Title
Development Code Updates to Support Urban Agriculture - Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of draft proposed amendments to Olympia Municipal Code to allow urban agriculture as a permissible use in additional zoning districts; also proposes to amend sections related to animals and pets.
Staff Contact:
Casey Schaufler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8254
Presenter(s):
Casey Schaufler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
In 2020 the Olympia City Council approved a referral to the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) to review the preservation or mitigation of the loss of farmland. To respond to this referral, the Committee approved convening the Olympia Farmland Work Group. The Work Group initially focused on identifying existing agricultural land within Olympia and its urban growth area. Staff from the Thurston Conservation District completed an analysis combining several data sources. It identified parcels totaling approximately 450 acres of active and potential farmland. The Work Group reported to LUEC in 2021 and 2022, with recommendations for continued work to encourage urban farming in the city.
To carry out some of those recommendations, the City contracted with the Thurston Conservation District for three primary tasks: 1) expand community gardens, 2) incentivize urban agriculture and remove barriers in city codes, and 3) connect private vacant land with potential farmers. In addition, the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department contracted with a consultant to examine the possibility of an agri-park in Olympia. The consultant's analysis focused on feasibility of an urban farm park maintained and operated by the City of Olympia. It concluded that "...the City of Olympia lacks the staffing and funding capacity to embark on a full-fledged effort to move [a] farm park forward...[without] increasing st...
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