Can I keep chickens in Kearney, NE?
No — Kearney does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Kearney City Code ch. 8, art. 13, s 8-1310, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Fowl (including chickens) are not permitted inside the corporate limits except on property zoned AG, RR-1, or RR-2, or as a legal non-conforming use. Backyard chickens are not allowed in standard residential zones. |
| Code section | Kearney City Code ch. 8, art. 13, s 8-1310 |
Kearney prohibits keeping fowl and livestock inside the corporate limits. The only exception is property zoned AG, RR-1 or RR-2 (rural districts) or a legal non-conforming use, so backyard chickens are not permitted in ordinary residential zones. Aggregator claims of a '12-hen' allowance are inaccurate.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Kearney?
No — chickens are not allowed in Kearney (Kearney City Code ch. 8, art. 13, s 8-1310).
Are roosters allowed in Kearney?
No — roosters are prohibited in Kearney.
What law covers backyard chickens in Kearney?
Kearney City Code ch. 8, art. 13, s 8-1310. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Kearney City Code ch. 8, art. 13, s 8-1310 — read the official code
“Large animal pets, livestock and fowl shall not be permitted inside the corporate limits of the City of Kearney.” source
“Exemptions. The property on which the animals are located is zoned AG, Agricultural District, RR-1, Rural Residential District ... or RR-2, Rural Residential District ...” 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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