Can I keep chickens in Hastings, NE?
Yes, with conditions — Hastings allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Hastings City Code ch. 6, art. II, s 6-202(3), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Chickens allowed only at a detached single-family residential use. No more than 6 hens per single-family dwelling; no roosters or crowing hens. Coops/cages at least 25 ft from the door or window of any dwelling other than the owner's, not within 5 ft of a side lot line nor 18 in of a rear lot line, and not in the front yard. Covered predator-proof coop, >=2 sq ft per hen. No outdoor slaughtering. |
| Code section | Hastings City Code ch. 6, art. II, s 6-202(3) |
Hastings allows up to 6 hens, but only at a detached single-family residence (a zoning-dependent allowance). Roosters and crowing hens are prohibited, coops must sit at least 25 ft from a neighbor's dwelling and out of the front yard, and outdoor slaughtering is banned. No permit is specified in the ordinance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hastings?
Yes, with conditions — Hastings allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Hastings City Code ch. 6, art. II, s 6-202(3)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hastings?
Up to 6 hens. 6 hens max, but only permitted at a detached single-family residential use; not allowed at other residential uses such as multifamily.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hastings?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Hastings.
Are roosters allowed in Hastings?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hastings.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hastings?
25 feet minimum. Chickens allowed only at a detached single-family residential use. No more than 6 hens per single-family dwelling; no roosters or crowing hens. Coops/cages at least 25 ft from the door or window of any dwelling other than the owner's, not within 5 ft of a side lot line nor 18 in of a rear lot line, and not in the front yard. Covered predator-proof coop, >=2 sq ft per hen. No outdoor slaughtering.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Hastings?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Hastings's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hastings?
Hastings City Code ch. 6, art. II, s 6-202(3). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Hastings City Code ch. 6, art. II, s 6-202(3) — read the official code
“Chickens, kept only at a detached single-family residential use, subject to the following provisions:” source
“Number. No more than six hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling within the foregoing zoning districts.” source
“Roosters and crowing hens. It is unlawful for any person to keep roosters or a hen which has developed the rooster-like quality of crowing or making crowing-like sounds.” source
“Slaughtering. There shall be no outdoor slaughtering of chickens.” 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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