The Urban Food Zoning Code Update project team has released a Discussion Draft of changes to the City of Portland Zoning Code that will affect the way food can be grown and distributed in Portland — particularly in our neighborhoods.

These proposed changes reflect the comments many Portlanders gave us on the Concept Report  last summer. They support community gardens, farmers markets, for-profit market gardens, food buying clubs and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) at a scale that is appropriate to neighborhoods and helps build community. Public comments on the Concept Report are covered in the Summary of Concept Report Questionnaire.

Over the past few months, project staff has been working closely with a Code Development Advisory Group (CDAG) to take the concept ideas from last summer and develop draft zoning code language for this public review. The CDAG was composed of 18 members with a variety of interests, perspectives and experiences around urban food production and distribution.

Tell us What You Think

Your thoughtful feedback and constructive critique of the proposed zoning code changes in this Discussion Draft will guide the final code language that staff presents to the Planning and Sustainability Commission later this spring (a hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 24). An online survey is available for you to provide input on the zoning code changes.

Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 7.

Please submit your comments online or by mail/email to:

Julia Gisler

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 7100

Portland,OR97201

julia.gisler@portlandoregon.gov

Urban Food Code Update Discussion Draft Community Meetings

You can also learn more about the project and provide comments on the Discussion Draft at two community meetings in late February.

Community Open House

Tuesday, February 21, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Learn how these proposals will affect growing, selling and buying food in our neighborhoods

St. Philip Neri Church

2408 SE 16th Avenue (frontage on Division Street)

TriMet Bus #4 

Health Partners Meeting

Tuesday, February 28, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Learn how these proposals promote health

June Key Delta Community Center

5940 N Albina Avenue

TriMet Bus #4
 

In addition to these meetings, project staff will be available to meet with groups interested in learning more about the project. Contact Julia Gisler at julia.gisler@portlandoregon.gov (503-823-7624) for more information. 

How do I get a copy of the Discussion Draft?

An electronic version of the Urban Food Zoning Code Update Discussion Draft is now posted on the project website. Hard copies will be available at the community meetings and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability offices at1900 SW 4th Ave., 7th floor, or call 503-823-7700 to receive a copy. 

Contact information

Julia Gisler, Process Manager/Public Involvement

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503-823-7624; julia.gisler@portlandoregon.gov

Steve Cohen, Food Policy and Programs

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503-823-4225; steve.cohen@portlandoregon.gov

Amy Gilroy, Health Consultant
Oregon Public Health Institute
503-227-5502 ext. 229; amy@orphi.org