Can I keep chickens in Elko, NV?
Yes, with conditions — Elko allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 12 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Elko City Code 3-2-5(A)(2) (RS Residential Suburban District), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | No fowl, pen or coop within 50 ft of any window/door of a residence (other than owner's), 60 ft of front property line, or 25 ft of side street on a corner lot. No killing/dressing for commercial purposes. |
| Code section | Elko City Code 3-2-5(A)(2) (RS Residential Suburban District) |
In Elko, poultry and domestic fowl are a permitted use only in the RS (Residential Suburban) zoning district, with no more than 12 of any one or combination of such animals/fowl per lot. They are not listed as permitted in the standard R1, R2, R3, R, or RO residential districts. Coops must be set back at least 50 feet from windows/doors of other residences and 60 feet from the front property line; commercial slaughter is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Elko?
Yes, with conditions — Elko allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Elko City Code 3-2-5(A)(2) (RS Residential Suburban District)).
How many chickens can I keep in Elko?
Up to 12 hens. Fowl (max 12 combined) permitted only in the RS Residential Suburban district (15,000 sq ft min lot); not a listed use in R1/R2/R3/R/RO residential districts. Setback-dependent.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Elko?
Yes, with conditions — see Elko's rules (Elko City Code 3-2-5(A)(2) (RS Residential Suburban District)).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Elko?
50 feet minimum. No fowl, pen or coop within 50 ft of any window/door of a residence (other than owner's), 60 ft of front property line, or 25 ft of side street on a corner lot. No killing/dressing for commercial purposes.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Elko?
Yes — 15,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Elko?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Elko's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Elko?
Elko City Code 3-2-5(A)(2) (RS Residential Suburban District). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Elko City Code 3-2-5(A)(2) (RS Residential Suburban District) — read the official code
“Poultry, rabbits or domestic fowl raised for food, education, scientific or furbearing purposes; provided, not more than twelve (12) of any one or combination of such animals and fowl may be maintained on one lot.” source
“no fowl or animals, nor any pen or coop, shall be kept or maintained within fifty feet (50') of any window or door of any residence ... or within sixty feet (60') of the front property line ... or within twenty five feet (25') of the side street on a corner lot.” source
“There shall be no killing or dressing of any such animals for commercial purposes.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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