Planning to raise backyard chickens in Nevada? There is no single state law that applies everywhere. Local cities and counties set rules about how many hens you can keep, whether roosters are allowed, permits, coop placement, and sanitation. Many jurisdictions require a permit and ban roosters entirely. This guide covers key cities like Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, Boulder City, plus county-wide rules in Washoe and rural areas.
Las Vegas & Clark County
- Las Vegas allows up to **20 hens per lot**, roosters are **not allowed**.
- Permit is required before keeping chickens.
- Neighbor consent needed if chickens are within **350 feet** of another dwelling.
- Coops must be enclosed, kept on your own property, and free from odor or pests.
North Las Vegas & Surrounding (Clark County)
- No official limit on the number of hens, but **roosters are banned**.
- Permit required; specific lot-based restrictions may apply under county zoning.
- All birds must stay on your property; no free-roaming.
Henderson
- No numeric limit stated for hens, but **permit required**.
- Roosters are not permitted.
- Neighbors must consent; coop must meet setback, enclosure, and sanitation rules.
Boulder City (Clark County)
- Allows up to **10 hens**, but **no roosters**.
- Separate permit is no longer required, though coops may need a building permit if over 120 sq ft.
- Coop must be located in rear yard, ≥ 5 ft from side/rear lot lines.
- Egg or meat sales and breeding are restricted; odor or noise must be controlled.
Washoe County – Reno & Sparks
- Washoe County rules cover both Reno and Sparks.
- Chickens are allowed; **no specific limit on hens**, but must not cause overcrowding.
- Roosters are **not allowed**.
- No permit is required for small personal flocks, but coop must be on your own property and sanitary at all times.
City of Reno (Washoe County)
- Follows Washoe County rules—hens allowed, no stated limit, no roosters.
- No need for a permit unless required by zoning.
- Coop must be enclosed and clean; nuisance laws apply to noise or odor.
City of Sparks (Washoe County)
- Same as Reno—items follow Washoe County rules.
- Up to 16 hens allowed depending on lot size; no roosters; permit required for larger flocks.
City of Fernley (Lyon County)
- Rules vary by parcel size:
- ≤ 2,000 ft²: up to **2 hens** allowed.
- 2,001–6,000 ft²: up to **4 hens** allowed.
- Roosters are **prohibited** in residential zones.
- Permit may be required; coop must meet setback and sanitation requirements.
Other Towns and Rural Counties
- Some smaller towns have vague or no specified limits—industry guidance recommends permits and coop standards apply.
- Rural or unincorporated county areas often allow hens if zoning permits—for example in agricultural zones.
- Hoop rules or homeowner covenants may still restrict chickens even if city allows them.
Common Themes Across Nevada
- Roosters are almost always banned inside city limits.
- Hen limits vary from **2 up to 20 per lot**, often tied to property size.
- Many cities require **permits**, especially for larger flocks or proximity to neighbors.
- Coops must be enclosed, sanitary, setback from property lines, and waste managed.
- No free-ranging—birds must remain on your property.
- No commercial egg or meat production unless licensed.
Summary Table
| Location | Hen Limit | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | Up to 20 hens | No | Yes | 350 ft neighbor consent; coop setback |
| North Las Vegas | No stated limit | No | Yes | Permit; coop rules |
| Henderson | No stated limit | No | Yes | Setbacks, neighbor consent |
| Boulder City | Up to 10 hens | No | No city permit | Rear yard; building permit if large coop |
| Reno / Sparks | No stated limit (~16 in Sparks) | No | No for small flocks | Washoe rules; no overcrowding |
| Fernley | 2–4 hens by lot size | No | Yes | Parcel-based limit; coop setbacks |
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check your property’s zoning and whether you’re in city or unincorporated county.
- Contact city or county planning or animal control to learn permit requirements.
- Avoid roosters unless you live outside city limits where they might be permitted.
- Ensure coop meets setback, enclosure, predator protection, and cleanliness standards.
- Store feed securely and manage manure to avoid odor and pests.
- Inform neighbors if required; avoid noise or odor complaints.
- Review HOA or deed covenants—they may impose stricter bans.
Why These Rules Matter
Chicken laws help keep neighborhoods safe and pleasant. Limits on hens prevent overcrowding; bans on roosters reduce noise; permit systems ensure planning; coop standards maintain sanitation; setbacks reduce nuisance issues. These rules let residents raise chickens without disturbing others.
Final Thoughts
Nevada chicken laws vary widely depending on city, town, or county. Many places allow a small flock of hens if you follow permit and coop rules—but almost none allow roosters in residential zones. Rural areas often allow more freedom if zoning permits. If you let me know your city, county, or address, I can help find the exact local ordinance that applies to your property.
