Hoop houses and greenhouses

City rules and definitions for hoop houses, greenhouses and cold frames.

City definitions

Hoop house

A hoop house is a temporary or permanent structure typically made of, but not limited to, piping or other material covered with translucent material for the purpose of growing food or ornamental crops. A hoop house is considered more temporary than a greenhouse. Hoop house definition.

Cold frame

A cold frame is an unheated outdoor structure built close to the ground, typically consisting of, but not limited to, a wooden or concrete frame and a top of glass or clear plastic, used for protecting seedlings and plants from cold weather.

Greenhouse

A greenhouse is a structure that is constructed primarily of glass, glasslike or translucent material which is devoted to the protection or cultivation of food or ornamental crops. (Separate definitions exist for greenhouses that perform lawn and garden supply store or wholesale functions.)

Common questions

Hoop house building permits

You don’t have to have a building permit if the hoop house is up for less than 180 days. A temporary hoop house can be erected as an accessory structure provided it is accessory to the main use on a lot and is in place for no more than 180 days. A permanent hoop house is subject to building code and site plan review requirements in addition to the accessory use requirements.