Trustees debate chicken ordinance as residents raise odor, enforcement and fee concerns

Trustee Broccardo and residents debated a proposed chicken ordinance that would allow small-scale backyard hens but set minimum setbacks and permitting requirements. Clare Duran, who presented background research, said she found neighboring communities commonly allow five to six birds and recommended permitting and inspections. "I wouldn't ever go on someone's property without their permission," Duran said, describing how she would check coops only with consent and a second person to take measurements.

The discussion turned to specifics: Broccardo argued a 30-foot setback should replace an earlier 20-foot figure because odors could travel farther; Duran said most ordinances she reviewed set a five- to six-bird limit. Trustee Nelson proposed a one-time application fee (he suggested $100) and documentation such as a month's worth of feed, while Duran warned that large feed stores and rodents make storing month-long supplies impractical and suggested a lower fee. An audience member said a $100 fee would demonstrate seriousness and help low-income families who rely on eggs amid rising grocery prices; another resident opposed chickens on the grounds of smell and noise.

Trustees also flagged enforcement capacity as a key constraint: Trustee Paso emphasized the Village currently lacks a local police officer to enforce ordinances and asked who would act if residents refuse inspections. Duran said she had discussed enforcement with Sheriff Baker, who indicated county deputies would back animal-control efforts, and that she plans to renew her state humane-investigator credentials. The board agreed to continue the conversation and defer final ordinance language until the spring, to allow additional research, fee-setting and a plan to identify an enforcement authority.