LITTLETON, CO – The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved new regulations to allow backyard bee and chicken keeping in unincorporated residential areas effective April 30, 2019. No special licenses are required for backyard chickens or beekeeping.

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Up to four (4) chicken hens are allowed.

Property owners are allowed to keep up to ten (10) rabbits or chickens aged six months or older. Roosters are, however, prohibited. Shelters for rabbits or chickens must contain at least four (4) square feet for each rabbit or chicken and must meet all other applicable zoning and building codes and regulations.

Aurora city ordinances allow up to six hens per single-family residential property of up to 20,000 square feet, and up to eight hens on single-family residential property of more than 20,000 square feet. The ordinance requires a permit before any chickens are allowed on the property.

All residents are limited to four hens. Some cities in Arapahoe County, like Englewood and Littleton, already allow bees and chickens in backyards. The new regulations for unincorporated Arapahoe County go into effect on April 30.

We have chosen breeds that, first do well in Colorado’s climate and bear the colder months well but also are lovely, sweet, and lay A LOT of colorful eggs! Breeds we’ve had in the past or currently are: Australorp, Buff Orpington, Barred Rock, Red Star, Easter eggers/Americaunas, Rhode Island Red, and Blue Cochins.

Cities in Colorado that Allow the Keeping of Chickens

• Aurora – maximum 4 birds, permit required.
• Boulder – 50 per acre maximum.
• Colorado Springs – maximum 10 birds.
• Denver – no limit to number of birds, permit required.
• El Paso – no limits in some zones, roosters allowed in some zones.

Unlike Denver and several other Colorado towns, Commerce City doesn’t allow chickens in backyards -only in areas zoned for agriculture. “They’re not just livestock, they’re pets,” Sonya said.

More and more Denver residents are continuing this legacy. Dwarf goats, which stand about two feet tall, are legal in the city. All you need is a $20 livestock permit. And, of course, you’ll need an enclosure.

Littleton City Council passed an ordinance April 6, allowing residents to have up to four chickens in residential areas. Under the city code, chickens were previously included in the definition of household pets, of which residents in certain residential areas were allowed only three.

Does Englewood have any pet licensing requirements or breed-specific bans? Answer: Englewood does not require dogs or cats to be licensed, although they must be vaccinated for rabies (dogs and cats are required to wear a collar with a current rabies tag). Currently, there are no breed-specific bans.

Since 2014, Aurora residents have been allowed to raise chickens in their detached single family homes. A permit from the City of Aurora is required prior to bringing home your chicks.

Since 2014, Aurora residents have been allowed to raise chickens in their detached single family homes. A permit from the City of Aurora is required prior to bringing home your chicks. Residents are allowed to have up to SIX hens in their backyard but roosters are not allowed.

Create a drawing of your backyard, including the fence lines and your house. Draw where you intend to locate your chicken coop and the hens’ outdoor enclosure. Include the approximate dimensions of the coop and outdoor pen in your drawing. Indicate the distance the coop is from the fence lines. The coop must be at least 15 feet from neighbors.

No permit required. Alameda City – Up to six, no permit required. Up to 20 subject to zoning and local inspection. Roosters allowed, noise ordinances apply. Alhambra – Up to 15, and 50 chicks under 4 months of age (no roosters over three months).No permit required.