KENOSHA, Wis. — A group of residents is urging city officials to overhaul Kenosha’s backyard chicken ordinance, arguing that current rules are too costly and unnecessarily burdensome compared to neighboring communities.
The effort, led by a local petition circulating online, calls on the Kenosha Common Council to reduce the city’s annual chicken permit fee and eliminate a required public hearing for residents seeking to keep hens on their property.
Supporters say the existing process — which includes a $200 annual fee and a formal public hearing — discourages participation and places an undue burden on homeowners interested in small-scale urban agriculture.
Under the current ordinance, residents must apply for a license and undergo a public hearing where neighbors can voice support or opposition before approval is granted. Petition organizers argue that requirement is out of step with surrounding municipalities, where simple neighbor notification is typically sufficient.
They describe the hearing process as time-consuming for both residents and city staff, and say it can create unnecessary conflict over what they view as a relatively minor and common practice.
The petition also takes aim at the $200 annual fee, calling it significantly higher than nearby communities, where permit costs often range from about $10 to $55. Advocates say the higher cost creates a barrier for families interested in keeping a small number of hens for eggs, education, or sustainability.
In addition to lowering the fee and replacing the hearing requirement, the group is asking the city to broadly modernize its ordinance to better reflect what they describe as responsible, small-scale homesteading practices.
Supporters argue that backyard chickens are generally quiet, clean, and comparable to other common household pets, while offering benefits such as fresh eggs and educational opportunities for children.
The petition frames the issue as part of a broader push toward sustainability and food independence, noting that many cities have updated their ordinances in recent years to accommodate residents interested in urban agriculture.
City officials have not yet publicly responded to the proposal, and it is unclear whether the Common Council will take up the issue in the near future.
Click here to sign the petition.
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20 Responses
Perhaps $200 is a bit high but neighborhood consent should be a requirement.
Fuck off. I own the property, I do what I want.
That’s not how private property works my friend
You sound like a nice neighbor. 🤣 and clearly you CANT do what you want.
DID YOU NEED MY CONSENT TO GET A DOG, CAT, PARROT, OR FISH? I SHOULDN’T NEED YOUR PERMISSION.
lol eat a Snickers bro, you’re a bit crabby.
Many local jurisdictions got tired of hearing citizens who wanted chickens, so they said here you go jump through these hoops which make it a paperwork nightmare and financially unwise. Good job government.
On the one hand we have Pleasant Prairie that will only allow chickens in certain agricultural zones and then subject to limits based on the size of the property. On the other hand, the City of Kenosha says pay us $200 a year and we’ll hold a public hearing. Maybe something in between makes more sense.
Salem made adjustments to ease the requirements and allow more not less chickens.
Chickens are fun for those that want them.
Anyone’s guess if they value is there considering the time invested but that’s a personal choice.
And isn’t that what it’s all about ?
Personal choices ? Live and let live
Game on, dude. Your unfettered rights end where my nose begins.
Oooh, so tough 🤣
Poor maintenance of chicken coops smell horrible and can pose a health hazard to R40 type neighborhoods, if you have the a decent property and keep your chickens on your property then it shouldn’t be an issue. If a chicken comes into your yard, can you make it your dinner?
FEAR MONGERING. THEY SAID RACINE WAS GOING TO BE OVERRUN WITH RATS IF PEOPLE WERE ALLOWED TO HAVE CHICKENS IN THE CITY. DON’T THINK THAT HAS HAPPENED. JUST ADMIT YOU LIKE TO HAVE CONTROL OVER EVERYONE.
Your all caps just makes you look stupid. I agree with you but tend to dismiss anything you say bc you sound like a ranting toddler.
Bok-bok-bok-bok—-Chickenman—-He’s everywhere, he’s everywhere!
If you remember this, you are OLD!
Dick Orkin WCFL
This town has gone to the birds
Zzzzz no one cares but a loud few
Bok-bok-bok-bok
Salem changed theirs. NO DAMN FEES, No license or permits. City of Kenosha administrators are nuts. KEEP IT SIMPLE without the bureaucracy.