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Finance Committee deadlocks on proposed backyard chicken ordinance; motion fails 4-3
Summary
A motion to amend Saukville's ordinances to allow backyard chickens in single-family residential districts—contingent on a 60-foot coop setback, a four-chicken limit and a responsible-adult monitoring requirement—failed 4-3 at the May 26 Finance Committee meeting. The attorney said a revised ordinance would be referred to the Plan Commission and a public hearing scheduled if it moves forward.
A proposed amendment to Saukville's ordinances to permit backyard chickens in single-family residential districts was debated May 26 and failed on a 4-3 vote. The proposal discussed changing coop setbacks, setting a maximum of four chickens and requiring a responsible adult to supervise chickens when they are in the yard.
Dawn Wagner provided committee members with a combined packet that included attorney guidance and draft ordinance language, plus a model permit application from the Village of Grafton. Village Attorney Brad Hoeft said the draft specifies that chickens are for personal use only and are not intended for selling or bartering eggs. "The keep of chickens is for personal use only, the intent is not for selling or bartering eggs," Hoeft said. Pamela Duckart suggested residents could donate extra eggs to local food pantries.
Committee members debated setbacks and monitoring. Jim Nowlen proposed increasing the setback for coops and other structures from 40 feet to 60 feet; Nowlen said a responsible adult should be present to monitor birds when they are in the yard. Brandon Donen expressed concern that a larger setback would exclude many properties; Jesse Duckart noted that using Grafton as a model could allow ducks as well as chickens. Wagner clarified application procedures and disposal rules, stating that deceased birds "cannot be placed in the garbage."
Bill Rudolph moved, seconded by Pamela Duckart, an amendment contingent on changing the coop setback to 60 feet, allowing four chickens, and requiring a responsible adult to be present to monitor birds in the yard. The motion failed with Wendy Smith, Brandon Donen, Jim Nowlen and Village President Andy Hebein voting Nay and Jesse Duckart, Pamela Duckart and Bill Rudolph voting Aye.
Hoeft described the next procedural steps if the ordinance proceeds: staff would produce a final draft, refer the ordinance to the Plan Commission for consideration and schedule a public hearing at a Village Board meeting before any Board vote. The committee did not approve the ordinance at this meeting.
