A. Definitions: The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context indicates a different meaning:
CHICKEN COOP: Means an accessory structure, wholly enclosed, used for the purposes of housing hens.
HEN: Means the female of the species Callus gallus f. domestica.
PERSONAL POULTRY LICENSE: Means a license to keep or maintain hens as provided by this section.
SLAUGHTER: Means the act of killing an animal for food consumption.
ZONING ORDINANCE: Means the Village of Monee zoning ordinance. (Ord. 1870, 8-8-2018)
B. License Required:
1. No person shall keep or raise hens without having first secured a Municipal poultry license.
2. There is no fee for a Municipal poultry license. (Ord. 1877, 9-26-2018)
C. License Application: Applications for personal poultry licenses shall be made upon such forms as prescribed by the Village. Tenants seeking a license for rented property must submit a copy of their current lease and written evidence that the landlord consents to said application.
D. License Rules:
1. Licenses shall indicate the name of the licensee and the location of the premises. Licenses issued under this section shall only apply to the premises described in the application and only one location shall be described in each license.
2. Licenses shall provide for no more than eight (8) hens on each licensed premises, and shall be restricted to properties zoned and utilized as single family dwellings in the R-1 and R-2, and C-1 Single Family Residential Zoning Districts as defined in the zoning ordinance. Roosters and guinea hens are prohibited.
3. Licensees shall not slaughter hens on the licensed premises.
4. Hens must be kept within the chicken coop between dusk and dawn.
5. The licensed premises shall be constructed and maintained to be free of rodent infestation and to prevent the collection of standing water; refuse from the hens shall be disposed of in a clean and sanitary fashion.
6. All feed and related items shall be protected in a container with a tightly fitted lid to prevent rodents from gaining access.
7. No person shall allow hens to produce noise loud enough to disturb persons occupying adjacent property.
8. Hens shall be kept as pets or for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Breeding or sale of eggs, excrement or any byproduct of the licensed activity is prohibited.
E. Chicken Coop Requirements:
1. Each licensed premises shall contain a single chicken coop with dimensions no larger than twenty four (24) square feet in area and six feet (6') in height as measured from grade, elevated at least one foot (1') off of the ground.
2. If electricity is installed to the chicken coop it must be installed underground; extension cords or above ground wire are not permitted. Any electrical work requires an electrical permit; the fee shall be the same as for an accessary structure.
3. Chicken coops shall be located only in a rear yard a minimum of three feet (3') from any lot line and shall be at least thirty feet (30') from residential structures not occupied by the licensee. Chicken coops shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the principal building and a minimum of five feet (5') from all other buildings on the licensed premises and abutting properties. Existing non-residential structures may be allowed for the housing of hens upon staff review.
4. Chicken coops shall be constructed of solid materials on all sides, including roof and door(s); the chicken coop must be constructed in such a manner so as to protect the hens from predators and trespassers, provide adequate ventilation to minimize odors, allow easy ingress and egress for hens and protection from weather elements including cold temperatures.
5. Hens may be allowed outside of the chicken coop between dawn and dusk only in an enclosed, covered area no larger than thirty two (32) square feet and no taller than six feet (6'). Such area may only be located in a rear yard a minimum of three feet (3') from any lot and at least thirty feet (30') from residential structures not occupied by the licensee. The screening enclosing this area must be buried at least twelve inches (12") deep and six inches (6") flat to prevent predators from digging under the fence. Construction requirements; chicken wire shall not be used for screening. If hardware cloth or welded wire mesh is used for screening, it must be a minimum of 19-gauge wire. To accommodate free range hens the outside enclosure may be provided through the use of a mobile screened enclosure commonly referred to as a chicken tractor. All areas used for the feeding and grazing shall be maintained to prevent soil erosion and runoff to neighboring properties. All chicken coops and enclosed feeding/grazing areas shall be maintained in good, structurally sound repair and in a neat, clean, presentable and attractive condition. (Ord. 1870, 8-8-2018)
6. A chicken coop is to be considered an accessory structure and shall require the issuance of a building permit. (Ord. 1877, 9-26-2018)
F. Inspections:
1. A license shall not be granted unless the property has been inspected and the inspector has found compliance with this section.
2. In addition to any other enforcement authority granted by this Code the Code Enforcement Officer and building inspector shall have the authority to enforce this section.
G. License Revocation Hearing: A personal poultry license may be revoked by the Village Manager for failure to comply with the requirements of this section. However, no license shall be revoked until the licensee is notified and has been given the opportunity to appear at a hearing before the Village Manager. Based upon the record of such hearing, the Village Manager shall issue a written decision to the licensee. Such revocation of a license may be in addition to any fine imposed by this Code. (Ord. 1870, 8-8-2018)