Omaha, NE Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Flock cap
- 10 fowl per site (variance possible)
- Roosters
- Banned outright; hens only
- Coop setback
- 30 ft from neighbor's home
- Permit
- Required if site under 2 acres
- Renters
- Need landlord's written permission
Summary
Omaha caps backyard flocks at ten hens, bans roosters outright, and requires coops to sit at least 30 feet from neighboring homes and 60 feet from the front lot line.
The maximum number of fowl is ten unless the health officer issues a variance... Pens, structures, or runs must be at least four feet from the rear and side property lines, at least sixty feet from the front lot line, and must be at least thirty feet from any inhabited structure... Only female chickens are allowed. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any male chicken, commonly referred to as a rooster.
Full Breakdown
City code caps every residential flock at ten fowl total and flatly bans roosters: only hens are legal, per Sec. 6-263.1. Coops and runs must sit at least 4 feet from side and rear lines, 60 feet from the front lot line, and 30 feet from any neighbor's inhabited structure, fully enclosed with predator-proof roofing. Renters need the landlord's written permission before installing a coop. Properties under two acres also need a special permit from the Douglas County Health Department; owners of over two acres or ag-zoned land can skip that step. Manure must be covered and cleared within seven days.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a rooster or exceeding the ten-fowl limit without a variance violates city code; unless a specific penalty applies, violations carry up to a $500 fine or six months in jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in Omaha?
How many chickens can I keep in Omaha?
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Omaha?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Omaha
How Omaha compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Omaha to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview
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