Ordinance Would Limit Chickens, Livestock in Chicago Residential Neighborhoods

A "pastoral tableau" has become more common in Chicago, "as sustainability-minded residents capitalize on Chicago’s live-and-let-live approach to urban farming," according to an article by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz.

But some key components of that "urban homestead" lifestyle could face stricter regulations, as the city considers ways to crack down on the number of chickens, roosters, and livestock kept in residential areas.

"An ordinance introduced last month would ban roosters from residential areas in Chicago and allow a household to keep no more than six hens and two livestock animals, defined as four-legged farm creatures such as pigs, sheep and goats," according to the article.

"A $25 annual livestock permit from the city’s Health Department would be required of each household keeping farm animals, and only single-family homes and two-flats would be eligible. Applicants would have to inform all neighbors within 500 feet of their plans, and a permit would be rejected if a majority objects."

Elejalde-Ruiz speaks with supporters of the urban homestead lifestyle to help illuminate the perceived benefits of the lifestyle, and notes that the community is large enough to have rebutted the city's previous attempt, in 2007, at limiting the number of chickens living in residential areas.