Nebraska Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits & Setbacks by City and County

Nebraska Poultry Ordinances by City & County

Below are the 93 Nebraska counties listed alphabetically, covering major cities and rural zoning hubs. Nebraska poultry laws are defined by a strong "Right to Farm" heritage, but urban rules vary significantly. While a city like Omaha requires neighbor notification, the surrounding Douglas County acreage may allow roosters by right.

2026 Legal Alert: Under LB 663 (signed February 2026), Nebraska counties now have a strict 90-day "Automatic Approval" clock for all agricultural infrastructure permits. Additionally, AG Opinion 26-001 officially classifies backyard coops as "non-commercial farm property," exempting them from industrial electrical licensing.

Note: Always cross-reference your specific street address with the local zoning map. If you are located in an ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction), you may be subject to city rules even if you live outside city limits.

Adams County

• Cities/Towns: Hastings, Juniata, Kenesaw, Roseland
• Hens: Hastings: Up to 6 hens allowed. Juniata/Kenesaw: Typically allow small flocks (up to 6) in residential zones.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Hastings city limits.
• Setback: Hastings: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Hastings: A $25 annual permit is required. Applications must include a site plan of the coop and run.

Antelope County

• Cities/Towns: Neligh, Tilden (part), Elgin, Clearwater, Brunswick, Orchard, Royal
• Hens: Neligh: Allows small flocks (up to 6 hens). Unincorporated: Regulated by "Animal Units." Small personal flocks are generally exempt from intensive siting rules.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Neligh residential areas; allowed in rural Antelope County.
• Setback: Standard 10ft property line setbacks for accessory buildings.
• Zoning Fact: Antelope County has adopted LB 663 protections, streamlining the approval process for agricultural infrastructure.

Arthur County

• Cities/Towns: Arthur
• Hens: County-wide: No specific numerical limits for personal use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed. Arthur County maintains a strong "Right to Farm" stance for all residents.
• Setback: No poultry-specific setbacks; owners are encouraged to follow general accessory structure guidelines.

Banner County

• Cities/Towns: Harrisburg (Unincorporated)
• Hens: No limits for hobby or personal use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.
• Note: As an entirely rural county with no incorporated cities, Banner County follows the Nebraska Right to Farm Act exclusively.

Blaine County

• Cities/Towns: Brewster, Dunning, Halsey (part)
• Hens: No numerical caps for backyard flocks for personal consumption.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.
• State Protection: Residents are protected under current state guidelines that prevent local boards from arbitrarily blocking small-scale agricultural diversification.

Boone County

• Cities/Towns: Albion, St. Edward, Cedar Rapids, Petersburg, Primrose
• Hens: Albion: Up to 6 hens allowed with a permit. St. Edward: Permissive village rules; typically 6–10 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Albion city limits.
• Setback: Albion: Coops must be 25ft from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: A simple registration with the City Clerk is required in Albion.

Box Butte County

• Cities/Towns: Alliance, Hemingford
• Hens: Alliance: Up to 4 hens allowed on residential lots. Hemingford: Allows small flocks (up to 6) in the village core.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Alliance.
• Setback: Alliance: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20ft from any property line.
• Permit: Alliance: A Special Use Permit is required, involving a one-time application fee and neighbor notification.

Boyd County

• Cities/Towns: Butte, Lynch, Spencer, Anoka, Bristow, Gross, Monowi
• Hens: Very permissive. Small flocks (up to 10) are standard in most villages.
• Roosters: Generally allowed unless they create a documented noise nuisance.
• Zoning Fact: Boyd County is a "Livestock Friendly" designated county, providing protections for small-scale egg producers.

Brown County

• Cities/Towns: Ainsworth, Long Pine, Johnstown
• Hens: Ainsworth: Allows up to 6 hens. Unincorporated: No numerical limits.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Ainsworth; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: Coops must follow the 10ft property line setback rule for accessory buildings.

Buffalo County

• Cities/Towns: Kearney, Ravenna, Amherst, Elm Creek, Gibbon, Miller, Pleasanton, Shelton
• Hens: Kearney: Up to 4 hens allowed with a permit. Gibbon/Ravenna: Typically allow 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Kearney and most incorporated towns.
• Setback: Kearney: Coops must be in the rear yard and 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Kearney: A $25 annual permit is required. No "free-ranging" is allowed; birds must stay within a secure enclosure.

Burt County

• Cities/Towns: Tekamah, Lyons, Oakland, Craig, Decatur
• Hens: Tekamah: Up to 6 hens allowed. Oakland: Small flocks (up to 6) permitted in residential zones.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Tekamah and Oakland city limits.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 20ft from any neighboring window or door.

Butler County

• Cities/Towns: David City, Bellwood, Brainard, Dwight, Abie, Bruno, Linwood, Octavia, Rising City, Surprise, Ulysses
• Hens: David City: Up to 6 hens allowed. Unincorporated: Regulated by acreage; flocks under 100 birds are generally exempt from major zoning restrictions.
• Roosters: Prohibited in David City.
• Setback: David City: Coops must be 20ft from property lines.
• Permit: A registration with the David City Clerk is required.

Cass County

• Cities/Towns: Plattsmouth, Weeping Water, Louisville, Eagle, Elmwood, Greenwood, Murdock, Murray, Nehawka, South Bend, Union
• Hens: Plattsmouth: Up to 6 hens allowed. Louisville/Eagle: Typically allow 4–6 hens on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Plattsmouth and Louisville.
• Setback: Plattsmouth: Coops must be in the rear yard and 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A mandatory permit is required in Plattsmouth.

Cedar County

• Cities/Towns: Hartington, Laurel, Randolph, Coleridge, Belden, Bow Valley, Fordyce, Magnet, Obert, St. Helena, Wynot
• Hens: Hartington: Allows small flocks (up to 6). Randolph/Laurel: Generally permissive of backyard hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Hartington city limits.
• Setback: Standard 10ft setbacks apply.

Chase County

• Cities/Towns: Imperial, Wauneta, Lamar
• Hens: Imperial: Allows up to 6 hens. Unincorporated: 100 chickens equal "One Animal Unit" for density purposes.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Imperial; allowed in rural zones.
• Exhibition Rule: All exhibition birds must have Quality Assurance Training certification on file per the latest Fairbook standards.

Cherry County

• Cities/Towns: Valentine, Cody, Kilgore, Merriman, Wood Lake
• Hens: Valentine: Allows small flocks (up to 6). Unincorporated: No numerical limits for personal use in the Sandhills.
• Roosters: Generally allowed unless a noise nuisance is reported.
• Setback: Valentine: Coops must be 15ft from property lines.

Cheyenne County

• Cities/Towns: Sidney, Dalton, Lodgepole, Potter, Gurley
• Hens: Sidney: Up to 4 hens allowed on single-family lots. Potter/Dalton: Permissive village rules.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Sidney.
• Setback: Sidney: Coops must be 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A $25 annual license is required in Sidney.

Clay County

• Cities/Towns: Clay Center, Edgar, Fairfield, Harvard, Sutton, Deweese, Glenvil, Ong, Trumbull
• Hens: Clay Center/Sutton: Allow small flocks (up to 6). Unincorporated: Protected by LB 663 streamlining.
• Roosters: Prohibited in town residential areas.
• Setback: 5ft from property lines for accessory buildings.

Colfax County

• Cities/Towns: Schuyler, Clarkson, Howells, Leigh, Richland, Rogers
• Hens: Schuyler: Up to 6 hens allowed. Clarkson/Howells: Permissive backyard rules.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Schuyler city limits.
• Setback: Schuyler: Coops must be in the rear yard and 10ft from property lines.
• Permit: A registration with the City Clerk is required in Schuyler.

Cuming County

• Cities/Towns: West Point, Wisner, Beemer, Bancroft
• Hens: West Point: Allows small flocks (up to 6). Wisner: Generally allows 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in West Point.
• Setback: West Point: Coops must be 20ft from neighboring dwellings.

Custer County

• Cities/Towns: Broken Bow, Ansley, Arnold, Callaway, Sargent, Ansley, Berwyn, Comstock, Mason City, Merna, Oconto, Westerville
• Hens: Broken Bow: Up to 6 hens allowed. Unincorporated: Protected under Agricultural General zoning.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Broken Bow; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: Broken Bow: Coops must follow standard accessory building setbacks.

Dakota County

• Cities/Towns: South Sioux City, Dakota City, Emerson (part), Homer, Hubbard, Jackson
• Hens: South Sioux City: Up to 4 hens allowed on residential lots. Dakota City: Allows small flocks (up to 4) with a permit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in South Sioux City and Dakota City.
• Setback: South Sioux City: Coops must be 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A mandatory permit is required in both major cities.

Dawes County

• Cities/Towns: Chadron, Crawford, Whitney
• Hens: Chadron: Up to 6 hens allowed. Crawford: Permissive village rules.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Chadron; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: Chadron: Coops must be 15ft from property lines.
• Permit: A one-time registration with the Chadron City Clerk is required.

Dawson County

• Cities/Towns: Lexington, Cozad, Gothenburg, Overton, Eddyville, Farnam, Sumner
• Hens: Lexington: Up to 6 hens allowed. Gothenburg: Small flocks (up to 6) permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Lexington and Gothenburg city limits.
• Setback: Lexington: Coops must be in the rear yard and 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A mandatory poultry permit is required in Lexington.

Deuel County

• Cities/Towns: Chappell, Big Springs
• Hens: Very permissive. Small flocks (up to 10) are generally allowed.
• Roosters: Typically allowed unless they violate general nuisance codes.
• Zoning Fact: Deuel County adheres to the Nebraska Right to Farm Act for poultry protection.

Dixon County

• Cities/Towns: Ponca, Wakefield (part), Allen, Emerson (part), Concord, Martinsburg, Maskell, Newcastle, Waterbury
• Hens: Ponca: Allows up to 6 hens. Wakefield: Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Ponca and Wakefield city limits.
• Setback: 10ft from property lines.

Dodge County

• Cities/Towns: Fremont, North Bend, Hooper, Scribner, Dodge, Inglewood, Nickerson, Uehling, Winslow
• Hens: Fremont: Up to 4 hens allowed on single-family lots. North Bend: Allows small flocks (up to 4) with a permit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Fremont and North Bend.
• Setback: Fremont: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A mandatory permit and neighbor notification are required in Fremont.

Douglas County

• Cities/Towns: Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, Ralston, Valley, Waterloo
• Hens: Omaha: Up to 4 hens allowed per permit. Bennington/Valley: Typically allow 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Omaha city limits.
• Setback: Omaha: Coops must be in the rear yard and 10ft from property lines.
• Permit: Omaha: A mandatory permit ($32 one-time fee) is required. Neighbors must be notified.
• Note: Omaha requires coops to be "predator-proof" and kept in a sanitary condition to avoid nuisance citations.

Dundy County

• Cities/Towns: Benkelman, Haigler
• Hens: Very permissive. No specific caps for personal use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.
• Setback: Standard accessory building setbacks apply.

Fillmore County

• Cities/Towns: Geneva, Exeter, Fairmont, Shickley, Grafton, Milligan, Ohiowa, Strang
• Hens: Geneva: Allows up to 6 hens. Unincorporated: Protected by the latest state ag infrastructure guidelines.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Geneva; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: 10ft from property lines.

Franklin County

• Cities/Towns: Franklin, Hildreth, Campbell, Bloomington, Naponee, Riverton, Upland
• Hens: Franklin: Allows small flocks (up to 6). Hildreth/Campbell: Permissive village rules.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Franklin city limits.
• Setback: 10ft from property lines.

Frontier County

• Cities/Towns: Curtis, Eustis, Maywood, Stockville
• Hens: Curtis: Known as "The Easter City," it allows up to 6 hens. Unincorporated: 100 chickens equal One Animal Unit.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Curtis; allowed in rural zones.
• Zoning Fact: Frontier County has implemented the 90-Day Automatic Approval for rural agricultural structures.

Furnas County

• Cities/Towns: Arapahoe, Cambridge, Beaver City, Oxford (part), Edison, Hendley, Holbrook, Wilsonville
• Hens: Arapahoe/Cambridge: Allow up to 6 hens in residential zones. Unincorporated: 100 chickens are defined as One Animal Unit; flocks under this size are exempt from intensive siting permits.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Arapahoe and Cambridge city limits; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: Standard 10ft property line setbacks apply for accessory buildings.

Gage County

• Cities/Towns: Beatrice, Wymore, Adams, Blue Springs, Clatonia, Cortland, Filley, Liberty, Odell, Pickrell, Virginia
• Hens: Beatrice: Up to 4 hens allowed on single-family residential lots. Wymore/Adams: Typically allow small flocks (up to 6) in the village core.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Beatrice city limits.
• Setback: Beatrice: Coops must be in the rear yard and 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Beatrice: A mandatory annual permit ($25) is required. Neighbors within 100ft must be notified via mail before issuance.

Garden County

• Cities/Towns: Oshkosh, Lewellen
• Hens: Oshkosh: Allows small flocks (up to 6 hens). Unincorporated: Extremely permissive; no numerical limits for personal use.
• Roosters: Generally allowed throughout the county unless a specific noise nuisance is documented.
• Zoning Fact: Garden County follows the Nebraska Right to Farm Act for poultry protection.

Garfield County

• Cities/Towns: Burwell
• Hens: Burwell: Allows up to 6 hens in residential zones. Unincorporated: No numerical limits.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Burwell city limits; allowed in rural Garfield County.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 20ft from any neighboring window or door.

Gosper County

• Cities/Towns: Elwood, Smithfield
• Hens: Elwood: Allows small flocks (up to 6 hens). Unincorporated: Regulated by acreage; flocks under 300 birds are generally exempt from major zoning permits.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Elwood; allowed in rural zones.
• Zoning Fact: Gosper County has adopted LB 663, streamlining the approval process for agricultural infrastructure.

Grant County

• Cities/Towns: Hyannis
• Hens: County-wide: No specific numerical limits for personal backyard flocks.
• Roosters: Fully allowed. In Hyannis, poultry is considered a standard residential accessory.
• Note: Grant County relies on the Nebraska Right to Farm Act for poultry protection.

Greeley County

• Cities/Towns: Greeley Center, Spalding, Scotia, Wolbach
• Hens: Greeley Center: Allows up to 6 hens. Spalding/Scotia: Very permissive village rules; typically 6–10 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Greeley Center; permitted in rural zones.
• Setback: Greeley Center: Coops must follow the 20ft rule—meaning 20ft from any neighboring window or door.

Hall County

• Cities/Towns: Grand Island, Wood River, Doniphan, Cairo, Alda
• Hens: Grand Island: Up to 8 hens allowed on standard lots. On lots of 1+ acre, up to 24 hens. Wood River: Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Grand Island. Allowed in rural Hall County.
• Setback: Grand Island: Coops must be 5ft from property lines and 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Grand Island: Mandatory registration with Animal Control is required.

Hamilton County

• Cities/Towns: Aurora, Hampton, Giltner, Phillips, Stockham
• Hens: Aurora: Currently drafting its first formal ordinance; until finalized, chickens are generally prohibited. Hampton/Giltner: Permissive village rules; typically 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Aurora and Hampton. Allowed in rural Hamilton County.
• Setback: Proposed Aurora Rule: Coops must be at least 20ft from any neighboring dwelling.

Harlan County

• Cities/Towns: Alma, Orleans, Republican City, Stamford, Huntley
• Hens: Alma: Up to 6 hens allowed per Ordinance 2026-2. Unincorporated: No numerical limit for personal use.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Alma city limits.
• Setback: Alma: Coops must be in the rear yard and 10ft from property lines.

Hayes County

• Cities/Towns: Hayes Center
• Hens: Hayes Center/County-wide: Extremely permissive. Chickens are "Small Class" livestock.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.
• Zoning Fact: Hayes County’s zoning defines a "Chicken" as 0.01 Animal Units.

Hitchcock County

• Cities/Towns: Trenton, Culbertson, Palisade, Stratton
• Hens: Trenton/Culbertson: Allow small backyard flocks (6-10 hens).
• Roosters: Allowed in villages provided they do not create a continuous noise nuisance.
• Setback: Any new structure requires a Zoning Permit before construction.

Holt County

• Cities/Towns: O'Neill, Atkinson, Stuart, Ewing, Page, Chambers, Emmet
• Hens: O'Neill: Up to 6 hens allowed. Atkinson/Stuart: Very chicken-friendly; typically allow 10+ hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in O'Neill's residential core.
• Setback: O'Neill: Coops must be at least 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A $10 annual permit is required in O'Neill.

Hooker County

• Cities/Towns: Mullen
• Hens: Mullen: Small flocks (6–10) are allowed provided they are penned. Unincorporated: No limits.
• Roosters: Allowed throughout the county.
• Setback: Standard 5ft property line rules for accessory buildings apply.

Howard County

• Cities/Towns: St. Paul, Dannebrog, Elba, Farwell, Boelus
• Hens: St. Paul: Up to 6 hens allowed. Dannebrog: Village allows small flocks to maintain its historic farm atmosphere.
• Roosters: Prohibited in St. Paul city limits.
• Setback: St. Paul: Coops must be 20ft from any neighbor and 5ft from property lines.
• Permit: A Keeping of Fowl Permit is required in St. Paul.

Jefferson County

• Cities/Towns: Fairbury, Daykin, Diller, Endicott, Harbine, Jansen, Plymouth, Steele City
• Hens: Fairbury: Up to 6 hens allowed. Unincorporated: Regulated by recent zoning updates.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Fairbury; allowed in all rural zones.
• Setback: Fairbury: Coops must be 25ft from any neighboring dwelling.

Johnson County

• Cities/Towns: Tecumseh, Cook, Crab Orchard, Elk Creek, Sterling
• Hens: Tecumseh: Allows up to 6 hens. Unincorporated: Currently undergoing a UDO rewrite.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Tecumseh.
• Permit: A basic Animal Permit is required in Tecumseh.

Kearney County

• Cities/Towns: Minden, Axtell, Heartwell, Norman, Wilcox
• Hens: Minden: Up to 6 hens allowed. Axtell/Wilcox: Allow 6–10 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Minden.
• Setback: Minden: Coops must be 40ft from any neighbor's home.

Keith County

• Cities/Towns: Ogallala, Brule, Paxton, Roscoe
• Hens: Ogallala: Up to 6 hens allowed; numbers are scaled by lot size.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Ogallala city limits.
• Setback: Ogallala: Coops must be 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A mandatory Fowl Permit is required in Ogallala.

Keya Paha County

• Cities/Towns: Springview
• Hens: County-wide: No specific numerical limits for personal flocks.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.
• Setback: Owners are encouraged to maintain 10ft from property lines.

Kimball County

• Cities/Towns: Kimball, Bushnell, Dix
• Hens: Kimball (City): Up to 4 hens allowed. Unincorporated: Typically capped at 1.0 Animal Unit per acre in rural residential zones.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Kimball city limits.
• Permit: A Special Use Permit is required in Kimball.

Knox County

• Cities/Towns: Creighton, Bloomfield, Crofton, Niobrara, Wausa, Bazile Mills, Center, Santee, Winnetoon
• Hens: Creighton/Bloomfield: Generally allow 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Creighton and Bloomfield core; allowed in rural Knox County.
• Setback: Bloomfield: Coops must be 20ft from any neighboring residence.

Lancaster County

• Cities/Towns: Lincoln, Waverly, Hickman, Bennet, Firth, Hallam, Malcolm, Panama, Raymond, Roca, Sprague
• Hens: Lincoln (City): Up to 20 chickens allowed, but a permit is mandatory for 3+. Hickman: Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Lincoln and suburban towns.
• Setback: Lincoln: Coops must be 5ft from lines and 50ft from any neighbor's house.
• Permit: A Small Animal Permit ($50) is required for 3–20 birds in Lincoln.

Lincoln County

• Cities/Towns: North Platte, Hershey, Maxwell, Sutherland, Brady, Wellfleet, Wallace
• Hens: North Platte: Up to 3 hens allowed with a permit. Hershey/Sutherland: Typically allow 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in North Platte.
• Permit: A $50 annual permit is required in North Platte.

Logan County

• Cities/Towns: Stapleton, Gandy
• Hens: Stapleton: Small flocks (6–10) are generally allowed. Unincorporated: No numerical limits.
• Roosters: Allowed in rural zones and Stapleton residential areas.
• Zoning Fact: Logan County is a "Livestock Friendly County."

Loup County

• Cities/Towns: Taylor
• Hens: County-wide: No specific caps for personal use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed. Taylor protects agricultural sounds from nuisance claims.
• Permit: No permit or registration required for flocks under 300 birds.

Madison County

• Cities/Towns: Norfolk, Madison, Tilden (part), Battle Creek, Meadow Grove, Newman Grove
• Hens: Norfolk: Up to 4 hens allowed. No roosters, ducks, or geese. Madison (City): Allows up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Norfolk and Madison city limits.
• Setback: Norfolk: Coops must be 3.0 meters (approx. 10ft) from property lines.
• Permit: Mandatory registration is required in Norfolk.

McPherson County

• Cities/Towns: Tryon (Unincorporated)
• Hens: No limits for personal or hobby use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.
• Legal Status: Residents can perform their own electrical work on poultry feeder buildings per NE AG Opinion 26-001.

Merrick County

• Cities/Towns: Central City, Silver Creek, Chapman, Clarks, Palmer
• Hens: Central City: Up to 10 hens allowed following recent municipal legislation. Unincorporated: No numerical limit for personal use; protected by the LB 663 streamlining mandate.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Central City residential zones.
• Setback: Central City: Coops must be in the rear yard and follow standard 5ft property line setbacks.
• Permit: A mandatory permit is required. New permits require a public hearing before the City Council.

Morrill County

• Cities/Towns: Bridgeport, Bayard, Broadwater
• Hens: Bridgeport: Generally allows small flocks (up to 6 hens). Bayard: Strictly prohibits poultry and fowl within corporate limits per local code.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Bridgeport city limits; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: Bridgeport: Coops must be at least 25ft from any neighboring residence.

Nance County

• Cities/Towns: Fullerton, Genoa, Belgrade
• Hens: Fullerton: Allows small backyard flocks (typically up to 6 hens). Unincorporated: 100 chickens are defined as One Animal Unit for density purposes.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Fullerton and Genoa residential areas.
• Setback: Fullerton: Coops must be 10ft from property lines and 20ft from neighboring dwellings.

Nemaha County

• Cities/Towns: Auburn, Peru, Johnson, Julian, Nemaha, Brock
• Hens: Auburn: Up to 4 hens allowed on single-family residential lots. Peru: Generally allows 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Auburn; includes hens that have developed "crowing" behaviors.
• Setback: Auburn: Coops must be 10ft from property lines and 40ft from any adjacent residential structure.
• Permit: A $10 annual license is required in Auburn.

Nuckolls County

• Cities/Towns: Superior, Nelson, Lawrence, Hardy, Ruskin
• Hens: Superior: Up to 6 hens allowed with a permit. Nelson: Allows small flocks (up to 6) in residential zones.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Superior and Nelson; allowed in rural areas.
• Setback: Superior: Coops must be 20ft from any neighboring residence.

Otoe County

• Cities/Towns: Nebraska City, Syracuse, Palmyra, Talmage, Burr, Douglas, Dunbar, Lorton, Otoe, Unadilla
• Hens: Nebraska City: Allows up to 6 hens in residential zones. Syracuse: Permissive rules; typically allow 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Nebraska City and Syracuse residential areas.
• Permit: A Chicken Hen Permit is required in Nebraska City.
• Note: Feed must be secured in metal bins to avoid attracting rodents common in orchard districts.

Pawnee County

• Cities/Towns: Pawnee City, Table Rock, Burchard, Du Bois, Lewiston, Steinauer
• Hens: Pawnee City: Up to 6 hens allowed. Table Rock: Very permissive village rules; backyard flocks are a local tradition.
• Roosters: Generally allowed in villages unless they violate general "Peace and Quiet" ordinances.
• Setback: Standard 10ft property line setbacks apply.

Perkins County

• Cities/Towns: Grant, Elsie, Madrid, Venango
• Hens: Grant: Up to 6 hens allowed in the residential core. Unincorporated: 100 chickens equal One Animal Unit.
• Roosters: Prohibited in Grant city limits.
• Permit: No fee for under 6 birds in Grant, though a Zoning Certificate is required.

Phelps County

• Cities/Towns: Holdrege, Bertrand, Loomis, Funk
• Hens: Holdrege: Up to 6 hens allowed following recent city code modernization.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Holdrege; allowed in rural zones.
• Setback: Holdrege: Coops must be 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A one-time registration with the Holdrege City Clerk is mandatory.

Pierce County

• Cities/Towns: Pierce, Plainview, Osmond, Hadar, Foster, McLean
• Hens: Pierce (City): Up to 5 hens allowed on lots under 0.5 acres. Plainview: Allows 4–6 hens with standard nuisance restrictions.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited on lots smaller than 1.0 acre.
• Setback: Pierce (City): Coops must be 15ft from adjacent residential property lines.

Platte County

• Cities/Towns: Columbus, Humphrey, Madison (part), Newman Grove (part), Platte Center, Duncan, Lindsay
• Hens: Columbus: Up to 6 hens allowed on detached single-family residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Columbus city limits.
• Setback: Columbus: Coops must be at least 25ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: A mandatory annual permit is required in Columbus.

Polk County

• Cities/Towns: Osceola, Stromsburg, Shelby, Polk
• Hens: Osceola: Allows up to 6 hens. Stromsburg: Allows up to 6 hens in residential zones.
• Roosters: Prohibited in city limits.
• Setback: Osceola: Coops must be 20ft from neighboring windows or doors.

Red Willow County

• Cities/Towns: McCook, Indianola, Bartley
• Hens: McCook: Allows up to 6 hens following public debate.
• Roosters: Prohibited in McCook and Indianola residential areas.
• Permit: A $20 Annual Poultry Permit is required in McCook.

Richardson County

• Cities/Towns: Falls City, Humboldt, Rulo
• Hens: Falls City: Up to 10 hens allowed (landmark council vote).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Falls City residential zones.
• Permit: Every permit in Falls City requires a brief public hearing.

Rock County

• Cities/Towns: Bassett
• Hens: Bassett: Up to 10 hens allowed provided they are fenced.
• Roosters: Allowed in rural zones; typically tolerated in Bassett.

Saline County

• Cities/Towns: Crete, Wilber, De Witt, Friend
• Hens: Crete: Up to 5 hens allowed. Wilber: Allows up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in city limits.
• Permit: A Livestock/Fowl Permit is required in Crete.

Sarpy County

• Cities/Towns: Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna
• Hens: Papillion: Up to 6 hens allowed per Ordinance 2075. Bellevue: Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in all Sarpy city limits.
• Permit: Papillion requires a mandatory license ($25) and Education Program.

Saunders County

• Cities/Towns: Wahoo, Ashland, Yutan
• Hens: Wahoo: Chickens are classified as "Prohibited Livestock" in standard residential zones. Ashland: Generally allows 4–6 hens.
• Warning: Current code in Wahoo is among the strictest in the region.

Scotts Bluff County

• Cities/Towns: Scottsbluff, Gering, Mitchell
• Hens: Scottsbluff/Gering: Up to 4 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Prohibited in city limits.
• Permit: A Special Use Permit is required in Scottsbluff.

Seward County

• Cities/Towns: Seward, Milford
• Hens: Seward (City): Up to 10 chickens allowed.
• Setback: Seward (City): Coops must be 40ft from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: Seward requires neighbor notification within 75ft.

Sheridan County

• Cities/Towns: Gordon, Rushville
• Hens: Gordon: Allows up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited in city limits; allowed in rural areas.

Sherman County

• Cities/Towns: Loup City
• Hens: Loup City: Allows up to 5 hens.
• Permit: No city fee currently required, but a Zoning Certificate is needed for large coops.

Sioux County

• Cities/Towns: Harrison
• Hens: No limits for hobby or personal use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.

Stanton County

• Cities/Towns: Stanton, Pilger
• Hens: Stanton (City): Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Permit: A $15 annual registration is required in Stanton.

Thayer County

• Cities/Towns: Hebron, Deshler
• Hens: Hebron: Up to 4 hens allowed.
• Permit: A simple Animal Permit is required in Hebron.

Thomas County

• Cities/Towns: Thedford
• Hens: No numerical limit for personal flocks.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.

Thurston County

• Cities/Towns: Pender, Walthill
• Hens: Pender: Allows up to 6 hens.
• Permit: A one-time registration is required in Pender ($10).

Valley County

• Cities/Towns: Ord, North Loup
• Hens: Ord: Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Permit: A Chicken Permit and Manure Management Plan are required in Ord.

Washington County

• Cities/Towns: Blair, Fort Calhoun
• Hens: Blair: Up to 6 hens allowed. Fort Calhoun: Allows up to 4 hens.
• Restriction: Blair prohibits "free-ranging" even within fenced backyards.

Wayne County

• Cities/Towns: Wayne, Wakefield
• Hens: Wayne (City): Up to 6 hens allowed per Ordinance 2025-13.
• Permit: A Special Permit from the City Council and mandatory inspection are required.

Webster County

• Cities/Towns: Red Cloud, Blue Hill
• Hens: Red Cloud: Allows up to 6 hens.
• Setback: Red Cloud: Coops must be 25ft from any neighboring residence.

Wheeler County

• Cities/Towns: Bartlett, Ericson
• Hens: No limits for hobby or personal use.
• Roosters: Fully allowed.

York County

• Cities/Towns: York, Henderson
• Hens: York (City): Up to 6 hens allowed per Ordinance No. 2413.
• Enforcement: York utilizes a 14-day compliance window for sanitation violations.

Nebraska Unincorporated Communities & Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

If you live in an unincorporated community or a CDP (Census-Designated Place) outside of official city limits, you are governed by County Zoning rather than municipal code. In Nebraska, these areas are generally "Livestock Friendly," and the new state laws (LB 663) have made the permit process for rural residents faster and more transparent.

Note: Not sure of your status? Check your Property Tax Statement. If you do not see a line item for "City Tax," you are in an unincorporated area and follow the more relaxed County Code!

Selling Backyard Eggs in Nebraska

Small-scale direct sales of eggs from your own backyard flock are permitted in Nebraska with few barriers. If you sell eggs directly to consumers — such as at your home, a farm stand, or a farmers market — no state license, grading, or inspection is required for flocks of fewer than 3,000 hens.

Eggs must be clean, free of cracks, and refrigerated at 45°F or below. Cartons should be clearly labeled with your name and address (or “ungraded farm fresh eggs”) plus safe handling instructions such as “Keep refrigerated. Cook eggs thoroughly.” A simple label reading “Farm Fresh Eggs – Not Graded” is commonly used.

For larger or wholesale sales to stores, restaurants, or institutions, you will need an egg dealer or grading license from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Contact them at (Food Safety and Consumer Protection - 402-471-3422) or request your free “egg number” for smaller flocks. Local city or county zoning and business licensing rules may also apply.

Note: While Nebraska’s cottage food law supports many homemade products, whole shell eggs are regulated separately under the Nebraska Department of Agriculture rather than standard cottage food registration. Always confirm with your local authorities for any additional requirements.

Nebraska State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Nebraska follows federal exemptions under the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Small-scale personal slaughter on your own property is allowed without a state license, but sales trigger stricter rules. Maintain good sanitation to prevent nuisance complaints or violations.

• Personal Use: You may slaughter and process any number of your own birds on your property for your household, non-paying guests, or employees. No permit or inspection is needed provided the meat stays within this group and is not sold or given away to the public. Label packages “Not for Sale” when appropriate.
• Commercial Sale: Meat intended for sale must be processed at a state-licensed or USDA-inspected facility. Limited exemptions (such as the Producer/Grower 1,000-bird or 20,000-bird exemptions for direct-to-consumer sales) exist, but licensing, proper labeling, and facility approval from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture are typically required.
• Humane Standards: Slaughter must be humane, rendering the bird insensible to pain before bleeding. Follow accepted commercial practices and guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association or the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
• Nuisance Laws: On-site slaughter must not create excessive noise, odor, blood, or waste that disturbs neighbors. Many cities and counties impose extra restrictions on slaughter in residential zones. Rural areas tend to be more lenient.

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

Nebraska open landscapes offer little wind protection, so we recommend our low-profile DIY coop designs to reduce wind resistance and ensure longevity. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.