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.
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