The city of Jacksonville is responding to our questions about growing food on residential properties — after several people showed up to a City Council meeting last month proposing the \u201cFree to Garden\u201d act. <\/p>\n
The act suggests that you can not grow food on your own property in Duval county but that\u2019s false. <\/p>\n
You can grow food on your land right now in Duval county but the distinction comes between residential and commercial zoning. <\/p>\n
The city confirmed it is working on legislation to address the concerns of residents – sparked from the Freedom to Grow act proposal.<\/p>\n
Several people spoke out about being able to \u201cgrow food in their yards and share, exchange, and distribute it without local government or zoning restrictions\u201d.<\/p>\n
In an email the City of Jacksonville said: <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no City policy that violates Sec. 604.71, F.S. Food can be grown by right by anyone.\u201d <\/p>\n
A homeowner\/landowner can grow\/garden food on their land by right.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
A person can grow\/garden at their home by right.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
If you own land without a residential unit on it \u2013 you can grow food by right.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
If you own a vacant lot, you can grow food by right.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
You can grow food by right regardless of the land use and zoning on site.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The city responded there may be confusion about what can and can not be done. <\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the public may be confused thinking that they are not allowed to grow food by right. Here\u2019s where some of that confusion comes into play: Residential zoning districts do not allow<\/b>, by right, the selling of food grown on site. Commercial zoning districts do allow<\/b> both the growing and selling of food on site by right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though there is no proposed bill this has been a popular topic for months and the city is working to find a solution for residents multi layered needs. <\/p>\n
The city also said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main concern of some members of the public is having the ability to sell the food they grow on site in a residential district. Most right to grow\/garden advocates are looking to grow\/garden AND sell on site in a residential district. The City is working on draft legislation to address these concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n
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