Lancaster County, NE Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Urban livestock
- Fowl/small animals only
- Large livestock
- Ag-zoned land
- County zoning power
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 23-114
- Right to Farm
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 2-4403
- Planning body
- Lincoln-Lancaster joint planning
Summary
Keeping livestock inside Lincoln is limited to permitted small fowl and small animals; larger livestock generally belongs on agricultural-zoned land. Unincorporated Lancaster County acreages are governed by the County Zoning Resolution, and Nebraska's Right to Farm Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 2-4403) shields established farm operations from later nuisance suits.
A farm or farm operation or a public grain warehouse or public grain warehouse operation shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance if the farm or farm operation ... existed before a change in the land use or occupancy of land.
Full Breakdown
Within the City of Lincoln, urban lots may keep only permitted fowl and small animals under Lincoln Municipal Code 6.04.040; traditional livestock such as cattle, horses, hogs, and goats require agriculturally zoned land. The unincorporated portions of Lancaster County are zoned by the joint Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning framework under the County Zoning Resolution, adopted using county zoning authority in Neb. Rev. Stat. 23-114. Nebraska's Right to Farm Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 2-4403) provides that a farm or farm operation existing before a nearby change in land use cannot be found a nuisance solely because of that change, protecting established ag operations on county acreages.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock on a lot not zoned for it is a zoning violation subject to correction orders and fines; nuisance conditions may bring separate enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or goat in Lincoln city limits?
Are established farms protected from complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lancaster County
How Lancaster County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Lancaster County to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview
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