Semi-Rural Adds Value
There is a growing market for real estate within larger urban markets that permits backyard farming or homesteading. There is also a growing recognition that more flexible land use practices add value to properties within municipalities.
Yet, while there is little objection these days to renewable power generation, sustainable food practices often continue to be at odds with municipal zoning goals.
Campton Hills is perfectly positioned for homesteading, but the current Village administration is determined to stop it. Why? Cities and suburbs around the country (and the world) are leading the way.
The City of Chicago has no ordinances prohibiting backyard farming and addresses related concerns with a broad nuisance ordinance. Many other cities have implemented programs and ordinances permitting and aiding backyard agriculture. Seattle heavily focuses on local food initiatives, including “growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, distributing, buying and selling, cooking, eating, disposing of waste.”
Other cities, suburbs and villages around the country are changing to accommodate this growing movement. Although the Village reminds us that most of the smaller towns around us are restrictive, that is why permissive policies in Campton Hills make each parcel more desirable and valuable.
These are just a few links to articles and scholarly papers about this exciting movement!
How To Be a (Suburban or Urban) Homesteader
Plants and Policies: How Urban Farming is Transforming Citie – Aurora University
Overcoming Barriers to Cultivating Urban Agriculture – Real Estate Law Journal