illinois towns that allow backyard chickens

[Rebekah30]

I do! Share away!

https://www.facebook.com/foxlakechickens

Thanks!

 

[rgearhead]

great thread, looks like owner ship of back yard chickens is expanding, slowly, but still...

 

[rgearhead]

I'm In Hickory Hills, Just west of you .. we have a Municipal code against having farm animals, doesn't state chickens, but again farm animals.. here copy =paste of code..
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14.10 PROHIBITED ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful to keep any pigs, swine, sheep, cattle, horses, goats or similar animals, or any naturally wild animals, except birds or fish, within the city except in horse stables, educational institutions, veterinary hospitals or animal shelters.

But we went ahead with an out of the way stealth coop, and 2 chickens, they just started Laying egg's this week...I figured, i will go with a nuisance approach, if my coop and run don't cause a nuisance, there is no problem.. I mean i read all of the codes and Know of SO Many code infractions...If they busted my balls i could keep there code enforcer officer busy 80 hours a week, Pools alone where they must have no fence shorter than 6' , How many with pools in Hickory don't even have a fence, and others with only 4' fence..and i could go on from there...I'm a good Neighbor, and i respect and get along with all my neighbors.. SO that's how i look at codes..

 

[Gargoyle]

14.10 PROHIBITED ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful to keep any pigs, swine, sheep, cattle, horses, goats or similar animals, or any naturally wild animals, except birds or fish, within the city except in horse stables, educational institutions, veterinary hospitals or animal shelters.

Chickens are not similar to goats.

Nor are they naturally wild, since most breeds have only been developed in the past 50 to 150 years.
Also, the law makes an exception for birds.

IANAL, but I don't see how they could enforce that law against a few backyard chickens.

 

[AinaWGSD]

No, but they are "similar" in that they are generally considered "farm" animals. Although, with all of the other animals specifically listed it could be argued that "similar animals" means hoofstock. The exception for birds is specific to "naturally wild" birds, which does not describe most poultry and certainly not chickens.

But I agree, for the purposes of prohibiting back yard chickens this law is poorly worded at best. Most laws specifically state "poultry or fowl" in order to make it clear what animals are not permitted. Since this law contains none of that wording, nor does it contain the words "farm animals" or "barnyard animals," it seems unlikely that it could be enforced with regards to chickens. At least not easily.

 

[rgearhead]

I agree with you both, It's a Grey area...poorly written, no Harm, No fowl <lol.. I say...the Neighbors that do know, think it's pretty cool...think I'm a little crazy but still cool... good luck to all..

 

[Wonderone]

Looking for Backyard Chicken supporters in Yates City. I am preparing research and the like to present at the November village council meeting. Let's see if we can get this rural community with deep farming roots to change their minds.

Ordiance No 2001-622

Livestock within the Village limits: All livestock including, but not limited to Cattle, horses, goats sheep, pigs, mule, as well as any animal that is commonly raised for food or clothing is prohibited within the village limits unless the above mentioned livestock or animal was located within the village limits prior to the passage of this ordiance and is in compliance with all county zoning requirements at the time of the passage of this ordiance which are considered grandfathered in is allowed to have livestock or any of the above mentioned animals in this section 1 of this ordiance.

**Would like to see 3-5 hens be allowed.

 

[IvoryLotus]

Hey Rebekah, and Neighboring towns...
If you want, you can post when your meeting dates are to the Local round lake CLUCK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roun...d-Urban-Chicken-Keepers-CLUCK/167144703338419

and Mundelein cluck/homestead group: https://www.facebook.com/VillageHomesteadingMundelein

Always helps to have neighborly support.

Also, today I learned Barrington IL will let you have laying hens, if you have children under 18 (as child's pets).
2 per acre. So this is FAR from being "backyard" hens... but just an FYI.

 

[Rebekah30]

I will definatly do this! Thanks! The hearing is getting so close!

 

[IvoryLotus]

To anyone who'd like to come,

Mundelein IL will have a showing of "Mad City Chickens".
A documentary that has been at several film festivals across the USA, but landing for the first time in Lake County, IL.

The event is open to the public, and to all ages. Event is FREE (donations would be humbly accepted).
Please feel free to invite anyone on your fb list who would be interested- and please email in and invite your: village/zoning/county officials.
https://www.facebook.com/events/213656118766051/ (Movie event info).
It's a humorous documentary, and very lighthearted.

Our group Village Homesteading Mundelein also has a Backyard Hens Myths and Truths at the Fremont library on 11/15 as well.

Check out our FB Page Events section and come out and meet like minded folks who are fighting the good fight in Palatine, Mundelein, Glencoe, Grayslake, Round lake beach, Northbrook, Lombard (okay not Lake county, but we still love you), Libertyville, and everywhere in between!

"you gotta fight! For your right! to BY-CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC!"