District Of Columbia § 48-401 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 48-401 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-401. Definitions.
48-401For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
“Community garden” means an area managed and maintained by a group of individuals to grow and harvest food crops or non-food crops for personal or group consumption, donation, or fundraising that is incidental in nature, and that may:
Include individuals working their own portions of a larger garden, or tending a communal garden together;
Be located in the ground, on a roof, or within a building; and
Include common areas such as tool storage sheds.
“Farm cooperative” means a type of urban farm or farms where production resources for farming such as land and machinery are pooled and jointly held by members.
“Food” means any substance produced for human consumption and nourishment using horticultural techniques, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, mushrooms, honey, herbs, nuts, seeds, and rootstock.
“Horticultural techniques” means the scientific, artistic, and technological methods used to cultivate and manage an agricultural space, such as growing from the ground, hydroponics, container farming, vertical farming, or growing in greenhouses or raised beds.
“Urban agriculture” or “urban farming” means the practice of growing, cultivating, processing, and distributing vegetables, fruits, grains, mushrooms, honey, herbs, nuts, seeds, flowers, and rootstock within the District, including for profit, not for profit, and for educational purposes.
“Urban farm” means any property used for the growing, cultivating, processing, and distributing of vegetables, fruits, grains, mushrooms, honey, herbs, nuts, seeds, flowers, and rootstock within the District, including for profit, not for profit, and for educational purposes.
“Vacant lot” means any lot in the District on which there is no lawful structure.
Annotations
Applicability of : Section 6183 of removed the funding requirement and other applicability restrictions in , § 302, as enacted.
Section 301 of provided that nothing in the act shall be construed to create a governmental liability or cause of action against the District related to the safety of food purchased on District lands by non-governmental entities.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 48-401
What does D.C. Code § 48-401 cover?
Section 48-401 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 48-401?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 48-401" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 48-401 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.