Backyard chickens clear first hurdle in Rolling Meadows
Backyard chickens in Rolling Meadows cleared their first hurdle this week, with aldermen voting 4-3 in an early first reading vote Tuesday to allow the egg-laying hens on residential properties.
The "no" votes came from Aldermen Mike Cannon, Nick Budmats and John D'Astice. But a potential swing vote who said "yes," Jon Bisesi, said the limited feedback from his Ward 5 residents was split, and he welcomed additional comments from constituents before he casts his final vote Sept. 24.
Supporters have lobbied the council this year after previous efforts to get the backyard birds failed in 2014 and 2018. Under the proposed ordinance, up to 25 homes citywide would be able to get as many as six chickens per backyard. Coops would have to be at least 10 feet away from lot lines and owners would have to pay a one-time $25 fee.