Does Chicago's code explicitly state unlimited chickens are ok?

[Carolyn252]

I read through the Chicago municipal code http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway....tes$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:chicago_il and found the code that explicitly states that slaughtering is prohibited (except for licensed food service businesses) http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway....tm$3.0$vid=amlegal:chicago_il$anc=JD_7-12-300 but I cannot find any wording that explicitly states "chicken keeping is allowed." Am I correct in assuming that the relevant byc postings stating that Chicago allows unlimited chickens are based on the logic that since the Chicago code does not explicitly ban the keeping of chickens, [and in fact does not mention anything at all about chickens, hens, roosters, poultry (it does mention pigeons, however) http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway....tm$3.0$vid=amlegal:chicago_il$anc=JD_7-12-387 , that therefor chicken keeping is allowed? In other words, silence on a matter is legally akin to permission?

I wish the code there actually stated some positive permission so that we could quote it in our local campaigns throughout the country. I think it would be so persuasive to be able to show that the teeming metropolis of Chicago allows unlimited chickens with language in the Chicago code that clearly shows no limits and restriction on any and all aspects of the matter. (That is, no mention of distance setbacks, property size, manner of coop maintenance, flock gender, etc. If the Chicago code allows chicken keeping via silence on the matter, there is nothing we can hold up as evidence for our own local efforts to change local codes.

If the Chicago code does indeed include statements about chicken keeping and I've missed it, please let me know where to find the wordage. Thanks!
-Carolyn

 

[ChicksterJo]

I think I do remember reading that unlimited chickens are allowed, but they are for "pets" and not for "meat."

While not in the ordinance (that's weird? - I'll keep looking but searching through your link didn't provide answers), I found a few websites that state that Chicago does allow chickens. Apparently Evanston lifted their ban a couple years ago.
Here's an article stating the city does allow chickens.


I've looked through the ordinances a few times - no mention of chickens being banned or allowed. The general consensus seems to be that chickens are allowed, but roosters are discouraged (not illegal though). Yep, that's exactly how I remember Chicago - vague enough with the laws to confuse you but specific enough to nip you in the rear later