Public statement to the Zoning Board Of Appeals: Non-Commercial Activity

Agriculture is a permitted use in Barrington Hills. The proposal we submitted allowing for agricultural product sales does not introduce commercial zoning, retail operations, or anything outside the scope of what is already allowed. It simply seeks to clarify that the sale of agricultural products grown on-site is a natural and necessary function of farming.

The minutes currently frame this proposal as "allowing commercial activity on residential property," yet the Village already permits wholesale sales of agricultural products. That means farms in Barrington Hills can sell what they grow—just not directly to the community. The comprehensive plan states in the "Vision" section, in the pillar of Ecology "Encourage local food production to support local agriculture." How is this wholesale distinction protecting the residential character of the village? For example, a farm cannot sell an egg to their neighbor or incur a $2500 fine. If the farm delivers it, they will be breaking state law and fined $300 unless they obtain a commercial producers license up to 3000 birds alongside a state inspected grading station. All, can be bypassed with small scale direct-to-consumer sales per state law, and help build an engaging community.

The village has many examples of approved commercial activity that dont fall under Home Occupation. The ZBA has said at all 3 hearings, it's the exchange of money that makes our operation commercial. However, the ZBA and village has approved the following commercial transactions as "non-commercial." In September 2021, they approved a special use permit to the Sanfilippo estate that said they do charge a fee to cover their expenses. The Barrington Hills Polo Club, charges $25/ticket up to 2000 tickets for one event a year, approved in 2009. The Country Club, accoding to their IRS Form 990, take in $5.4mil/year. All of this is approved in R1. We were told by the board that the Country Club has been here since before the village, and what we proposed is something that has been around before them. Family Farms.

The reality is that small-scale, diversified farms do not operate like a brick and mortar retail businesses, and when kept small-scale, become an engaging asset to the residents of Barrington Hills. The ability to sell directly to the community is not a separate commercial activity; it is a fundamental part of modern, sustainable agriculture, just like it is codified in many municipal codes across the nation.