Changing Chicken Laws in DeKalb, IL

[loljusticar]

Hello, second post here and I request help and information on changing the ordinance for chickens in DeKalb, IL. Currently, all chickens are prohibited within city limits, but there has been a community effort to get the ordinance changed about 7 years ago, with over 200 signatures on the petition. Right now, I need to get educated on arguments for the chickens and the rebuttals that can be used. Along with that, I need to garner community support for chickens. This may be difficult because all the surrounding communities also prohibit backyard chickens, but there's a will, there's a way, right?

I linked the ordinance chapter that involves chickens below:
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/DocumentCenter/View/126/Chapter-18-Dogs-and-Other-Animals-PDF

 

[loljusticar]

Update: I emailed the executive director of the Citizens' Environmental Commission and this is what I received:

The Citizens' Environmental Commission is looking into amending it to allow raising of chickens in backyards.So if this is what you are interested in I would like to meet with you to discuss.

Exciting news huh?

 

[LittleHomestead1]

Hello!
My husband and I recently moved to DeKalb and we were VERY disappointed to learn that backyard chickens aren't allowed, especially considering that they are allowed in towns like Naperville and I believe St. Charles. We are willing to lend our support to the movement! I believe one of our neighbors is also interested in chickens...please keep us updated! Did the Environmental Commission share any additional information about when this amendment could happen? Please let them know that there are many of us who believe in the allowance of healthy and safe backyard chickens!

 

[LittleHomestead1]

Also, did they mention any meetings that people can attend or would it help to write additional letters?

 

[loljusticar]

Hello!
My husband and I recently moved to DeKalb and we were VERY disappointed to learn that backyard chickens aren't allowed, especially considering that they are allowed in towns like Naperville and I believe St. Charles. We are willing to lend our support to the movement! I believe one of our neighbors is also interested in chickens...please keep us updated! Did the Environmental Commission share any additional information about when this amendment could happen? Please let them know that there are many of us who believe in the allowance of healthy and safe backyard chickens!

Welcome to DeKalb!!!
Currently, there will be a meeting at the DeKalb Public Library on June 20th at 6:30 PM with the commission to discuss more about the possible amendment. And right now, the amendment won't be happening for a few months due to the amount of committees and councils the amendment will have to go through, but any progress is progress!

I have also made a Facebook page to help increase awareness!
https://www.facebook.com/backyardchickensdekalb/

 

[LittleHomestead1]

Welcome to DeKalb!!!
Currently, there will be a meeting at the DeKalb Public Library on June 20th at 6:30 PM with the commission to discuss more about the possible amendment. And right now, the amendment won't be happening for a few months due to the amount of committees and councils the amendment will have to go through, but any progress is progress!

I have also made a Facebook page to help increase awareness!
https://www.facebook.com/backyardchickensdekalb/

Hello,

Thanks! I'm just excited that the city is actually talking about this again. I joined the group and I will spread the info as much as I can. I'm happy to help in any way I can, I have done some research on the issue as well and have friends that own chickens. I also think it's important for the city to know that there are several suburbs that allow backyard chickens, including Naperville and St. Charles. I have to say it's very frustrating when I drive through St. Charles and see chickens but we can't have them here

Here are there codes:

https://codebook.stcharlesil.gov/612-–-regulations/612095

http://www.theresiliencyinstitute.n...ty-of-Naperville-Fowl-Livestock-Ordinance.pdf

 

[psychocircus91]

Update: I emailed the executive director of the Citizens' Environmental Commission and this is what I received:

The Citizens' Environmental Commission is looking into amending it to allow raising of chickens in backyards.So if this is what you are interested in I would like to meet with you to discuss.

Exciting news huh?

That's awesome. good job.