Austin Grows | Parks and Recreation

Sustainable Urban Agriculture

It’s estimated that Austin’s Community Gardens are currently producing over 100,000 pounds of fresh local, organic produce for Austin residents every year!

Urban Farm Code Update

This spring, the city’s Planning Commission charged the Sustainable Food Policy Board with developing recommendations to update Austin’s urban farm code, and the Board has been holding a public engagement process to get Austin’s input on how urban farms can fit into our city and its neighborhoods.

Session 1: Animal Raising and Aquaponics (Spanish translation)

Session 2: Site Requirements, Wholesaling, and Labor (Spanish translation)

Session 3: Byproducts, Environmental Health and Sustainability (Spanish translation)

Session 4: Town Hall: Meeting Notes and Draft Recommendations

There will be several other points in the public process for anyone to comment on the recommendations and proposed changes to the land use code. Please click HERE for a list of public meetings throughout the summer.

Please contact Heather Frambach email or Kate Vickery email for further information about the urban farm code update process.

Benefits of Community Gardens

Neighborhood Safety and Security
Education
Conng Neighectinbors and Creating Community
Improved Nutrition
Access to Healthy Food for All Austinites
Saves Money on Farm Fresh Foods
Fun for the Whole Family!

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Community Garden Program

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Community Garden Program (SUACG) was created by Austin City Council in 2009. The purpose is to establish a single point of contact and streamline the process for establishing community gardens and sustainable urban agriculture on city land. SUACG seeks to connect the dots between all of the efforts that make up the City of Austin’s local food system, catalyzing partnerships to build community around local food production and food security. SUACG's broader goals include providing leadership, education, policy analysis, and project development support for the City of Austin’s community-based food system.

City of Austin Community Garden Permitting and Endorsement

A City Endorsed Community Garden is an approved site for growing produce for non-commercial use. It is operated and maintained by committed volunteers and is divided into individual or shared plots and common areas. Some select City land can be made available for qualifying community gardens, but it is up to the community to create, cultivate and manage each garden. This downloadable packet is intended as a guide for community leaders and groups wishing to create a community garden on City owned and managed property in Austin and/or to obtain City assistance with water tap waivers when starting a community garden on privately owned property. Following the instructions in the packet will help in the planning of a well-organized, sustainable garden, and will improve the likelihood of securing City endorsement and permitting.

Please note that this application is for City supported community gardens, and is not required for the establishment of community gardens on property owned by churches, businesses and other private entities that do not need waivers for platting, site plans or water tap fees.