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Plan Commission approves ordinance to allow backyard hens on qualifying West Chicago lots
Summary
The West Chicago Plan Commission voted 4–0 to advance a zoning text amendment permitting up to six hens on single‑family lots of at least 6,500 sq ft, with coop setbacks, sanitary rules and a required one‑year review; the measure goes to the development committee July 14.
The West Chicago Plan Commission voted 4–0 to approve a zoning text amendment that would allow residents to keep up to six hens on single‑family residential lots of at least 6,500 square feet, sending the proposal to the city’s development committee.
The amendment, presented by John, a city planning staff member, would add a subsection to Article 6 of the zoning code allowing chickens on qualifying lots with a set of conditions. Those provisions include a prohibition on roosters; a maximum of six hens per lot; a minimum coop size of six square feet per chicken; a five‑foot minimum setback from property lines for coops; a requirement that coops be located in the rear yard and oriented so runs do not run parallel to neighbors’ lot lines; no on‑site slaughtering or sale of eggs; and requirements for sanitary maintenance, odor control and protection from predators. Permanently affixed coops would require a building permit, but staff said existing coops could be treated as legal nonconforming if the code later changes.
John said the draft incorporated additional safeguards developed at a resident meeting following the commission’s June 3 session and recommended the city review the ordinance after one year to assess complaints and best practices. "Roosters would be prohibited," John stated when summarizing the draft.
Resident Louise Handel of 935 Knollwood spoke in support, telling the commission she appreciated that public input was solicited and considered.
Commissioners debated whether language requiring protection from "trespassers" was needed; several members worried the term was vague and could invite subjective enforcement, and the commission ultimately removed that word from requirement #13 before voting.
Commissioner Banasiak moved and Commissioner Slattery seconded the motion to approve the amendment as revised. The roll call recorded Banasiak, Slattery, Terrazas and Chairperson Laimins as voting aye; the motion carried 4–0.
Next steps: staff said the approved amendment will be forwarded to the development committee on Monday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers for further consideration and a recommendation to the full city council.
