Homeowners’ Property Use and Food Security Policy
Purpose: To ensure homeowners have the right to use their property for small-scale agriculture and food production, promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
Scope: This policy applies to all homeowners with property sizes of a quarter acre or larger, regardless of Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules or local zoning regulations.
Policy:
Poultry Keeping:
Homeowners with a lot size of at least 0.25 acres are permitted to keep a minimum of six (6) chickens.
Additionally, homeowners may keep up to three (3) chickens or other poultry family members per household member.
All poultry must be kept in a reasonable and secure enclosure to ensure their well-being and prevent disturbances to neighbors.
Rabbit Keeping:
Homeowners may keep up to three (3) breeding does and one (1) buck per household member.
Rabbits must be housed using reasonable and traditional methods that ensure their health and safety.
Gardening:
Homeowners are allowed to maintain a garden in their front yard or backyard, regardless of HOA rules or zoning regulations.
Gardens should be maintained in a manner that does not create a nuisance or hazard to the community.
Goat and Sheep Keeping:
Homeowners with a lot size of at least 0.5 acres may keep up to five (5) goats or sheep, provided they have appropriate fencing to contain the animals.
Goats and sheep must be cared for in a manner that ensures their health and prevents disturbances to neighbors.
Cattle Keeping:
Homeowners with a lot size of at least one (1) acre may keep one (1) cow or a cow-calf pair.
Cattle must be housed and cared for in a manner that ensures their health and safety.
Beekeeping:
Homeowners with a lot size of at least 0.25 acres may keep up to two (2) beehives.
Beehives must be placed in a manner that ensures the safety of neighbors and passersby.
Fish Farming:
Homeowners with a lot size of at least 0.5 acres may establish small-scale aquaculture systems (e.g., fish ponds or tanks) for personal use.
Fish farming operations must comply with local water use and environmental regulations.
Small Livestock:
Homeowners with a lot size of at least 0.5 acres may keep small livestock such as pigs, provided they have appropriate housing and fencing.
Small livestock must be cared for in a manner that ensures their health and prevents disturbances to neighbors.
Exemption from USDA and FDA Requirements:
Homeowners who sell less than $75,000 annually in meats, eggs, baked goods, pickled goods, and vegetables at farmers’ markets or roadside stands are exempt from USDA and FDA requirements.
All products sold under this exemption must be clearly labeled as “Exempt from USDA and FDA food safety inspections.”
Ingredients used in all food products must be clearly listed on the packaging or labeling.
Tax Exemption:
All sales under $75,000 annually from the sale of meats, eggs, baked goods, pickled goods, and vegetables are exempt from local, state, and federal taxes.
Educational and Community Engagement:
Encourage homeowners to participate in community gardening programs or educational workshops on sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry.
Promote the sharing of resources and knowledge among neighbors to foster a supportive community environment.
Enforcement:
This policy shall be enforced by local authorities to ensure compliance and address any violations.
Homeowners found in violation of this policy may be subject to fines or other penalties as determined by local regulations.
Effective Date:
This policy shall take effect immediately upon approval and shall remain in force until amended or repealed.