Urban Ag for Southern Californians (March 2015) | Page 33

HomeOwner
Associations
In some cases homeowners associations (HOAs) will prohibit people from engaging in urban
farming practices.  It is common for HOAs to have a Declaration of the Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) which define what can and cannot be done with a
property.  These rules can be frustrating for urban farmers when they restrict activities such
as raising chickens, bees, or goats, or from planting vegetables in the front yard.
Information about Homeowners Associations
http://www.urbanaglaw.org/homeowners-associations/
Check Urban Agricultural Ordinances When Buying a Home
http://www.realestate.com/advice/urban-agriculture-ordinances-49259/
Urban Farming in HOAs
http://sustainablemodule.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/every-so-often/

Zoning
Zoning codes are particularly important to examine before beginning an endeavor in urban
agriculture.  Zoning codes/ordinances are also referred to as planning codes/ordinances and
define what kinds of activities are permissible in each mapped zone.  To research zoning
policies look up the website for your local ‘city planning’ department.
Information about Zoning Codes
http://www.urbanaglaw.org/planning-and-zoning/
Zoning Codes in Los Angeles
http://cityplanning.lacity.org/
Zoning Codes in Long Beach
http://www.lbds.info/planning/current_planning/zoning_ordinances.asp
Zoning Codes in San Diego
http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/zoning/index.shtml