Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in Colorado?

Raising backyard chickens in Colorado has become increasingly popular as more homeowners look for fresh eggs and a more sustainable lifestyle. However, whether you can keep chickens on your property depends largely on where you live. City and county regulations vary across the state, with specific rules on permits, flock size, coop requirements, and whether roosters are allowed. Before starting your backyard flock, it is important to understand the local laws that apply to your area.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Colorado?

Yes, raising chickens in your backyard is usually permitted in Colorado, but it is subject to regulations set by local cities, counties, and homeowners’ associations. Most jurisdictions allow hens while banning roosters, require permits, and impose specific rules on coop size and placement, including setback requirements.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Colorado?

Yes, many cities and counties across Colorado require permits to keep backyard chickens, and the rules can vary widely from one municipality to another. In urban areas such as Denver, for instance, a $25 Food Producing Animal permit is required for up to 8 hens.

How Many Chickens Can I Have in Colorado?

Chicken ownership in Colorado is regulated by local city and town ordinances, with most communities allowing between 4 and 12 hens and typically prohibiting roosters in residential neighborhoods. In larger cities, the limits commonly include 8 hens in Denver, 10 in Colorado Springs, and 6 in Aurora, with most municipalities setting caps between 4 and 6 hens.

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

It depends; in most cases, you can allow chickens to roam in your Colorado backyard, but local regulations can be strict. Although state law does not require livestock to be fenced in, you must follow your city’s rules, which often limit flocks to about four to ten hens and require birds to be kept in a secure, covered enclosure to prevent escapes and predator attacks.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Colorado?

No, in most Colorado cities and residential neighborhoods, you cannot keep a rooster in your backyard because of local noise restrictions and zoning regulations. Roosters are typically classified as livestock or considered a nuisance. Because regulations vary by municipality, it is important to review your local city code and any applicable HOA rules.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Colorado?

Yes, you are allowed to sell chicken eggs in Colorado, and if you produce fewer than 250 dozen eggs per month, you do not need a license or to undergo inspection. Under this exemption, you may sell directly from your property, at farmers’ markets, or at roadside stands. However, the eggs must be kept at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, clearly labeled, and be sold within 5 days of being laid.

Chicken Laws For Cities in Colorado

Below is a table listing Colorado cities and their contact information for details about backyard chicken regulations. Select a city from the left column to access its specific rules and guidelines.

Does Arvada, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in residential zoning districts. Arvada allows residents to keep up to 6 hens. The rules typically require that chickens be kept in a secure, clean, and properly maintained coop. Review the city’s zoning code and any HOA guidelines to ensure full compliance.

Does Aurora, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Aurora permits backyard chickens, but residents must obtain a permit. As of early 2025, homeowners may keep up to 4 hens, provided they follow specific requirements for coop size and placement. Renters must also have their landlord’s written permission. Roosters are not allowed, and hens are required to remain in their coop from dusk until dawn.

Does Boulder, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Boulder, Colorado, generally permits backyard chickens, though the rules differ depending on whether you are inside city limits or in unincorporated Boulder County. In many suburban residential areas of the county, up to 8 hens are allowed, and roosters are prohibited. City regulations may vary, and HOA rules can impose additional restrictions.

Does Brighton, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the City of Brighton allows backyard chickens under its urban agriculture regulations. A separate permit is generally not required, but residents must follow all applicable city code requirements to avoid violations. Although chickens may not require a specific permit, they are typically classified as livestock, meaning owners must meet sanitation standards and comply with any applicable HOA rules.

Does Broomfield, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Backyard chickens are allowed in single-family residential areas. Residents may keep up to 5 chickens, but they must comply with city restrictions and obtain a license as required under BMC 6-24-010. The license costs $25 and can be obtained through the Planning Division of the Community Development Department by submitting an application on their form page.

Does Castle Rock, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Castle Rock, Colorado, permits backyard chickens, allowing up to 8 hens per property. Roosters are not allowed. It is strongly advised to review your specific HOA rules, as neighborhood covenants may impose stricter limits than the town’s regulations.

Does Centennial, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can have up to 6 backyard chickens in Centennial. Roosters are typically not allowed. Chickens must be housed in a secure, covered enclosure from dusk until dawn, and coops are usually required to meet setback requirements from property lines.

Does Colorado Springs, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, residents of Colorado Springs are allowed to keep backyard chickens. The city permits up to 10 hens that are six months of age or older. Roosters are not allowed anywhere within city limits. Coops and shelters must offer a minimum of 4 square feet of space per chicken and must comply with all applicable zoning and building requirements.

Does Commerce City, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Commerce City, CO, permits backyard chickens under an ordinance passed in June 2024. Residents are required to apply for a non-transferable permit through the city’s eTRAKiT portal before keeping chickens or bees. Proper coops and outdoor enclosures must be provided for the birds. Keep in mind that individual Homeowner Association rules may still limit or prohibit backyard chickens. For more information about specific requirements, visit the City Municipal Code. 

Does Denver, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Denver allows homeowners to have up to 8 hens on their property, but roosters and male ducks are not allowed. A $25 food-producing animal permit must be obtained from Denver Animal Protection. The hens must be housed in a clean and secure coop overnight, and the coop must be placed in the backyard.

Does Englewood, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Englewood permits residents to keep backyard chickens and other domestic birds, including ducks and geese, in all zoning districts. The city does not set a limit on the number of chickens or roosters allowed. However, owners are required to keep the area clean and sanitary and must remove manure at least once a week.

Does Erie, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, residents of single-family detached homes can keep backyard hens as an accessory use, provided the lot is at least 5,000 square feet. Before having chickens, homeowners must apply for a chicken license through the town’s online self-service system, and the license must be renewed each year.

Does Fort Collins, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed, but residents must secure a permit through NOCO Humane and complete an inspection. Typically, up to 6 hens, either chickens or ducks, are allowed, while roosters are not permitted. The birds must be housed in safe, well-built enclosures and must not disturb nearby neighbors.

Does Fountain, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but a permit is required, and residents must follow local zoning rules, which usually limit coops to rear yards. Some guidance references a limit of 10 hens and prohibits roosters. Homeowners must also meet specific standards for coop placement, setback distances, and nuisance prevention.

Does Grand Junction, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Grand Junction permits backyard chickens in accordance with city regulations that address flock size, housing requirements, and typically ban roosters. Properties that are 1/2 acre or smaller may have up to 6 chickens, while larger parcels may keep as many as 15. All coops must meet strict setback standards to ensure adequate distance from neighboring properties.

Does Greeley, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Greeley, and many other nearby Northern Colorado communities generally allow backyard chickens. In most cases, residents may keep up to 6 hens with a required permit, while roosters are not allowed. There are also detailed standards for coop construction and cleanliness to help avoid nuisance issues.

Does Highlands Ranch, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Backyard chickens are typically not permitted in most areas of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, because the community is governed by covenants enforced by the Highlands Ranch Homeowners Association. Although unincorporated Douglas County allows chickens on agricultural properties of nine acres or more, standard residential lots within Highlands Ranch prohibit keeping poultry.

Does Lafayette, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, residents of Lafayette can raise chickens in their backyard, but a permit is required. Up to 6 hens are allowed per property, while roosters are not permitted. The chickens must be kept in a clean, secure coop and enclosed run. The coop must be placed in the rear yard, at least 20 feet away from neighboring homes and 10 feet from any property boundary.

Does Lakewood, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed, but you must confirm that your property’s zoning district permits hens. The city allows up to 4 hens per property and prohibits roosters. Chicken coops must follow required setback distances, size limits, and cleanliness standards, and a zoning permit is often required.

Does Littleton, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but you need to verify that your property’s zoning district allows hens. The city permits up to 4 hens per residence and does not allow roosters. Coops must comply with required setback distances, size restrictions, and sanitation standards, and a zoning permit is typically required.

Does Longmont, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the City of Longmont, Colorado, allows backyard chickens under Ordinance O 2011 02, which authorizes residents in residential zoning districts to keep hens. A permit is required, flocks are limited to 4 hens, and roosters are not allowed.

Does Loveland, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens and other domesticated fowl are permitted, as long as they are kept in clean, secure, and properly maintained enclosures that do not cause issues such as odor, excessive noise, or pests. Specific rules for coop placement or permits may vary by neighborhood, but backyard chickens are generally allowed.

Does Northglenn, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in Northglenn, Colorado, as long as you follow city regulations and obtain a license. Residents may keep up to 6 hens per property, but roosters are not allowed. A one-time fee of $25 is required for the license, and all coop requirements must be met.

Does Parker, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the Town of Parker allows backyard chickens, but there are strict rules related to lot size, coop requirements, and the number of birds allowed. Properties within town limits must typically have at least 15,000 square feet, and residents may keep up to 4 hens with no roosters. Chickens must be housed in clean, secure enclosures located in the rear yard.

Does Pueblo, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are permitted in Pueblo, Colorado, but the regulations vary depending on whether you live in the city, the county, or Pueblo West. Within city limits, residents can have up to 10 hens that are older than four months, and roosters are not allowed. Chicken coops must be kept clean and well-maintained to prevent complaints or public nuisance issues.

Does Thornton, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Most residential neighborhoods do not permit backyard chickens. They are typically allowed only on properties zoned for agricultural use, such as A, AR, or R1a. The City of Thornton requires a commercial animal license to keep livestock, and standard residential zoning rules usually do not allow chickens in typical housing developments.

Does Westminster, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the City of Westminster allows backyard chickens in neighborhoods zoned for single-family detached homes, but a permit is required. The rules limit the number of hens, set detailed standards for coops and enclosed runs, and prohibit roosters. A one-time permit fee is typically required.

Does Windsor, CO, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the Town of Windsor permits backyard chickens, but residents must first obtain a permit. The rules allow up to 6 hens, prohibit roosters, and set guidelines for where coops may be located on the property. Permits are issued by the Town Clerk and may require approval from nearby neighbors and compliance with any applicable HOA regulations.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Colorado By County

To find the correct contact for your area, please refer to the table below. It lists the appropriate local office for each county in Colorado. Reviewing the table will help you connect with the right department for accurate, up-to-date information on backyard chicken regulations.

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