A policy “barrier” has been changed for food growers in the county who want to build a greenhouse-like structure on urban and suburban properties.
The county’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) removed a policy that required a building permit for high tunnels on properties that are not designated as agricultural land, per a release from the county. According to the county, a high tunnel is like a greenhouse but is a less permanent structure.
The rule was a barrier for new farmers and farmers on urban and suburban properties, according to the county.
In a written statement, County Executive Marc Elrich said the move is expected to increase food production locally. He said the change is for equity.
“Ag growers who are Black, indigenous or people of color often operate on properties with fewer than three acres of land, so this policy change was made to increase racial equity,” Elrich stated.
Under the change, properties that are not agriculturally assessed can install a high tunnel without a building permit. Applicants have to submit a certificate showing the high tunnel proposal was reviewed for compliance.
According to the certificate, one requirement is that the high tunnel will only be used to grow crops for direct human consumption.
DPS made the policy change based on recommendations from the county’s Office of Agriculture, according to the county.
