East Dundee discusses details of backyard hen proposal

East Dundee resident Lorice Amlin wants to raise hens in her backyard.

She wants to be able to collect fresh eggs every day, and she wants the natural fertilizer that they would provide. For her, the benefits outweigh the added personal costs of installing a chicken coop and taking care of the hens.

However, she told village trustees Monday, she understands that there are many valid concerns to granting residents the ability to raise farm animals: smell, sanitation, safety.

"But with proper ordinances in place, hopefully that will deter people from not taking care of their chickens," Amlin said, "or at least give you the ability to enforce that they have to take care of them."

On Monday, the committee of the whole discussed a proposed ordinance that would allow single-family homeowners to raise hens - but not roosters - in their backyards.

But Village President Lael Miller and several trustees said they need more time to iron out the details of the rules and restrictions listed in the ordinance.

"We have a ways to go on this," Miller said. "Personally, I'm not convinced this is a great thing."

The proposal, as written, would require residents to obtain a valid permit before being allowed to own hens. They would also have to pay a $25 annual fee, a cost that Trustee Kirstin Wood said is too low.

Because the village may require routine inspections to make sure the owners meet all requirements, Miller said it's fair for the fee to match what it would cost the village to inspect the chicken coop.

Other requirements for being granted a permit would include informing neighbors of their intent to own hens and successfully completing an approved class on raising chickens in an urban setting, according to the proposal.

The size and placement of hen houses, the number of hens allowed at each property and the village zoning areas where residents would be allowed to keep them were considered at the meeting, all of which Miller said are concerns that should be taken into consideration moving forward.

He also asked that hen owners face consequences for violating regulations.

Trustee Rob Gorman suggested creating a pilot program at first "so folks know (that allowing backyard hens) is something that can be rescinded."

Officials will tighten up the proposal for the village board to discuss at a later date.

"I understand you're not going to make everybody happy," Miller said, "but we have to try."