Greendale approves zoning text change to allow limited animal uses in parks; Trimborne Farm proposal cited as example

The Village Board voted on May 19 to amend chapters 9 and 17 of the municipal code to allow limited keeping of animals and fowl as a permitted use in park (P) and agricultural (A) zoning districts for specified purposes — education, research and similar recreational events — contingent on review and approval by the public health director.

Staff said the change responds to an application from Aaron Dummert seeking to enable an educational chicken coop and related programming at Trimborne Farm. The ordinance adds park zoning to the list of districts where such limited animal uses can be permitted, and it includes definitions and criteria in Chapter 9; applications will follow a checklist and can include conditions of approval. Staff noted the village will act as agent for state oversight where applicable and cited the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) registration requirement (every three years) as part of operational expectations.

Because the applicant could not attend, staff read a written statement from the applicant describing Trimborne Farm’s historic agricultural character and the community education goals. Multiple public commenters — including County Supervisor Kathleen Vincent and local educators — urged board approval, citing the site’s educational potential and community value. Residents and trustees asked whether the historic-preservation overlay would require separate review for new structures; staff confirmed the H overlay remains and that the Historic Preservation Commission will review certificates of appropriateness as required.

Director Ashley Haas (public health) explained that the village consults with the Southwest Suburban Health Department for environmental health concerns and with DATCP for guidance; she described an operational checklist that includes restrictions such as no roosters and no egg sales and noted a neighbor-notification requirement if animals are kept within 20 feet of a property line. Trustees said they were supportive of enabling careful, limited animal uses at historically appropriate park properties and approved the ordinance by roll call.

Staff and trustees noted the Trimborne Farm proposal will still require county-level approvals; Supervisor Vincent urged residents and trustees to attend upcoming county finance and parks committee meetings where the Trimborne Farm plan will be considered.