If you’re dreaming of collecting fresh eggs each morning or starting a small backyard flock, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can I have chickens in my backyard in Nevada?” You may have also realized that the answer isn’t simple. Since there are no statewide regulations, it depends on where you live. If you’re looking for the best place to move to for keeping chickens or wondering what your area allows, you’re in the right place.
To save you time, we’ve gathered information on several cities and all 16 counties in Nevada, including their backyard chicken requirements, so we can finally answer the question, “Can I have chickens in my backyard in Nevada?”
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Nevada?
Yes! Many areas throughout the state permit them, including Las Vegas and Lincoln County. Although it’s worth noting that some areas, like Enterprise and Clark County, do not permit them. Because rules can vary widely depending on where you live, it’s essential to consult with your local officials to determine what they allow.
Below you’ll find several cities and their requirements, along with the requirements for all 16 Nevada counties.
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Nevada?
Yes, in most areas, you’ll need a permit before keeping chickens in your backyard, like in Elko. Some places, like Boulder City, don’t require one, so it’s best to check with local officials to confirm permit rules in your area.
You may also need a separate permit for your chicken coop, especially if it exceeds a certain size. Always verify both coop and chicken permit requirements with local authorities before getting started.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Nevada?
On average, you can keep between 4 and 6 chickens in Nevada, though the number varies by location. For example, Fernley allows only 2 to 5, while Humboldt County permits up to 10. In some areas, such as Kearney and Grand Island, larger properties may allow as many as 16.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
No, most areas require that chickens be kept in a coop or attached run at all times, although some only require this at night. It’s also essential that they are never allowed to roam freely or leave the property.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Nevada?
No, most areas strictly prohibit them. They are typically only permitted on agriculturally zoned properties over a certain square footage and not on residentially zoned properties.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Nevada?
You can sell your chicken eggs in Nevada, but it will depend on where you live and the zoning of your property. To find out if you’re allowed to sell eggs from your property, be sure to:
- Check your property’s zoning: Agricultural and commercial zones generally allow egg sales, while residential zones usually do not. Because rules vary by location, review your area’s requirements below.
- Obtain a Producer Certificate: If egg sales are permitted, you must have a valid producer certificate.
For more detailed information, visit the Nevada Department of Agriculture, which regulates egg sales and issues producer certificates.
Chicken Laws For Cities in Nevada
In most cases, city or town officials enforce backyard chicken regulations. Below, you’ll find several cities and towns and their chicken-keeping requirements.
In some areas, you may need to follow county laws instead, which are covered later in this article.
Does Boulder City, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, and you can even keep them without a permit, so long as you comply with the following requirements:
- They are only kept in the R1 zoning district
- They are kept as pets or for personal use only
- However, eggs may be sold if you are located in the R1-20, R1-40, or R1-80 zones
- You only keep hens; roosters are prohibited
- No more than 10 chickens are allowed per property
- Chickens are only kept in the backyard
- Chickens are kept in a coop or enclosure at all times:
- Is 5 feet from the side and rear property lines
- Has a building permit if required
Coops 120 square feet or less do not require a building permit. If you’re planning on investing in a coop that’s larger than that, please contact the Building & Safety Department to obtain the required permit.
Does Carson City, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep up to four chickens in your backyard in Carson City if your property is under one acre. Larger properties may allow more chickens based on their size.
While additional requirements for coops, setbacks, and permits likely apply, they aren’t clearly defined. For more information on what’s allowed, contact the Community Development Department.
Does Elko, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, the city of Elko also allows up to 4 chickens on properties in the R-1 zoning district, provided that you adhere to the following requirements:
- They are not used for commercial purposes
- They are kept in a secure chicken coop that is:
- Located in the rear yard only
- Setback 25 feet from the principal structure
- 10 feet from all property lines
- Close in appearance to the principal structure
- Kept clean
- Connected to an outdoor run
- Predator-proof
- Roosters are prohibited
A permit is required to keep chickens in the city. Please contact the Planning & Zoning Department for help with the permitting process.
Does Enterprise, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
According to Clark County, agricultural animals are prohibited in residential districts. For more information, visit the county table below.
Does Fernley, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but there are specific standards in place for you to have them:
- No roosters may be kept
- They cannot be kept in the front yard
- They must be kept in a coop or other enclosure that is:
- 5 feet from any property line
- Clean and free of odor
- The number you can keep is based on property size:
| Property Size | # Permitted |
| 0-2,000 sq. ft. | 2 |
| 2,001-6,000 sq. ft. | 4 |
| 6,001-10,000 sq. ft. | 5 |
| 10,000 sq. ft.+ | 2/2,000 sq. ft.; no more than 16 total |
A permit is likely required to keep them. Please contact the Planning Department for more information.
Does Gardnerville Ranchos, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but it all depends on the zoning of your property. Gardnerville Ranchos follows Douglas County’s regulations rather than enforcing its own, which include the following:
- In SFR-1 and higher zoning districts, backyard chickens may be kept on one acre or larger properties.
- Some SFR-½ properties located within the Livestock Overlay Zone may also permit them.
Generally, residential properties smaller than half an acre do not allow backyard chickens. Contact the Planning Technician at 775-782-6217 to confirm your property’s zoning and find out if you can keep chickens in your backyard.
Does Henderson, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only with a permit certifying that you meet the city’s requirements:
- No more than 6 chickens are kept on a single property
- Chickens are only located in the single-family residential zoning district
- No roosters are kept
- Chickens are kept in a coop or other enclosure that is:
- No larger than 120 square feet
- No taller than 6 feet
- Only kept in the rear yard
- 10 feet from property lines
- 40 feet from neighboring residential structures
Permit applications can be filed with the City Clerk. If you have any questions about requirements for your zoning district, please contact the Planning Department.
Does Las Vegas, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but you can only keep them if these specific conditions are met:
- You are located in the R-1 (single-family residential) or R-MH (residential manufactured home) zoning districts
- You do not have any roosters
- Your chickens are not located within 350 feet of another person’s dwelling without written consent from every affected person, which is filed with the city’s Animal Protection Services Officer
- Chickens are kept in a coop or other secure enclosure
Additional requirements may apply, such as setbacks from property lines, limits on the number of chickens, and permit details. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for complete information.
Does Mesquite, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, up to 200 chickens are permitted in the RE-1, RE-2, and RE-3 (Rural Estates) zoning districts. However, the rules for other zoning districts, as well as additional requirements for coops, setbacks, and permits, are unclear. For details specific to your property, contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
Does North Las Vegas, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only if you meet the following conditions:
• No roosters are kept
• Chickens are housed at least 25 feet from any neighboring residence
• Chickens are kept in a secure coop or enclosure
• The property is zoned R-E or O-L residential
• No more than four chickens are kept
Your coop must also follow the setback rules for your zoning district. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm you comply with all applicable regulations.
Does Pahrump, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if the city currently allows them. For more information, contact the Code Enforcement Department.
Does Paradise, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s unclear what is permitted within the city, but Clark County does not appear to allow backyard chickens on residentially zoned properties. For clarification, contact your local planning or zoning department.
Does Reno, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep backyard chickens as they are not regulated within the city. However, you may need to follow certain regulations regarding your chicken coop or enclosure. You can find out more from Development Services.
Does Sparks, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Sparks allows backyard chickens in the SF, MF, MUD-MR, or MUD-RN zoning districts, so long as you keep them according to the following standards:
- No roosters
- Chickens are not kept in the front yard
- Chickens are housed in a coop or covered enclosure located at least:
- 10 feet from the principal structure
- 5 feet from the side and rear property lines
- Number of chickens allowed by property size:
| Property Size | # Of Chickens |
| 0-2,000 sq. ft. | 2 |
| 2,001-6,000 sq. ft. | 4 |
| 6,001-10,000 sq. ft. | 5 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. + | 2/2,000 square feet; no more than 16 |
Please contact the Planning & Zoning Department to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements.
Does Spring Creek, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if they are allowed in Spring Creek, Nevada. Since the city has no website, it may be best to refer to Elko County officials, who can let you know, based on your property’s zoning, whether or not you can have chickens in your backyard.
Does Sun Valley, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
There doesn’t appear to be any specific regulations regarding backyard chickens in Sun Valley, but Washoe County, where the city is located, does allow them. Contact the Washoe County Planning Department for more information on what is allowed in your area.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Nevada By County
In Nevada, who is responsible for whether you can keep chickens in your backyard varies widely. In some cases, local officials are responsible. On the other hand, some cities and towns defer to county officials.
If you reside in an area that refers to county requirements, below is every county in Nevada, along with the appropriate government contact information and the county’s backyard chicken requirements.
Does Churchill County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The city’s municipal code does not outline specific rules regarding backyard chickens. In this case, it’s best to check with local officials first to see what they allow. If they have no regulations, or you live in an unincorporated area in the county, contact the Planning & Building Department for more information.
Does Clark County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, Clark County strictly prohibits agricultural uses in residential zoning districts, including keeping chickens in one’s backyard. If you would like to see this change, contact the Comprehensive Planning Department.
Does Douglas County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but it depends on your property’s zoning. In these zoning districts, backyard chickens are permitted:
- In SFR-1 and higher zoning districts, backyard chickens may be kept on one acre or larger properties.
- Some SFR-½ properties located within the Livestock Overlay Zone may also permit them.
Generally, residential properties smaller than half an acre or outside these zoning districts do not allow them. The Planning Department can help you determine how your property is zoned and whether or not you can keep chickens in your backyard.
Does Elko County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes. While there don’t appear to be specific county-wide rules, they do seem to be allowed in certain zoning districts, such as the Open Space (OS), Agricultural-Residential (AR), and Special Lands (SL). Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to determine what is permitted on your property.
Does Esmeralda County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
This seems to depend on city and town officials, as Esmeralda County has no rules governing them. If you reside in an unincorporated area, you can likely keep them so long as they don’t become a nuisance. Visit the Plans & Policies page to confirm this is the case.
Does Eureka County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears to be up to city and town officials within the county. If you live within an unincorporated area and cannot consult with local officials for this information, contact the county Planning Department to determine if they are allowed.
Does Humboldt County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep up to 10 chickens on properties of at least 5,000 square feet. Roosters are not permitted in residential districts. If you have any questions, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Lander County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
This seems to be up to city and town officials as well. However, if you reside in an unincorporated part of the county, you can keep them, as long as they are not permitted to roam free. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department for more information.
Does Lincoln County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, as long as the following conditions are met:
- The property is zoned R1, RR, or OS
- No more than 12 chickens are kept
- Chickens are housed in a coop located at least:
- 20 feet from any neighboring residence’s doors or windows
- 60 feet from the front property line
For more information about local standards or permit applications, contact the Planning Department.
Does Lyon County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, on properties zoned Suburban Residential, you can keep up to 4 female chickens, subject to the requirements below:
- They are kept in a coop or enclosure
- The coop is kept clean and free of odor
- The coop is 10 feet from any property line
Additional standards may be in place. For more information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Mineral County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens can be kept in the Rural Ranchette (RR) zoning district. However, the requirements for keeping them are unclear. For additional information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Nye County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep them in unincorporated areas as long as they are not permitted to run at large. However, city and town officials can enforce their laws, so contact your local planning or zoning official to determine what they allow. For more information on Nye County’s requirements, contact the Planning & Code Compliance Department.
Does Pershing County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep them, but only if they are kept in a chicken coop or other predator-proof enclosure that prevents them from roaming onto neighbors’ properties.
These rules only apply to those in unincorporated areas. Please confer with your local officials if you reside in a city or town. For more information on Pershing County’s requirements, contact the Planning & Building Department.
Does Storey County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens can be kept in R1, R2, CR, E, SPR, A, and F zoning districts within the county, provided your city or town doesn’t have other regulations. You can even sell eggs so long as the store or stand doesn’t violate zoning laws. For more information on what the county allows, consult with the Planning Department.
Does Washoe County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The county doesn’t appear to enforce any specific legislation regarding backyard chickens, only requiring that they not be allowed to roam freely. In most cases, this is likely the responsibility of city and town officials within the county to enforce.
If you have any questions at the county level, contact the Planning Department.
Does White Pine County, Nevada, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear what the county allows, as this seems to be enforced by city and town officials. First, consult with local officials. If you do not reside in their jurisdiction, contact the county Building Department to determine what they allow.
Now That You Know the Laws, Find a Coop That Fits
Most cities, towns, and counties in Nevada require chickens to be kept in a secure coop or enclosure that meets local standards for size, cleanliness, and predator protection.
Finding one that fits both your flock and your local regulations doesn’t have to be difficult. At The Hen House Collection, you can design a custom coop with features like easy-to-clean flooring, predator-proof doors, and the right size for your property. Prefer something ready to go? Explore our inventory of prebuilt coops, each crafted to keep your chickens safe, healthy, and in compliance with local laws.
