Jefferson County, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- First animal
- 9,000 sq ft open space
- Each additional
- 6,000 sq ft
- Density cap
- 4 per acre
- Stallions/bulls
- 6-ft chain-link enclosure
- Ag zones (min size)
- No number limit
Summary
Large livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, hogs) are allowed on larger suburban/mountain-residential and agricultural lots in unincorporated Jeffco. On qualifying zones, density is 1 animal per 9,000 sq ft open space (6,000 sq ft each additional), max 4 per acre.
9,000 sq ft open space for the first animal. 6,000 sq ft for each additional animal. Maximum of 4 per acre. For personal use or ranching. Stallions or bulls shall be kept in a pen, corral, or run that is enclosed by a 6' chain link fence or material of equal strength.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The county's "Domestic Animals Permitted by Zoning" chart governs large animals. In many SR and R-1/MR zones (note C), you get 9,000 sq ft of open space for the first animal and 6,000 sq ft for each additional, capped at 4 per acre, for personal use or ranching. Stallions or bulls must be kept in a pen, corral, or run enclosed by a 6-foot chain-link fence or equally strong material. Agricultural zones (A-1, A-2, A-35) meeting minimum lot size have no limit on large-animal numbers. Livestock is generally not permitted in the smallest residential lots.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the per-acre livestock density, or keeping large animals in a zone that doesn't allow them, is a zoning violation. Improperly confined stallions/bulls also violate the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many horses can I keep per acre in Jeffco?
Are there special rules for stallions or bulls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
How Jefferson County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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