Warrenville property owners with nearly an acre or more of land may be permitted to keep donkeys if a proposed zoning amendment is approved.
The city published a legal notice Wednesday, July 22, announcing a proposed text amendment to the Warrenville Zoning Ordinance that would add donkeys to Section 10, which covers accessory uses and yard regulations. The amendment would permit donkeys on residential lots of at least 40,000 square feet — roughly 0.92 acres — in any residential district, subject to the same stable and setback requirements that apply to horses.
The Warrenville Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal Thursday, August 6, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 28W701 Stafford Place.
Amy Emery, Warrenville's community and economic development director, signed the legal notice. The city has not publicly stated what prompted the amendment.
What the current code allows
Under the existing zoning ordinance, horses may be kept on residential lots of 40,000 square feet or greater, provided owners meet stable requirements outlined in Tables 10A and 10B of the code. The proposed amendment would extend those same provisions to donkeys. The legal notice also references "any other Zoning Ordinance amendments required" for the change, suggesting additional code sections may need updating.
A 40,000-square-foot lot is well above the size of a typical suburban parcel. The provision applies only to Warrenville's larger residential properties.
How to weigh in
Residents can appear at the Thursday, August 6 hearing in person, send an attorney or other representative, or file written comments with the Plan Commission. Comments can also be submitted at the hearing itself.
The full text of the proposed amendment is on file at the Community Development Department, 3S258 Manning Avenue, Warrenville. Residents can also reach the department at 630-393-9050.
The August 6 hearing will be the Plan Commission's first session since canceling its July 9 and July 23 meetings. Residents with disabilities who need accommodations should contact City Hall at 630-393-9050 in advance.
