Paradise changes rules to allow for more greenhouses

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 24, 2023 Edition

The Town of Paradise is making moves to amend its regulations for residential greenhouses.
To make it easier for residents to grow their own food, council has amended the development rules for accessory buildings so that greenhouses no longer fall under strict guidelines.
“The aim of the amendment is to support a healthy diet and local food production in a residential way by exempting greenhouses from building footprint calculations and allowing a maximum of 60 meters square of greenhouses on residents’ lots depending on the size of the property,” explained Deputy Mayor Kimberly Street.
Areas within the residential watershed are exempt from this amendment, as the rules regarding accessory buildings in that area are set by the City of St. John’s.
Street added the amendment is consistent with the general intent and objectives outlined in Paradise’s municipal plan, which says supporting local food production is part of Town policy.
Council voted to move forward with consultations on the amendment by advertising public notices in The Shoreline and on the Town’s website for a minimum of 14 days.
Councillor Patrick Martin said he has been waiting a long time for this amendment to go through the proper channels and was pleased to see it happen.
“There are a lot of residents out there who’d like to grow their own vegetables and I think this is a step in the right direction for the town,” he said.
Street said the proposed amendment recognizes the promotion of healthy and livable neighborhoods with the objective of increasing access to healthy food.
“It shall be a policy of council to support local food production therefore amending the development regulations to facilitate the implementation of these policies is crucial given the increasing importance of ensuring access to healthy and affordable food,” she said.
Councillor Glen Carew noted there will be no permit necessary for structures under 10 square meters, and the amendment will take approximately six months to be implemented into law.