Can I keep chickens in Reno, NV?
Yes, with conditions — Reno allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 12 hens where permitted). (Reno Land Development Code 18.09.303 (Urban Farm) & 18.03.503(h), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Coop rules | Accessory structures over 12 ft tall or 120 sq ft require a building permit; no hoofed animals or livestock allowed on site. |
| Code section | Reno Land Development Code 18.09.303 (Urban Farm) & 18.03.503(h) |
Reno's Land Development Code defines an Urban Farm as including the keeping of up to 12 fowl, an activity permitted across zoning districts including residential, subject to use standards. No more than 12 fowl and no hoofed animals or livestock are allowed on site. Roosters are not specifically addressed; general nuisance/noise rules apply. The exact permanent residential accessory pathway should be confirmed against the LDC principal-use tables.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Reno?
Yes, with conditions — Reno allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Reno Land Development Code 18.09.303 (Urban Farm) & 18.03.503(h)).
How many chickens can I keep in Reno?
Up to 12 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Reno?
Reno Land Development Code 18.09.303 (Urban Farm) & 18.03.503(h). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Reno Land Development Code 18.09.303 (Urban Farm) & 18.03.503(h) — read the official code
“Urban Farm: The growing, raising, keeping, producing, and selling of agricultural, horticultural, viticultural, fruit and vegetable products, including bees and up to 12 fowl.” source
“No more than 12 fowl and no hoofed animals or livestock shall be allowed on site.” 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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