Litchfield Park gets access to backyard chickens

Litchfield Park residents are allowed to keep poultry within city limits after the city council adopted the recently signed Backyard Chicken bill.

After the city council meeting on Aug. 21, Litchfield Park residents in single family, detached residences that sit on a half-acre or less of property are able to keep six hens. These chickens are expected to be kept in an enclosure that is kept twenty feet away from neighboring properties. There are also regulations on how often the animals are picked up after and how to make enclosures and feed insect and rodent proof. Roosters are not allowed.

Residents who are unable to comply with the requirements may be charged with a misdemeanor and can be fined up to $2,500 or could be imprisoned for up to six months.

Litchfield Park City Council adopted the ordinance unanimously after speaking about how homeowners association rules apply on top of city and state ordinances. These HOA rules vary between communities and may restrict residents from owning chickens further.

Visit litchfieldpark.gov for more information.