In Colorado, “free-range” and “cage-free” chicken housing isn’t governed by a single statewide law for backyard keepers. Instead, regulations are layered—state-level standards apply to commercial egg sales, while city and county governments set their own rules for domestic flocks. This comprehensive guide covers both angles, giving you a full picture of legal requirements in both urban and rural settings.
1. State Law: Cage-Free Housing for Commercial Egg Producers (HB 20-1343)
Colorado’s House Bill 20-1343 sets requirements for egg-laying hens used in commercial operations:
- By January 1, 2023, producers must house hens in enclosures providing at least 1 square foot of usable floor space per hen.
- By January 1, 2025, all commercial shell eggs sold in Colorado must be produced by hens in a cage-free housing system, which includes:
- 1 sq ft per hen if hens have unfettered vertical access
- 1.5 sq ft per hen if vertical access is limited
- Businesses selling eggs must obtain annual certification—based on inspection—confirming compliance, and violations may lead to civil penalties up to $1,000 per incident.
This law applies to large-scale producers, not backyard flocks.
2. What “Free-Range” Means, Legally and Practically
Under USDA rules, “free-range” simply means that poultry have access to the outdoors for at least half of their lives. It doesn’t define space, shelter, or quality of outdoor access. The term is largely a marketing label, not a regulated standard.
3. City & County Backyard Chicken Ordinances
Local jurisdictions across Colorado have their own rules for backyard chickens. Below are some examples from cities—requirements around permits, coop placement, and chicken limits tend to vary.
- Denver: Single-family residents may keep up to 8 hens with a one-time permit fee of $25.
- Aurora: Residents need a permit (one-time fee $40), chicken coops must meet placement and design standards; HOA bans still apply.
- Castle Rock: Allows up to 8 chickens following permit requirements.
- Northglenn: Requires a license ($25 fee), limits to 6 hens; no free-ranging at night—chickens must return to coop; coops and runs must meet specific size and setback rules.
- Lafayette: License required, limit of 6 hens per unit; no roosters or other poultry; coop/run must follow setback, size, sanitation, and predator-proofing rules.
- Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, Wellington: Each has caps (typically up to 6 hens, up to 12 in some towns), strict coop/run space standards, and permit requirements; roosters generally prohibited.
- Larimer County (unincorporated): Rural areas allow up to 50 birds per acre; in urban areas, limit based on 12 sq ft per bird and 2% of lot size.
Always check your city or county code—especially if you’re unsure whether your property is in an urban residential or agricultural zone.
4. Key Differences: Commercial Standards vs. Backyard Rules
| Authority | Applies To | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State Law (HB 20-1343) | Commercial egg producers | Cage-free housing by 2025; 1–1.5 sq ft per hen; annual certification |
| USDA “Free-Range” Label | Any poultry sold under that label | Outdoor access >50% of bird’s life; no specification on space quality |
| City/County Regulations | Backyard chicken keepers | Permits/licenses, coop/run size & setbacks, hen limits, no roosters, sanitation |
5. Navigating HOA Restrictions
Even if your city allows chickens, your HOA might prohibit them via CC&Rs. In most cases, HOA rules are enforceable unless overridden by a specific law—which currently doesn’t exist at the state level in Colorado. If your HOA bans chickens, you’ll need to seek a variance or reconsider keeping hens.
6. Best Practices for Coloradan Chicken Keepers
- Check your jurisdiction’s zoning: urban vs. agricultural, permitted by code?
- Submit a city or county permit/license application if required and pay any fees.
- Design your coop and run to meet local setback, size, and predator-proofing requirements.
- Keep hens contained—free-ranging may require neighbor or HOA approval; usually not allowed at night.
- Maintain cleanliness to avoid odor, disease, or nuisance issues.
- Store feed securely to deter rodents and pests.
- Provide at least the minimum space required by your city—typically 4 sq ft per bird inside coop, and larger run space per local standards.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Does a statewide “free-range” law apply to backyard owners?
No—cage-free law applies only to commercial egg production. “Free-range” labeling is a USDA marketing term and not regulated locally.
Can I let my chickens roam freely?
Usually only within a contained rear yard, fenced to keep them contained. Unsupervised free-range often requires neighbor consent or violates local regs.
Are roosters legal in Colorado cities?
Generally, no—most cities prohibit roosters in residential zones due to noise concerns.
What if I’m in an HOA?
HOA rules can override local ordinances. If your HOA bans chickens, you’ll need to request an exception or choose not to keep a flock.
8. Final Thoughts
In Colorado, the idea of “free-range” for chickens splits into two distinct arenas: commercial cage-free standards under state law, and backyard chicken keeping regulated by local governments. For hobbyists, the key is to understand city or county requirements for permits, coop design, confinement, and care. While these rules may involve time and cost, they ensure safe, neighbor-friendly chicken keeping—whether for fresh eggs, sustainable living, or personal enjoyment.