Oskaloosa Rules for Native Plants in Landscaping, Community Gardens, and Urban Farming Setbacks

Zoning code 17.08.030 states that plantings used in required landscaped areas or bufferyards shall be, wherever possible, native, or naturalized to the Oskaloosa region.

Zoning code 17.06.060 Urban farming is permitted when crop areas are set back at least five feet from all property lines. The required setback must be covered with ground plants, not planted with the intent to harvest, which may include grasses (including native species and ornamental grasses).

Municipal code 12.48.060 allows individuals or organizations to administer community gardens on city property through an application process. Community gardens are defined as a portion of city-owned property used to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, wood products, native or ornamental plants for non-commercial purposes, in which there is no exchange of goods for monetary value.