§ 17.722.010 — Purpose

17.722.010 Purpose.

This chapter is adopted in accordance with the Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones Act (California Government Code section 51040 et seq.) to promote urban agricultural use of otherwise vacant, unimproved, and blighted parcels by providing a tax-incentive for properties that produce food and agricultural products. The city recognizes that urban agriculture improves community access to healthy food, helps create a more sustainable food system, builds community, and connects people to the land. Increased opportunity to participate in small-scale entrepreneurial agriculture will supplement incomes and help to create a more resilient economy. Lack of access to land is a major obstacle for urban agriculture. By creating an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone, the city seeks to encourage owners of eligible property to commit the property to urban agriculture for at least 5 years, giving urban agriculturalists access and stability. (Ord. 2015-0024 § 1)