Douglas County, NE Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

The City of Omaha permits backyard chickens under Omaha Municipal Code §6-55, which requires a fowl permit issued by the Nebraska Humane Society (Omaha's animal control authority). Standard residential lots are typically limited to 3 hens, with no roosters permitted due to noise. Coop placement requires setbacks of at least 25 feet from neighboring residences. Coops must be kept clean, with droppings removed regularly to prevent odor and rodent issues. Permit applications require written notification to adjacent neighbors. Larger livestock — goats, pigs, horses, cattle — are prohibited in standard Omaha residential zones and are restricted to agricultural (AG) zones, typically requiring minimum lot sizes of 3 to 20 acres depending on animal type and jurisdiction. Unincorporated Douglas County and the rural fringes of Valley, Waterloo, and Bennington provide more latitude under the Douglas County Zoning Resolution. The Nebraska Humane Society serves as the primary enforcement authority for animal-related ordinances across Douglas County. FFA and 4-H youth projects may receive temporary exceptions with proper permitting.