Can I keep chickens in Elkhart, IN?
No — Elkhart does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.06 (Farm Animals) (Ord. 5212, passed 4-19-2010), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Not applicable - farm animals (including poultry) prohibited within the city. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.06 (Farm Animals) (Ord. 5212, passed 4-19-2010) |
Elkhart prohibits keeping farm animals, which include poultry, anywhere within the city limits. Sec. 90.06 bars any person from owning, possessing, maintaining, or harboring farm animals within the corporate boundaries and authorizes impoundment, the only exception being a licensed veterinarian providing medical care where zoning permits. Backyard hens are not permitted on residential lots.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Elkhart?
No — chickens are not allowed in Elkhart (Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.06 (Farm Animals) (Ord. 5212, passed 4-19-2010)).
Are roosters allowed in Elkhart?
No — roosters are prohibited in Elkhart.
What law covers backyard chickens in Elkhart?
Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.06 (Farm Animals) (Ord. 5212, passed 4-19-2010). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.06 (Farm Animals) (Ord. 5212, passed 4-19-2010) — read the official code
“Except as provided in 90.07(B), no person shall own, possess, maintain, or harbor on any property within the corporate boundaries of the city any farm animals. The animal control officer, humane officer, or police officer shall impound and dispose of any farm animals found within the corporate boundaries of the city.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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