The Urban Agriculture Overlay District is intended to promote urban agriculture and other sustainability objectives, including the repurposing of identified vacant lands into end uses that are compatible with and conducive to the food security, ecological, and redevelopment objectives of selected neighborhoods.
[Added 12-17-2025 by Ord. No. 98-2025]
An area managed and maintained by a group of individuals to grow and harvest food crops or non-food crops (e.g., flowers) for personal or group consumption, for educational purposes, donation, self-sufficiency, or for sale. A community garden area may be divided into separate garden plots or orchard areas for cultivation by one or more individuals or may be farmed collectively by members of the group. A community garden may include common areas (e.g., hand tool storage sheds) maintained and used by the group. Community gardens may be principal or accessory uses and may be located on a roof or within a building.
A piece or parcel of land appropriate for the cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, nuts, honey, poultry for egg production, maple syrup, ornamental or vegetable plants, nursery products, or vegetables.
An agricultural structure that is devoted to the protection or cultivation of food or ornamental crops and constructed at least partially with glass, glass-like, or translucent material to optimize growing conditions with natural light. This structure may include climate control systems for year-round crop cultivation. This definition is in accordance with § 132-55.
A plastic or fabric-covered hoop-shaped agricultural structure, similar to a greenhouse, that uses natural sunlight to create a protected environment for growing crops.
An agricultural structure that is unheated, with roofs and sides made largely of transparent or translucent material (not glass) for the cultivation of plants for personal use and/or for subsequent sale.
A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions or water, or in an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool.
An interconnected network of stakeholders and activities involved in the production, processing, aggregation, distribution, consumption, and management of food and related by-products originating from agricultural, forestry, or fishery operations. Such systems operate primarily within a defined geographic area and are influenced by the economic, social, and environmental conditions in which they exist, with the objective of supporting local economies, promoting community well-being, and enhancing regional sustainability.
A design system for ecological and sustainable living, integrating plants, animals, people, buildings, and communities.
A method of catching rainwater runoff from independent building without gutters or from the roof gutters that channel into a rain barrel, drum, or cistern.
A garden plot that is built up and set apart from the surrounding ground, typically in the form of a mound or framed enclosure made of wood, stone, brick, or other materials. These beds can be situated at elevations ranging from ground level to three to four feet above ground level. Raised beds are filled with good-quality soil, allowing for better control over growing conditions and providing benefits such as improved drainage, easier access for maintenance, and higher plant yields.
An agricultural structure that is designed to regulate and maintain temperatures in enclosed spaces for food preservation and storage. This structure may include, but is not limited to, forms such as a walk-in cooler, refrigerator, or refrigerated shipping container.
A garden on the roof of a building, used as private or public open space, which may provide hydrological benefits, heat-island effect reduction, architectural enhancement, building temperature control, habitats for wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
The growing, processing, and distribution of plant and animal products—by and for the local community—within an urban environment. Urban agriculture activities include, but are not limited to: the distribution and sale of food, the collection and reuse of food waste through composting and rainwater collection, and public outreach activities such as education and workforce development.
An intensive commercial urban agricultural operation where food or ornamental crops are grown or processed to be sold or donated, that includes, but is not limited to, outdoor growing operations, indoor growing operations, greenhouses, vertical farms, aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponics, and rooftop farms. An urban farm may be divided into plots for cultivation by one or more individuals and/or groups, or may be cultivated by individuals and/or groups collectively. This operation often requires a business license.
An agricultural method that can take place indoors or outdoors, which allows for the cultivation of crops in stacked layers, and uses artificial growing systems such as hydroponics, aquaponics, or other methods of soilless agriculture. This method uses less land than traditional forms of agriculture, allowing for the seasonal crops to be cultivated year-round indoors.
Permitted zones shall hereby be established to allow urban agriculture as a permitted use in the following zones:
B.
Multiple-family residential districts.
(1)
RM-1 Multifamily Walk-Up Apartment Residential District.
(2)
RM-2 Multifamily Low-Rise Apartment Residential District.
(3)
RM-3 Multifamily Medium-Rise Apartment Residential District.
(4)
RM-4 Multifamily High-Rise Apartment Residential District.
(5)
RMC-4 Multifamily High-Rise Commercial Residential District.
A.
Neglect of compost piles is prohibited. Consistent and proper compost care should result in a very minimal odor or no odor and should not attract pests.
B.
Neglect of rainwater harvesting systems is prohibited due to the risk of water overflow, mold exposure, and debris buildup that could lead to harmful airborne pathogens.
Accessory uses and structures required for the principal use are permitted within the Urban Agriculture District Overlay, subject to the provisions of § 163-68 of this chapter.
All development shall comply with the applicable performance standards set forth in § 163-73 of this chapter as well as the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:12-15.