Board approves Heritage Hen site plan for chicken run at Trimborne Farm

The Village Board approved a site plan application under section 9.08 of the village code for a chicken run at Trimborne Farm after trustees reviewed site-plan materials and heard questions about coop refurbishment, water access and waste management.

The applicant said the run will be fully enclosed with hardware cloth extending into the ground and an enclosed top to prevent predator access and reduce avian-flu risks. She said the operation will start with about 20 hens and the enclosure is sized to accommodate up to about 35 birds as the program stabilizes. The applicant told trustees she will coordinate waste-management practices with the health department and described plans for educational engagement with schools and volunteers.

Trustees asked whether Historic Preservation and the Plan Commission had reviewed improvements; trustees were told the Historic Preservation Commission had suggested changes the applicant agreed to and the Plan Commission had recommended approval, finding on-site parking sufficient. One trustee asked about ADA parking for events; the applicant said the site uses existing county-park parking and the village may add signage or address ADA access if needed.

A motion to approve the site plan was made and seconded; the board carried the motion by roll call. The board did not place additional operating limits in the vote but noted health-department oversight and the possibility of license revocation for noncompliance with biosecurity or waste-management requirements. The applicant said the first birds will number 20 and the coop/run sizing would allow up to 35 in future.