About
In 2012, the Village of Kirkland passed Ordinance 2012-10, allowing Chickens and Chicken Coops within village limits. This Municipal Code addressed requirements for Chicken Coops structure and fencing, maximum number of chickens, required square footage per chicken and more. The Municipal Code also required Chicken Coop owners to obtain a License by meeting certain requirements prior to obtaining and housing any chickens.
Application for Chicken Coop License
Residents that adhere to the regulations described below, including the licensure and permit requirements, pay an initial one (1) time $25 License fee. A coop license shall be valid continually until the license is revoked or relinquished, the license holder no longer controls the property associated with the application, or the keeping and maintaining of chickens is discontinued for six (6) months.
Licensure
The primary requirements required to obtain a license from the Village of Kirkland are:
- Proof of ownership of the home or property at the address of the coop
- Proof of having been issued a Premise ID from the Illinois Department of Agriculture at the following link: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Animals/AnimalHealth/Documents/Fillable PremiseForm_2019.pdf
- Building Permit (if required, for Plumbing and/or Electrical)
- Building Permit Inspection Report (if applicable)
- Public Notice of Intent to Construct a Hen Coop signed by adjacent landowners except landowners that are municipalities or utilities
- Completed Application for Check Coop License
- $25 License Fee
Payment Options
The $25 license fee is payable to the Village of Kirkland. You can pay online via the Illinois E-Pay website, in-person at Village Hall, or with a check in the mail or dropbox at Village Hall. If paying online, please select the Building Permits option and then input “Chicken License” into the permit number field.
All fees for the License and Applications cover the Village’s expense to process the application, potential inspections of the Chicken Coops per Municipal Code and reporting to required agencies.
Chicken & Coop General Regulations
- No more than 10 hens allowed on the property.
- No roosters allowed on the property of within village limits.
- Hen coops and yards shall be large enough to provide at least 4 feet per hen.
- Hens may not be slaughtered within village limits.
- An applicant who lives in an apartment or condominium building is not eligible to get a coop license.
- Coops are “accessory structures” as defined in Title XV, Chap. 154 and shall comply with all requirements set for in Title XV, Chapter 154, Section 154.09.
- If the coop will include plumbing or electricity, a Building Permit and associated fees are required.
- If a Building Permit is required due to the installation of plumbing or electrical in the coop, all construction must be completed.
- Accurate Plat of Survey with dimensions: size of Coop, distance of coop to lot lines, distance of coop to other buildings, etc.
- Coop elevation.
All Coops shall be subject to inspection at all reasonable times by officials and agents of the village. - Keep the Check Coop License posted and visible on the property site.