POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

This law outlines standards and permitted activities for urban farms. The standards include, among other things size requirements (may not be less than one acre and not more than five acres); and limitations on the number of dwelling units that are allowed. Permitted activities in non-residential areas include raising, slaughtering, processing and composting of fowl, rabbits, and aquatic foods using an aquaponic systems with certain conditions in non-residential areas. The same activities are also allowed in residential areas, except that slaughtering, processing of fowl and rabbits and composting of animal parts is prohibited in those districts. Additionally, the provision allows for on and off-site sales of some agricultural and value-added agricultural products.

Background Information

State Texas
Jurisdiction Name Austin
Jurisdiction Type City,
Population Size 800,000+
Legal Strategies
  • Requires something, sets standards
  • Prohibits/discourages something
Reach Community-wide
Food System Category Grow; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
No

Environmental linkage?
Yes

The use of synthetic inputs is prohibited, Environmental Criteria, Water conservation practices (§ 25-2-863).

Economic linkage?
No

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
No

Includes definitions?
Yes

§ 25-1-21

Addresses implementation?
Unclear

Sections 25-1-41 through -46 outline various duties for accountable entities. These are mainly decision making duties and relate generally to the provisions of the Land Development title, rather than to this section specifically.

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

"A person who violates this title commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2000." § 25-1-463

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

"Austin, Texas - Land Development Code TITLE 25. - LAND DEVELOPMENT. CHAPTER 25-2. - ZONING. SUBCHAPTER C. - USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS. ARTICLE 4. - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN USES. Division 4. - Other Uses. § 25-2-863 - URBAN FARMS. "

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