The community garden permit application process requires these steps for a successful community garden. If your permit is approved, you can use City-owned land and Austin Water will install the garden's water tap for free.
1. Gather a list of coordinating committee members and a list of committed gardeners.
2. Find and evaluate the space for a community garden.
Get a soil screening and check if there are any utilities in the area where there will be digging.
3. Get a nonprofit sponsor and letters of support from the community.
4. Create documentation for a community garden, including:
- rules and a sample membership agreement
- a calendar or timeline of the garden's design and build
- a budget and fundraising plan for the first year
5. Write a description of the proposed garden and create a sketch to scale.
6. Apply for a site plan or a site plan exemption.
To learn more about site plan permits and site plan exemptions, visit the Development Services Department's Site Plans, Exemptions and Corrections page.
7. Submit a community garden permit application and pay the $50 application fee.
Community Garden Requirements
- At least four dedicated volunteers who don't share a household and are not family must operate and maintain the garden.
- The garden must be open to the public at least once a month.
- Harvested items are not for commercial use.
- Gardens must use sustainable urban agriculture practices, including composting and avoiding pesticides.
Time Frame
On average, the permitting process takes a year and is divided into three phases, with a check-in at the end of each phase.
If you are interested in starting a community garden on a faster timeline, consider a partnership with a neighborhood or community center. You will still need to work with the community gardens coordinator to ensure the site is eligible and safe.
Templates
The Community Gardens Program has created templates for the various documents you will need in your application to help you in the process.