Courtesy Notice: Limited Free Tulip Event

Update 4/7/2025 5:12pm:

Written response from the village lawyer states even a free event through an invitation is not acceptable nor is there any existing special use that allows this.

In May 2024, the Village of Barrington Hills informed us that our U-pick flower operation was considered commercial retail and had to immediately cease operations. Through three public hearings, the village trustees clarified their stance that any exchange of money for goods or services constitutes commercial activity. Interestingly, our village currently permits numerous other activities that generate revenue—from modest sales to multi-million-dollar transactions—under a non-commercial designation; however, small-scale agriculture, including flower farming, is unfortunately not among them.

Prior to receiving the cease-and-desist order, we had already placed an order for 20,000 tulip bulbs intended for the Spring 2025 bloom season. These bulbs arrived in October 2024. We planted all 20,000 bulbs, hopeful that we could work collaboratively with our village trustees toward a fair solution. Despite sending more than 50 emails and repeatedly seeking a dialogue, we received few constructive responses.

Running even a small-scale agricultural operation involves significant time, effort, and financial investment. Without the ability to offset these costs, our farm becomes unsustainable. However, driven by a sincere desire to share the beauty we've cultivated with our community, we explored one final way to welcome our neighbors and friends. We proposed hosting a non-commercial, no-cost event on our farm, inviting Barrington Hills residents to enjoy the tulips freely and peacefully.

We've included the full text of our letter to the village below to provide complete transparency about our intentions and efforts to foster community connection.

To apaul@barringtonhills-il.gov; build@vbhil.gov Hello Village of Barrington Hills,

I’m writing to provide a courtesy notice regarding a limited initiative we plan to offer in April/May during Tulip season at our flower field located in Barrington Hills, IL.

In response to comments made by members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Trustees—that access to our field could be permitted so long as no money is exchanged—we are planning to open our flower field to Barrington Hills residents free of charge, by online appointment only.

We intend to extend the invitation to all 4,000+ residents of the village but will limit participation to the first 500 individuals who register. Visits will be:

By appointment only, with address/residence verification
Limited participants per time slot
Limited number of days in April or May (depending on weather)
Confined to our main flower field/ agricultural area located in the middle of the property
Peaceful, quiet, and free of sales or commercial activity

There will be:

No products or services offered
No amplified sound, lighting, or events
No promotional activity beyond direct communication to Barrington Hills residents, including via our private channels and community-facing platforms
No traffic impacts beyond normal residential use

This is a direct response to the idea raised at multiple public meetings that such visits would be permitted if conducted without any exchange of funds. Our hope is simply to share the beauty we've grown with neighbors who have expressed interest in visiting, in a way that is peaceful, intentional, and aligned with the village's stated guidance.

To ensure transparency and allow the village ample opportunity to raise any concerns, we respectfully request a written response by April 7th, 2025 (Monday).

If we do not receive written concerns or objections by that date, we will proceed under the good faith assumption that the village has no objection to this limited, non-commercial initiative.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Chris Yamamoto

Little Ducky Flower Farm