Urban Agriculture in Boston, Article 89

Jurisdiction Name: Boston
State/Province: MA
Country: United States
Type of Government: Municipality
Population: 617,594
Population Range: 250,000 to 999,999
Policy Links: WebPDF
Policy type: ordinance
Year: 2013
GFC Topic: community food production
Keywords: city, community garden, farmers market, food production, food retail, fresh produce, infrastructure, land use, local, local food, local food production, locally grown, production, rooftop, rooftop agriculture, urban agriculture, urban farm, urban farming, zoning
Adopting Government Department(s):

Mayor's Office of Boston

Lead Implementing Entity(s): Boston Redevelopment Authority, Mayor's Office of Food Initiatives
Support Entity(s):

Mayor's Urban Agriculture Working Group

Funding Amount: n/a
Funding Sources: n/a
Policy Outcome(s):

The new addition to the zoning code allows for urban agriculture in Boston on the ground and on rooftops. This is not a new zoning designation, but allows for urban agriculture, farming, and gardening both for personal and commercial use on many parcels in the City of Boston. Permitting structure and design guidelines are explicitly outlined in the article. In addition, guidelines for farming practices such as soil safety, composting, hydroponics, aquaponics, beekeeping requirements and keeping of hens are outlined. Sales of food grown on these urban farms or gardens are allowed to be sold.

Additional Resources and Information: Link 1Link 2Link 3