Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Colorado? Many areas allow it—but the rules change depending on your city or county. Rules include how many hens you can have, whether roosters are allowed, coop rules, setbacks, and permit requirements. Rural zones tend to be more relaxed. This guide covers major cities and counties like Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Pueblo, Larimer County, Adams County, and Arvada.
Colorado Has No Single Statewide Chicken Rule
Colorado doesn’t have one rule across the state. Each city or county decides how to regulate chickens. Many still follow general nuisance or zoning laws even if no detailed poultry rules exist. If you’re in an HOA or PUD, their rules may override city rules.
Denver (Denver County)
- You may keep up to 8 hens per residential lot with a permit. Roosters are not allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Each hen needs about 16 sq ft of land area, coops must prevent escape, and maintain cleanliness. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- A permit is required (often around $25 plus registration/licensing fees) and signage to notify neighbors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Colorado Springs (El Paso County)
- Up to 10 hens allowed; no roosters in city limits. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- No permit typically needed unless you’re in a planned unit development (PUD) or governed by HOA rules. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Coop should stay in backyard and be set back from neighbors—commonly around 25 ft. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Aurora (Adams & Arapahoe Counties)
- Up to 6 hens allowed in most residential zones; no roosters. Permit may be needed, depending on zoning. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Coops must be in rear yard, set back at least ~15 ft from adjacent dwellings. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Code restricts poultry unless zoning allows; agricultural-zoned parcels may allow roosters. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Fort Collins (Larimer County)
- Up to 6 hens (or ducks) allowed; no roosters typically allowed. Permit required except in agricultural zones. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Coops should be at least 15 ft from neighboring residences and include a secure run. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- If keeping more than 12 hens, owners must notify neighbors in writing. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Pueblo (Pueblo County)
- Up to 6 hens allowed. Roosters are banned in city limits. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Coops must sit at least 15 ft from residences and 5 ft from property lines. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Permit required; coop must be clean, dry, well ventilated, odor‑free. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Arvada (Jefferson County)
- Maximum of 5 hens per lot. No roosters unless in agricultural or large‑lot zones. Turkeys also limited. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Coops must be at least 35 ft from neighboring dwellings. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Permit may not be required but zoning and code rules still apply. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Lakewood (Jefferson County)
- In most R‑1 zones, hens allowed without permit (usually up to 6). Coop must be 15 ft from property lines and 4 sq ft per bird inside the coop. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- In R‑1‑6 or R‑2 zoning, permit is required for up to 6 chickens. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Thornton (Adams County)
- Up to 6 hens per lot; no roosters; must keep in backyard only. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Coop must be 5 ft from property lines and offer at least 6 sq ft per hen. Predator-proof fencing required. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Permit typically required. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Westminster (Adams County)
- Permit required for keeping backyard hens. Up to 6 hens allowed on standard lots; lots over 2 acres may allow up to 12. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Roosters are prohibited. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
- Coop must meet city design and setback standards. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
Centennial (Arapahoe County)
- Up to 6 hens allowed unless property is in ag or neighborhood conservation zone. Roosters are not permitted in most residential areas. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
- Chickens must be in covered enclosure at night and not roam freely. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- HOA covenants may restrict chickens even if city codes allow them. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Larimer County (Unincorporated Areas)
- Urban areas follow city rules; rural parts follow county code. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
- In rural zones, up to 50 birds per acre allowed. In urban zones, bird number limited by 12 sq ft per bird and max 50 birds total. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- Roosters prohibited in urban/backyard zones. Chickens must remain in coop or run. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
- Egg sales for personal use okay; commercial sales require rural agricultural zoning. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
Adams County (Unincorporated)
- Accessory chicken keeping allowed with permit except in ag zones. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
- Maximum 6 hens per property; roosters prohibited unless property is ag‑zoned. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
- Permit/registration required and renewed yearly. Fee may apply. Coop sizing and location plans needed. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
- Chickens must be kept hygienically, feed stored rodent‑proof, and nuisance avoided. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
Fort Collins, Boulder, Loveland & Other Cities
Boulder allows up to 6 hens with permit, bans roosters, and requires cleanliness and setbacks (~15 ft from lines). :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
Loveland’s county code may be silent, but many say roosters are allowed in that city though rarely practical. Enforcement centers more on noise nuisance complaints. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}
Smaller towns like Longmont, Broomfield, Erie, Windsor, and Grand Junction generally allow chickens—usually limits of 4–10 hens, no roosters, permit if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Setback / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | Up to 8 hens | No | Yes | 16 sq ft each; coop ~15 ft from homes |
| Colorado Springs | Up to 10 hens | No | Usually no | Backyard only; ~25 ft from neighbors |
| Aurora | Up to 6 hens | No | Possibly | Backyard only; ~15 ft setbacks |
| Fort Collins | 6 hens (up to 12 w/ notice) | No | Yes | 15 ft from neighbors; secure run |
| Pueblo | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | 15 ft from homes, 5 ft from lot line |
| Arvada | Up to 5 hens | No (unless ag zone) | Usually no | 35 ft from dwellings |
| Thornton | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | 5 ft from lot lines, 6 sq ft/hen |
| Westminster | 6 hens (12 if >2 ac) | No | Yes | Permit required |
| Centennial | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | Must be enclosed at night |
| Laramie/Larimer County | Up to 50 birds per acre | No (urban) | Depends | 12 sq ft/bird max, coop/run rules |
| Adams County (unincorp.) | Up to 6 hens | No (except ag) | Yes | Permit/registration required |
How to Stay Legal and Smart
- Find your zoning type (city zoning or county planning map).
- Check your city or county’s official website or code for chicken or small‑livestock rules.
- Know permit needs—many cities require one before bringing home hens.
- Setback rules vary—some require as much as 35 ft, others just 5–15 ft.
- Provide at least 4 sq ft coop space and a secure run; keep clean and sanitary.
- Roosters are mostly banned in urban zones and usually trigger complaints.
- Find out if HOA or covenants prohibit chickens—even if city allows them. ·
Why These Rules Matter
Rules protect neighbors from noise (especially early-morning crowing), odor, pests, and nuisance. Setbacks reduce backyard conflicts. Permit requirements help officials review coop plans before birds arrive. Clean housing helps prevent disease or rodent issues. Ultimately, these rules help balance personal hobby farming with neighborhood harmony.
Final Takeaway
In Colorado, most cities now allow backyard hens in residential zones—but usually with a limit of 4 to 10 birds, strong bans on roosters, coop setback rules, and often a permit requirement. Rural and unincorporated areas tend to be more flexible, with larger flocks allowed under certain standards. HOAs or subdivisions might place stricter limits. If you let me know your exact city, address, or county, I can check the most current ordinance and let you know exactly what applies to your situation.