HB 5720

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality may establish an urban agricultural area after receipt of a petition by a qualified farmer or farmers to establish the area. Provides for the formation of an urban agricultural area committee that shall conduct the activities necessary to advise the corporate authorities on the designation, modification, and termination of an urban agricultural area. Provides requirements for the application, notice and public hearing, and adoption of an ordinance designating the urban agricultural area. Provides that a municipality may provide for rebates, reductions, or other compensation for property taxes levied against real property located within an urban agricultural area that is used for processing, growing, raising, or otherwise producing agricultural products. Provides that a municipality may authorize an entity providing water, electricity, or other utilities to an urban agricultural area to allow qualified farmers in the urban agricultural area to pay wholesale or otherwise reduced rates or pay reduced or waived connection charges. Makes other changes. Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules consistent with the purposes of the new provisions of the Illinois Municipal Code, including, at a minimum, rules defining specified terms.