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02/06/2024 5:49 pm

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How to Start a Community Garden

Gardens used for growing and harvesting food crops and ornamental crops for consumption, donation, or sale.

Updated: Feb 6, 2024

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Information and Optional Pre-Application Services Approval Process On-site Sales

Interested in establishing a Community Garden? Do you intend to sell your harvest?

The City of Raleigh’s Planning and Land Development Division will help you navigate the process towards obtaining the appropriate permits for this endeavor. Community Gardens require a Tier One review prior to issuance of a permit. Review the City’s Unified Development Ordinance Section 6.6.1.B for standards regarding Community Gardens. Follow the steps outlined to get your Community Garden on its way.

Information and Optional Pre-Application Services

Approval Process

  
How do you get a Community Garden approved?
  1. Establish scope of work for the Community Garden.
  2. Determine the zoning district for the subject site by using iMAPS.
  3. Review UDO Section 6.1.4 use chart for Community Gardens. (Skip to Step 4 if no on-site sales in these zoning districts)
    1. On-site sales require a Special Use Permit in R-2, R-4, R-6 or M. 
      1. Review the Board of Adjustment webpage for the Special Use Permit process.
      2. Make application and request a Special Use Permit.
      3. Special Use is required prior to obtaining a Zoning Permit for on-site sales.
  4. Submit a Building Non-Residential Application for a Zoning Permit or a Building Permit. 
    1. Community Gardens without construction require only a zoning permit.
    2. Community Gardens with construction require a building non-residential permit.
    3. Review the Building Non-Residential Application webpage.
    4. Submit documents to CommercialBuilding@raleighnc.gov.
    5. Pay fees in the Online Permit and Development Portal
    6. Obtain building approval.
      1. Pull building permits.
      2. Construct project.
  5. Schedule inspections via the Online Permit and Development Portal.
How long does the process take?
  • The length of the process is dependent on the type of approvals that will be necessary, so the length of the process varies.
How much does it cost?
  • Fees are dependent on the approvals required.  Development Fees can be determined by reviewing the Development Fee Guide.

On-site Sales

The on-site sale of agricultural produce at a Community Garden is permitted subject to the regulations in Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 6.6.1.B.2. Review the information below to obtain a permit for on-site sales.

   

How do you get approved to have on-site sales at your approved Community Garden?
How long does the process take?
  • The review turnaround for a Community Garden On-Site Sales Zoning Permit is five business days.
How much does it cost?

Contact

 

Questions? Contact the Current Planning team. 
CurrentPlanning@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2492

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Planning and Development
Service Categories:
Permits - ZoningZoning