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Reno, NV Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Fowl limit
12 per lot, Urban Farm use
Livestock
No hoofed animals or livestock
Where allowed
By right, all zoning districts
Horses
>4 horses needs 1+ acre lot
Long-term permit
Minor CUP if farm exceeds 3 years

Summary

Reno allows up to 12 fowl per lot under its Urban Farm accessory-use standard, which applies by right in every zoning district in the city, but that same rule bars hoofed animals and livestock from the site entirely.

(4)Urban Farm A minor conditional use permit shall be approved for any urban farming operation intended to be established beyond three years... f. No more than 12 fowl and no hoofed animals or livestock shall be allowed on site.

Source: Reno Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Reno Municipal Code Sec. 18.03.304(a)(4) creates an "Urban Farm" land use permitted in every zoning district: it caps fowl at 12 per lot and allows zero hoofed animals or livestock on the same site. An urban farm running three years or less follows temporary-use standards; one intended to continue past three years needs a minor conditional use permit. Horses are handled under a separate accessory use, Sec. 18.03.405(q), Private Stable, which is silent on a maximum but requires any stable keeping more than four horses to sit on a lot of one acre or larger.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than 12 fowl, keeping any hoofed animals or livestock under the Urban Farm use, or housing more than four horses on a lot under one acre is a zoning standards violation subject to code enforcement and permit denial or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chickens in my Reno backyard?
Yes: up to 12 fowl are allowed under the Urban Farm accessory use in any zoning district, per RMC Sec. 18.03.304(a)(4)f.
Can I keep goats, pigs, or other livestock with my chickens?
No. The same Urban Farm standard that caps fowl at 12 flatly bars "hoofed animals or livestock" from the site.
How many horses can I keep in Reno?
A private stable is allowed as an accessory use, but any stable with more than four horses must be on a lot of one acre or larger (RMC Sec. 18.03.405(q)).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

Dog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Reno rules

How Reno compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview

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