the appropriate zone; and fencing may be <br /> permitted in conjunction with the standards in Zoning Code section 78-1405. <br /> Staff further recommends approval of a zoning text amendment to allow single-user, non-profit <br /> community gardens within the City in accordance with the following: community gardens may <br /> be allowed on only City-owned property in conjunction with a permit and fee;the user should <br /> be a non-profit group and proceeds should be donated to charity; principal structure setbacks <br /> should be required for all garden uses; no permanent fencing should be permitted (6 foot <br />