Poultry and livestock may be kept in unincorporated Washoe County where the Development Code zoning allows it, but in congested areas the owner must keep them fenced or penned so they never leave the property. Livestock running at large in a congested area is unlawful.
Washoe County Code 55.100 lists poultry, cows, goats, horses, sheep and swine among animals that owners in congested areas must keep restrained on-premises 'by a fence, cage, coop, chain, leash or other adequate means.' WCC 55.540 makes it unlawful for livestock to be at large in any congested area. Whether chickens or livestock may be kept at all, and how many, is set by the Washoe County Development Code zoning for the parcel (agricultural, large-lot and rural residential zones permit them; suburban lots may not). Sanitary-keeping rules (WCC 55.110) require clean, odor-free enclosures.
Livestock at large in a congested area may be impounded by an animal-control or peace officer, with notice to the Nevada Department of Agriculture; owner pays redemption. Keeping animals in unsanitary conditions is a separate code violation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Washoe County, NV
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See how Washoe County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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