Seattle Post Intelligencer

The Seattle City Council on Monday passed legislation designed to encourage urban farmers.

People would be allowed to keep up to eight chickens per house; roosters would be prohibited. The Council allowed a grandfather clause that lets existing roosters remain in the city. The ordinance, which passed unanimously, also paves the way for urban farms and taller greenhouses. Specifically, it would allow:

  • Urban farms of up to 4,000 square feet in residential zones. Food grown on site can be sold on site. There are limits on sales hours, amount of farm equipment allowed, and size of signs.
  • Greenhouses dedicated to food production to extend 15 feet above height limits in certain zones.
  • “This is something most major cities are talking about,” Councilwoman Sally Clark said. “It’s exciting for people who want to see community gardens go to the next level.”

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