SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will have their right to grow vegetable gardens protected thanks to legislation presented by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that was signed into law Friday.

“Every Illinoisan should have the option to grow their own food and increase their self-sufficiency without unnecessary oversight or regulations,” Koehler said. “I’m glad to see this legislation signed into law as I know it will expand options for people across the state when it comes to providing for themselves and their families.”

This legislation creates the Vegetable Garden Protection Act, which establishes the right to grow a vegetable garden on private property, and prevents municipalities from prohibiting the cultivation of vegetable gardens absent any other concerns. The bill was presented in response to an Illinois municipality telling a resident that she was not permitted to grow a garden in her own backyard. Cities still maintain their ability to set regulations for gardens and garden structures based on building code ordinances and zoning. The legislation solely prevents municipalities from singling out gardens when regulations are established.

The Vegetable Garden Protection Act will go into effect January 1, 2022.