Bring urban livestock, agriculture into Fairbanks neighborhoods

When Fairbanks was founded in the early 1900s, it wasn’t possible to run down to the supermarket to purchase a dozen eggs or fresh produce. If you wanted eggs or produce, it was likely that you or someone you knew grew or raised the food. Obviously, the Fairbanks community has changed quite a bit in the last century with the establishment of multiple large supermarkets, but the local food movement is strong and growing in Fairbanks, as well as nationally, as people strive to produce more food themselves and to purchase from local vendors. This is evident in the growing success of local farmers markets and the increase in the desire for backyard chickens and other small livestock. Did you know that local zoning laws in the borough prohibit any type of livestock or commercial agriculture in most zoning districts? Over the years, the FNSB Community Planning Department has received many inquiries from residents wishing to keep small livestock, mostly chickens, or sell some of the produce that they grow in their home garden. Likewise, complaints have been received from residents who don’t particularly enjoy their neighbor’s new backyard flock when not maintained properly. Community sentiment has generally been in favor of increased agricultural and animal husbandry opportunities in more areas of the borough.