Title
Resolution authorizing and directing the Directors of the Departments of Finance and City Planning to establish incentives that encourage and empower residents to create and maintain urban gardens and urban agriculture sites.
Body
WHEREAS, after the Great Depression and after World Wars I and II, cities throughout the United States expanded urban garden and urban agriculture opportunities to help revive the local economy and help to feed local residents; and,
WHEREAS, urban farming will Pittsburgh neighborhoods to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic and insulate communities against the impacts of future crises; and,
WHEREAS, by eliminating certain requirements, waiving fees, and loosening restrictions, the City wishes to encourage and empower residents and community groups to grow their own produce, raise chickens and fish, and harvest other products on their own property or on property in their communities.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1.
A. This resolution hereby authorizes and directs the Directors of the Departments of Finance and City Planning to establish incentives that encourage and empower residents to create and maintain urban agriculture sites.
B. An urban agriculture site is defined as land gardened collectively by people on properties throughout the City of Pittsburgh, whether for personal/non-commercial use or for the off-site selling of agricultural products, including, but not limited to fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, herbs, legumes, nuts, grains, and other products as permitted by relevant local, state, and federal laws.
C. The incentives, including, but not limited to waiving fees and eliminating certain program requirements and/or restrictions, for City-sponsored programs, including, but not limited to the Side Yard Program, Adopt-a-Lot, and Love Your Block, shall apply to any resident, participant in, or applicant for a City-sponsored program who wishes to create an urban garden and/or an urban agriculture site.
D. The Directors of the Departments of Finance and City Planning shall create and promulgate policies and guidelines to ensure that the incentives are established fairly, to require reasonable proof by the resident, participant, or applicant, and to require all necessary permits and approval as governed by Pittsburgh City Code for use of land as an urban agriculture sites.
E. The incentives, policies, and guidelines shall be publicized on the City of Pittsburgh’s website, on social media channels, on the City’s television channel, and in other ways to notify the public.
F. The detailed incentives, policies, and guidelines shall also be communicated via a report to Pittsburgh City Council.