Can I keep chickens in Fernley, NV?
Yes — Fernley allows backyard chickens, up to 16 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City of Fernley Development Code 32.28.70 (Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 16 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens must be provided a covered enclosure (coop) and kept in it; coop must be at least 5 feet from any property line, kept clean and odor free; chickens restricted from the front yard. |
| Code section | City of Fernley Development Code 32.28.70 (Animals) |
Fernley allows hens (no roosters) in any zoning district as an accessory use. The number of hens is tied to parcel size: 2 hens for lots under 2,000 sq ft, 4 for 2,001-6,000, 5 for 6,001-10,000, then 2 hens per additional 2,000 sq ft, capped at 16. Chickens require a covered coop at least 5 feet from any property line, kept clean, with no front-yard access.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fernley?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Fernley (City of Fernley Development Code 32.28.70 (Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Fernley?
Up to 16 hens. Tiered by lot size: 2 up to 2,000 sq ft; 4 up to 6,000 sq ft; 5 up to 10,000 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Fernley?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Fernley.
Are roosters allowed in Fernley?
No — roosters are prohibited in Fernley.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fernley?
5 feet minimum. Chickens must be provided a covered enclosure (coop) and kept in it; coop must be at least 5 feet from any property line, kept clean and odor free; chickens restricted from the front yard.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fernley?
City of Fernley Development Code 32.28.70 (Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City of Fernley Development Code 32.28.70 (Animals) — read the official code
“Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, chickens may be kept in any zoning district as an accessory use if the following standards are complied with” source
“1. Parcel size between zero and 2,000 square feet may keep up to two hens. ... 4. Parcel sizes greater than 10,000 square feet may keep up to two hens for every 2,000 square feet of parcel size, not to exceed 16 hens.” source
“a. Roosters are prohibited.” source
“The coop must be a minimum of five feet from any property line.” 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 →