Can You Own Goats or Sheep in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the size of your land and the district in which you live will determine whether or not you can own goats or sheep. In agricultural districts, farm or livestock animals, including sheep and goats are usually permitted with a few or no restrictions. Residential districts, on the other hand, have restrictions on the keeping of livestock animals. If your property is zoned as "Residential," you need to check with your local zoning office of animal control to determine whether sheep or goats are permitted. Meanwhile, you can keep goats or sheep on your residential property in the following Nebraska municipalities.

Omaha, NE

Goats and sheep are legal to keep in Omaha, Nebraska. Under Omaha's animal code, goats and sheep are defined as livestock. According to Sec. 6-266 of the city code, it's unlawful for you to keep goats or sheep within the city without first obtaining a permit from the health department. The health officer, upon receipt of your application for a permit, will investigate your premises and how you intend to keep the animals. You'll be issued a permit only if the health department determines that the keeping of goats or sheep in your location will not be a health hazard or nuisance to the surrounding neighborhood.

Lincoln, NE

In Lincoln, Nebraska, goats and sheep are considered "Large Animals" and are allowed to be kept with a Large Animal Permit in the City. A minimum of one acre is required for the keeping of large animals in the city. Up to 2 goats or sheep are allowed per acre, according to Lincoln's municipal code. You are required by the city code to provide your large animals with an exercise area, pen, shelter structure, or pasture. Additionally, such enclosures shouldn't be closer than seventy-five feet to any building or structure used for residential purposes.

Bellevue, NE

Goats and sheep are technically legal to keep in Bellevue, Nebraska. According to the City's municipal code, it's unlawful for the owner of any sheep or goats to herd such animals upon the streets, avenues, alleys, parks, open grounds, public grounds, private grounds, or a vacant lot without the consent of the owner.

Grand Island, NE

In Grand Island, Nebraska, you can own goats and sheep, provided you keep them in an enclosure located 150 feet from any residence other than your own. However, this distance requirement may be reduced provided you obtain a waiver or variance from the City Clerk of the city council. A waiver or variance filed with the City Clerk requires the written consent of all property owners within 150 of your property. On the other hand, the city council may grant you a variance for a distance of 75 feet. Grand Island's animal code requires all goats and sheep to be confined in an enclosure of sufficient size and design to prevent the animals from escaping.

Kearney, NE

Under the City of Kearney's municipal code, goats and sheep are classified as "Large Animal Pets." Per Article 13, Sec. 8-1310 of the city code, large animal pets may be kept in the following zoning districts: AG (Agricultural District), RR-1, Rural Residential District (Rural Standards), and RR-2, Rural Residential District (Intermediate Standards).

Hastings, NE

In Hastings, Nebraska, a maximum of two goats or sheep are permitted per lot inside the corporate limits of the City. A conditional use permit is required to exceed this limit. Hastings' zoning code requires all livestock animals to be kept in an enclosed or fenced area so constructed as to prevent the animals from running at large or being off the owner's property. Additionally, the animal enclosures should be so maintained as not to create a nuisance to neighboring properties.

Columbus, NE

A maximum of four goats or sheep over four months of age is allowed per property in Columbus, Nebraska. Columbus's municipal code requires all goats and sheep to be provided with an enclosure that has, as a minimum, a width of 20 feet. In addition, the enclosure should have an area that meets the following requirements: 1,000 square feet for 1 animal, 2,500 square feet for 2 animals, 5,000 square feet for 3 animals, or 8,000 square feet for 4 animals.

North Platte, NE

In North Platte, Nebraska, goats and sheep are required to be kept more than 100 feet from any building used by another as a residence or place of dwelling in a residential district. Having met this requirement, North Platte's municipal code also requires that you do not permit your sheep or goats to be herded or to run at large within the city.

Scottsbluff, NE

The City of Scottsbluff's municipal code technically allows the keeping of goats and sheep within the city. The city code references animals running at large, stating no person owning any goat or sheep shall permit the same to run at large within the city. The ordinance further states that no person owning or having in charge any goat or sheep shall picket, herd, or pasture or leave the same unattended anywhere within the city.