Chicken Laws by County in Nevada

If you’re thinking about raising chickens in Nevada, you’re part of a growing movement of homesteaders, urban farmers, and backyard chicken lovers. But before you bring home those fluffy hens and build your dream coop, there’s one big thing you need to know: chicken laws in Nevada vary by county, and often by city or township within the county.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county across Nevada, helping you stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep your flock safe and legal.

---

Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Nevada?

Direct answer: Yes, chickens are legal to own in most of Nevada, but the exact laws—like how many you can keep, whether roosters are allowed, and where you can place your coop—are determined by local ordinances, not statewide laws.

Here’s what’s commonly regulated:

• Flock size limits in residential areas

• Rooster bans due to noise complaints

• Minimum setback distances for coops and runs

• Permit or licensing requirements

• Zoning rules, especially in HOA or urban neighborhoods

Want to make sure your coop meets space and legal guidelines? Use the chicken coop calculator to build smart and stay compliant.

---

Chicken Laws by County in Nevada

Let’s look at the major counties across the state and break down what backyard chicken keepers can expect.

---

Clark County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are allowed in some parts of Clark County, but cities like Las Vegas and Henderson have strict rules and zoning requirements.

Details:

• Las Vegas (City) allows chickens only in certain residential estate (RE) zones. You must have at least 20,000 sq ft of property to keep chickens. Roosters are not allowed.

• Clark County (Unincorporated) allows chickens in residential-agricultural zones but not in standard residential neighborhoods.

• Henderson permits chickens in some rural estates, with limits on flock size and coop placement. Roosters are prohibited.

• North Las Vegas has tighter zoning restrictions; chickens are generally not allowed in dense urban zones.

Tip: If you’re in the Vegas metro area, double-check your zoning map before building a coop. And use the chicken coop calculator to avoid building too close to property lines.

---

Washoe County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in both rural and suburban areas of Washoe County, including Reno and Sparks, but you must meet specific coop and flock regulations.

Details:

• Reno allows chickens in residential zones with a limit of 6 hens—no roosters.

• Coops must be at least 20 feet from neighboring structures and kept clean.

• Sparks allows chickens on lots larger than 10,000 sq ft, with similar flock limits and setback requirements.

• Unincorporated areas of Washoe County are more flexible, often requiring no permit as long as the chickens are well-contained.

---

Carson City (Independent City)

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are allowed in Carson City with a permit and basic sanitation rules.

Details:

• Residents can keep up to 4 hens on single-family residential properties.

• Roosters are prohibited.

• Coops must be located at least 20 feet from any dwelling and be cleaned regularly to prevent odor and pests.

---

Elko County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely permitted in Elko County, especially in rural areas. Cities like Elko and Spring Creek have their own ordinances.

Details:

• Elko (City) allows chickens in some residential zones with limits—usually up to 6 hens and no roosters.

• Spring Creek Association allows chickens under their covenant rules, but placement and sanitation must follow guidelines.

• Rural landowners face few restrictions unless in HOA-regulated neighborhoods.

---

Douglas County

Direct answer: Chickens are generally allowed across Douglas County, but you’ll need to follow local setback and sanitation rules.

Details:

• Gardnerville and Minden allow small flocks in residential areas, with a limit of 6 hens and no roosters.

• Coops must be predator-proof, kept clean, and placed at least 20 feet from neighboring properties.

• Agricultural zones are much more relaxed about flock size and rooster ownership.

---

Nye County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed throughout Nye County, including Pahrump, with minimal restrictions in rural areas.

Details:

• Pahrump allows chickens even in residential neighborhoods, though roosters are banned in high-density zones.

• No permit is required for small flocks, but noise and odor complaints can lead to enforcement.

• Rural areas have almost no oversight beyond nuisance rules.

Looking to build the perfect coop for your rural lot? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure it’s the right size and spacing.

---

Lyon County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted, but cities like Fernley and Dayton follow stricter ordinances in residential zones.

Details:

• Fernley allows chickens in low-density residential zones with a 6-hen cap. Roosters are not allowed.

• Coops must be set back 15–25 feet from dwellings, depending on lot size.

• Agricultural-zoned properties can keep more birds with fewer restrictions.

---

Churchill County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely accepted in both Fallon and surrounding rural areas.

Details:

• Fallon allows backyard hens in residential neighborhoods, with no roosters and a cap of 5–6 birds.

• Coops must be kept clean and located far enough from homes to avoid complaints.

• Outside of Fallon, chicken keeping is common and generally unregulated unless there’s a nuisance violation.

---

White Pine County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are allowed across the county, including Ely, with few restrictions in rural zones.

Details:

• Ely allows small flocks, usually capped at 6 hens.

• Roosters are discouraged or banned in neighborhoods to prevent noise issues.

• Most rural property owners face little to no regulation.

---

Common Chicken Rules Across Nevada Counties

Even though the specifics vary, here’s a snapshot of what most backyard chicken keepers in Nevada can expect:

---

Tips for Staying Legal with Chickens in Nevada

To avoid complaints and stay within the law:

• Start by checking your zoning code. Your city’s planning department can confirm whether your lot is eligible.

• Skip the rooster—most noise complaints stem from early morning crowing.

• Respect property lines with your coop setup.

• Keep it clean—odors and flies are the fastest way to get a neighbor complaint.

• Use a smart design tool like the chicken coop calculator to plan your layout according to legal spacing requirements.

---

Conclusion: Nevada Welcomes Backyard Chickens—Just Know the Local Rules

Raising chickens in Nevada is absolutely doable—and incredibly rewarding. Whether you live on a few acres outside Pahrump or in a residential neighborhood in Reno, the key is understanding and respecting your local ordinances.

Once you’ve got the green light, focus on building a legal, clean, and efficient coop setup that keeps your birds happy and your neighbors content.

Need help building your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure you’re staying compliant and giving your flock the space they need.

Smart planning = stress-free chicken keeping. Now go get those hens and start living the backyard farm dream—Nevada-style.