Denver, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Executive director, Dept. of Public Health
- Restricted license limit
- 8 chickens/ducks combined, 2 goats max
- Space required
- 16 sq ft per bird, 130 per goat
- Prohibited animals
- Roosters and intact male goats over 6 weeks
Summary
Denver requires a livestock or fowl permit for any chickens, ducks, goats, or other livestock; a restricted license allows up to eight chickens or ducks combined and two goats, with roosters and intact male goats banned.
A restricted livestock or fowl license is required for the keeping of up to eight (8) ducks or chickens combined, and up to two (2) goats. Such license shall allow the keeping of the animals by the licensee on a specific property and shall be personal to the licensee and non-transferable. The license shall be valid indefinitely. A fee shall be charged for each new license. The following requirements must be met:(1)No intact male goats older than six (6) weeks, rooster, or drakes may be kept.(2)There must be at least sixteen (16) square feet of permeable land area available for each duck or chicken plus adequate enclosed shelter space for all ducks and chickens.(3)There must be at least one hundred and thirty (130) square feet of permeable land area available for each goat, plus adequate shelter space for each goat.(4)Adequate shelter must be provided to protect the ducks, chickens or goats from the elements and to prevent wildlife or other predators from gaining entry.(5)Adequate fencing shall be provided to prevent the ducks, chickens or goats from escaping when not in their shelters. (Ord. No. 672-18, § 1, 7-16-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
The Department of Public Health and Environment's executive director must issue a livestock or fowl permit before anyone keeps horses, cattle, goats, chickens, ducks, or other livestock in Denver. A restricted license covers up to eight ducks or chickens combined and up to two goats, requiring at least 16 square feet of permeable land per duck or chicken, 130 square feet per goat, predator-proof shelter, and secure fencing. No roosters or intact male goats over six weeks old are allowed. The executive director can deny or revoke a permit if the animals create a nuisance, with an appeal available to the Board within ten days.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock or fowl without a permit is a public nuisance violation; the executive director can deny or revoke permits for unsanitary conditions, odors, excessive noise, or nuisance complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Denver without a full livestock permit?
Are roosters allowed in Denver?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
How Denver compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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