Chicken Laws by County in Nebraska

If you’re living in Nebraska and thinking about raising backyard chickens, you’re tapping into a fast-growing movement. Whether it’s for fresh eggs, sustainable living, or just the joy of homesteading, raising chickens is a fulfilling endeavor. But here’s the catch—chicken laws in Nebraska aren’t governed by the state. They’re regulated at the county or city level.

That means the rules in Omaha could be drastically different from those in Scottsbluff or Lincoln. This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Nebraska, giving you the clarity and confidence to start your flock legally.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Nebraska?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in most of Nebraska—but the specific rules (number of hens, coop location, permit requirements, and whether roosters are allowed) are determined by local municipalities and counties, not by state law.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Rural counties have few to no restrictions on chicken-keeping.

• Urban and suburban areas often require permits and restrict the number of hens.

• Roosters are typically prohibited in residential zones due to noise concerns.

• Setback rules usually apply to coops—minimum distance from property lines or neighboring homes.

• HOAs and subdivisions may impose stricter limits than cities or counties.

Want to know how much space your flock needs? Try this chicken coop calculator to get a customized recommendation based on your number of birds.

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Chicken Laws by County in Nebraska

Each Nebraska county—and often each city within that county—sets its own ordinances. Below is a county-by-county breakdown of the general regulations you can expect, highlighting major cities and towns within each.

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Douglas County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in most areas, including Omaha, but local ordinances include flock size limits, permit requirements, and coop placement rules.

Details:

• Omaha allows up to 8 hens in residential areas with a $10 annual permit; roosters are not allowed.

• Coops must be at least 15 feet from neighboring homes and kept clean and odor-free.

• Suburban areas like Bennington and Ralston have similar limits but may vary on setbacks and permitting.

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Lancaster County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted in Lincoln and across most of Lancaster County, with specific rules around permits, flock size, and coop location.

Details:

• Lincoln allows up to 6 hens per residential property. Roosters are prohibited.

• A $25 annual permit is required, and coops must be set back 10 feet from property lines.

• Rural Lancaster County typically doesn’t enforce strict chicken ordinances, especially on agricultural land.

Tip: Use the chicken coop calculator to plan your coop size and layout according to Lincoln’s spacing rules.

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Sarpy County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in Sarpy County, but the rules vary significantly between towns like Bellevue, Papillion, and La Vista.

Details:

• Bellevue allows up to 6 hens in single-family residential zones, with no roosters and coops at least 10 feet from neighboring structures.

• Papillion and La Vista have similar rules and require a permit before keeping chickens.

• Unincorporated areas are generally more lenient, often with no permit requirements.

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Hall County

Direct answer: Chickens are commonly allowed, with cities like Grand Island setting their own regulations.

Details:

• Grand Island permits up to 6 hens with no roosters. A coop must be at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.

• Rural areas in Hall County often allow chickens without formal restrictions, especially on lots over 1 acre.

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Buffalo County

Direct answer: Chicken ownership is allowed in most parts of the county, including the city of Kearney, with reasonable limits.

Details:

• Kearney allows up to 8 hens in residential zones with an approved permit. Roosters are banned.

• Coops must follow setback rules (often 25 feet from homes or property lines).

• Outside city limits, few regulations apply beyond general nuisance and sanitation rules.

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Adams County

Direct answer: Chickens are generally allowed, but towns like Hastings have clear rules in place.

Details:

• Hastings allows up to 6 hens per household with a permit; roosters are banned.

• Coops must be placed at least 20 feet from adjacent homes and be well-maintained.

• Rural areas of Adams County often do not have specific ordinances for chickens.

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Scotts Bluff County

Direct answer: Chicken ownership is typically allowed in both city and rural areas, but there are local restrictions.

Details:

• Scottsbluff permits chickens in residential areas with a limit of 6 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

• A permit may be required, and setbacks of at least 15 feet from dwellings are enforced.

• Most surrounding towns and rural zones are chicken-friendly with minimal restrictions.

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Madison County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in most places, including Norfolk, with guidelines based on lot size and coop distance.

Details:

• Norfolk allows up to 6 hens in residential zones. Roosters are not allowed.

• No permit is needed, but coop placement must meet local setback regulations (usually 10–20 feet from homes).

• Rural areas face fewer restrictions.

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Platte County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal in most areas, with Columbus providing a clear ordinance for urban flock owners.

Details:

• Columbus allows up to 8 hens, and coops must be kept clean and 20 feet from neighboring residences.

• Roosters are not allowed in residential zones.

• County areas outside city limits generally allow poultry with no permitting.

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Dakota County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely allowed, but cities like South Sioux City have more structured ordinances.

Details:

• South Sioux City permits backyard hens (usually up to 6), with roosters prohibited.

• Coop requirements include secure fencing, proper ventilation, and regular cleaning.

• County areas tend to follow general nuisance laws without restricting poultry.

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What Chicken Owners Should Expect in Nebraska

Here’s a quick table outlining common chicken-keeping rules across Nebraska municipalities:

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Tips to Stay Legal and Keep Your Chickens Happy

Avoid neighbor complaints or zoning fines by following these best practices:

• Always check your city or town’s zoning ordinance before building your coop.

• Avoid roosters unless you’re in a rural or agricultural zone.

• Respect setback rules when placing your coop.

• Keep your coop clean and rodent-proof to avoid nuisance violations.

• Use a reliable coop sizing tool like the chicken coop calculator to build legally and efficiently.

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Conclusion: Nebraska Welcomes Backyard Chickens—Just Follow the Local Rules

Whether you live in Omaha, Lincoln, or a quiet corner of rural Nebraska, raising backyard chickens is well within reach—as long as you know your local ordinances. Most counties are poultry-friendly, but cities and HOAs often have specific rules around flock size, coop location, and roosters.

Do your homework, respect your neighbors, and set up your flock the right way from day one.

Not sure how big your coop should be? Use the chicken coop calculator to get your perfect setup in minutes.

Fresh eggs and a happy flock start with smart planning. Now go build that coop and enjoy the good life—Nebraska-style.