Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Agricultural Areas Conservation and County Zoning
Key Facts
- Conservation Act
- 505 ILCS 5
- County Zoning Limit
- 55 ILCS 5/5-12001
- Minimum Acreage
- 5 acres
- LMFA
- 510 ILCS 77
Summary
Illinois protects agricultural land through the Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act and limits county zoning over farms outside municipal boundaries.
nor shall they be exercised so as to impose regulations, eliminate uses, buildings, or structures, or require permits with respect to land used for agricultural purposes, which includes the growing of farm crops, truck garden crops, animal and poultry husbandry, apiculture, aquaculture, dairying, floriculture, horticulture, nurseries, tree farms, sod farms, pasturage, viticulture, and wholesale greenhouses when such agricultural purposes constitute the principal activity on the land
Full Breakdown
The Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act (505 ILCS 5) lets owners of 350 or more contiguous acres petition counties to designate Agricultural Areas, restricting state and local actions that interfere with farming for ten-year renewable terms. The Counties Code (55 ILCS 5/5-12001) bars county zoning from regulating agricultural uses on farms larger than five acres outside municipal limits, except for limited livestock setbacks. Municipalities retain broader zoning authority within city limits under 65 ILCS 5/11-13. The Livestock Management Facilities Act (510 ILCS 77) governs siting of large animal feeding operations.
Violations & Penalties
Violations of agricultural area protections or improper zoning may be challenged by injunction in circuit court; LMFA siting violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Illinois counties zone farms outside city limits?
What is an Illinois Agricultural Area?
Sources
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