MOBILE FARMERS’ MARKET

GUIDANCE MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

The City of Savannah recognizes the benefits to the community that mobile farmers’ markets

bring and is providing this manual to assist those individuals and organizations interested in

starting a mobile farmers’ market in our community. The information provided is in addition to

any standards located in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance and City Code.

Per the United States Census Bureau, 20.3% of Chatham

County is considered to be “persons in poverty” and

according to the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA) Economic Research Service, 2.3 million low-

income households do not have access to a vehicle and

live more than a mile from the closest supermarket.

These areas are known as food deserts. The individuals

or families living in poverty and/or these food deserts

face greater barriers in accessing healthy and affordable food retailers, which may negatively

affect their diet and food security. A new movement focusing on addressing the issue of food

deserts, at least in terms of making fresh fruits and vegetables more available, is making its way

to our community- the mobile farmers’ market.

Mobile farmers’ markets are intended to provide

fresh produce and other food items to areas without

access to healthy food sources. The mobile farmers’

market acts as a farmers’ market on wheels

providing high quality, locally grown farm products

at affordable prices. These trucks support local

farmers, while bringing nutritious, affordable food

directly to the areas that need them the m

In addition to benefiting the residents of the communities where the mobile farmers’ markets sell

their produce, they can have a positive impact on economic

development in the community as well. A study conducted by the

University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental

Services Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, “The

Local Food Impact: What if Georgians Ate Georgia Produce?”

explores the potential economic impact of Georgia consumers

purchasing more locally grown food products. The study reports that, if

each of the approximately 3.7 million households in the state devoted

$10 per week to locally grown products from Georgia, it would add

more than $1.9 billion back into the State’s economy.

The study also found that Georgians eat less than the national average of locally grown food. The

study’s authors generated scenarios that approximate what agriculture production would be like

if Georgians consumed the national average of locally grown food. Currently, direct famer to

consumer sales contribute 132 jobs, $4.5 million in labor income, and $14.4 million in sales. If

Georgia vegetable, melon, fruit, and nut farms increased direct farm-to-consumer produce sales

to the national average level, the result would be an overall statewide contribution of 228 jobs,

$8.1 million in labor income, and $25.8 million in sales. The use of mobile farmers’ markets will

increase the opportunity for local producers to reach new customers and is a major element in the

goal of developing the local economy.

As previously stated, the information provided below is in addition to any standards located in

the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance and City Code. Please reference those codes for

additional information.

STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION OF MOBILE FARMERS’ MARKETS

Definition

Mobile Farmers’ Market. A mobile vehicle, or trailer, commercially licensed by the Department

of Driver Services, from which uncut perishable fruits, vegetables, and herbs are sold.

Commercially prepared and commercially prepackaged foods such as seafood, meats, and milk

(excluding alcoholic beverages, homemade food products and craft goods) may be sold in addition

to, but not without the concurrent sale of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Prepared foods that are

meant for consumption on site are not permissible. However, foods prepared for cooking

demonstration purposes are permissible and may be consumed on site. The sale of Christmas trees,

Halloween pumpkins, plants, or flowers is prohibited. Only retail sales are permitted. Mobile

Farmers’ Markets are permitted in all zoning districts.

Required Licenses

No person shall operate a mobile farmers’ market without obtaining the following applicable

licenses/permits:

a) Mobile Farmers’ Market License

b) Business Tax Certificate (For-profit businesses only)

c) Georgia Department of Agriculture license

d) Chatham County Health Department license

e) Georgia Motor Vehicle registration

f) Georgia Motor Vehicle driver’s license

Application for Mobile Farmers’ Market License

Applicants for a mobile farmers’ market license shall submit an application for a Mobile

Farmers’ Market license to the Development Services Department of the City of Savannah. In

addition to the application, the applicant must submit:

1. A list of days and times the use take place at each proposed location;

2. A hold harmless agreement and written documentation from each property owner

granting permission to use the property for this purpose; and

3. A sketch plan showing the location of all existing required parking spaces, any existing

required buffers, and any proposed signage for the mobile farmers’ market.

Standards

1. The mobile farmers’ market must be wholly contained off-street so as not to impede

traffic flow.

2. The mobile farmers’ market shall only use excess parking so as not to utilize required

parking spaces and impede the operation of the establishment. It is preferable to have the

mobile farmers’ market use an establishment on a day that it is not in use by the principal

use (e.g. a church on a Tuesday or an office building on a Saturday).

3. The City Zoning Administrator may restrict the size and location of the mobile farmers’

market on a site if deemed necessary for safety and welfare based upon factors such as site

access and parking.

4. The vehicle shall not be located in any required setback, sight distance triangle, or

required buffer.

5. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

6. The vendor is responsible for the removal of all trash and spoiled product.

7. Two temporary signs not to exceed 15 square feet may be placed adjacent to the right of

way of the parcel where the farmers market is located during farmers’ market hours only.

8. Any associated lighting shall be downcast and shall not extend beyond the property

boundaries of the site.

9. Prepared foods that are meant for consumption on site are not permissible. However,

foods prepared for cooking demonstration purposes are permissible and may be consumed

on site.

10. Suitable trash containers for recyclables, compostables, and landfill trash, as appropriate,

shall be provided and removed from the site or to a permanent on-site location daily.

11. If a washing station is provided, discharge from the station shall be contained in a tank and

transported off-site. Discharge to the sanitary sewer system shall be permitted through a

permanent connection approved by the City of Savannah. Discharge to the storm system

or directly to the ground is not permitted.

12. Prolonged vehicle idling (more than 5 minutes) is not permitted.

13. Generators, if used, shall be of the inverter type producing less than 70 decibels at full

power.

14. Direct lighting of the products for sale shall be permitted. Exterior lighting shall not be

permitted unless required for safety and security. Lighting shall be permitted only during

hours of operation and shall not extend beyond the property line of the principal use.

15. Operators of the market shall post on the vehicle any known recall of defective or

otherwise tainted products sold by the market.

16. Vendors of fruit or vegetable-derived products shall obtain a Cottage License or other

appropriate license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

SAMPLE AGREEMENT

SECTION RESERVED FOR SAMPLE AGREEMENT LANGUAGE APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY

SAMPLE SKETCH PLAN

BLANK SKETCH PLAN FOR INDIVIDUAL USE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I find out more information about food deserts in Savannah?

The United States Department of Agriculture as a Food Research Atlas that provides information

about food deserts throughout the country. The atlas can be found at:

http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas.aspx

Also, the Chatham County – Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) has a

document “Rediscovering Roots- A Food Planning Policy Initiative for Savannah, Ga. and

Chatham County” with local information that may be helpful. You can find this document at:

http://www.thempc.org/Final%20Draft-Rediscovering%20Roots%202011.pdf

Where are mobile farmers’ markets

allowed?

Mobile farmers’ markets are allowed in all

zoning districts upon approval from the City

of Savannah Development Services

Department. The mobile farmers’ markets

must meet the standards established in the

City Code (also listed above in this

document).

Where would I find out if there is already a mobile farmers’ market in or near a location I

am considering bringing one?

The City of Savannah Development Services Department maintains a file of the locations, dates,

and times of permitted mobile farmers’ markets within the City of Savannah.

Is a mobile farmers’ market the same as a food truck?

No, the intent of a mobile farmers’ market is to bring raw, uncooked produce and some other

foods into areas that would not otherwise have access to such foods. The purchaser of the

product would prepare and/or cook the food off site. Food trucks are vehicles with kitchens that

provide fully cooked meals, just as a restaurant would, at various sites.

Can I cook fresh, local products and sell them from a truck under the Mobile Farmers’

Market License?

No, the purpose of the mobile farmers’ market is to bring raw, uncooked produce, as well as

some commercially prepared and packaged foods such as seafood, meats, and milk into areas

that would not otherwise have access to such foods for the purchaser to prepare and/or cook off

site. Prepared foods that are meant for consumption on site are not permissible. However, foods

prepared for cooking demonstration purposes are permissible and may be consumed on site.

Can I sell other items than produce under the Mobile Farmers’ Market License?

The intent of the Mobile Farmers’ Market is to bring fresh produce into areas that would not

otherwise have access to such

foods. Therefore, the majority of

items for sale on a mobile

farmers’ market should be uncut

perishable fruits, vegetables, and

herbs. Commercially prepared and

commercially prepackaged foods

such as seafood, meats, and milk

(excluding alcoholic beverages,

homemade food products and craft

goods) may be sold in addition to,

but not without the concurrent sale of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The sale of Christmas trees,

Halloween pumpkins, plants, or flowers is prohibited.

Where can I find the actual regulations about mobile farmers’ markets?

*****Add links to the City and Zoning Codes upon adoption and insert here.*****

CONTACT LIST

City of Savannah Development Services Department

5515 Abercorn Street

Savannah, GA 31405

(912)651-6530

City of Savannah Revenue Department

132 E. Broughton Street

Savannah, GA 31402

(912)651-6450

Georgia Department of Agriculture

(229)386-3489

Chatham County Health Department

1395 Eisenhower Drive

Savannah, GA 31416

(912)356-2160

Georgia Department of Driver Services

1117 Eisenhower Drive

Savannah, GA 31406

(912)691-7400

Chatham County Extension (UGA)

124 Bull Street

Suite 120

Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 652-7981

Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission

110 East State Street

Savannah, GA 31412

(912)651-1440

For additional information on mobile farmers’ markets, contact the City of Savannah

Development Services Department:

City of Savannah Development Services Department

5515 Abercorn Street

Savannah, GA 31405

(912)651-6530