Carpentersville to allow urban chickens

As many as 25 Carpentersville residents could be granted permission to raise urban chickens, as long as they abide by a set of guidelines.

The village board this week agreed to allow property owners with a valid permit and license to keep up to four hens - but no roosters - in a backyard coop.

Requests from a handful of residents prompted village officials to consider the concept, interim Village Manager Marc Huber said. Village code previously prohibited all farm animals within municipal limits.

The village's updated ordinance includes regulations that aim to mitigate concerns and eliminate disturbances for neighbors, Huber said. Coops have to be at least 10 feet from the property line and 25 feet from any residences, according to the measure.

Additionally, the village code includes rules for how the coop should be constructed and cleaned. Noise and odors also will be regulated, the ordinance says.

Several surrounding towns that allow urban chickens, including Elgin and West Dundee, have similar restrictions, Huber said.

"We hope that we're able to make it a successful program for the residents that do care to have chickens," he said.

Residents interested in raising hens need to apply for a license, which costs $25, Huber said. A permit for the coop costs an additional $25.

Village President John Skillman said only 25 licenses can be issued at a time to ensure the program can be properly enforced.

"We want to definitely try to work with the citizens and make sure we keep a close eye on it so people don't take advantage of it," he said. "We want to try it and see how it goes."