The Boston Zoning Commission has approved new zoning to support the growth of commercial farming in the city, improving access to affordable, fresh and healthy food for Boston residents.

Article 89 of Boston’s zoning code addresses growing activities, including ground-level farms, roof-level farms, roof-level greenhouses, composting, aquaculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, freight farming, farmers’ markets, farm stands and soil safety. It also details size and maintenance requirements for keeping hens and bees on residential property.

Article 89 applies only to commercial agricultural endeavors. Community gardens and backyard gardening are not a part of the new zoning.

The new zoning is the result of a three-year collaboration led by the Mayor’s Office of Food Initiatives, the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Mayor’s Urban Agriculture Working Group. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is anticipated to sign the zoning into law this week.

"Boston’s new zoning creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, decreases the distance food travels from farm to table, and better ours communities," Menino said in a statement.  "Growing food within our city limits means better access to food and economic empowerment, all while cultivating a sense of neighborhood unity, and greening our city."

In 2010, Menino launched Boston’s Urban Agriculture Initiative to increase access to affordable and healthy food, particularly for underserved communities. At the time, the zoning code did not allow for urban farming. In January 2012, the BRA, the Mayor’s Office of Food Initiatives and the 25-member Mayor’s Urban Agriculture Working Group, began developing the ideas and policies that have become Article 89.