[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord.
No. 2014-07-17]
The following words and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
An individual animal of the species Gallus gallus domesticus.
A structure that is designed to house hens which is enclosed
on all sides with a roof, door and windows. A mobile coop or "chicken
tractor" will be considered a chicken coop.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
The female of the species Gallus gallus domesticus or chicken.
The male of the species Gallus gallus domesticus or chicken.
An outdoor area that is enclosed on all vertical sides by
fencing. The run must be attached to or must surround a chicken coop,
with a doorway or hatch that allows access into the space by chickens.
No person shall possess a hen unless a license has been issued
as set forth in this article.
The number of hens allowed shall be a maximum of six hens per
property.
Roosters are prohibited within the Village.[1]
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Care for hens shall follow the following provisions:
Housing for hens shall follow the following provisions:
A.
The chicken coop and run shall be located in the rear of the residential
structure. The coop and run are allowed in the rear yard, but not
the side or front yards.
B.
The chicken coop and run shall be located at least five feet from
the property line and at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
C.
Design. The coop must be built to provide ventilation, shade, protection
from precipitation, protection from cold weather and to be secure
from predators, wild birds and rodents.
(1)
Openings in windows and doors must be covered by wire mesh or screens
to deter predators.
(2)
Access doors must be sized and placed for ease of cleaning.
(3)
The enclosed run must be attached to the coop or must surround the
coop. The sides of the run must be made of fencing or wire mesh that
discourages predators.
(4)
The run must be enclosed on all sides, including the top or roof
plane.
E.
The coop and run shall be kept in a clean, dry and sanitary condition
at all times. Manure, uneaten and discarded feed, feathers and other
waste must be removed regularly and at a minimum of once per week.
No person shall maintain a coop without first obtaining a license
from the Village of Tilton. Licenses shall be issued when all conditions
outlined in this section are met.
B.
All licenses pursuant to this section shall be valid for one year
from the date of issuance. If the licensee is found to be in violation
of the standards outlined in this article, the license will be allowed
to expire at the end of the period. A new license will only be issued
after the coop and run have been inspected and determined to meet
all requirements outlined herein.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
C.
If the licensee is found to be in violation of the Humane Care for
Animals Act (510 ILCS 70/1 et seq.), the license will be immediately
and permanently revoked.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
D.
Only persons residing in one- and two-family dwelling units are eligible
for a license.
E.
Only one chicken coop license will be issued per zoning lot. A zoning
lot consisting of multiple platted lots shall be considered one lot.
F.
Coop licenses are nontransferable.
G.
Persons requesting a license must show that the three contiguous
property owners assent by signature to that person requesting the
license.
H.
Costs. The fee for a coop license shall be set from time to time
by the Board of Trustees. This license shall renew automatically if
the licensee is in compliance with all standards set forth in this
article. No charge is incurred for licenses that renew automatically.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
In addition to the general penalty provisions,[1] the owner of any coop is subject to the following additional
penalties:
A.
A person found to be keeping hens without a coop license will have
seven days from notification to achieve compliance with these standards.
B.
A licensee found to be in violation of the standards outlined in
this article will have seven days from notification to achieve compliance.
If compliance is not achieved, the license will be revoked and the
licensee may be subject to a fine of not less than $50. The licensee
may apply for a new license, subject to site inspection. If the licensee
is found to be in compliance after inspection, a new license may be
issued.
C.
If the licensee is found to be in violation of these standards three
or more times, the license will be immediately and permanently revoked.
D.
Hens that are deemed to be at large, meaning not confined to the
licensee's property or properly housed, may be seized by the Village's
Animal Control Officer and impounded.
Hens, coops and runs not maintained according to this article
shall be deemed a public nuisance.
