Oswego Says Yes To Backyard Chickens

OSWEGO, IL – Chickens are coming to the backyards of Oswego. After years of debate, Oswego’s village board passed an ordinance Tuesday evening which will allow for residents to raise backyard chickens starting Sept. 1.

The village board voted 5-1, but the rules and regulations will be strict. Residents must apply for a permit before acquiring any chickens. And residents living in neighborhoods with home owner’s associations will be required to have a letter of approval from their HOA before being issued a permit.

Here are some of the stipulations in the new ordinance:

• Residents may have up to six domestic hens, but no roosters.
• The animals must be provided with a covered inside enclosure and an adjacent outside fenced area.
• The outside area shall be no less than 32 square feet in area.
• Enclosures and fenced areas must be set back 30 feet from any occupied residential structure, other than that of the owner.
• Electricity to the coops must not be provided by an extension cords, and a building permit is required for all enclosures.
• Additional rules concerning the cleanliness of the coops, and prohibiting the slaughter of the chickens within village limits.

For more information on this ordinance, contact the Village of Oswego.