Divided Elmhurst Panel Rejects Chickens

ELMHURST, IL – A split Elmhurst City Council committee on Monday recommended keeping the local ban on chickens.

The public safety committee's recommendation now goes to the full council.

Aldermen Mike Brennan and Guido Nardini voted against allowing chickens, while Alderman Jacob Hill dissented.

Two years ago, Hill, along with aldermen Emily Bastedo and Chris Jensen, requested the council consider the chicken issue.

More than a decade earlier, a similar effort fizzled out.

According to the committee's memo, it discussed the issue at meetings four times since June 2023.

The committee said it examined the merits and potential nuisances of allowing chickens. It also said it reviewed the requirements of nearby towns that allow chickens.

The committee's majority concluded chicken keeping was not warranted.

In 2020, the Darien City Council engaged in a debate after residents complained about a neighbor's ownership of chickens. Aldermen decided to allow chickens, but enacted restrictions.