.png)
As we prepare for the upcoming public hearing for Little Ducky Flower Farm, we understand that some community members may have concerns about agritourism in Barrington Hills. To address these concerns, let's look at how nearby municipalities and neighboring states have successfully integrated agritourism into their communities. We will also highlight how proper zoning and regulation can help mitigate any potential issues.
What is Agritourism?
Is it agriculture, tourism, or a commercial activity? The word itself has made some residents nervous. Agritourism is about creating experiential activities on a farm where the public can enjoy, learn, and actively participate. It's about providing a space where the public can experience and appreciate farming activities firsthand. You can read our post about it here.
While Illinois has not legislated agritourism at the state level, the Illinois Department of Agriculture's “Agritourism Liability Insurance Tax Credit” defines agritourism as an individual or entity that carries out agricultural activities on agricultural property and allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy those activities.
Our zoning board can define how agritourism fits within our village by refining their zoning laws with specific definitions, exemptions, and conditions tailored to agritourism. See how some nearby municipalities have done so (the town names link to the documents where these are mentioned):
Agriculture, Specialty. Small-scale agriculture devoted the growing of unique or special agricultural products. This use can include exhibiting agricultural products or techniques to tourists, as well as limited sales of agricultural products.
Agritourism. Establishment of activities on an existing agricultural operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the agricultural operation. Agritourism activities may include, but are not limited to, animal shows, petting zoos featuring farm animals and other domestic animals, U-pick operations, community supported agriculture operations, corn mazes, cider mills, pumpkin patches, picnic areas, hay rides, tractor rides, haunted houses, live entertainment, and community supported agricultural operations."
"Agritourism. Agritourism allows certain commercial operations relative to farming or traditional agricultural uses which may be developed to attract tourists and visitors to a particular parcel of property. Such operations include corn mazes, fall pumpkin sales and festivals, flea markets, storytelling festivals, haunted houses, butterfly houses, hayrides, Christmas tree sales and festivals, sales of farm grown or produced products, farming or agricultural demonstration activities and the like. As part of the aforementioned Agritourism activities on a parcel of property, it is expected that there would be certain sales of goods and merchandise which are not produced as part of or incidental to agricultural or Agritourism operations including, but not limited to, souvenirs, t-shirts and items of clothing, food sales or products, and the like. For a particular enterprise being conducted on property zoned for Agritourism uses, the income earned from goods and merchandise which is not incidental to the Agritourism use on a particular property shall not exceed 30% of the gross income attributable to the particular element of the Agritourism business."
"Agri-tourism - An agriculture based tourism business that allows patrons to visit a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agri-business operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation."
"Agritourism: Includes certain, specified traditional agricultural purposes and activities to facilitate agricultural tourism, including, but not limited to, crop farming, stable or barn, sales of agricultural products and farm products including vegetables, fruit, pumpkins and trees, farmers market (including outside vendors), food trucks, beekeeping and apiaries, agricultural classes and tours, petting zoo featuring farm and domestic animals, corn and flower mazes, pumpkin and apple launchers, picnic area, hay ride and tractor ride, food concession where locally grown food and beverages are prepared and sold primarily to patrons, gift shop selling souvenirs and novelty gift items such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, key rings, ornaments and food items that are related to the agritourism theme of the property, cider mill, haunted house, “U-pick” fruits and vegetables grown on premises, playground area (slides, swings, etc.), zip lines, observation towers and decks, open campfires (for guests), fairgrounds, and carnival rides and activities, holiday light displays, sledding, ice sculpting, and other winter activities, hosting of indoor and outdoor private events (wedding, party, reunion, business meetings, charity events, concerts, etc.). "
"AGRITOURISM: Agritourism allows certain commercial operations relative to farming or traditional agricultural uses which may be developed to attract tourists and visitors to a particular parcel of property. Such operations include, but are not limited to; corn mazes, fall pumpkin sales and festivals, storytelling festivals, haunted houses, butterfly houses, hayrides, Christmas tree sales and festivals, sales of farm grown or produced products, farming or agricultural demonstration activities and the like. As part of the aforementioned agritourism activities on a parcel of property, it is expected that there would be certain sales of goods, and merchandise which are not produced as part of or incidental to agricultural or agritourism operations including, but not limited to, souvenirs, t-shirts and items of clothing, food sales or products, and the like. For a particular enterprise being conducted on property zoned for agritourism uses, the income earned from goods and merchandise which is not incidental to the agritourism use on a particular property shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the gross income attributable to the particular element of the agritourism business. For any festival which is not incidental to an agritourism use provided herein, such as a music festival, play exhibition, performance, competition, musical, sporting event, concert show or the like which occurs on a property, the property owner shall be required to obtain a separate business license as an athletic contest or public amusement (as appropriate) from the village clerk and pay all fees therefor, and shall comply with all village codes, regulations and conditions and pay all fees required for additional police and other public safety agencies."
"AGRITOURISM Includes any business activity or operation that brings the public to a farm or rural setting to enjoy traditional agricultural uses, or the enjoyment of related outdoor activities. Agritourism allows certain operations relative to farming which are developed to attract tourists and visitors to a particular parcel or parcels of property."
Best Practices from Nearby States
Michigan:
Michigan's agritourism industry benefits from clear zoning guidelines and supportive local ordinances that balance farm operations with community interests. The Michigan Agritourism Association plays a vital role in promoting, educating, and advocating for agritourism. This collaboration has fostered a thriving agritourism sector that enhances the cultural heritage of the state.
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin promotes agritourism by integrating it into zoning codes, supporting farm diversification, and preserving rural character. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection provides resources to ensure compliance, while the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association offers education and advocacy.
Ohio:
Ohio has an Agritourism Zoning Exemption, whereby the law grants zoning authority to counties and townships but limits their ability to prohibit agricultural land use or require zoning certificates for agricultural buildings. To qualify for the agritourism exemption, activities must occur on a farm devoted to agricultural production. While local regulations can't prohibit agritourism, they can impose requirements on the size of structures, parking areas, setbacks, and access to ensure public health and safety.
How Our Zoning Board Can Support Agritourism
Our zoning board can define how agritourism fits within our village by refining zoning laws with specific definitions, exemptions, and conditions tailored to agritourism. This means establishing clear guidelines that differentiate agritourism from traditional commercial activities. The zoning board can outline which types of activities are permissible (e.g., farm tours, U-pick operations, educational workshops, photography). They can also set conditions to ensure these activities align with the village's character and community goals (e.g., limiting the size of structures). By doing so, our village can support local farms while maintaining the community's rural charm and tranquility.
We believe that with thoughtful planning and zoning, agritourism can be successfully integrated into Barrington Hills, benefiting both our local farms and the community.
We would like to thank Melody Rosche, Local Government Research Specialist at the Illinois Farm Bureau, and Bona Heinsohn, Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations at the Cook County Farm Bureau, for their invaluable support and guidance in our efforts to promote agritourism in Barrington Hills. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping our approach and advocating for our cause.
Comments