Backyard chicken pilot program a success; city approves limited number of chicken licenses.
Backyard chicken pilot program a success; city approves limited number of chicken licenses.
Backyard chickens are now allowed in the City of Elgin, after its council voted to incorporate the one-year pilot program's regulations into the municipal code.
The 15 Elgin residents who participated in the pilot program can keep their chickens -- plus, another 10 chicken licenses will be issued for 2016.
Residents holding a valid chicken license may keep up to four chickens, but roosters are prohibited. The chickens must be kept in a coop or enclosure at all times. The coop must not be visible from the street.
Interested residents can apply for a chicken license online. The application is free and does not obligate the applicant to actually keep chickens. Should more than 10 residents apply for a license, the city will hold a lottery. The lottery results will be available after March 15.
Once informed of the application status, applicants can apply for a chicken permit. The cost is $65 for the application and $30 for the permit. The community development staff will assist applicants to ensure that the property meets the city's standards. Plans for the chicken coop and a final inspection after the coop is complete are mandatory before a chicken license can be issued by the city.
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