East Dundee trustees allow backyard hens

Up to 10 East Dundee residents could be granted permission to raise urban chickens if all regulations are met.

On Monday, trustees gave the thumbs-up to an ordinance that allows single-family homeowners with a valid permit to keep up to four egg-laying hens in a coop in their backyards.

Trustees have debated the proposal's logistics since July, raising several concerns such as the location of the coop relative to a neighboring property.

One of Village President Lael Miller's greatest concerns, he said, is making the neighbors happy. But at last week's committee of the whole meeting, trustees agreed they won't know what specific problems may arise until the program is in full swing.

"I think we just give it a try," Trustee Rob Gorman said.

Residents must pay an initial $50 fee, as well as apply for and be granted a coop permit from the building department. The village will inspect the hen house and run to ensure that it meets code, according to the ordinance.

The permit must be renewed with a $25 fee each following year, the board decided Monday.

Residents also have to notify neighbors of their intent to apply for a license. Though Trustee Kirsten Wood suggested requiring residents to get written approval from adjacent neighbors, several trustees said giving neighbors that kind of power could cause some animosity.

"I don't like the idea of a neighbor telling me what I can or cannot do in my yard," Trustee Allen Skillicorn said.

The coop, however, must be closer to the resident's home than and at least 25 feet from any adjacent building, including homes, churches, schools or businesses. Residents applying for the permit must also complete a village-approved class about raising hens in an urban setting. Several regulations are in place to control what happens after residents receive permits. Chickens, for example, are never allowed to roam at large, nor are they allowed inside any home. Food and waste must be disposed of properly, and noise and odor can't be noticeable beyond the property line, the ordinance says.

The village also has the power to revoke or suspend any coop license - a detail that was added after concerns arose about code enforcement.

Miller said this type of enforcement policy would allow the village to better handle situations, such as if a coop causes any legitimate disturbance or if a resident fails to comply with the ordinance.