Resident asks Cary board to revisit ban on backyard hens

Samantha Jalinski, a Cary resident, asked the Village of Cary board on May 19 to reconsider the village’s prohibition on backyard hens and to place a proposal on a future agenda for formal discussion.

"My name is Samantha Jalinski, and I'm a resident of Cary," Jalinski said as she introduced a written proposal she said she had shared with several board members. She told the board she and other supporters favor allowing hens under a "reasonable well regulated ordinance." She said the proposal includes a maximum of six hens per household, rear-yard, predator-proof coops, cleanliness and odor-control standards, and complaint-based enforcement using existing ordinances.

Jalinski framed the request as limited to hens only: "Roosters would be strictly prohibited," she said, adding that most concerns people associate with chickens, particularly noise, are caused by roosters. She cited benefits including fresh eggs, reduced packaging waste, natural garden pest control and educational opportunities for children.

Jalinski also referenced state-level activity: "Illinois legislators are currently considering House Bill 4764, which would protect residents' ability to keep backyard hens while still allowing municipalities to adopt reasonable regulations," and said she had gathered local feedback indicating growing support—"88% of those who submitted my interest form are in favor." She asked the board to review the proposal, gather community input and consider examples from neighboring municipalities that have regulated backyard hens successfully.

The board did not take action on the matter during the meeting; Jalinski concluded by requesting placement of the proposal on a future agenda so the board and staff can review regulatory options and public comment.

The mayor thanked Jalinski and moved the meeting on to other public comments and agenda business.