Concerns over parking and traffic, as well as questions regarding types of goods sold, have Islamorada Village planning officials examining regulations for farmers markets.
A handful of farmers markets operate on weekends in the village. One is located at Island Garden Home on Plantation Key and the other two on Upper Matecumbe Key. Everything from produce to crafts from the Keys and South Florida are on display as patrons stroll from tent to tent at the Florida Keys Farmers Market, held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MM 81. Jae Jans has run the farmers market for four years.
Roughly a year ago, his weekend market and another one located next door at MM 80.9 were told to cease immediately as they were deemed flea markets and had no temporary use permits issued at the time. The matter frustrated organizers, like Jans, and small vendors who appear at the weekend market events.
Jans’ matter went before a special magistrate for a code hearing last April. He was told a temporary permit was required for his event, and he needed to submit an application for the permit for review by the village planning department.
From his arrival several months ago, new village Planning Director Daniel Gulizio is reviewing the village code on farmers markets. He told members of the Local Planning Agency during a Feb. 15 meeting that the village doesn’t have specific code provisions addressing farmers markets. If anything, Gulizio said the code is mixed in how they’re regulated. He said a better definition is needed on what is a farmers market, what types of produce and products are sold and number of vendors, to name a few.
“We want to look at parking considerations and traffic considerations and pedestrian safety,” Gulizio said. “Some concerns raised with existing markets involve parking and vending stations located within available parking on site and people walking across U.S. 1. We want to look at all those issues.”
Gulizio added that other municipalities outline hours and days of operation for farmers markets. He’s also seen the location of farmers markets adjacent to other markets that could be considered as a relevant aspect of code.
“The idea is we don’t want to have venues competing with local stores. We want something that can enhance or complement the sale of local goods,” he said. “That’s something we’ll keep any eye on as we look at the variety of goods and services provided through these types of venues.”
Tony Hammon, LPA member, said farmers market events in the village are limited in parking. He also said the events are being conducted more like flea markets.
“I would be concerned about sanitation issues involved in each of these and food preparation or serving food as I see it at these events,” he said.
LPA members were given three examples of regulations on farmers markets from municipalities, including the City of Doral and Lee and Brevard counties. Many spoke favorably to Doral’s regulations on farmers markets, which the city defines as an occasional or periodic sales activity where groups or an individual seller offer fresh produce and other related goods. Farmers markets in Doral are allowed Saturday or Sunday — not both. Hours of operation are between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
A property owner must submit an application and pay a fee, provide a general description of goods sold, a site plan and certificate of insurance. Each vendor must submit a valid food establishment permit issued by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
As for setbacks, vendors, tables, tents and chairs must be 20 feet away from the front, side and rear of the property line.
“I thought Doral’s was very complete,” said chair Deb Gillis.
Jans told LPA members that a farmers market is not a gold mine, but rather a labor of love that enhances the quality of life for the community. He said his farmers market expanded parking for customers and vendors, and urged caution in implementing new rules.
“If existing rules, primarily site plan rules and existing village code, are applied to each market, I believe the main issues would be eliminated as far as parking,” he said. “If we adopt more rules to larger Florida counties, it could potentially kill any incentive to even operate a farmers market locally. More restrictions could make this whole thing a little bit tougher.”
A draft code could come before the LPA at its next meeting in March for further discussion and recommendation to the village council.
