Can I keep chickens in Gretna, NE?
Yes, with conditions — Gretna allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Municipal Code ch. 3, art. 3, s 3-303, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Permit-approved predator-proof coop and run; min 3 sq ft/chicken; on lots <1 acre coop max 8 ft tall and 32 sq ft; located at least 30 ft from any dwelling, yard, street, sidewalk, public building or park. Four chickens on lots of 1 acre or less, ten on lots over 1 acre. |
| Code section | Municipal Code ch. 3, art. 3, s 3-303 |
Gretna allows chickens with a city-issued permit, limited to four chickens on lots of one acre or less and ten on larger lots. Roosters over two months old are prohibited and slaughtering chickens within the city is banned. Coops and runs must be predator-proof and at least 30 feet from any dwelling, street, sidewalk, public building or park.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gretna?
Yes, with conditions — Gretna allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Municipal Code ch. 3, art. 3, s 3-303).
How many chickens can I keep in Gretna?
Up to 4 hens. Tiered by lot size: 4 up to 43,560 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gretna?
Yes — Gretna requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Gretna?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gretna.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Gretna?
30 feet minimum. Permit-approved predator-proof coop and run; min 3 sq ft/chicken; on lots <1 acre coop max 8 ft tall and 32 sq ft; located at least 30 ft from any dwelling, yard, street, sidewalk, public building or park. Four chickens on lots of 1 acre or less, ten on lots over 1 acre.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Gretna?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Gretna's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gretna?
Municipal Code ch. 3, art. 3, s 3-303. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Municipal Code ch. 3, art. 3, s 3-303 — read the official code
“No more than four (4) chickens shall be permitted on any lot of one (1) acre or less. No more than ten (10) chickens shall be permitted on any lot of more than one (1) acre.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, or have under his/her/its care, custody or control any chicken without a valid permit issued by the City.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, or have under his/her/its care, custody or control any cock or rooster chicken two (2) months of age or older.” source
“The chicken facility and run shall be located so as to be at least thirty (30) feet from any dwelling, front yard or side yard, street, public sidewalk, public building, park or recreation area” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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