Elmhurst Panel Casts Off Chicken Issue

ELMHURST, IL – In many towns, the debate over allowing chickens can be spirited.

But if that becomes the case in Elmhurst, the City Council's committee dealing with zoning matters won't be seeing the emotions up close.

On Monday, the council agreed to send the issue to another committee, Public Affairs and Safety, instead.

City staff said towns that allow backyard chickens have reported seeing few problems or complaints.

Last month, the Development, Planning and Zoning Committee decided the issue was best left with Public Affairs and Safety.

The zoning committee recommended its counterpart look at enclosure requirements, coop setbacks, and rules on selling eggs, breeding and keeping roosters.

Most towns with chickens ban roosters because of their noise.

More than a decade ago, Elmhurst considered allowing residents to have chickens, but ultimately did not lift the local ban.

It is unclear when Public Affairs and Safety will take up allowing chickens.