The Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone ( UAIZ ) in San Diego is a program that aim to raise and endure urban factory farm on vacant , unimproved , or blighted properties within the county . It is an innovative access that tender property owners a property taxation welfare in central for keeping the property in alive agricultural use for a period of five years or more .
The UAIZ political platform is design to plow the consequence of underutilized urban land by encourage prop owners to change over their vacant or blighted properties into rich agricultural sites . By doing so , these property can contribute to the local food organization , improve the biotic community ’s access to impudent and respectable food for thought , and raise the overall esthetic and life force of the neighborhood .
One of the key benefits of participating in the UAIZ program is the property tax simplification . Property owners who enter into a UAIZ contract with the County of San Diego can have a substantial reduction in holding revenue enhancement , which can help offset the cost associated with maintaining and operating an agricultural web site . This tax benefit can provide an incentive for belongings owners to utilize their land for agrarian intent , specially in areas where the financial viability of agriculture may be gainsay .
To be eligible for the UAIZ program , the property must assemble certain criterion . It should be located within the unincorporated area of San Diego County and be zoned for farming use . The property should also be at least 0.1 acres in size and in compliance with applicable zoning and land exercise regulations .
Once a belongings proprietor enters into a UAIZ declaration , they are required to maintain the property in active agricultural use for a minimum of five years . participating farming use can admit natural process such as cultivating crop , raise livestock , beekeeping , or other agricultural practices . The property owner is responsible for ensure that the farming bodily function are conducted in submission with local regulation and best practices .
The UAIZ program also offers support to holding owners who may be new to urban agriculture . The County of San Diego furnish imagination and assistance in the form of technical counseling , shop , and educational materials to help property possessor navigate the process of starting and asseverate an agricultural internet site . This backup can be particularly valuable for person or governance who may have limited experience or knowledge in urban farming .
In my personal experience , I have see the positive impact of urban agriculture in San Diego . I have witnessed vacant lots being transformed into vibrant residential area garden , where neighbour arrive together to grow their own intellectual nourishment and produce a sentience of community of interests . These space not only provide sassy and sizable green goods but also service as pucker places for crime syndicate and individuals to connect with nature and each other .
The Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone in San Diego is a valuable programme that encourages attribute owners to utilize their land for productive agricultural purposes . By offer tax inducement and documentation , the political program helps to advance sustainable and live solid food systems , enhance community of interests well - being , and add to the overall livability of urban areas .
Caroline Bates
