Elmhurst Panel Avoids Chicken Debate

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst City Council committee on Monday recommended that another committee examine whether the city should allow backyard chickens.

The issue had been assigned to the council's zoning committee, but its three members agreed it should go to the council's public affairs and safety committee.

The zoning committee's chairwoman, Alderwoman Marti Deuter, suggested the other committee was a better forum, noting it handled a beekeeping matter a few years ago.

Deuter said she and the other two aldermen on the committee are new to the panel and don't have any special expertise in zoning.

Alderwoman Jennifer Veremis said she was interested in talking about how close a chicken coop could be to neighbors' properties and whether fences would be required.

"It's important to me to see how it would impact the neighbors," Veremis said.

But Deuter said such a discussion would not be time well spent if the other committee rejected the idea of allowing chickens.

Elmhurst Alderwomen (from left) Jennifer Veremis, Marti Deuter and Tina Park discuss the possibility of allowing chickens in Elmhurst. (David Giuliani/Patch)

City employees conducted research on nearby suburbs that allow chickens. Downers Grove, which opened the door to them nearly a decade ago, now has 35 permits for coops, according to the city. Coops number 40 in Lombard and 19 in Bensenville.

None of the towns surveyed ban roosters, which are seen as noisy. Most suburbs require permits.

During public comments, Elmhurst resident David Pollitz spoke about how hens' eggs are a food source for residents, saving money and providing health benefits.

"Permitting residents to raise chickens provides an educational experience, especially for children, who can learn about animal husbandry, biology, life cycles and responsible pet ownership," Pollitz said. "It's a hands-on learning opportunity about food sources."

In debates over chickens elsewhere, opponents typically argue filthy coops cause odors.

A decade ago, Elmhurst officials discussed the possibility of allowing chickens in town, but nothing happened. At the time, hundreds of residents signed a petition in favor.