Letter: Downers Grove Resident Suggests Possible Referendum on Chicken Coop Ordinance

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The following letter was submitted by Downers Grove resident Wayne Enerson as a suggested referendum on possible changes to the village's fowl ordinance.

The village council will hold a standing committee meeting on Jan. 21 to discuss the proposed changes to the ordinance, which outlines the requirements for keeping chickens and other fowl on residential property.

On Dec. 18, Downers Grove Commissioner William Waldack told the council he plans to suggest a referendum for the April 2013 consolidated election ballot to let voters weigh in on the chicken issue.

Related stories:

• Downers Grove Commissioner Wants Voters to Weigh in on Chicken Regulations

• Downers Grove Plans Standing Committee Meeting to Tackle Chicken Coop Regulations

• Downers Grove Staff to Review Chicken Coop Regulations Despite Split Council

• Downers Grove Council to Discuss Regulations on Backyard Chicken Coops

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Dear Editor,

The following is a suggested referendum for the April ballot to determine whether changes should be made to the village's fowl ordinance:

"The 1987 Village of Downers Grove Domesticated Fowl (turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens ) Ordinance permits four fowl over 18 weeks old and four fowl under 18 weeks old to be kept  in a coop or pen that is at least 50 feet from any property line.        

Should the Ordinance be retained as is?

( ) Yes.

( ) No. (See revisions A and B below if you checked No.)              

Revision A: If you checked No, the ordinance should be revised to read (check only one):

( ) Coop or pen must be at least 40 feet from any property line.     

( ) Coop or pen must be at least 30 feet from any property line.     

( ) None checked.

Revision B: If you checked No, the ordinance should be revised to read (check only one):

( ) Domesticated Fowl can only be kept as a source of food. 

( ) Domesticated Fowl can be kept as pets or as a source of food.

( ) None checked."

Wayne Enerson

Downers Grove, IL

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