Interest in backyard farming has grown in recent years. Some homebuyers aren’t just interested in a few planters—they are asking about chicken coops, 雨水收集, 堆肥, 卖庄稼. 知道如何引导好奇的客户.
不要有一头牛(或者你可以)
Your city’s land development code will tell you the rules that govern animals on residential properties. What’s allowed can vary widely by city or other jurisdiction, so clients interested in urban farming activities should be sure to check first. It may be legal to keep a cow in one city and not in another, even though the properties are identical.
Many cities allow homeowners to keep smaller animals, 比如鸡或兔子, 只有一些限制. 蜂群通常也是允许的. Larger animals require more elbow room; your clients’ properties may not have enough space to legally house them.
Would-be urban farmers also should check homeowners association rules and other entities that govern uses on a property.
未雨绸缪
Rainwater collection is a great way to conserve resources. Texas doesn’t charge state sales tax on rainwater harvesting equipment and supplies. Check to see if your city, county, or local utility offers incentives for installing systems. Homeowners can treat and drink rainwater or use it to irrigate their backyard gardens. As with other activities, rules may apply to placement or size of rainwater-collection equipment.
收集灰尘
Composting keeps biodegradable food waste out of the garbage. Your city may pick up compostable materials as part of its waste management services.
Homeowners generally can compost their own yard trimmings and vegetable waste without a permit but would likely need permits to compost meat, 鱼, 乳制品, 油和润滑脂, 还有一次性尿布, 在其他项目中.
推向市场
Homeowners who want to sell their homegrown goods from a farm stand on their property or directly out of their home should look at local rules regarding onsite businesses, 比如停车, 标牌和向公众销售.
Keep in mind when receiving questions about urban farming that you can reduce your risk by pointing clients to the entities that regulate these activities rather than providing an opinion in an area in which you are not an expert.