FRONT YARD Garden Revisted - Sacramento

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Update on the front yard veggie garden in Sacramento that was sited for a code violiation – please see

 

http://www.sacbee.com/content/lifestyle/california_life/gardening/story/10088023p-11008925c.html

 

looks like someone sprayed round up on the garden… I visited it today after seeing the article

the over spray on the neighbors lawns is the key…and not manure as a possible cause.. this manure was added in February and was turned in…and the garden flourished

 

she has replanted with donations of edible plants and flowers from a local gardener and it looks good… a few zucchini plants remain and a sunflower…

 

we will be meeting with the city council member and code enforcement people this Friday

this is the current ordinance

17.68.010 Landscaping requirements.

A. Landscaping Requirements in Setback Areas.

1. Single-Family and Two-Family Residential--Front and Street Side. A maximum of forty (40) percent of the front setback area may be paved for off-street parking and driveways. An additional maximum of ten (10) percent of the front setback area may be paved for walkways or uncovered patio use. A maximum of forty (40) percent of the street side setback area may be paved for off-street parking, driveways, walkways or uncovered patio use; however, this requirement does not apply to that portion of the street side yard located behind a fence that is in compliance with the street side fence requirements set forth in Chapter 17.72 of this title. The remaining portion of the setback areas shall be landscaped, irrigated and maintained with primarily low ground cover or turf. Only living vegetation may be used as ground cover. Vehicles, including but not limited to autos, boats, campers, trailers, and other recreational vehicles, are not permitted to be parked within the landscaped setback area; they must be parked on a paved surface.

 

As you can see it is very vague… does not even mention shrubs….we will try to revise this as much as possible to include drought tolerant and vegetable gardening….

Someone from the EPA called her to report that this code as is does not comply with state codes…our concerns will be taken july 30.

 

Will keep you informed on the progress

 

Bill maynard

ACGC board member - Sacramento