There is now a legal path for some residents in East Peoria to keep backyard chickens.
Commissioners voted unanimously to amend zoning regulations and allow a limited number of East Peorians to own backyard chickens on its first reading. The change is set to come back before the council for final approval at their next regular meeting.
In the amended ordinance, just 10 locations can apply for a special use permit that, if approved, would permit backyard chicken ownership within city limits. Those permits will only be issued for properties in conservation zones, according to city planning and development director Ty Livingston.
Those who meet those standards will be allowed to keep up to five female chickens on the property in a clean and enclosed area. Roosters are prohibited entirely.
Commissioners reminded the public that the amendment is only a pilot project, which will be evaluated by the city council and staff at the end of the year to determine if any changes to the code are necessary.
“We can’t guarantee that after a year we don’t dissolve or change the ordinance, so that’s something to keep in mind,” Commissioner Mark Hill said.
Commissioner Dan Decker spoke to the criticisms against the change and cited how the amendment addresses many of the concerns brought forward by residents.
“Everyone up here has good intentions to try to have a safe, clean community and stand up for people’s rights and their values,” Decker said, “but we also want to allow people to be able to live as free as possible.”
