Can I keep chickens in Omaha, NE?
Yes — Omaha allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Omaha Municipal Code ch. 6, art. X (Livestock), ss 6-263 et seq. (am. Ord. 44472, 12-9-2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Coop rules | Pen/run fully enclosed, predator-proof; >=4 ft from rear/side property lines, >=60 ft from front lot line, >=30 ft from any inhabited structure on a neighboring property; minimum 4 sq ft per bird; manure stored covered and removed within 7 days. |
| Code section | Omaha Municipal Code ch. 6, art. X (Livestock), ss 6-263 et seq. (am. Ord. 44472, 12-9-2025) |
Omaha amended its fowl ordinance in December 2025. Only female chickens (hens) are allowed and roosters are banned. The maximum is 10 fowl per site at 4 sq ft per bird, and a permit from the Douglas County Health Department is required for any site smaller than two acres.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Omaha?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Omaha (Omaha Municipal Code ch. 6, art. X (Livestock), ss 6-263 et seq. (am. Ord. 44472, 12-9-2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Omaha?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Omaha?
Yes — Omaha requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Omaha?
No — roosters are prohibited in Omaha.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Omaha?
30 feet minimum. Pen/run fully enclosed, predator-proof; >=4 ft from rear/side property lines, >=60 ft from front lot line, >=30 ft from any inhabited structure on a neighboring property; minimum 4 sq ft per bird; manure stored covered and removed within 7 days.
What law covers backyard chickens in Omaha?
Omaha Municipal Code ch. 6, art. X (Livestock), ss 6-263 et seq. (am. Ord. 44472, 12-9-2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Omaha Municipal Code ch. 6, art. X (Livestock), ss 6-263 et seq. (am. Ord. 44472, 12-9-2025) — read the official code
“The maximum number of fowl is ten unless the health officer issues a variance pursuant to the procedure provided below in section 6-267.” source
“If the site is less than two acres, the owner or operator must obtain a special permit from the Douglas County Health Department to keep backyard fowl on the property.” source
“Only female chickens are allowed. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any male chicken, commonly referred to as a rooster.” source
“Pens, structures, or runs ... must be at least thirty feet from any inhabited structure located upon a neighboring property;” 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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