Adams County, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Livestock definition
- Cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses
- Governed by
- Agricultural zoning
- Farming/ranching
- Permitted in ag zones
- State protection
- Right to Farm, CRS 35-3.5-102
- Stocking rate
- Depends on zone + acreage
Summary
Adams County defines livestock as cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, mules and donkeys used in farm or ranch production. Livestock is excluded from the pet code and is instead governed by county agricultural zoning and Colorado's right-to-farm protections.
"Livestock" means cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and such horses, mules, donkeys, and other animals used in the farm or ranch production of food, fiber, or other agricultural products.
Full Breakdown
The Animal Control Code defines "Livestock" as cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and such horses, mules, donkeys, and other animals used in the farm or ranch production of food, fiber, or other agricultural products, and excludes livestock from "pet animal." So livestock keeping is regulated by the county's Development Standards & Regulations (zoning), where farming and ranching are permitted principal uses in agricultural districts such as A-1, A-2 and A-3. Colorado's Right to Farm law (CRS § 35-3.5-102) further protects established agricultural operations from nuisance claims. Stocking rates depend on zone district and acreage; Adams County/CSU Extension publishes stocking-rate guidance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock in a zone district that does not permit it can trigger zoning code-compliance action and abatement. Cruelty or neglect of livestock is separately unlawful under state law and the county code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep horses or cattle on my Adams County property?
Are my neighbors' farm animals a nuisance I can stop?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
How Adams County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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