Chicken Keeping

Keeping of Chickens

Permit Instructions-Licensing Application-Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Village of Mundelein is now accepting applications for the Keeping of Chickens which allows a limited number of residents to keep chickens on private residential property. A total of 20 licenses are available on a first-come-first-served basis for keeping chickens in the 2024 calendar year.

License applications are accepted in person only at the Mundelein Village Hall, 300 Plaza Circle: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications will be processed until 20 licenses are granted.

View and Download Application Packet (PDF)

Along with the Keeping of Chickens license application, residents must also submit a Building Permit Application for their chicken coop.

Overview

Mundelein has a Keeping of Chicken Ordinance to ensure that this initiative is humane for the chickens and not disruptive to neighbors. To provide a quick overview of the Keeping of Chickens program, here are a few highlights from the ordinance.

• Chickens are strictly limited to personal use. Residents granted a chicken-keeping license are not allowed to sell eggs or meat, breed or slaughter chickens, or produce fertilizer for sale.
• Mundelein has a maximum of 20 chicken-keeping licenses. License applications are reviewed and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants who exceed the maximum number of licenses allowed will be placed on a waiting list.
• Chickens are required to be kept in an enclosed pen or coop. Building permits are required before construction and are limited to backyards.
• Coops and attached chicken runs must be built at least 10 feet from property lines and not in any easements.
• Chickens are only allowed on single-family properties as follows:
  • 6,000 square feet to 7,999 square feet - 2 chickens
  • 8,000 square feet to 9,999 square feet - 4 chickens
  • 10,000 square feet and greater - 6 chickens
• Keeping chickens is not permitted on lots zoned or used for multi-family or single-family attached dwellings.
• Roosters are prohibited.
• A property inspection is required before the issuance of the license.
• Structures must be resistant to predators.
• The pen and coop must always be clean and not emit noxious odors.
• The property owner can have their license revoked if they violate any condition of the ordinance.
• Complete specifications are in Chapter 8.08 of Mundelein's Municipal Code (PDF).

Application

Licensure Process

Residents interested in keeping chickens must apply for a Village chicken-keeping license and renew this license annually. License applications are accepted annually in November, in person only, at the Village Hall.

The Village Clerk or his/her designee reviews all chicken-keeping license applications to ensure accuracy and compliance. Chicken-keeping license applications are available at the Mundelein Village Hall or online under "Forms and Applications-" or view the Fillable Keeping Chickens Application (PDF). All chicken-keeping licenses expire on December 31 of the year in which they became effective.

Annual License Fee

The application fee and annual renewal fee for a chicken-keeping license is $100.

Annual License Renewal

Licenses must be renewed annually. Renewals of existing licenses are given priority over new license applicants. Renewals must be made before the annual application opening in November to maintain a license. Residents with an existing license will be contacted before the annual application process to have the opportunity to continue licensure or to surrender a license.

An applicant who has had a Mundelein chicken-keeping license previously revoked will not be treated as a license renewal applicant, but rather as a new license applicant.

Licenses are non-transferable to a new property owner upon the sale of the property. However, an existing license holder who is relocating to Mundelein may retain their license and utilize it at a new residence, provided the new location meets all requirements under Mundelein Municipal Code Chapter 8.08. While the keeping of the chickens' license may remain with the original applicant, relocating residents must apply for a new building permit, pay all applicable fees, and pass inspections before keeping chickens at the new residence. The Village Clerk or his/her designee will issue an updated license under the new address once all requirements are met.

Building Permits & Inspections

Initial applications must be submitted with a building permit application and fee. The building application fee is $50 (accessory structure with no electricity) or $100 (accessory structure with electricity).

Both the license and permit fee will be collected from the first eligible applicants to secure the license for the residence.

All properties issued a chicken-keeping permit are subject to inspection by Mundelein Building inspectors upon initial installation of any chicken coop or run. Coops may not be built on easements. Once a final inspection of the chicken coop and run is complete on the property, the official license will be granted. If a resident wishes to make ANY future improvements to their permitted coop, they will need to check with the Building Department to determine if a Building Permit is required before making improvements.

At the discretion of the Village, any complaints concerning chickens kept on Village property are subject to investigation.

State Registration Requirements

The property on which chickens are kept requires the property owner to apply and obtain a Premise Identification Number through the Livestock Premises Registration from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and must retain this proof of registration on the property. Residents are not required to show this at the time of application but must produce it when requested by a Village employee.

Penalties for Violations

Please refer to Chapter 8.08 of the Mundelein Municipal Code for penalties associated with chicken-keeping violations: An Ordinance Creating a New Chapter 8.08-Keeping of Chickens

Application Packet Checklist

Complete the Keeping of Chickens Application Packet (PDF). Completed packets must be submitted to Village Hall in person beginning November 6 with the following requirements as part of the submittal:

• $100 annual license fee, building permit application for the construction of a chicken coop. $50 permit fee.
• Plat of survey
• Chicken coop plans with run details.
• Residents must also have applied for Livestock premises ID and have the approval of their Homeowner's Association, if applicable.
• HOA approval-if applicable

Chicken Coop Guidelines & Site Plan Instructions

Site plan approval is required for the Keeping of Chickens. All applicants must follow these guidelines to secure a license.

• Chicken coops and chicken runs must be in rear yards only must be positioned behind the principal structure and must be set back at least ten feet from all property lines.
• Coops must be built and kept in such a manner, large enough to provide at least four square feet per chicken and allow the chickens' easy ingress and egress to an enclosed chicken run. Coops cannot exceed eight feet (8') in height, and the floor of the coop must be a minimum of two feet (2') above the ground. The size of the coop cannot exceed 144 square feet in size.
• Coops must be constructed with a durable rubber membrane or other material (approved by the Building Department) that covers the bottom perimeter of the coop at a right angle to prevent predators from accessing chickens and to prevent chickens from escaping.
• Coops must be freestanding and covered with uniform materials and must be maintained intact with all parts secure. Any repairs must be consistent with the original structure in both appearance and condition. If the coop begins to deteriorate, the coop must be replaced, removed, or repaired.
• Coops count toward the impervious surface coverage of a property.