I'm in the process of moving to a new town. One of my top requirements is that the place allow chickens so I can begin my flock. I've been looking into St. Charles, but I'm running into conflicting information.
St. Charles always seems to be cited as one of the places that allows chickens, both here on BYC and in other towns' news articles I've read. But I want to know, where is this information coming from? I'd assumed St. Charles was one of those places that didn't expressly forbid it, but also didn't specifically permit it. But our real estate agent told us that chickens were only allowed on agricultural zoned lots in St. Charles. I also found this in the zoning/use standards section of their ordinances:
http://www.stcharlesil.gov/sites/default/files/codebook/title17chapter20.pdf
17.20.030 Standards for Specific Uses
The following requirements shall apply to the specified uses allowed as permitted or special uses in the zoning districts, in addition to all other applicable provisions of this Title:
(...)
Agriculture
Agriculture is permitted only on lots of ten (10) acres or more, and the following standards shall be met:
1. No livestock or poultry shall be kept.
2. No retail sales of agricultural products shall be conducted on the premises.
3. Agricultural uses are distinct from private horse stables. (See Paragraph M below.)
Now, I didn't think that backyard chickens counted as "agriculture" if you're not selling anything, and I'm a little confused by some of the wording, but it doesn't look hopeful to me. Does anyone have specific information on St. Charles that refutes the above ordinance? Am I reading it wrong? Does anyone here live in St. Charles or know firsthand? Is it different if you're unincorporated or in Campton township?