Can I keep chickens in York, NE?
Yes, with conditions — York allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances, ch. 8 (Animals), ss 8-1 and 8-2, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens may not run at large and must be in enclosed places on private property; they may not be kept within 50 ft of any building used by another as a residence, dwelling, or place of business. No permit or numeric cap in the animals chapter. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances, ch. 8 (Animals), ss 8-1 and 8-2 |
York allows keeping chickens but bars keeping them within 50 feet of any building used by another as a residence, dwelling, or place of business. Chickens may not run at large and must be confined on private property. The animals chapter sets no permit requirement, flock cap, or explicit rooster ban, so eligibility depends on meeting the 50-foot distance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in York?
Yes, with conditions — York allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances, ch. 8 (Animals), ss 8-1 and 8-2).
How many chickens can I keep in York?
It depends on your lot. No numeric cap in code; keeping allowed only where the 50-ft distance from another's dwelling or building can be met.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in York?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in York.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in York?
50 feet minimum. Chickens may not run at large and must be in enclosed places on private property; they may not be kept within 50 ft of any building used by another as a residence, dwelling, or place of business. No permit or numeric cap in the animals chapter.
What law covers backyard chickens in York?
Code of Ordinances, ch. 8 (Animals), ss 8-1 and 8-2. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances, ch. 8 (Animals), ss 8-1 and 8-2 — read the official code
“No person ... shall keep or maintain any chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, or any similar fowl within 50 feet of any building used by another as a residence, a place of dwelling or a place of business.” 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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