Community Gardens in Tulsa - zoning change!

[PonderInc]

If you're interested in local food, beautiful greenspaces, or ways to bring neighbors/communities together... then you'll be happy to know that Tulsa is considering a change to the zoning code.  Specifically, the change would allow "Community Garden" as a use permitted by right in all zoning districts.

If you'd like to learn more about community gardens or the proposed zoning change, there will be a PUBLIC MEETING on Wed, Jan 14th at 6:00 PM (at the Tulsa Garden Center). Members of the Community Garden Committee will be on hand to explain the proposed amendment, discuss the merits of community gardens, and receive comments and concerns prior to the official public hearing process.

WHAT: Public Meeting on Community Gardens
WHEN: Wednesday, January 14, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Tulsa Garden Center Ballroom, 2435 S. Peoria Ave.

MORE INFO: See the meeting notice, read the proposed ordinance, and see a list of Community Garden Committee Members

What's a community garden?  "One or more lots or parcels of land used to produce vegetables, fruits, or flowers for personal use by the property owner or individuals authorized by the property owner."

But that sounds sort of dry...so here are some pictures...

[joiei]

Section 1800.   Definition

Community Garden:  One or more lots or parcels of land used to produce vegetables, fruits, or flowers for personal use by the property owner or individuals authorized by the property owner.

Section 1201.   Use Unit 1

B. Included Uses:

     Community Garden

C.  Use Conditions

  1. Unless permitted by the underlying zoning district or granting of a special exception by the Board of Adjustment, on-site sale of community garden products shall be prohibited.



  2. Mechanical equipment, other than the type customarily identified as lawn and garden equipment, creating offensive noise, dust, odor or electrical disturbance shall be prohibited.



  3. The site shall be designed and maintained to prevent, fertilizer and other garden waste from draining on to adjacent properties.



  4. An on-site trash storage container shall be provided and located as close as practicable to the rear lot line.  Trash shall be removed from the site at least once a week.



  5. Accessory structures including buildings or signs shall comply with requirements of the underlying zoning district.



  6. Only individuals, or organizations authorized by the property owner shall participate in the community garden.



  7. Cultivated areas shall be prevented from encroaching onto adjacent properties.



  8. The property shall be maintained free of high grass, weeds or other debris.



  9. In addition to any other applicable use conditions, a community garden located in a residential zoned district shall be subject to the following:



        1. During non-operating hours, vehicles used in conjunction with a community garden shall be parked off the street on the lot containing the community garden and shall be of a type customarily found in a residential area.



        2. Operating hours for community garden activities shall be between one half (1/2) hour before sunrise until one half (1/2) hour after sunset.



D. Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements: None

[cannon_fodder]

Small and simple change that could have a nice impact on many areas of the city.

What are the negatives?

[PonderInc]

I personally don't see any negatives.  I do know that there are negative people in the world who will find something to oppose or fear in this proposal.

[sgrizzle]

I fear vegetables. While we take time to kill and prepare meat before we eat it, vegetables are eaten alive and generally considered best the more alive they are, a rating known as "freshness."

One day they will come for their revenge...

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

I fear vegetables. While we take time to kill and prepare meat before we eat it, vegetables are eaten alive and generally considered best the more alive they are, a rating known as "freshness."

One day they will come for their revenge...

If you put bean sprouts or yogurt in the fridge, they actually continue to grow. I don't eat no live food.

I actually prefer the mobility of meat. I want someone to actually chase or capture my food with some effort. My problem with vegetables is that they are stationary.

[carltonplace]

You are correct to be afeared. On most vegetables we consume only the seed pod, tuber, or fruit...ie their poplers or future children while we leave the adult alive and force it to produce more for our enjoyment.

The retribution will come and it will be terrible.

[Townsend]

A Mr. Potato Head got lippy this morning and some cabbage patch kids were lookin' at me funny.

They've been dispatched with extreme prejudice.

I am presently hunting the Veggie Tales.

[RecycleMichael]

"I am not a vegetarian because I love animals. I am a vegetarian because I hate plants."

A. Whitney Brown

[pmcalk]

"Vegetables are something that God invented to let women get even with their children."

PJ O'Rourke

[Townsend]

"Broccoli...Vile weed"

Newman on "Seinfeld"

[Gaspar]

I love the idea of community gardens.

[Steve]

quote:Originally posted by carltonplace

You are correct to be afeared. On most vegetables we consume only the seed pod, tuber, or fruit...ie their poplers or future children while we leave the adult alive and force it to produce more for our enjoyment.
The retribution will come and it will be terrible.

Shades of Audrey Jr. and "Little Shop of Horrors."

I love all vegetables, even brussel sprouts.  I love all meats, even liver.  I love liver.  There isn't much I don't like, except "chitlins" (hog intestines).  Tried it a few times, but never will again.

[Breadburner]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Small and simple change that could have a nice impact on many areas of the city.

What are the negatives?

No one will maintain it once it gets hot and it will turn into a weed plot.....

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by Breadburner

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Small and simple change that could have a nice impact on many areas of the city.

What are the negatives?

No one will maintain it once it gets hot and it will turn into a weed plot.....

heh, if it turns into a weed plot I'm sure there will be plenty of people "maintaining" it [}:)]