City vs County codes, hypothetical

I'm pretty sure my city code says no chickens based on my zoning, but from what I can gather, my county's code would be OK with chickens in the city. As I understand it, the county code says it applies to the entire county including my city by name, and only says that in "congested areas" which includes my part of the city, a property owner must confine livestock to his/her own property. Easy enough.

Several years ago, my county took over all animal services within the county, including those of my city. Would that mean their animal ordinance trumps the city ordinance? Could the city still enforce its ordinance if there was a complaint? I haven't been able to get in contact with anyone in either office yet as I have been crazy busy with work. This isn't a hugely pressing matter as I would like to have chickens "someday," I'm not currently operating under the radar and I don't intend to. My other future desire is to have a small beehive or two as well, and bees seem to fall under the same headings as regard chickens in both ordinances.

If I ever do have to argue for a city code change I think I have a decent enough case, but was wondering if it could at all be avoided. I hate public speaking

Also, rereading this...I have no idea why I'm sounding all mysterious about my location, other than I'm home sick from work and my thoughts are jumbled. I live in Sparks Nevada, in Washoe County. Any thoughts/opinions/interpretations of ordinance are welcome. Thanks!

~cluckless

Generally county codes/ordinances affect only unincorporated areas; incorporated areas (such as your city) would have their own codes/ordinances. However, in some instances, the county provides all the services for a specific function or functions. For example, here in the Phoenix area, Maricopa county is responsible for all restaurant inspections, environmental concerns (dust, roof rats, mosquitos, etc., animal control, birth/death certificates, property valuation, and a number of other functions. Within these areas, county ordinances prevail. However, you will also find that city codes and ordinances do not even cover those areas.

In our case, animal control simply deals with operating the pounds and licensing dogs. They have nothing to do with determining which animals are legal in any incorporated area---that comes under city ordinances and zoning code.

Thanks for your input. I had a sinking feeling that might be the case, but will still be working on this.