Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Nebraska? There is no single statewide law—each city and county sets its own rules. That means hen limits, rooster rules, coop permits, and setbacks vary widely. This guide walks through rules in key places like Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Norfolk, Columbus, and smaller towns, in clear, simple English.
Statewide Summary
In Nebraska, chicken keeping is regulated locally—not by the state. You’ll find urban areas often limit hens, ban roosters, and require permits. Rural zones usually offer more freedom. Always check local zoning and animal control rules before starting.
Douglas County – Omaha
- Up to **8 hens** allowed in Omaha with an **annual permit (~$10)**.
- **Roosters are banned** in city limits.
- Coops must be rear-yard, enclosed, clean, and at least **15 ft from neighbors**.
- Permit includes inspection; coop must have 4 sq ft per bird, and chickens must not roam freely.
Lancaster County – Lincoln
- Residents may keep between **3 and 20 hens**, but fewer than 3 requires **no permit**.
- **No roosters** allowed.
- Coop must be ≥ 5 ft from lot lines and ≥ 50 ft from neighboring houses.
- Permit costs about **$50 annually**; includes site plan and coop rules.
Sarpy County – Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista
- Bellevue allows up to **6 hens**, no roosters, with coop setbacks (≈10 ft) and permit.
- Papillion tried to approve an ordinance in 2025 but the council voted **against**, so chickens remain **illegal citywide** as of now.
- La Vista has similar restrictions—chickens not officially permitted.
- Unincorporated Sarpy County areas are more lenient—chickens widely allowed unless HOA or zoning bars them.
Hall County – Grand Island
- Up to **4 hens per acre**, minimum 1-acre lot; maximum **30 birds per property**.
- **Roosters are banned**.
- Coop must be at least **15 ft from property lines**; **permit required**.
- Chickens must be secure, fed and watered daily, and manure must be handled properly.
Buffalo County – Kearney
- Up to **8 hens** allowed with a **permit**; roosters prohibited.
- Coops must follow setback rules—often **25 ft from homes** or property lines.
- Outside city limits, county rules are more flexible but nuisance and sanitation codes still apply.
Adams County – Hastings
- Up to **6 hens**, no roosters in residential zones.
- Coops must be at least **20 ft from neighboring homes**, sanitary, and secure.
- Permit required for urban areas; rural zones are often more flexible.
Madison County – Norfolk
- City permits up to **6 hens**; **roosters banned**.
- No permit needed, but coop location must meet setbacks of about **10–20 ft** from neighbor dwellings.
- Rural county areas often do not enforce formal restrictions.
Platte County – Columbus
- Allows up to **5 (or 8 per some guides)** hens, no roosters permitted.
- Coop must be at least **15 ft from abutting property**, clean, and well-maintained.
- Nuisance and sanitation rules enforced; permit may be optional for small flocks.
Scotts Bluff County – Scottsbluff
- Typically up to **6 hens** with permit; **roosters not allowed**.
- Coop setback of at least **15 ft from dwellings** or property lines.
- Rural areas more permissive, often minimal oversight unless considered a nuisance.
Other Cities & Rural Areas
- Gretna: up to 4 chickens on lots ≤1 acre; 10 hens if larger; coop 30 ft setback; permit required.
- Norfolk: permit for up to 4 hens, coop must be ≥10 ft from property line, 20 ft from structures.
- Auburn: proposed ordinance in mid‑2025 allows 4 hens, no roosters; coop space 4 sq ft/chicken; no running at large.
- Henderson: up to 6 hens via permit in single‑family zones; roosters are banned.
Common Rules Across Nebraska
- Hen limits usually range between **4–8** in cities; rural or agricultural properties may permit more.
- **Roosters are almost always banned** within city limits.
- Permits or licenses are typically required for urban areas or more than a few hens.
- Coops must follow setbacks, be sanitary, enclosed, predator‑proof, and prevent nuisance odors or noise.
- Most cities prohibit free‑roaming birds—it’s climb or fly, but within your property.
- HOA or deed covenant rules may ban chickens even if city allows them.
Summary Table
| City / County | Hen Limit | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha (Douglas) | Up to 8 hens | No | Yes (~$10) | Rear yard; 15 ft setback; coop inspection |
| Lincoln (Lancaster) | 3–20 hens | No | Yes if ≥3 | 5 ft from lines; 50 ft neighbor setback |
| Bellevue (Sarpy) | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | 10 ft setback; coop permit; neighbor notice |
| Papillion & La Vista | — | — | No (banned) | City council rejected chicken code |
| Grand Island | 4 per acre (max 30) | No | Yes | 15 ft setback; coop secure |
| Kearney (Buffalo) | Up to 8 hens | No | Yes | Setbacks ~25 ft; coop standards |
| Hastings | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | 20 ft from homes; tidy coop |
| Norfolk | Up to 6 hens | No | No small flock | 10‑20 ft setback; coop enclosed |
| Columbus | 5–8 hens | No | Possibly | 15 ft from lines; hygienic coop |
Tips to Stay Legal and Neighborly
- Identify if your property is inside a city or unincorporated county—rules differ.
- Check local municipal or county websites for chicken ordinances and permit forms.
- If permit is required, apply before building a coop or getting hens.
- Avoid roosters unless you live outside city limits where allowed.
- Build coop/run with proper setbacks, predator protection, ventilation, and sanitation.
- Store feed securely, manage manure, and prevent pest or odor issues.
- Look out for HOA covenants—they may be stricter than local codes.
Why These Rules Exist
These ordinances aim to keep backyard flocks from becoming nuisances—noise, smell, pests, or loose birds. Permit systems and coop standards support public health and safety. Zoning rules help cities manage where small-scale agriculture is allowed. Overall, local guidelines let people raise hens responsibly while maintaining neighborhood harmony.
Bottom Line
Nebraska chicken laws vary by city and county. Most cities allow a handful of hens in residential lots with a permit, ban roosters, and enforce coop setbacks and cleanliness. Rural or agricultural zones often allow more freedom. If you let me know your city, town, or county—or even your address—I can help you find the exact, current rules that apply to where you live.