Chicken Hen Keeping

female-farmer-feeding-chickens

The keeping of chickens in Boulder City no longer requires a separate permit from the Community Development Department. However, the property owner or tenant must comply with the applicable requirements of Sec. 11-3-3. of City Code and obtain any necessary building permits for coops, cages, and enclosures (if applicable). Please see the below information. If you have any questions, please call: 702-293-9282.

Purpose of Provisions within Sec. 11-3-3 of City Code:

  • To establish the minimum standards for the keeping of chicken hens and the prohibition on the keeping of roosters.

  • To ensure animals are kept in humane and safe conditions.

  • To inform property owners and tenants of required setback distances for chicken coops, cages, and enclosures.

  • To provide clear guidance on the prohibition of selling their animal products, including eggs produced or surplus animals.

Allowed Based on Zoning:

  • The keeping of chicken hens are only allowed in residential properties zoned "R1". It is not permitted in any other residential zone (i.e. R2, R3, MP, ME).

Type of Use:

  • Chicken hens shall be kept as pets and for personal use only. 

    • No person shall sell eggs or meat or engage in breeding or fertilizer production for commercial or hobby purposes. 

    • Exception: Eggs may be sold on the premises if the property is located in the R1-20, R1-40, or R1-80 residential zones.

Types of Chicken:

  • Only hens (female chickens) are allowed.

  • Roosters (male chickens) are prohibited.

Number of Chickens

  • No more than ten (10) chicken hens may be kept upon a property.

Location on Property:

  • Chickens are only allowed in the rear yard of the property, and cannot be located be located in the front or side yards of the property.

Enclosure Perimeters:

  • All coops, cages and enclosures shall be set back from the side and rear property lines by at least five feet (5').

  • Chicken hens shall be kept within the coop, cage or enclosure at all times.

  • Depending on the size of the coop, cage, or enclosure, a building permit may be required. Building permits are not necessary for structures that are 120 square feet or smaller. For more information, please contact the Building Division."

Please be advised that the above provisions do not exempt the property owner or tenant from any other applicable city codes pertaining to nuisances, such as noise, smell, rubbish, animal waste or offal.