Douglas County, NE Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max animals per lot
- 10 total, one per 2 acres
- Minimum land for first horse
- 2 fenced acres
- Stable setback
- 50 feet from dwelling or line
- Small-animal building setback
- 50 feet from property line
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only, not Omaha
Summary
In unincorporated Douglas County, a residential lot can keep one horse, llama, or hoofed animal on a fenced two-acre area, with one more animal per extra two acres, up to ten total, under the zoning regulations.
Within the residential districts, any lot may have a fenced two acre area dedicated to the confinement of one horse, llama, or other equine and/or hoofed animal. Such a lot may have one additional animal for each additional two acres of lot area, up to a maximum total of ten animals. No stable shall be located closer than 50 feet to any dwelling unit on the site or 50 feet to any property line. Page 2 of 109
E. Horticulture and Crop Production in Residential Districts: Operation of landscape business associated with a primary residence may be permitted in the AG or RR District, subject to the following requirements:
1. Landscape Business in AG District: Landscape businesses must conform to all site development regulations.
a. Off-Street parking to be provided as per Table 10.1.
b. Accessory Building(s) for the landscape business is allowed subject to limits in the AG District.
c. Outside storage of materials shall be limited to items used for landscaping which shall include, but not be limited to, mulch, rock, fencing, erosion matting, straw bales and wattles. All storage of materials must be at least 50 feet from public rights-of-way and at least 150 feet from residence on adjacent property.
d. Outside storage of equipment and vehicles is allowed, must be at least 50 feet from public rights-of-way and at least 150 feet from residence on adjacent property.
Full Breakdown
Douglas County's zoning regulations let a residential-district lot devote a fenced two-acre area to one horse, llama, or other equine or hoofed animal, adding one more animal per additional two acres up to ten total. Stables must sit at least 50 feet from any dwelling and 50 feet from any property line. Small animals and fowl (birds, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters) are separately permitted, with housing kept 50 feet from property lines. This applies only in unincorporated Douglas County -- Omaha, Bennington, Valley, Waterloo, and Ralston enforce their own municipal codes instead.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Coordinator investigates complaints and can order a property owner to correct a violation. Unresolved cases go to the County Attorney; violating the regulations is a Class III misdemeanor, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse on residential property in Douglas County?
Does this rule apply if I live in Omaha?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.