| Are chickens allowed in Lincoln? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Up to 20 (depending on lot size) |
| Can you have roosters in Lincoln? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 5 feet from lot lines and 50 feet from your neighbors’ homes. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | Lincoln City Code |
If you have an interest in raising chickens in Lincoln, it’s necessary to gain knowledge about the rules and regulations that govern it.
- Chickens are allowed in Lincoln, Nebraska, but the owner must obtain a permit to keep them. The permit must be renewed annually.
- For 1 acre of land or less, residents can keep up to 20 chickens with the following guidelines:
- Chickens weighing 3 – 5 lbs: 3-20 chickens. The shelter area per square foot should be 3 times the number of chickens kept.
- Chickens weighing 5 – 20 lbs: 2-5 chickens. The shelter area per square foot should be 7 times the number of chickens kept.
- If you have more than 1 acre of land, the number of chickens can be two times as above, with the shelter area regulations remaining the same.
- Roosters are not allowed because keeping them is considered a nuisance.
- Chicken pens must not be closer than fifty feet to a neighboring residence or closer than five feet to a neighboring property line.
- The owner must keep all pens, enclosures, and shelter structures clean and sanitary to prevent offensive odors.
With the passage of time, cities can modify their regulations regarding backyard chickens. That’s why it’s vital to get in touch with Lincoln officials to stay informed.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Nebraska chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24