Kenosha committee approves backyard chicken coop for Valerie Quincy

The Kenosha Public Safety and Welfare Committee on June 9 approved a backyard chicken coop license requested by Valerie Quincy.

Quincy, the applicant, described her interest in raising chickens and said the birds are pets with names. Neighbor Mark Olsen raised concerns about predators and about whom residents should contact if animals such as raccoons, coyotes or skunks threatened the coop. "Who is going to — who do we call if we have a problem?" Olsen asked.

Gary Roberts, director of city inspection, said the city has issued chicken permits for some time and that he had not seen enforcement problems tied to those permits. "We've had chicken permits now for some time in the city ... I've had no issues with those," Roberts said. Roberts also said the inspection of Quincy’s proposed coop showed it met the applicable conditions and that the city had received no negative feedback from neighbors on her application.

Penny Keeling, alderperson for District 8, said she had spoken with neighbors and offered to help if problems arise: "If there are any problems, you can reach out to me and I will help in any manner that I am able," she said.

A committee member moved to approve Quincy’s license; the motion received no recorded objections and the chair voted aye. The item concluded with the committee granting the permit and then adjourning.

Why it matters: Backyard poultry licenses affect immediate neighbors and fall under local inspection and nuisance rules. Neighbors' concerns at the meeting focused on predator attraction and who would respond to animal complaints; staff said inspections and prior permits have not produced the problems cited.

The committee did not specify next administrative steps beyond approval. No fines, fees, number of birds or additional permit conditions were recorded in the public discussion.