Chicken Laws by County in Colorado
Raising backyard chickens in Colorado is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, self-reliance, and community. But before you build a coop or buy your first flock, you need to know one thing: chicken laws in Colorado vary from county to county and even city to city.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down chicken laws by county across Colorado, so you can confidently start your backyard chicken journey—legally and responsibly.
Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Colorado?
Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Colorado, but there’s a catch: each city and county creates its own ordinances regarding chicken keeping. While many areas welcome backyard flocks, some urban zones have stricter regulations.
To stay on the right side of the law, always verify your local zoning code—and use this chicken coop calculator to make sure your coop meets both legal and practical space requirements for your birds.
What Affects Chicken Laws in Colorado?
Colorado’s chicken laws are shaped by:
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Zoning classifications (residential, agricultural, mixed-use)
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Lot size and housing density
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Local concerns about noise, cleanliness, and wildlife
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HOAs and community covenants, which often add stricter rules
So while chickens might be allowed in your city, your neighborhood HOA may still prohibit them.
Chicken Laws by Major Counties in Colorado
Let’s explore the chicken regulations across the most populated and chicken-friendly counties in Colorado.
Denver County (Including City of Denver)
Can you have chickens in Denver?
Yes, and the city supports urban chicken keeping.
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Up to 8 chickens allowed with a small livestock license
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Roosters are not permitted
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You must apply for a $25 permit through Animal Protection
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Coop must be kept clean and odor-free
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Chickens must be kept in a fully enclosed coop or run
Denver was one of the first major U.S. cities to legalize backyard chickens—just be sure to renew your permit annually.
Arapahoe County (Including Aurora)
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Unincorporated Arapahoe County permits chickens in agricultural and some residential zones
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City of Aurora allows:
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Up to 4 hens
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Roosters are not allowed
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Chickens must be contained in a rear-yard coop
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Coop must be at least 15 feet from neighboring dwellings
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No permit required unless your HOA mandates one
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HOAs may impose more restrictions than the city, so always double-check.
Jefferson County
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Chickens are legal in unincorporated Jefferson County under residential and agricultural zoning
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Number of hens allowed may vary by lot size
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Roosters are generally permitted in rural zones, but banned in urban subdivisions
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Coop setbacks typically range from 10 to 30 feet from property lines
Cities like Lakewood, Golden, and Arvada have their own ordinances—most allow between 4 to 6 hens, no roosters, and require clean, secure coops.
Adams County
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Chickens are allowed in most unincorporated areas
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Roosters may be allowed on larger lots, but are banned in suburban settings
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Cities like Thornton and Westminster typically allow:
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Up to 6 hens
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No roosters
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Coops must be 15 to 25 feet from neighboring homes
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Most cities don’t require a permit, but inspections may occur after complaints.
Douglas County
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In unincorporated Douglas County, chickens are allowed in rural residential and AG zones
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Roosters allowed in agricultural zones only
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Residential neighborhoods may be limited to 4–6 hens
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Coop placement rules vary: setbacks typically range from 20 to 50 feet
Cities like Castle Rock and Parker are chicken-friendly, with specific rules you’ll want to follow.
El Paso County (Including Colorado Springs)
Are backyard chickens legal in Colorado Springs?
Yes, with restrictions.
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Up to 10 hens are allowed in most residential areas
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Roosters are not allowed
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Coops must be:
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Clean and enclosed
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10–25 feet from any neighboring dwelling
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No permit required unless regulated by an HOA
Outside of Colorado Springs, in unincorporated El Paso County, rules are more relaxed for agricultural or rural parcels.
Boulder County
Boulder is one of Colorado’s most progressive cities for urban chicken keeping.
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Up to 8 hens allowed with a $30 annual permit
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No roosters allowed
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Coop must be:
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Predator-proof
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15 feet from property lines
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Composting of chicken waste must follow city guidelines
Longmont and Lafayette allow similar numbers of chickens with slightly different setback and permit requirements.
Larimer County (Including Fort Collins)
Can you keep chickens in Fort Collins?
Yes, and it’s well-regulated.
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Up to 6 hens allowed
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No roosters permitted
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Coop must be:
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Located in rear yard
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At least 15 feet from neighboring homes
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$30 permit required
Outside of Fort Collins, unincorporated Larimer County typically allows chickens more freely with fewer rules.
Weld County
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Chickens are widely permitted across Weld County, particularly in unincorporated and agricultural zones
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No rooster restrictions in most rural areas
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Cities like Greeley allow:
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Up to 6 hens
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No roosters
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Coop must be secure and at least 10 feet from any neighboring structure
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Weld County is very livestock-friendly, especially for hobby farmers and homesteaders.
What Most Colorado Counties Require: Common Chicken Laws
While details vary, here are the most common rules across Colorado counties and cities:
| Regulation | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Banned in residential zones |
| Hen Limit | 4–8 hens in cities; unlimited in rural/ag zones |
| Coop Setback | 10–30 feet from homes or property lines |
| Permit Required? | Sometimes (Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins) |
| Cleanliness | Mandatory—must prevent odor, pests, or noise issues |
| Containment | Coops or runs required; chickens must stay on property |
For flock planning, always check the local rules, and use this chicken coop calculator to ensure you meet both comfort and code requirements.
Rural vs. Urban Chicken Laws in Colorado
Urban/Suburban Areas:
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Smaller flock limits (typically 4–6 hens)
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Roosters prohibited
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Coop must meet strict placement and sanitation rules
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Permits may be required
Rural/Unincorporated Areas:
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Larger flocks allowed—or no cap at all
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Roosters typically permitted
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More flexibility in coop placement
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Fewer permit requirements
If you’re in a rural or agricultural zone, you’re likely to have more freedom—but always confirm with your county’s land use office.
How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Address
Here’s how to find the most accurate chicken laws for your property:
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Look up your zoning: Use your county or city’s GIS tool or zoning map
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Search your city or county municipal code online
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Contact your city planning or code enforcement department
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Ask your HOA: If you live in a neighborhood development, HOA rules may override local ordinances
Planning a Legal, Comfortable Chicken Coop
Whether you’re in Denver or on a mountain homestead, a good coop must be:
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Spacious: 4 square feet per chicken inside, 10 square feet in the run
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Secure: Predators are a real threat—especially foxes, raccoons, and hawks
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Compliant: Meet all setback and property line distance rules
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Clean: To avoid nuisance complaints and keep chickens healthy
Need help figuring out the size and layout? Try this chicken coop calculator to design a legal, space-efficient setup for your flock.
Conclusion
Colorado is one of the best states for backyard chicken keeping—but only if you follow the local rules. From Boulder to Colorado Springs, chicken laws vary widely depending on zoning, property size, and city ordinances.
By doing your homework and planning your setup carefully, you can enjoy fresh eggs and healthy hens without legal trouble. Don’t forget to calculate how much coop space your chickens need before you build—it’s the simplest way to stay legal and keep your flock happy.
Backyard chickens are a joy—but being informed is what makes you a great chicken keeper.