Longmont, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum parcel
- 1 acre
- Open pasture required
- 1 acre minimum
- Barn/structure setback
- 20 feet from property line
- Stocking limit
- 1 animal unit/acre (cattle/horse)
Summary
Longmont's animal code allows livestock only 'as applicable zoning ordinances permit'; the land development code requires at least a 1-acre parcel with 1 acre of open pasture before livestock keeping is allowed.
a.Parcels with agricultural uses shall be at least one acre.b.At least one acre of open pasture area is required for livestock.c.No more than one principal dwelling shall be allowed on each parcel.d.Structures for keeping farm animals shall be set back from the property line a minimum of 20 feet.e.The maximum number of livestock shall not exceed one animal unit per one acre of open area. Animal units are calculated based on the following animal unit chart:
Table 15.04.030. Animal Unit Chart Livestock Category Animals per Animal Unit Cattle/buffalo/horse 1 Swine/ostrich 5 Goat/sheep/llama 5 Poultry 50 Other livestock 1
Note: Young animals shall not be counted until they are weaned
Full Breakdown
Section 7.04.130(A)(2) permits 'large animals and livestock' only 'as applicable zoning ordinances permit,' pointing to Title 15's General Agriculture use standards. Under § 15.04.030(D)(1), parcels with agricultural uses must be at least one acre, with at least one acre of open pasture required for livestock, structures for farm animals set back a minimum of 20 feet from property lines, and stocking capped by an animal-unit chart (one cattle/horse, five swine/goats, or 50 poultry per animal unit per acre). Ordinary residential lots below an acre do not qualify: livestock keeping is confined to properties zoned and sized for agricultural use, not typical residential yards.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock on an undersized or non-agricultural-zoned lot violates § 15.04.030(D)(1) and § 7.04.130(A)(2), and is enforceable as unlawful animal-keeping under § 7.04.140.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or goats on my Longmont residential lot?
Does Longmont limit how many livestock animals I can have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
How Longmont compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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