POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

Permits small scale urban agricultural uses in the Local Business District (C-1), and Commercial District (C-2), after obtaining a conditional use permit. Small scale agriculture uses includes wholesale and retail sale of produce, composting and vermicomposting for greenhouse use and sale; aquaponics; education on nutrition, meal planning, and growing and preserving produce; and partnering with licensed incubator kitchens to produce value-added products. With additional review, it could also include having an on-site production kitchen, retail store for local farm products and gardening supplies; restaurant or cafe; and space for classes and meetings which could be rented to the public.

Background Information

State Wisconsin
Jurisdiction Name La Crosse
Jurisdiction Type City,
Population Size 50,000-200,000
Legal Strategies
  • Requires something, sets standards
Reach Community-wide
Food System Category Grow; Process;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Yes

Small scale agriculture uses includes "educational programs on nutrition" (sec. 115-347(5)(a)(4)).

Environmental linkage?
Yes

Small scale agriculture uses include "sustainable building, renewable energy and business practices," (sec. 115-347(5)(a)(4)).

Economic linkage?
Yes

Small scale agriculture uses include "Partnering with licensed incubator kitchens to produce 'value-added' products such as sauces from produce grown on the premises." Sec. 115-347(5)(a)(5).

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
No

Includes definitions?
Yes

Sec. 115-1.

Addresses implementation?
Yes

Sec. 115-27 includes the duties and powers of the Department of Planning and Development, Fire Department-Division of Fire Prevention and Building Safety or Engineering Department to administer the law including preparing permit applications, issuing permits, keeping records, etc. Sec. 115-27. See also sec. 115-342, describing the process for conditional use permits.

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

"Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, violations of this chapter, including those provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and other materials which are incorporated by reference, are a Class C offense as provided in section 1-7." Sec. 115-2(a).

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

Chapter 115 Zoning, article VI- conditional uses; § 115-347 commercial uses. History: Code 1980, § 15.26(H); Ord. No. 4844 , §§ I, II, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 4934 , § I, 6-9-2016

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