Villa Park expands backyard chicken ownership

Villa Park trustees have approved an ordinance that allows more residents to keep chickens in their backyards.

Now up to 50 homeowners can apply for a license to keep as many as six hens. The local law approved on Monday came after the village did a two-year pilot program with 15 chicken owners.

There is a $50 initial licensing fee, with an annual renewal at no additional cost. The ordinance prohibits roosters and the slaughter of hens for food.

For more information, visit invillapark.com.