Can I keep chickens in Nebraska City, NE?
Yes, with conditions — Nebraska City allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances, ch. 7 (Animals and Fowl), s 7-8, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($10) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Up to four hens (or hen bantams) per zoning lot with an annual $10 license obtained before acquiring birds; covered fenced coop in the rear yard, min 4 sq ft floor + 10 sq ft open area per chicken; enclosure max 120 sq ft and 7 ft tall; at least 10 ft from any property line and 40 ft from any residence on another's property. No roosters; no slaughter. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances, ch. 7 (Animals and Fowl), s 7-8 |
Nebraska City permits up to four hens on single-family residential property with an annual $10 license obtained before acquiring the birds. Roosters are prohibited and slaughtering chickens is not allowed. The coop must be a covered rear-yard enclosure, at least 10 feet from any property line and 40 feet from a neighbor's residence.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Nebraska City?
Yes, with conditions — Nebraska City allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances, ch. 7 (Animals and Fowl), s 7-8).
How many chickens can I keep in Nebraska City?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Nebraska City?
Yes — Nebraska City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $10).
Are roosters allowed in Nebraska City?
No — roosters are prohibited in Nebraska City.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Nebraska City?
10 feet minimum. Up to four hens (or hen bantams) per zoning lot with an annual $10 license obtained before acquiring birds; covered fenced coop in the rear yard, min 4 sq ft floor + 10 sq ft open area per chicken; enclosure max 120 sq ft and 7 ft tall; at least 10 ft from any property line and 40 ft from any residence on another's property. No roosters; no slaughter.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Nebraska City?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Nebraska City's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Nebraska City?
Code of Ordinances, ch. 7 (Animals and Fowl), s 7-8. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances, ch. 7 (Animals and Fowl), s 7-8 — read the official code
“No more than four (4) hens and/or hen bantams may be kept on any one (1) zoning lot.” source
“Application shall be made to city hall, and the fee for the license shall be ten dollars ($10.00).” source
“No person shall keep any rooster. ... No person shall slaughter any chickens.” source
“No chicken enclosure shall be located closer than ten (10) feet to any property line ... no closer than forty (40) feet to any residential structure on another person's property.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →