Residents in Fairfax County can now put community gardens in more places.
Under new regulations, community gardens may be in open space on the ground or rooftops on residential, commercial and industrial properties and in home owner association common areas.
Earlier zoning rules in Fairfax County limited community gardens to planned residential communities like Burke or Reston.
Now, community gardens are allowed in open spaces as long as the gardens are under two acres, and they aren’t the principal use on a property. (Community gardens still aren’t allowed on single-family home sites.)
The Board of Supervisors pointed to long waiting lists at the Fairfax County Park Authority's community gardens as evidence that gardening is increasing in the region. If you need a tree removed to make room for that garden or you need a tree trimmed by professional arborists to let more sunlight into your yard, call The Local Tree Experts.)
Farmers Markets may also increase in Fairfax County. New zoning laws are allowing farmers markets to be open year-round instead of just April through November, and they can be located in more places as long as there is adequate access and parking. This includes apartment building parking lots, office complexes or even community pools.
For homeowners, there's good news, too. Edible gardens can now be in front yards in Fairfax County, as long as the lot is less than 36,000 square feet and the gardens are set 15 feet from the front lot line. Gardens are limited to 100 square feet. Compost should remain in the backyard.
For more information on these initiatives, click here.
