MSU Extension has been working to provide a sample ordinance to municipalities regarding Urban Agriculture as it relates to Right to Farm and GAAMPs. There are many communities who would like to allow for some type of urban agriculture given the demands of some of their residents but are unsure as to how to go about allowing such activity so as not to interfere with the Right to Farm Act and the GAAMPs. This is meant to be a starting point for local communities and to be changed based on the communities needs and make up. To view the sample ordinance and back up documents visit here.
If you are looking to create such an ordinance and would like to have it reviewed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, please don’t hesitate to contact them. They are ready and willing to assist you in ensuring your ordinance is in compliance with the Right to Farm Act and GAAMPs.
Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use, and municipal services issues. She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.