Council debates whether to codify rules for backyard poultry; no ordinance yet
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Summary
Council discussed whether to write a local ordinance to allow or regulate backyard poultry (chickens), including limits, containment, and commercial sales; members asked staff to draft possible language but took no final action.
Members discussed whether the village should amend its zoning code to explicitly allow or regulate backyard poultry (chickens). Several council members said poultry are not explicitly banned under the current code but commercial sales of eggs or animals would violate the village’s commercial‑animals provisions. The group discussed typical ordinance elements from nearby jurisdictions—maximum flock sizes, enclosure requirements (no free‑range), permitting and restrictions on commercial sales.
Council directed staff to draft potential ordinance language and to check state and municipal guidance (the municipal league and health‑department guidance were mentioned) so council could consider rules that would require coops to contain birds, set maximum counts and address odor/noise and health concerns. No final ordinance or vote was taken.