In coordination with the Baltimore Office of Sustainability (BOS), BFPI supports urban agriculture in Baltimore City in the following ways:
Encouraging Urban Agriculture on Vacant Land:
Request for Qualifications:
BOS released a Request for Qualifications in the spring of 2011 inviting urban farmers to participate in the development of city-owned vacant and underutilized properties throughout the City of Baltimore for urban agriculture. These urban farming ventures will be underway in the spring of 2012. BFPI and BOS are currently working actively with two farmers to select sites to lease for urban farms within the city.
Urban Agriculture Training Program:
BFPI and BOS are currently in the process of developing an
Urban Agriculture Training Program in collaboration with Future Harvest.
Promoting Urban Agriculture Policies and Regulations:
BFPI worked with the BOS, Department of Planning, and the Health Department to update the following city codes and policies:
Building Code:
Section 105.2 Permits shall not be required for the following:
“10. Shade cloth OR PLASTIC FILM structures COMMONLY KNOWN AS “HOOPHOUSES,” constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems. THE COVERING OF THE STRUCTURE MUST BE A MATERIAL THAT CONFORMS TO NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION’S NFPA 701 STANDARDS.”
Zoning Code:
Excerpt from Community-Managed Open Space USE STANDARDS
“Permanent structures are prohibited. However, temporary greenhouses, including high tunnels/hoop-houses, cold-frames, and similar structures are permitted to extend the growing season. Accessory structures, such as sheds, gazebos and pergolas, are also permitted.”
Excerpt from Urban Agriculture USE STANDARDS
“Greenhouses (permanent or temporary), high tunnels/hoop-houses, cold-frames, and similar structures used to extend the growing season are permitted. There is no limit on the number or square footage on these structures.”
Animal Regulations:
Updated Baltimore City animal husbandry regulations now allow for bees, chickens, rabbits, and goats.
Read the full regulations.
Lead Collaborators: Baltimore Office of Sustainability and Future Harvest
Urban Agriculture Resources
Below are some key resources related to Urban Agriculture including land use policies to promote urban agriculture, brownfield information, city Health Department regulations, ways to connect to the local Baltimore City urban agriculture community, and resources on sustainable farming, high tunnels and composting: (* from the Maryland National Resources Conservation Service Office of Sustainability Presentation on Urban Agriculture in Baltimore City )