Hampshire trustees lift cap on chicken licenses after split vote

Trustees voted to remove the village’s explicit numerical cap on backyard chicken licenses following a divided discussion over enforcement and community interest.

Trustee Balestrini introduced the item, saying the pilot program showed few enforcement problems and that staff and contracted inspectors had handled inspections and compliance. "Have we had any complaints or had they caused any issues in town? We have not," the mayor said during the discussion, noting staff support for expanding the program.

Opponents raised concerns about future enforcement workload and whether eliminating a limit could lead to a sudden surge in coops. "Sooner or later, we're gonna have a bad one," one trustee warned, arguing for a measured increase rather than removing the cap entirely.

The board voted 4–2 in favor of removing the numeric limit (recorded in the minutes as 'motion passes 4 2'). Trustees who supported the change said a higher or no cap prevents the council from repeatedly debating the same issue each year and allows compliant applicants to proceed; critics said a modest limit (for example, raising the cap to five) would better balance community events and neighborhood quality of life.

The resolution means the village will no longer enforce a fixed numeric maximum; staff said existing licensing, inspection and enforcement tools (SafeBuilt, police) remain in place and that the clerk’s office will manage the waitlist and renewals.

Next steps: staff will implement the code change and update license application materials to reflect the board's decision.