Can I keep chickens in Lincoln, NE?
Yes — Lincoln allows backyard chickens, up to 20 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Lincoln Municipal Code ss 6.04.040 (Table 6.04.040), 6.04.041, 6.04.090, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 20 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | On a lot of 1 acre or less, 3 to 20 fowl; a permit is required at 3 or more birds. Pens/enclosures/shelters must be at least 50 ft from a neighboring residence and at least 5 ft from a neighboring property line. Each additional acre allows twice the number per category. |
| Code section | Lincoln Municipal Code ss 6.04.040 (Table 6.04.040), 6.04.041, 6.04.090 |
Lincoln allows backyard chickens. On a lot of one acre or less you may keep up to 20 hens; a fowl permit ($50 annual) is required once you keep 3 or more. Roosters are prohibited citywide, and coops must be 50 ft from a neighbor's home and 5 ft from property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lincoln?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Lincoln (Lincoln Municipal Code ss 6.04.040 (Table 6.04.040), 6.04.041, 6.04.090).
How many chickens can I keep in Lincoln?
Up to 20 hens. Tiered by lot size: 20 up to 43,560 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Lincoln?
Yes — Lincoln requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Lincoln?
No — roosters are prohibited in Lincoln.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Lincoln?
50 feet minimum. On a lot of 1 acre or less, 3 to 20 fowl; a permit is required at 3 or more birds. Pens/enclosures/shelters must be at least 50 ft from a neighboring residence and at least 5 ft from a neighboring property line. Each additional acre allows twice the number per category.
What law covers backyard chickens in Lincoln?
Lincoln Municipal Code ss 6.04.040 (Table 6.04.040), 6.04.041, 6.04.090. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Lincoln Municipal Code ss 6.04.040 (Table 6.04.040), 6.04.041, 6.04.090 — read the official code
“TABLE 6.04.040 ... Property Size 1 acre or less: Chickens, ducks or other fowl weighing 3 - 5 lbs. 3 - 20 ... For each additional 1 acre: 2 times the number per each category.” source
“upon payment of the following fees: ... Fowl $50.00” source
“No person shall, within the corporate limits of the City, own, keep or harbor live roosters.” source
“Within pens, enclosures or shelters closer than fifty feet to a neighboring residence; or ... closer than five feet to a neighboring property line.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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