March 2020: The review is on hold due to staffing reallocations to the COVID-19 Task Force. This webpage will be updated when the project is re-initiated.
Urban farms may be operated as for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and social enterprises. Regardless of the business model, urban farms need a business license and may require other permits.
If you’re interested in starting a new urban farm, complete the following steps:
Review the urban farming guidelines PDF file (119 KB): this document outlines all of the regulations pertaining urban farms and are designed to ensure that urban farms operate in a safe and neighbourly manner. The guidelines assist urban farmers to prepare their application and city staff to evaluation applications.
Review our guide to reducing health risks PDF file (1.3 MB): this guide outlines ways to reduce contamination of soil and fresh produce by unhealthy bacteria, acid soluble metals, petroleum products, or volatile organic compounds sometimes present in the urban environment.
Complete an urban farm checklist PDF file (89 KB): this will document key information about your farm also contains information and procedures about applying for business licences and development permits.
Submit a completed checklist to foodpolicy@vancouver.ca. We'll be in touch regarding next steps.
