Urban Gardening Measure Approved

Ypsilanti residents can plan for nice vegetable gardens on their property this summer, now that city council has approved an ordinance text amendment to allow for urban gardens in residential yards and vacant lots.  

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Credit Creative Commons- Sown Together

City Planner Teresa Gillotti says gardens can be grown in front, side and back yards, but must be set back three feet from the sidewalk and cannot obstruct the view for motorists. 

Gillotti says area churches have been among those anxious to put vacant city lots to good use by planting gardens.

The measure also expands areas where food processing and things like catering, brewing and distilling can take place into certain business districts, so long as a special use permit is obtained.