Centennial, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Citywide default
- Livestock banned except rabbits/6 chickens
- Roosters
- Banned over 6 months old
- Zoning exception
- Agricultural, Neighborhood Conservation Districts
- RAO overlay
- 1 animal-equivalent-unit per acre
- Alternative path
- Pet fancier's permit, up to 6
Summary
Centennial bars livestock in most residential zones: only rabbits and up to six chickens are allowed outside the Agricultural and Neighborhood Conservation Zone Districts, per Sec. 7-7-340.
Except as specifically permitted in this Code or under the zoning regulations for the Agricultural Zone District and the Neighborhood Conservation Zone District, no person or household shall own or have custody of:(1)Livestock, except rabbits and not more than six (6) chickens;(2)Roosters more than six (6) months old;(3)Canid and felid hybrids; or(4)Wild animals, except birds that are maintained and kept pursuant to a valid permit through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Ord. 2012-O-17 §3)
Full Breakdown
Centennial Municipal Code § 7-7-340(c)(1) prohibits keeping livestock anywhere in the city except rabbits and up to six chickens, unless the property sits in the Agricultural or Neighborhood Conservation Zone District or the keeper holds a Sec. 7-7-350 pet fancier's permit. Chickens must be enclosed between dusk and dawn under Subsection (a)(2), and roosters over six months old are banned outright under Subsection (c)(2). Properties mapped into the Land Development Code's Residential Agriculture Overlay District (LDC § 12-2-420) get broader agricultural-animal and equine allowances: up to one animal-equivalent-unit per acre, plus dedicated Equine subdistricts permitting two or three horses per lot.
Violations & Fines
Unlisted-penalty violations of Sec. 7-7-340 are minor offenses fined up to the Sec. 1-4-10 maximum; the animal control officer may also seize and impound illegally kept livestock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in a Centennial subdivision?
Can I keep a goat or horse on my residential lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Centennial
How Centennial compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Centennial to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle chickens & livestock.