Frequently Asked Questions

ANIMAL CONTROL

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ANIMAL CONTROL?
Please call 775-777-7300 and leave a message with the dispatchers.  Animal Control will then call you back.
WHAT IS A FANCIER'S PERMIT AND HOW DO I APPLY FOR ONE?
City code 5-3-9C places restrictions on the number of dogs and cats that can be kept in a residence within the City and requires a permit to exceed the limits. That limit is no more than three (3) dogs or three (3) cats that are over four (4) months of age.

To exceed these limits a person can apply for a Dog/Cat Fancier's Permit through the City Clerk's office at 1751 College Avenue or contact Animal Control.

With a Fancier's Permit, a person is still not allowed to keep and maintain more than a total of six (6) adult dogs or six (6) adult cats over the age of four (4) months.
WHAT IS A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND HOW DO I APPLY FOR ONE?
City code 5-3-9C places restrictions on the number of dogs and cats that can be kept in a residence within the City and requires a permit to exceed the limits. That limit is no more than three (3) dogs or three (3) cats that are over four (4) months of age.

To exceed these limits a person can apply for a Dog/Cat Special Use Permit (Breeder) through the City Clerk's office at 1751 College Avenue or contact Animal Control.

Even with a Special Use Permit, a person is still not allowed to keep and maintain more than a total of eight (8) dogs or ten (10) cats.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DOG IS PICKED UP BY ANIMAL CONTROL?
Your animal will be transported to the Animal Shelter.  Please contact the Animal Shelter at 775-777-7333.
CAN I HAVE CHICKENS AT MY HOUSE AND HOW MANY CAN I HAVE?
City Code Section 5-3-1 defines household pets allowed within the City of Elko limits.  

Each household is allowed four (4) or less laying hens not used for commercial or breeding purposes kept in a secured chicken coop.  Roosters are not allowed.

ANIMAL SHELTER

HOW DO I ADOPT A PET?
The Elko Animal Shelter encourages the adoption of shelter animals by responsible persons. You are invited to visit the Animal Shelter to select a pet from the variety of animals normally available for adoption. Most animals that are housed at the shelter are abandoned or have been surrendered to the shelter for a variety of reasons.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION



HOW DO I APPLY FOR A DOG LICENSE?
City Dog Licenses are purchased at the City of Elko Animal Shelter located at 2210 Pinion Road, Elko (775)777-7333.  You must have proof of a rabies vaccination if your dog is over four months of age.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

IS A PERMIT REQUIRED TO PUT UP A FENCE?
Fence - A permit is not required if the overall height of the fence, including all components of the fence such as decorative trim, will not exceed six feet, six inches (6'6") at any point, and does not rest upon a retaining wall.
Planning and Zoning regulations do apply whether or not a Building Permit is required.  

For additional information, see the City of Elko Fence handouts.
IS A PERMIT REQUIRED TO TURN MY UNFIISHED BASEMENT INTO LIVING SPACE?
A permit is required to finish a basement.
See the Residential Remodel Plan Submittal Checklist.
IS A PERMIT REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE ROOF ON MY HOUSE?
A permit is required to replace the roof covering on a house.
IS A PERMIT REQUIRED TO REPLACE MY WATER HEATER, FURNACE OR AIR CONDITIONER?
A Plumbing Permit is required for replacement of a water heater and a Mechanical Permit is required for replacement of a furnace or air conditioner.
IS A PERMIT REQUIRED TO PUT IN A SHED/SHOP?
A permit is required to build or install any detached accessory structure larger than 200 square feet.
Even if a permit is not required, the structure must still meet all Building and Planning & Zoning codes, including required setbacks from property lines.
CAN A HOMEOWNER DO WORK ON HIS OR HER OWN HOME?
If a person is the owner and full-time resident of a single family dwelling and will reside in the residence for at least 1 year after construction, he or she may do any work on that dwelling that would otherwise require a licensed or registered contractor.  The owner-builder is still required to obtain permit, inspections and comply with the applicable codes.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BUILDING PERMIT?
Residential Permits for new construction generally take 6-8 weeks to complete (with a complete submittal) first review through the Community Development, Engineering, Utility, Planning and Building Departments.  This time frame applies once a complete application with all of the required documents is received.  Work cannot commence until the building permit has been issued.

BUSINESS LICENSES & OTHER PERMITS

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE?
Follow the instructions and complete the application found at this link.
You can also call 775-777-7138 for assistance. 
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT?
City Code Section 4-1-2 defines a Special Event as:
An organized event, whether indoor or outdoor: a) that is held on public property or streets, non-profit organization property, or non-residential private property; b) that can reasonably be expected to cause a public gathering; c) where two (2) or more vendors are present or where the public is charged admission for entry; and d) that is not part of the normal course of business at the location.

Special Event Applications and instructions can be found here.
WHAT IS A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE AND WHEN DO I NEED ONE?
City Code Section 4-5-1 defines a Special Event Liquor License as:
SPECIAL EVENTS BEER AND WINE LIQUOR LICENSE: A license issued by the city which permits the sale, serving or giving away of beer and/or wine only by the licensee at a special event, with the duration of said license not to exceed a period of one week.

A Special Event Liquor Application and instructions can be found here.

CITY COUNCIL & ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS

HOW DO I WATCH A LIVE MEETING?
The City of Elko provides live streaming for the following:  the Elko City Council, the Planning Commission, and the Redevelopment Agency.  Other advisory boards are live streamed when the Chair of each Board deems it necessary. 

The City offers  two methods to live stream the Elko City Council meeting.  Viewers can select between two modes: passive observation or active participation during the meeting.  You can choose how you wish to watch from here.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN A MEETING?
You can find the agenda to the meeting you wish to attend at this link.  
For all City Council meetings you can watch and participate in live meetings either in person at Elko City Hall @ 1751 College Avenue; Elko, NV or via the GoTo Meeting link provided in the agenda or on our website here.

Most Advisory Board meetings are held live at Elko City Hall @ 1751 College Avenue, Elko, NV.  If they are also being held via GoTo Meeting it will be on the agenda and on the  website.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION FROM A PAST MEETING?
Agendas, Agenda Packets and Minutes for meetings can be found on our website under the archives section here.

As of February 2022, we started a new software system.  Meetings after February 2022 to present can be found
here.

Looking up meetings can be tricky.  Click here for instructions.

Information for meetings prior to February 2022 can be found at this
link.


CODE ENFORCEMENT

WHAT KIND OF COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO CODE ENFORCEMENT?

People typically call code enforcement when they observe violations of local building, zoning, housing, or land use codes and regulations. Common situations that prompt people to contact code enforcement include:

  1. Property Maintenance: When a property is in disrepair, has overgrown vegetation, or poses safety hazards, neighbors or concerned citizens may call code enforcement to ensure that the property owner complies with maintenance and safety codes.

  2. Zoning Violations: If someone is using their property in a manner that is not consistent with the local zoning laws, such as running a business in a residential area, it may lead to a code enforcement complaint.

  3. Building Code Violations: Construction projects that don't meet building code standards, lack proper permits, or are unsafe can prompt individuals to contact code enforcement.

  4. Nuisance Complaints: Complaints related to noise, odors, trash accumulation, and other nuisances may fall under the jurisdiction of code enforcement.

  5. Rental Property Issues: Tenants or neighbors may contact code enforcement if they believe that a rental property violates health and safety codes or is not being properly maintained.

  6. Illegal Signs: Violations of sign ordinances, such as illegal advertising signs or signage that obstructs public visibility, can lead to code enforcement calls.

  7. Health and Sanitation Concerns: Reports of unsanitary conditions, pests, or other health-related issues in a property can trigger code enforcement investigations.

  8. Permitted Land Use: In some cases, people might want to confirm if a particular land use or construction project is permitted in their area before it begins, and they contact code enforcement to inquire about the rules.

  9. Property Disputes: Neighbor disputes over property boundaries, fences, or other property-related issues may result in code enforcement involvement.

  10. Environmental Concerns: Complaints related to environmental issues, such as illegal dumping or contamination, might also be directed to code enforcement.

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT TO FILE A COMPLAINT?
Code Enforcement is located at 1755 College Ave. and can be reached at 775-777-0517 or email:  enforcement@elkocitynv.gov

A complaint form can be found here.

DEVELOPMENT

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT?

MISCELLANEOUS

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF MY MARRIAGE LICENSE?
The Elko County Recorder can issue a copy of a marriage license.  Please click here for more information.

PARKS AND RECREATION

HOW DO I RESERVE A PARK?
You can reserve a park at this link.
You can also contact the park department at 775-777-7260.

WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE, SOCCER, YOUTH LEAGUES, ADULT LEAGUES, ETC?
Call (775) 777-7260 or email recreations@elkocitynv.gov and you will be given a contact name and number.
CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE SNOBOWL SKI AND BIKE PARK?
The SnoBowl lift and ski shack is open seasonally, with the first weekend being either the first of second Saturday in January (permitting snow coverage on the mountain).  Bike trails are open and free to use.  For more information and mountain conditions, please call the SnoBowl line at (775) 777-7707.
WHEN ARE SWIM LESSONS?
Swim lessons are held every summer, starting in mid-June.  Sign-ups for lessons begin in May.
CAN I RESERVE A SPORTS FIELD?
Sports fields can be reserved for special events by contacting the Recreation office at (775) 777-7260.
DO YOU HAVE A LOST AND FOUND?
If you have lost an item at any of the parks, you can check if it was found by calling the Recreation Office at (775) 777-7260 or the Parks Shop at (775) 777-7262.
CAN I CAMP OR SET UP MY RV AT THE PARK?
There is no overnight camping within the city parks system without approval from the City Council. 

PLANNING AND ZONING

HOW OFTEN DOE THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEET?
Regular meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE ARE THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS HELD?
The meetings are held at City Hall, 1751 College Avenue, Elko, Nevada, in City Council Chambers unless otherwise posted.
HOW DO I BECOME A PLANNING COMMISSIONER?
Please submit a letter of interest to the Planning Department.
CAN I REQUEST TO RECEIVE PLANNING COMMISSION AND/OR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AGENDAS?
Yes.  Please contact the Planning Department.  All agenda requests are valid for six months unless renewed.
CAN I OPERATE A BUSINESS FROM MY RESIDENCE?
Yes.  Certain businesses can be issued a business license with a home occupation permit.  Please check with the Planning Department for specific requirements.
WHERE CAN I FIND MY PROPERTY'S SETBACK REQUIREMENTS?
Please call the Planning Department for your specific property's zoning district requirements.
IS MY PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN CITY LIMITS?
Your property is within City limits when its none-digit assessor's parcel number (APN) starts with "001."  For all other parcels, please contact the Elko County Planning and Zoning at (775) 738-6816.
WHAT ARE THE CITY OF ELKO PARKING REQUIREMENTS?
Parking requirements are defined per occupancy classification.  Please refer to Elko City Code 3-2-17.
HOW DO I PURCHASE OR LEASE LAND FROM THE CITY OF ELKO?
Please fill out and submit the Application for Sale or Lease of City Owned Land.  A current list of city-owned property can be found on the Planning Department's page.

REDEVELOPMENT

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROPERTY IS IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA?
Please check the redevelopment map.  Properties shaded blue are within the Central Business District.  Properties shaded red are within the remaining portion of the Redevelopment Area.  If your property is not shaded, your property is not located with the Redevelopment Area.

WATER/SEWER

WHO DO I CALL FOR A WATER BREAK OR SEWER BACKUP?
If this occurs Monday - Friday between 8-5 please call the Utility Department at 775-777-7135.  If this occurs after hours please call dispatch at 775-777-7300.



HOW DO I PAY MY UTILITY BILL ON LINE?
There are several places on the website to pay your utility bill.  The easiest is the quick links on the home page.   Please click here to make a payment.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR WATER SERVICE?
Complete the water service application here, and then email at the address on the form, or you may come in person to complete the application at 1751 College Avenue, Elko, NV  89801.  If you recently purchased a home, the title company will contact the City.
DOES THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY HAVE AN APPROVED PRE-TREATMENT PROGRAM?
Yes, industrial and commercial users may be required to pretreat their wastewater before discharging to the sewer.
HOW DOES THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DISPOSE OF ITS SLUDGE?
The sludge is disposed of at the regional landfill.
HOW MUCH FLOW DOES THE PLANT TREAT?
The plant is permitted for 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD).
WHERE DOES TREATED WASTEWATER GO?
Approximately 60% is reused for irrigation and 40% is returned to the groundwater.
IS REUSE WATER HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT?
No. Reuse water is governed by strict State and Federal regulations.  All of the regulations must be met when discharging treated wastewater.