Can I keep chickens in Elkins, WV?
Yes, with conditions — Elkins allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Code Sec. 152.180(E) 'Keeping of fowl' (city cites Sec. 21-95(e); Ord. 301, 8-18-2022), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Up to 6 fowl as an accessory use to a dwelling; coop at least 5 ft from any dwelling other than the associated one; side/rear/rooftop only (no front yard); slaughtering prohibited except in a butcher shop. Roosters prohibited. |
| Code section | Zoning Code Sec. 152.180(E) 'Keeping of fowl' (city cites Sec. 21-95(e); Ord. 301, 8-18-2022) |
Elkins permits keeping fowl as an accessory use to a dwelling, capped at 6 with roosters prohibited (zoning Sec. 152.180(E), which the city also cites as Sec. 21-95(e)). A permit is required from the City Clerk after a Zoning Officer inspection. Coops must be at least 5 ft from any other dwelling, kept out of front yards, and slaughtering is prohibited except in a butcher shop.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Elkins?
Yes, with conditions — Elkins allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Code Sec. 152.180(E) 'Keeping of fowl' (city cites Sec. 21-95(e); Ord. 301, 8-18-2022)).
How many chickens can I keep in Elkins?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Elkins?
Yes — Elkins requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Elkins?
No — roosters are prohibited in Elkins.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Elkins?
5 feet minimum. Up to 6 fowl as an accessory use to a dwelling; coop at least 5 ft from any dwelling other than the associated one; side/rear/rooftop only (no front yard); slaughtering prohibited except in a butcher shop. Roosters prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Elkins?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Elkins's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Elkins?
Zoning Code Sec. 152.180(E) 'Keeping of fowl' (city cites Sec. 21-95(e); Ord. 301, 8-18-2022). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Code Sec. 152.180(E) 'Keeping of fowl' (city cites Sec. 21-95(e); Ord. 301, 8-18-2022) — read the official code
“The keeping of fowl is permitted as an accessory use to a dwelling, provided that the number of fowl shall not exceed six” source
“A permit is required for keeping fowl within the city. A permit may be obtained from the City Clerk after application to the Zoning Officer and an inspection performed by the Zoning Officer” source
“The building, coop, or enclosure in which the fowl are kept must be at least five feet from any dwelling, other than the dwelling associated with the accessory use” source
“Slaughtering and processing fowl are prohibited within the city, except where such activity occurs within a butcher shop” 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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