Dear Sacramento residents,

Sacramento’s front yard landscape code 17.68.010 is being revised by the City. The existing code specifies that the landscape setback area of the front yard consist of “primarily low groundcover or turf”. Code Enforcement has proposed that the new code language include annuals, perennials, grass and other diverse landscaping, however it restricts the growing of fruits and vegetables to 30% of the landscaped setback area, and limits the height to four feet (with the exception of fruit trees).

There has been much interest in the community and there are many residents concerned about having options for what they can grow in their front yards.

This issue was first brought to the public’s attention in 2004, when a Sacramento gardener was fined over $800 for growing annuals and perennials in her front yard, including vegetables. Currently, according to Code Enforcement, 75% of Sacramento City’s front yards are out of compliance with the existing code.

Sacramento has committed to making the city more sustainable. Valuable city resources are currently being directed towards programs for water conservation, water quality (toxic lawn chemical contamination of our rivers and streams), and green waste management. Adopting new code language that supports diverse urban landscapes in Sacramento’s front yards will not only help address crucial environmental issues, but will help Sacramento meet its sustainability goals.

Food security and hunger are also factors that can be addressed through home gardens. As many backyards are unsuitable for growing food, the option of front yard gardening is critical. Any limitations on growing edible landscapes restricts a family’s access to needed food.

Your support on this issue would be greatly appreciated. The next step in the code revision process is a review by the Sacramento City Planning Commission on Thursday, January 11, 2007, at 5:30pm in the “old” City Hall (915 I Street) on the second floor.

Your attendance at this meeting and show of support would be very valuable. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and consider writing a letter to your City Councilmember before the upcoming City Council meeting on this issue (in Feb./March). Sacramento Citizens for Sustainable Landscapes would be available to make a presentation at your next Neighborhood Association meeting.

Recently, KXJZ’s “Insight” program featured the urban garden issue on the second half of their hour-long program. The link to listen to the program online is:
http://www.capradio.org/programs/insight/default.aspx?showid=2764&programid=10
(After the introduction, you can move the bar forward to the halfway point to hear the entire segment on front yard gardens.)

We welcome your support. For more information please contact:
Sue Jennings (455-9474 or sbeartracks-esacgardens@yahoo.com)
or Kim Glazzard (455-8415 or kimg@organicsacramento.org)

Thank you, Sacramento Citizens for Sustainable Landscapes