Next Tuesday (Nov 7th) I am presenting to the City Council to start the process of trying to allow backyard hens within city limits. Earlier today I sent out and email to the mayor and council members with some documents. I wanted to be sure they were able to review everything prior and prepare any questions they might have. To my knowledge no one has challenged the ordinance before, so I don't know what to expect. Below is the email I sent to them; I have received two replies back. One was very brief saying they look forward to hearing from me at the meeting. The other reply is below the email text below. I think I need to take this from a different angle, any input or help to get this council member to turn or see with an open mind would be much appreciated!
Email to Mayor and Council Members:
In recent years, people have been taking a more vested interest in green and sustainable living. Whether it is a personal curiosity, an effort to help with our environment, or just a hobby; the concept of making these lifestyle changes is growing. One of the more prevalent ideas that has been sweeping our nation by storm is backyard chickens. Municipalities all over the country are changing their zoning ordinances to allow those interested in raising chickens the ability to do so. Just recently, the city of Elburn passed an ordinance that would allow up to six backyard chickens, roosters prohibited. [1]
In the past 2 weeks I have seen a huge influx of support on our Facebook page, Backyard Hens for Woodstock. The amount of people interested in the proposal of allowing backyard hens far exceeded my expectations. Which is why I will be attending the November 7th City Council meeting and hope to speak with you all about changing our current ordinance and zoning law.
I have attached 2 PDFs for your review and consideration. One contains proposed regulations for backyard hens in the City of Woodstock, common myths and concerns, a list of surrounding cities that currently allow backyard hens, and an example registration form. The second, is a document from the City of Elgin that highlights and touches on their findings in a pilot program for backyard hens in 2015. On February 24, 2016 the Elgin City council voted to make the backyard chicken regulation permanent. [2]
I will be bringing these documents along with me for the meeting and will put together a simple packet of informational materials for you. My hope is that you are able to review these documents prior to the meeting and any questions or concerns you may have can be discussed. I look forward to working with you and the City on changing this ordinance and zoning law so that will afford the people of Woodstock the right to raise hens in their backyard.
Reply back from council member:
I appreciate you sharing this information and your thoughts on the issues. I appreciate your passion for the issue and willingness to advocate for it. However I will share that I am not in favor of allowing chickens in the City limits. No disrespect intended to you or others on the issue, but I just do not believe that they should be in the City limits.
I am willing to continue to listen to you and others on the issue but an reluctant to support it at this time.
Email to Mayor and Council Members:
In recent years, people have been taking a more vested interest in green and sustainable living. Whether it is a personal curiosity, an effort to help with our environment, or just a hobby; the concept of making these lifestyle changes is growing. One of the more prevalent ideas that has been sweeping our nation by storm is backyard chickens. Municipalities all over the country are changing their zoning ordinances to allow those interested in raising chickens the ability to do so. Just recently, the city of Elburn passed an ordinance that would allow up to six backyard chickens, roosters prohibited. [1]
In the past 2 weeks I have seen a huge influx of support on our Facebook page, Backyard Hens for Woodstock. The amount of people interested in the proposal of allowing backyard hens far exceeded my expectations. Which is why I will be attending the November 7th City Council meeting and hope to speak with you all about changing our current ordinance and zoning law.
I have attached 2 PDFs for your review and consideration. One contains proposed regulations for backyard hens in the City of Woodstock, common myths and concerns, a list of surrounding cities that currently allow backyard hens, and an example registration form. The second, is a document from the City of Elgin that highlights and touches on their findings in a pilot program for backyard hens in 2015. On February 24, 2016 the Elgin City council voted to make the backyard chicken regulation permanent. [2]
I will be bringing these documents along with me for the meeting and will put together a simple packet of informational materials for you. My hope is that you are able to review these documents prior to the meeting and any questions or concerns you may have can be discussed. I look forward to working with you and the City on changing this ordinance and zoning law so that will afford the people of Woodstock the right to raise hens in their backyard.
Reply back from council member:
I appreciate you sharing this information and your thoughts on the issues. I appreciate your passion for the issue and willingness to advocate for it. However I will share that I am not in favor of allowing chickens in the City limits. No disrespect intended to you or others on the issue, but I just do not believe that they should be in the City limits.
I am willing to continue to listen to you and others on the issue but an reluctant to support it at this time.
