RESOURCES

AUA’s Chicago Urban Agriculture Resource Guide was developed as a tool for those wishing to participate as active members in the urban agriculture community. Whether growers are experienced or just beginning, searching for resources for their existing project, or starting a new project on their own, almost anyone involved in urban agriculture can come to this guide for helpful resources to expand their knowledge on the topic. See AUA’s Mini-Resource Guide for a one page snapshot, and click below for our full, FREE guide!

AUA’s Resource Guide references many publications, toolkits and guides. Read on for a curated list of frequently requested resources!

City of Chicago Urban Ag Ordinances / Ordenanzas de Agricultura Urbana de la Ciudad de Chicago

CITY OF CHICAGO URBAN AGRICULTURAL ORDINANCE

When starting a commercial urban farm or community garden, make sure you understand zoning rules and regulations before you get started. Amendments made to the Chicago’s Zoning Ordinance in 2011 specifically address urban agriculture.

CITY OF CHICAGO’S URBAN AGRICULTURE FAQ SHEET

To learn more about the city of Chicago’s urban agriculture zoning ordinance, check out their FAQ sheet.

Soil Resources / Recursos de Suelo

MUESTRA DE SUELO PARA LA DETECCION DE PLOMO

Cómo tomar y preparar una muestra de suelo para la detección de metales pesados en suelo!

Learn more about the Chicago compost ordinance that now allows community gardens and urban farms to accept and compost food scraps and other organic waste generated off-site.

Obtenga más información acerca de la ordenanza de compost de Chicago que ahora permite que los huertos comunitarios y las granjas urbanas acepten y composten los restos de comida y otros desechos orgánicos generados fuera del sitio.

Follow these best practices for your compost operation

Siga estas mejores prácticas para su operación de compost

CITY OF CHICAGO’S TIER 2 GARDEN COMPOST RECORD KEEPING LOG

If you register with the city of Chicago as a Tier 2 Garden Compost Operation, all accepted food scraps must be recorded on this log and kept on-site.

TIER 2 FORMULARIO DE REGISTRADO ORÁNICOS LIMITADOS DE LA CIUDAD DE CHICAGO

Si se registra en la ciudad de Chicago como una Operación de compost de jardín de Nivel 2, todos los restos de alimentos aceptados deben registrarse en este registro y mantenerse en el sitio.

Water Resources / Recursos de Agua

July 2020- Updated Hydrant Permit Policy for Water Access and how to apply

2020 HYDRANT PERMIT POLICY

Read the latest City of Chicago's Department of Water Management Hydrant Permit Policy

Water Access for Urban Agriculture Projects - Issue Briefing COVID-19 Response prepared by Advocates for Urban Agriculture, Openlands, and Neighborspace

2020 MEMO FROM DEPT. OF WATER MANAGEMENT ON HYDRANT PERMITS

2020 Hydrant Permit Policy

The following is a list of places to obtain hydrant fittings and keys.

As part of AUA’s vision of a flourishing, local food system, we are proud members of the Routes to Farm regional alliance. This collaboration of food-and-farm organizations serves the Chicago foodshed and supports farmers across the Midwest through access to training, best practices, mentorship, networking, and region-specific resources.