Title
Development Code Updates to Support Urban Agriculture Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Olympia Farmland Work Group recommends referring the draft ordinance to the Planning Commission for review, public hearing and recommendation to the City Council.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to refer the draft ordinance to the Planning Commission for review, public hearing and recommendation to the City Council.
Report
Issue:
Whether to refer the draft ordinance to the Planning Commission for review, public hearing and recommendation to the City Council.
Staff Contact:
Tim Smith, Interim Community Planning and Development Director, 360.570.3915
Presenter(s):
Tim Smith, Interim Community Planning and Development Director
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 has contracted with a consultant to examine the possibility of an agri-park in Olympia.
City staff conducted a review of potential barriers to urban agriculture ...
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