City Council: No Backyard Chickens to be Allowed in Wheaton

WHEATON, IL - The city of Wheaton will keep its current policy in place in regards to backyard chickens in the city, which means residents will have to go elsewhere if they would like to keep hens at their homes.

The Wheaton City Council met Monday where councilors discussed whether to change the city’s policy on urban chickens.

Under the city’s current code, it is unlawful to keep any livestock or similar animal anywhere in the city of Wheaton limits, except for 4-H or similar educational project, and only for a maximum of 90 days, according to city of Wheaton documents.

A Wheaton family wishing to keep hens in their backyard requested the city council change its policy, touting the benefits of backyard chickens. Some of those benefits include the fact that chickens provide fresh and healthy eggs for families and can provide an excellent learning experience for children.

City staff during the Monday city council meeting recommended councilors continue to keep the city’s policy on backyard chickens unchanged. Some of the reasons staff gave for not wanting to change Wheaton’s current policy included: the need for additional staff time for code enforcement related to permitting and proper enforcement, health concerns and how those chickens could affect the residential nature and character of the community, according to city documents.

“Those not in favor of urban chickens typically feel that they are an unwelcomed ‘farm animal’ and should not be allowed in a residential setting where neighbors are often in close proximity to each other,” according to information provided to a memo from city staff provided to the city council.

Mayor Michael Gresk said he supported city staff’s recommendation, according to the Daily Herald.
"I'm ambivalent, but I don't see a groundswell of support," Gresk said.

Some suburban towns that currently allow backyard chickens include: Batavia, Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Bensenville, Naperville, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, St. Charles, Warrenville, Wayne and Wood Dale.

More via the Daily Herald and the city of Wheaton website