HB 5618

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality may create urban agricultural zones composed of organizations or persons who grow produce or other agricultural products; who raise livestock or poultry; who process livestock or poultry; or that sell a minimum of 75% locally grown food. Provides for the creation of an urban agricultural zone board to advise the corporate authorities of a municipality on urban agricultural zones. Provides for urban agricultural zone application requirements, including the number of jobs to be created, the types of products to be produced, and, if applying for a vending urban agricultural zone, the ability to accept food stamps under the provisions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program if selling products to consumers, the geographic description of the area that will be included in the urban agricultural zone, and other requirements. Provides for public hearing and notice requirements before adoption of an ordinance to establish an urban agricultural zone. Provides that property taxes on property that is used for growing or raising of agricultural products located within an urban agricultural zone shall not be increased, if authorized in the urban agricultural zone ordinance, for a period of up to 25 years. Provides that sales tax amounts received from the sale of agricultural products grown or produced in an urban agricultural zone shall be deposited in the Urban Agricultural Zone Fund and specifies distribution to the municipality or school districts under specified circumstances. Allows for wholesale water rates and a reduction in water connection charges for water users who grow or raise agricultural products in the zone. Amends the State Finance Act by making conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2017.