The City of Lacey finds there is a need to accommodate farming activity commonly referred to as urban agriculture. This can include a range of activities, such as production of food on a single family residential lot for a family’s personal use, urban vegetable gardens on common property for community use, or a small commercial farm activity located in areas zoned for this use.

While agricultural activity has often been considered inconsistent with smart growth principles of accommodating density in urban areas, the two do not need to be mutually exclusive. Urban agricultural activity for personal use on individual single family lots, or on common property for community agricultural use, or in the form of small commercial urban farms, can add to the urban fabric and create a richer context for urban neighborhoods. These beneficial uses can be accommodated without sacrificing the objectives of the state Growth Management Act (GMA) and designated urban areas.

Urban agricultural activities managed in a responsible way, with sensitivity to urban density and land use compatibility issues, can benefit the individuals participating in the activity and the community at large by providing fresh produce, additional food choices, economic development opportunity, a more sustainable lifestyle and urban neighborhoods with more variety and interest. This section has been developed with the purpose of providing Lacey citizens an opportunity to participate and benefit from these activities. (Ord. 1368 §9, 2011).