LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A Las Vegas Valley chicken owner got a visit from Clark County code enforcement and animal control, after officials said her home is not zoned for chickens on the property.
The citation comes as many people across the Valley and beyond are looking into the prospect of owning chickens, as a way to get egg supplies during the national shortage.
The homeowner, named Iveta, tells FOX5 that it is her right to have the chickens on her property, and argues that she’s done everything needed to keep them in her neighborhood.
Clark County officials tell FOX5, homes zoned “residential” are not allowed to have chickens or livestock at all. Other zoning designations that do allow chickens have certain requirements, from permission from all the neighbors to a limit on the number of chickens on the property.
Iveta tells FOX5, she got the chickens during the pandemic for food and obtained written permission from her neighbors to allow chickens. (Clark County officials said her zoning designation does not allow for any chickens.)
In early February, Iveta said animal control and code enforcement showed up at her door.
“We were outside in the yard and suddenly we heard these loud knocks…[officers were] saying we’re here with just Animal Welfare and we want to make sure that you have water and feed for your pets,” she said, noting they were persistent; Iveta said she let them in, not knowing they would give her a citation for not having a proper coop, and allowing chickens in the home.
Iveta showed FOX5 the video of her chicken coop, and said she feeds birds in her kitchen to give them space.
Code Enforcement tells FOX5, there have been seven complaints since 2023. Officials shared a photo of chickens in the yard and in the home. A photo shows the garage, and a report says that the birds use the “doggy door” to get in and out; Iveta tells FOX5, her garage is simply messy with gardening equipment.
The report did note that the chickens were healthy.
Iveta faces a misdemeanor citation and has a court date in May. She can plead not guilty. The punishment can be up to a $1,000 fine or even jail time.
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