Lincoln · Land use · Kennel
Where is a kennel (dog boarding) allowed in Lincoln?
In Lincoln, a kennel (dog boarding) is allowed in 3 base zones (C, L-I and I, all with a condition) and needs a conditional use permit in 1 (A-D) (Lincoln use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C, L-I and I
- Needs a permit: A-D
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Lincoln Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a kennel (dog boarding) can go
Lincoln's code calls this use “Kennel (temporary boarding)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| C Commercial District | Allowed — see note Note (15): Kennel for the purposes of temporarily boarding not more than 20 dogs or cats, each for a period not to exceed 30 days. Permitted in the C district provided conducted entirely within a building or structure. Kennels utilizing outdoor facilities need a conditional use permit (18.22.030(24)). | § 18.22.020 |
| L-I Light Industrial District | Allowed — see note Note (7): Kennels for the purposes of temporarily boarding not more than 30 dogs or cats each for a period not to exceed 30 days. Kennels utilizing outdoor facilities need a conditional use permit (18.26.030(8)). | § 18.26.010 |
| I Industrial District | Allowed — see note Note (1): Any use provided for as permitted or requiring a conditional use permit in the light industrial district (so the L-I kennel row, 30-animal limit, applies). | § 18.28.010 |
| A-D Agricultural District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.29.020 |
What else applies
- C: kennel within a building is permitted (18.22.020(15)); a kennel using outdoor facilities needs a CUP (18.22.030(24)). L-I: same split, 30-animal limit (18.26.010(7), 18.26.020(15) permitted; 18.26.030(8) outdoor CUP). A-D: 'Kennels' conditional, no limit stated.
- Not covered here: RPD 1-5 planned development and any other district not in the packet (district chapters 18.12-18.33 only); Lists are not exclusive: every district has an 'other uses of a similar nature' clause, and no rule says unlisted uses are prohibited, so zones that do not list a use are left out, not marked 'no'.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Lincoln
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the A-D zone in Lincoln?
Only with a conditional use permit. Lincoln's use table lists it that way in A-D (Agricultural District) (§ 18.29.020).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the C zone in Lincoln?
Yes, with a condition. Lincoln's use table lists it as allowed in C (Commercial District) (§ 18.22.020). The code adds a condition: “Kennel for the purposes of temporarily boarding not more than 20 dogs or cats, each for a period not to exceed 30 days. Permitted in the C district provided conducted entirely within a building or structure. Kennels…”
General information, not legal advice.
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