Dupage County IL Question

[mountanaman]

Quote:
that is disappointing. were they able to point to a specific ordinance that you are violating? or did they just say it is not an allowed use in residential zoning?

 

[madawg19]

I didn't even bother to get the actual zoning wording. The dude was pretty clear on it. I did, however, mention that there are many who do keep chickens in the county that obviously are not compliant with these requirements. The feeling that I got is that the county is well aware of it and pretty much leave people alone unless there are complaints, etc. He stated the he understood that keeping chickens is a growing trend and didnt really have an issue with it. He did emphasize that there is not a push to change the code yet. So all in all, I'd say the county probably governs chickens with a "wink and a nod"....

 

[mountanaman]

Quote:
that's disappointing, to say the least. if your neighbors aren't complaining now, hopefully once you're incorporated the village will take the same lackadaisical stance on enforcement.

it still baffles me that they are claiming that anything not expressly permitted in the zoning regs is considered prohibited by default. what about swingsets? they are structures (per the definition). they are not specifically named as an allowed use. therefore TECHNICALLY they should not be permitted. i wonder what they would do if i start filing complaints about all the swingsets in our neighborhood.

 

[bgoodrick]

I am also in unincorporated Dupage County. I have 2 acres so I guess if my son joins 4-H our flock will be legal. I spoke with someone at the county several years ago about getting a miniature goat. I can have up to 3 horses no problem but a goat is a "farm animal" and we would need at least 6 acres. Her solution was that if the goat is a pet, lives in the house, it would be ok. She had mentioned pigs as an example. I didn't get a goat that couldn't live in my barn but could live in my house!?!? This theory however might work with the chickens. I have "Chicken Diapers" for my girls when they come inside for a visit. Tell them they are house pets.

 

[mountanaman]

Quote:
Good thought, but i'm guessing it won't work. Definition (below) says it should "typically" spend a "majority" of its time in a dwelling unit (ie, your house). You could argue that some outside dogs don't meet this criteria - but most dogs do, and zoning laws are most often interpreted based on the rule, rather than the exception.

It also specifically excludes animals kept for 'agricultural' purposes.


PET: A domesticated animal (which may include, but not to be limited to, a dog, cat, miniature pig, etc.), customarily kept for pleasure and which typically spends a majority of its time in a dwelling unit. The term shall not include animals which are kept for agricultural or utility purposes, (except for 4-H projects which shall be governed by the district requirements), "dangerous animals", as defined herein, and horses (which shall be governed by the district requirements). Small birds, fish and reptiles shall be deemed to be pets but shall not be counted against the total number of pets allowed on a residential lot. The director or his or her designee shall determine what specific animals, exotic or otherwise, do or do not qualify as pets.

 

[JKuklinski]

DuPage, they are allowed on any property greater than 5 acres...

We are house hunting and my hubby has been all over-
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1088532/chickens-in-chicago-suburbs

 

[redpennies15]

Yeah I read all of those threads already.  I was looking for someone that has actually gone through the process of going legit with thei brids.  It seems that the lack of specific poultry language in the code allows the county to interpret as they wish, which it appears that you need to hae a 40,000 sq ft lot or be a member of 4H.


Any local folk want to chime in?  What is 4H anyway and what do you have to do to get involved

I was in 4H Club in Texas in middle school and all the way through high school. I was the kid-president of our small town chapter for a year. 4H is similar to FFA. Kids have projects (show animals, photography, crafts, homesteading projects, shooting sports) and participate in local competitions like county fairs (or a higher level - if you really get into it).

I think to be a member, you have to be a kid, parent, or volunteer as a club manager. To get involved in Texas, we would contact our county Extension Agent (part of the Texas A&M University system) and ask when the club meets, where, and what you can do to become a member.

In your case, if you have kids, you can get them involved OR perhaps they allow volunteers who help the club manager to be "members."

Sorry that I'm not local to you, but I hope that info helps!