La Grange Used To Have Chicken Coops

LA GRANGE, IL – A growing number of suburbs, including Western Springs, allow residents to raise chickens in their backyards. But La Grange is not one of them.

At Monday's La Grange Village Board meeting, two residents encouraged the Village Board to lift its ban on chickens. They got no reaction from officials.

During public comments, La Grange architect Tim Trompeter told trustees that he has worked on several La Grange homes with potting sheds that were originally chicken coops.

"They're not just on the east side of town," said Trompeter, who lives in the 300 block of South Ashland Avenue. "They're in some of the largest, nicest homes on the west side. I personally renovated several garages that were originally horse barns. They were half horse barn, half chicken coop, and they are now functioning perfectly as three-car garages."

Trompeter said allowing chickens would be an opportunity for residents to have learning experiences and exposure to agricultural life.

"Just from a historical standpoint, I think it makes sense to bring back what was originally here. The original residents of La Grange came from a farming community and brought the chickens with them," he said.

Todd Van Cleave, who lives in the 100 block of Eighth Avenue, said La Grange residents are interested in raising chickens. He also brought up chickens to the board last month.

"I think we need to stop wasting time on this and immediately add this issue to the official board agenda for public discussion," Van Cleave said.

Village President Mark Kuchler thanked the two residents for speaking, but did not comment on the issue.

On the same day, aldermen in Elmhurst discussed chickens during a committee meeting. They seemed open to the idea.