Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Larimer County

Larimer County, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Doctrine
Open range / fence-out
Lawful fence
Three-barbed-wire, posts ~20 ft apart
Recover damages
Only if lawfully fenced
At-large in town
Civil infraction
Authority
C.R.S. 35-46-101 to -105

Summary

Colorado is a "fence-out" state. Under C.R.S. 35-46, a landowner must build a lawful fence to recover damages when livestock stray onto their land. Livestock owners are liable if animals graze at large in town or on roads behind an adequate fence.

City-specific rules exist: Loveland, and Fort Collins have their own chickens & livestock rules that differ from Larimer County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Any person maintaining in good repair a lawful fence, as described in section 35-46-101, may recover damages for trespass and injury to grass, garden or vegetable products, or other crops of such person from the owner of any livestock which break through such fence.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Colorado follows open-range (fence-out) rules in Title 35, Article 46. C.R.S. 35-46-102 lets a person who maintains a "lawful fence" recover damages when someone else's livestock break through it, but denies recovery if the crops were not protected by such a fence. A lawful fence is defined in 35-46-101 as a well-constructed three-barbed-wire fence with substantial posts about twenty feet apart. C.R.S. 35-46-105 makes it unlawful to knowingly let livestock graze or run at large in any municipality, road, or highway that is fenced off from the owner's range. Larimer County Code Sec. 6-1 defines livestock as cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, swine, llamas, goats, and similar working farm animals.

Violations & Fines

Knowingly permitting livestock to graze or run at large in a municipality or on a fenced-off road is a civil infraction under C.R.S. 35-46-105; state troopers and sheriffs must charge violators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fence livestock out or in?
Colorado is a fence-out state. To recover for livestock trespass you must maintain a lawful fence; otherwise the roaming animal's owner generally is not liable.
What is a "lawful fence"?
C.R.S. 35-46-101 defines it as a well-constructed three-barbed-wire fence with substantial posts about twenty feet apart, sufficient to turn ordinary horses and cattle.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Larimer County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Larimer County rules

How Larimer County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Chickens & Livestock in Larimer County, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Chickens & Livestock in Cities Across Larimer County

Fort Collins, COLoveland, CO