Does Colorado Have a Statewide Backyard Chicken Law?
Colorado has no statewide law establishing a right to keep backyard chickens. Colorado does have solar access protections and garden rights, but no specific chicken statute overriding local rules. All hen limits, permit requirements, and setbacks are set by individual cities.
HOA Authority in Colorado
Colorado HOAs can ban chickens. There is no Colorado statute preventing HOA chicken bans. Colorado's solar access law protects solar energy installations but has not been interpreted to cover poultry. HOA CC&Rs govern private property use in Colorado HOA communities.
Cities in Colorado
Select a city below for a detailed ordinance guide, or use the Ordinance Finder tool to look up your city's rules.
- Denver
- Aurora
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins
- Boulder
- Lakewood
- Thornton
- Arvada
Colorado cities tend to be relatively permissive. Denver allows 8 hens with an annual 0 permit. Boulder and Fort Collins have active urban farming communities with well-established permit processes. Colorado Springs and Aurora allow smaller flocks.
General Advice for Colorado Residents
Even if your city allows backyard chickens, there are always additional layers to check: your specific zoning classification, your HOA's CC&Rs, and whether a permit is required before you bring hens home. Use our free checklist to work through each step.