RALEIGH — The Raleigh City Council approved a change to the proposed new Unified Development Ordinance that make it easier for residents to utilize vacant lots for gardening.

The amended ordinance would classify community gardens in vacant lots zoned Residential-10 as a limited use. A limited use space does not require public hearings or notices prior to issuance.

The change was recommended by the City Council’s Law and Public Safety Committee during its Dec 11, 2012 meeting and the regulations will take effect once the City Council approves the ordinance.

Community gardens are defined as areas of land managed and maintained by a group of individuals to grow and harvest food crops and/or non-food ornamental crops, such as flowers, for personal or group use, consumption or donation.

The City Council also approved the establishment of a city liaison to handle community garden-related issues.

For more information, visit www.raleighnc.gov and enter “community gardens” in the search window, or contact the City of Raleigh Department of Planning and Development, 919-996-2626 or the Parks and Recreation Department, 919-996-3285.