New Hen Ordinance in Effect - Current Coop Owners Must Come into Compliance
The Evanston City Council recently approved an ordinance (see ordinance here>>> ) allowing residents to keep between two and six
hens on their property. The City is aware that individuals have already been keeping hens in violation of the former code and is encouraging these individuals to come into compliance with the ordinance by applying for a coop license immediately. Failure to apply for a license may result in fines.
With the adoption of the new ordinance, those residents who wish to keep hens from this point forward must apply for a coop license prior to keeping chickens. To apply for a license, residents can contact the Health Department at 847/859-7831 or health@cityofevanston.org to have the Hen Coop Application sent to them.
The ordinance prohibits hens from being kept in condominiums or apartment complexes and does not allow roosters. Applicants must notify their neighbors of intent to house hens and pay a $50.00 annual fee. There is a limit of 20 licenses until January 1, 2012 and all owners are expected to keep their hens so as not to cause a nuisance.