Chickens in West Dundee? Maybe

As a group of about 15 people clapped, smiled and moved toward the door, Brian Leith's son pulled on his jacket, asking "Daddy, can we have them?"

The crowd was filing out of the West Dundee village board meeting Monday night and Leith was being asked about chickens. After a 4-1 vote by the village board, the answer was a conditional yes.

The ordinance as it currently stands is in violation of a West Dundee zoning law that prohibits poultry in residential areas. It must pass through the planning and zoning commission before residents will be allowed to actually purchase the animals.

Leith likely will wait until next spring, but is looking forward to a step away from the factory farming he opposes and an educational opportunity for his children.

"I'm happy it went the way it did," Leith said. "The image it puts out there is this is a forward-thinking community."

The amended animal control ordinance allows residents to own up to four chickens. Chicken coops must be at least 15 feet from a neighbor's house, and food must be kept in rodent-proof containers. As they have always been, roosters are prohibited.

After several people came forward to lend support to the amended ordinance, Village President Larry Keller recognized the change in public opinion. He said 20 years ago this ordinance would not have had a chance.

"It's a different era, a different time," Keller said. "We want to be responsive to the way society is now."

Trustee Norm Osth was the only one to vote against the amended ordinance. He called it an "unenforceable law" that will create an undue burden for police officers. Furthermore, he pointed to the conflict it may create among neighbors.

In part to head off this possible tension, the board required all future chicken owners to apply for a license before purchasing the animals unlike for dogs or cats and to renew annually. The license will cost $25 per year.

Trustee Tom Price said the licensing aims address people's fears and provide a level of control by both the village and the applicant's neighbors.

"It's an opportunity to express concern, but not give them veto authority," Price said.

Planning and Zoning will meet Oct. 25 to discuss allowing chickens in residential areas, the final barrier for those who want the animals.